Frequently Asked Questions

Changing Money
Jamaican money is called dollars. Banks give the full legal exchange rate. Airports, hotels, exchange bureaus and shops have a service charge. Make sure to get a receipt which will be needed if you reconvert your currency when you go home. You can change money at the airport just past immigration or at the airport bank, at the NCB bank in Falmouth or at Chen’s grocery in Duncans.  There is an ATM in Duncans accepting most cards and gives Jamaican dollars.

Actually, we have found that you really do not have to change money: you can tip and pay people in US$ almost everywhere. You can also use your charge card almost anywhere. However, most cards charge a currency conversion fee, and you need to let your charge card company know the dates you will be in Jamaica.

Transportation
We can arrange for a driver and van to meet you at the airport and drive you to Jamahome. The cost is US$65 per person for the first one to four passengers and $17 for each additional person beyond four.  We will need your airline, flight number and arrival time for this. Alternatively, you can rent a car or van at the Montego Bay airport. This is convenient and economical if you plan to make frequent or long trips while you are in Jamaica. We recommend Sunbird Car Rentals, which you can call directly at (876) 979-9355, 979-9570; Carol Hamilton Small there is very helpful and gives a discount to Jamahome guests. She is easiest to reach on her cell (876) 707-2729.

Water
We have drunk the water everywhere in Jamaica and never had a problem. The water system at Silver Sands is a public one and is safe.

Food
Dinner will be prepared for the first evening and some food supplies will have been purchased in advance, which you will need to pay for at Chen's grocery in Duncans. Claudette will then do the food shopping or you take her shopping, which is interesting to do. Most of it can be done in Duncans. There is a store at the beach clubhouse, also. During the week Claudette will buy fish and lobster, if you want, from local fishermen who come by the house. There are many delicious native Jamaican dishes and eating Jamaican is reasonable. Click here to see our menu. Food and drink will cost about US$14-20 per person per day, if all meals are at Jamahome. You will need to settle your food and drink bills with Claudette before you leave.  You can pay her is US or Jamaican dollars or by credit card at Chen's Hillside supermarket.  Personal checks are not accepted anywhere. 

Staff Tips

It is customary to tip the staff when you depart.  The standard tip is US$5.00 per guest per day including both the day of arrival and departure, which are heavy work days for them.  If you feel you have been especially well taken care of, tip more than the standard.  You may pay in either US or Jamaican dollars and should pay the whole tip to Claudette, who will divide it amongst the staff appropriately.  

Climate
From December to April the temperature varies between 70 and 80 degrees and in the summer from low 80's to low 90's. Although the trade winds keep it pleasant all the time, there are air conditioners in the bedrooms and ceiling fans that are quite effective in all rooms. May through early June and October through early November often have brief rain showers usually finished by late morning. The active hurricane season is mid-August to mid-October. Fortunately, Jamaica is far enough west so that it rarely gets hurricanes.

Clothes
Basic resort wear is all you will need. A light sweater may feel comfortable in the evening. Remember to bring beach cover-ups so you can stay on the beach after you've had plenty of sun. However, you don't have to pack enough clothes to last the whole time because the staff will do your wash regularly. If you are a snorkler, a pair of rubber soled beach shoes is very useful for entering the ocean in front of the house.

Medical Care
There is a government clinic in Duncans. The Tretzel Medical Centre is located in Discovery Bay. Their hours are Mon – Fri, 8:00am – 4:30pm and their telephone number is (876) 973-3568.

Security at Silver Sands and Jamahome
Silver Sands is surrounded by a fence with a 24 hour a day security system including camera monitoring, a 24hr guard at the entrance and additional day and night guards who patrol the premises and respond quickly to problems. Security problems have been rare. Jamahome has a security alarm system, and Claudette will show you how it works. Also, there is a small safe for valuables such as money or jewelry. As with any place, it is prudent to take precautions. Don't leave money or valuables out in plain view unattended. Lock up the house at night or when you go out, unless the staff is there.

The recently reported unrest in Jamaica has been confined to the slums of Kingston. Kingston is located on the south shore, at least a four-hour drive over the mountains away from Jamahome on the north shore.

Politics and the People
We feel the commonly expressed American concerns about Jamaican political unrest are much over played. You will be safe out in the public if you are polite and respectful of the Jamaicans. They are poor but industrious people who have a per capita income of only US$8,600, so it's easy to see how they might resent tourists who appear so wealthy. In return for your interest and understanding you will get to know a delightful group of people with a character and life view unique to this beautiful country. Pay attention to their ways for, in spite of their poverty, they live an average of 74 years!