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 to 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. (Actually, we have found that you really do not have to change money: you can tip and pay people in US$ almost everywhere.)

  Transportation
We will arrange for a driver with a van, Erron Graham, to meet you at the airport and drive you to Jamahome. The cost is US$10 per person with a minimum of $50 for the trip. 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) 952-5536 or 952-4975; Carol Hamilton Small there is very helpful.

  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. You can have Claudette shop or take her shopping for food for the rest of the time, 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$12-15 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.

  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. The trade winds keep it pleasant all the time. Jamahome has air conditioners in the bedrooms, and there are ceiling fans in all the rooms that are quite effective. 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. However, Jamaica is far enough west that it rarely gets hurricanes.

  Clothes
Basic resort wear is all you'll need. A light sweater for the evening might be needed. Take beach cover-ups so you can stay on the beach if you want to after you've had plenty of sun. You don't have to pack clean clothes for the whole time, since the staff does wash regularly. A pair of rubber soled beach shoes is very useful for snorkeling 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 a 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.

  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 an average annual per capita income of only US$3500. It's easy to see how they might resent tourists who seem 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!