Safety in Jamaica What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
We were in the Castleton district. It was very safe. There is a high population of men, so it is preferred to walk in groups of two to three. Other than that it was a very safe community.
My team was doing Unsung Heroes in the city of Pogradec when one of our team mates needed to go to the doctor. A contact connected us with a Christian doctor in the area who speaks great English. The cost up front was only 15 USD and there is a pharmacy around the corner where you can fill any prescriptions.Dr. Klajdi Vampa Clinic: +069 235 01 01 Address: Sheshi “Gjimnazi” Pall. Reja Prane Teatrit te Kukullave Pogradec
Visa Info
Visa Info in Jamaica Do you need one? Where did you get it? Cost? Resources/sources:
People’s Opinions
We did not need a visa for Jamaica. Upon entering we were questioned pretty heavily, so just be prepared and all should be well.
Currency Info
Currency Info in Jamaica Name of currency? Where can you exchange money?
People’s Opinions
The Jamaican dollar is the currency. The conversion was $1 USD = $128 Jamaican dollars. There is an abundance of ATMs at the airport. Depending on where you are going for the month, this may be the best and safest place for withdrawing money.
Communication
Communication in Jamaica Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
Transportation
Transportation in Jamaica What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
We entered the country by plane from the Dominican Republic. Through the rest of the month we used our ministry host’s contact Tevin as a driver. He had a passenger van that worked perfectly for our two teams. Public transport was always available, and ranged about $150 Jamaican dollar one way to Kingston which was about an hour away.
Culture
Culture in Jamaica Anything Racers need to be aware/respectful of? Suggestions/Recommendations?
People’s Opinions
It is very common to see Albanians walking around holding hands or linking arms with members of hte same sex. This is just a cultural thing, it is not an indication of homosexuality. Albanians are warm people and will usually greet you with a handshake, and, once acquainted with you, a kiss (or air kiss) on each cheek starting with the left cheek.Women will usually dress nice to go out of the house and will rarely leave the house without lipstick.You will get invited to have a “coffee” – this can be anything that is available at any of the myriad coffee bars around.Family ties are very strong. It is very rare for a young person to openly defy their parents or older relatives, especially in the village settings. Particulalry in the north of Albania there is almost a tribal mentality. The extended family is called the “fis” (pronounced “feece”) and people are fiercely loyal to their fis.There are still active blood feuds in the north. Families involved in a blood feud (or “under blood”) will keep their male members in hiding. It is estimated that some 300 families are under blood at this time. Any male member of a family in a blood feud is a target if they are out in public. As long as they stay in their homes they are safe. Outsiders are safe from danger, although I would not recommend going out in public with someone who is involved in a blood feud.
Shipping / Mailing
Shipping / Mailing in Jamaica Company used and contact info? How did you get packages to them?