Those vacationing in the Caribbean will have a range of familiar franchises to choose from, including McDonald’s, Wendy’s, Burger King, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Pizza Hut. In fact, KFC is incredibly popular in Jamaica.

In recent years, it’s customary to see Americans consuming spicy Jamaican foods like Jerk Chicken and Pork, curried stewed mutton (curried goat) and oxtail and beans, in Caribbean restaurants.

7. Jamaica. In 2005, on October 14 at 8pm local time, all McDonald’s branches on the island closed their doors for the last time. The reasons for the brand’s failure to succeed in the country range from the burgers not being big enough to sate the appetite of hungry Jamaicans to lack of investment.

The island’s food needs are met only in part by domestic production, and foodstuffs are a major import item. The main food crops, grown primarily by small cultivators, are sweet potatoes and yams, rice, potatoes, manioc, tomatoes, and beans. Jamaica is a major producer of marijuana, which, however, remains illegal.

Ackee and codfish

Traditional Jamaican Food

• Ackee and Codfish. Ackee and Salt Codfish is Jamaica’s national dish, and an interesting and delicious dish at that.
• Rice and Peas. So what goes on the plate with your jerk chicken?
• Callaloo.
• Bammy.
• Coco Bread.
• Jamaican Beef Patties.
• Authentic Jerk Chicken.
• Curry Goat.

Note: Avidin is denatured upon heating so don’t go throwing away those eggs now.

• #9- Apple/ Cherry.
• #8- Milk/Cheese/Dairy.
• #7- Toast Bread.
• #6- Coffee.
• #5- Cassava.
• #4- Potato.
• #3- Ackee.
• #2- Fish.

8 Must Try Drinks in Jamaica

• Flaming Bob Marley. This shot consists of three layers reflecting the colours found in the Rastafarian flag and named after the iconic Bob Marley.
• Vodka & Ting.
• Overproof Rum & Pepsi.
• Jamaican Rum Punch.
• Rum Cream on the rocks.
• Dirty Banana.
• Moscow Mule (Ginger Beer & Rum)
• Long Island Iced Tea.

‘Wah Gwaan’ This is probably the most well known Jamaican greeting and was even used by US President Barack Obama during his inaugural visit to Jamaica.

‘Boonoonoonoos’ Boonoonoonoos is a Jamaican saying to express love.

Useful phrases in Jamaican

Informally, when saying bye to friends you can say “likkle muore” which means “see you later.” Another common way of saying bye in Jamaican is “mi ah guh guh” which means “I’m going now.” One more way of saying “bye” is “mi wi si yuh.” And of course, the word “bye” is also used to say “bye” in Jamaica.

“Inna di likkle bit” – In the little bit. It means I will see you soon or I will see you shortly.

The island remained a possession of Spain until 1655, when England (later Great Britain) conquered it, renaming it Jamaica. Under British colonial rule Jamaica became a leading sugar exporter, with a plantation economy dependent on the African slaves and later their descendants….

English

When the Africans came as slaves they therefore developed a Patois which is a combination of the language from where they came, which was West African tribes mostly and some from Congo, blended with English. The Irish accent automatically added to it to create the unique Jamaican Patois.

What is Jamaica known for? Jamaica is known to be the birthplace of reggae, Bob Marley, world’s fastest sprinters, Blue Mountain coffee, Red Stripe beer, Jamaican rum, beautiful beaches, jerk dishes, luxurious all-inclusive resorts and majestic waterfalls.

Jamaica also has a bad reputation when it comes to crime, however. There are gangs trafficking drugs across the country, and – especially in certain parts of its cities – violence and gun crime are rife. Tourists aren’t exempt: petty theft and robberies aren’t rare.

Cannabis in Jamaica is illegal, but possession of small amounts was reduced to a petty offence in 2015. Cannabis is locally known as ganja, and internationally cannabis consumption plays a prominent role in the nation’s public image, being tied to cultural touchstones such as Rastafari and reggae music.

7 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid in Jamaica

• Exploring the island by cab. Montego Bay/Oyster.
• Eating non-local seafood. Negril/Oyster.
• Avoiding roadside jerk shacks. Negril/Oyster.
• Only staying in Montego Bay.
• Expecting punctuality.
• Sticking to an all-inclusive vacation.
• Walking around Kingston at night.

1. The tap water in Jamaica is safe to drink. Unlike Mexico, tap water in Jamaica is safe to drink. Unless visiting a very remote area with questionable water filtration, go ahead and drink the tap water.

What to Wear in Jamaica

• Go for comfort over style.
• Casual clothes in lightweight natural fabrics (cotton, silk and linen) will work best – it is warm and sunny but not unbearably hot all year round.
• However the nights tend to be a little cooler so a sweater or wrap is worth popping in your case.

It is safe enough to leave the resort in Jamaica as it is just about anywhere. The chances of being robbed, killed, kidnapped or taken advantage of is prevalent anywhere else as much as Jamaica.

How much money will you need for your trip to Jamaica? You should plan to spend around J$15,989 ($106) per day on your vacation in Jamaica, which is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Jamaica’s currency is called the Jamaican dollar but the locals simply refer to it as dollars. The bank notes are in 50s, 100s, 500s, 1000s, 5000s (rare). 4. US dollars are widely accepted on the island but you will pretty much always pay more than if you paid in Jamaican dollars.

Credit/Debit Cards Credit cards and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, resorts, and most larger shops. Do not depend on credit and/or debit cards as your sole source of money while in Jamaica. Also bring along a mixture of cash and travelers checks.

High season is considered to be January, November and December. The cheapest month to fly to Jamaica is August.

Useful information

October

October through November. The Hurricane Season: The curse of Jamaican weather, the hurricane season, officially lasts from June 1 to November 30. Satellite weather forecasts generally give adequate warning so that precautions can be taken.