Kingston 101
As you get ready to come to Kingston, Jamaica for the conference here are a few useful tips to make your arrival safe and hassle-free.
1. Record your hotel/ accommodation address for Customs/Immigration Forms. Jamaica Customs requires an address for Hotel/guest house.
2. US Currency is acceptable for payments including ground transport dining and shopping. Banking services are available on campus to change money. ATMs also dispense US and Jamaican dollars. The current exchange rate is US1$: J$138.00. Always check with the merchant to verify exchange rate before making purchases.
3. There are two main telecommunications providers: Digicel and Flow. Your phone may roam on either network. Prepaid phones/sim cards are available at a minimal cost. Jamaica’s Country codes are 876 and 658.
4. Get in touch if you have any concerns/questions. WhatsApp the Department of Literatures in English at 1-876-835-4768. We will be happy to help you.
5. Taxis are available upon arrival at the airport. There are three companies that can take you from the Airport. Choose one. Once you are outside the airport, taxi companies will provide reasonable fares (around JMD$600 – JMD$800 / USD$5 – USD$8 per journey) to and from the Mona campus. We suggest that you ask your hotel front desk to refer you to a reputable taxi service, or ask at the department if you are on campus.
Most local Taxis do not accept debit or credit cards, so ensure you have cash, preferably Jamaican dollars.
6. Keep safe! Travel in groups when possible. Get to your home/hotel before 8:00 pm as, beyond that hour, transportation becomes difficult to secure. The conference will have security and many shopping areas are also protected by security guards.
7. Average temperature in Kingston: 30C/86F. There will be occasional tropical showers. Dress for the weather and don’t forget your sunblock!
8. In case of emergencies, dial 119 for the emergency operator. Recommendations
New Kingston Resources Andrews Memorial Hospital: (876) 926-7401 Sagicor Bank NCB Bank JMM Bank JN Bank First Global Bank CIBC First Caribbean International Bank Oxford Medical Centre: (876) 926-1444 El Shaddai Medical Centre: (876) 927-4814 Winchester Medical Centre: (876) 929-3486 Ruthven Medical Centre: (876) 920-0267 New Kingston Police Post (Knutsford Boulevard): (876) 926-3508 Bars and Restaurants - Nirvana Indian Fusion - Chez Maria Mediterranean - Tea Tree Crêperie - CPJ Market - Starbucks - TGI Fridays - KFC - Sweetwood Jerk Joint - Café Africa - The Deck
Leisure and Recreation - Devon House (Dining, shopping/souvenirs, bar, snacks) - Emancipation Park (Jogging, Exercise, Walks) - Peter Tosh Museum
Liguanea Resources Scotia Bank Sagicor Bank NCB Bank Alliance Cambio Matildas Corner Police Station: (876) 978-6003 Malls and Plazas - Sovereign Centre (Café Blue, Sovereign Supermarket, Flow, Digicel, Sovereign Food Court, various stores) - Liguanea Plaza (Starbucks, My Jamaica Souvenir store, Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant, Select Foods Supermarket, Pizzaland Pizzeria, Wendys, Mothers Patties, Liguanea Drug and Garden Pharmacy, Alliance Cambio)
Bars and Restaurants - Subway - Chillitos - 100
Leisure and Recreation - Bob Marley Museum
Barbican Resources Paper Gold Cambio Fontana Pharmacy HiLo Supermarket
Malls and Plazas - Orchid Village (café, bistro, sea food, Tamarind Indian and Continental Restaurant, China Max Restaurant ) - Loshusan Plaza (Wendys, Loshusan Supermarket, Acropolis/Ribbiz Bar and Restaurant, Cannon Ball Café, Tutti Fruiti Frozen Yogurt, Monarch Pharmacy)
Restaurants - Pizza Hut
Constant Spring Resources Constant Spring Police Station: (876) 924-1419 Cassava Piece Police Station (876) 924-1826
Plazas and Malls - Market Place Plaza - Village Plaza (Wendy’s, Pizza Please, various stores, Craft Cottage Souvenir store, - Mall Plaza (Rituals Café, various stores) - Tropical Plaza (Digicel, various stores) Restaurants - Popeyes - South Avenue Bar and Grill
Mona Area - Hope Gardens - Hope Zoo - Chillin’
Mona Campus Resources NCB Bank Scotia Bank JN Bank UWI Hospital: (876) 927-1621-9 Health Centre: (876) 970-0017 Campus Police: (876) 927-2298 Campus Security: (876) 784-8881 UWISERT Ambulance Service (Campus only 6pm – 6am): (876) 394-6494
Restaurants Juici Patties KFC Burger King Student Union (grocery, restaurant, fast food)