Jamaica
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 2.84 million people live in Jamaica, on 10,992 km². The capital is Kingston.
- Capital
- Kingston
- Population
- 2,837,077
- Area
- 10,992 km²
- Official languages
- English and Jamaican Patois
No land borders
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Jamaica?
Sockets take plug type A/B, at 110 V and 50 Hz.
That is lower than Europe's 230 V: phone and laptop chargers handle it, but check hair dryers and the like.
What is the emergency number in Jamaica?
Call 119 for the police, 110 for an ambulance and 110 for the fire brigade.
Do you tip in Jamaica?
10–15 %.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Jamaica?
Traffic drives on the left, so look right first when you cross the street.
What currency is used in Jamaica?
Prices are in Jamaican Dollar (JMD).
What language do they speak in Jamaica?
Official languages: English and Jamaican Patois.
How do I call a number in Jamaica from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +1.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
