Jamaica Volunteer Vacation FAQs
Global Volunteers began working in Jamaica in 1984. The Blue Mountains were the site of our first service program, and the same communities host our volunteers today. Working in partnership with local people on long-term community service work projects is foundational to our relationship with host organizations worldwide. Our investments of volunteer service, program support and international recognition are hallmarks of our commitment to this partnership.GETTING THERE
When should I arrive in and depart from Kingston?
Plan your flight to arrive in Kingston, Jamaica (airport code KIN), anytime before 3:00PM on the first day of your service program.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes, provided you send your flight itinerary to Global Volunteers at least two weeks in advance of the service program arrival date. A Global Volunteers staff person or representative holding a Global Volunteers sign will meet you in the public area outside Customs. You'll travel with your teammates to your lodging.
What should I do if my flight is delayed?
Please notify Global Volunteers as soon as you confirm your new arrival plans so your team leader can arrange your transportation to the host community.If you make last-minute changes to your itinerary, or if you don't inform us of your flight plans, you must arrange your own transportation to the hotel or host community.
How late can I arrive in the host community?
Our orientation sessions are a critical component of the preparation for your assignments. If circumstances beyond your control prevent you from reaching the program on the opening day of the program, we require that you arrive no later than 9:00 AM on the following day so you can join your team for these sessions.
What should I do if I arrive before the scheduled arrival date?
If you choose to spend time in-country before the service program begins, please plan to meet your team at the designated airport within the specified arrival window on the first day of the program in order to be transported to the host community. Do not travel to the host community without the team leader or Global Volunteers representative without prior authorization.
FOOD AND LODGING
What type of lodging is provided in the Blue Mountains?
Volunteers stay in a village home with simple amenities. You'll share the house's bedrooms, bathroom and kitichen with your teammates. Please bring a sleeping bag or sheet and blanket for your cot, and a washcloth and hand towel.
What are the laundry arrangements?
Clothing is hand-washed and dried on outdoor clotheslines.
What is the electrical power?
The currency and outlets are the same as in the U.S. Please note that shortages of electricity in rural Jamaica are common and plan accordingly.
What is the local cuisine?
The diet in Jamaica consists mostly of chicken, rice, bread, fresh fruits and vegetables, but you will be served other foods as well, including fish, beef and pork. A local cook prepares our meals, which are eaten together as a team.
Can special diets be accommodated?
Strict vegetarians (such as vegans) cannot be accommodated. If you have special dietary needs, you should bring your food with you.
Will potable drinking water be provided?
The team leader will have a water purifier for the team's use. Please bring a water bottle.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
What are the principal health risks?
At higher elevations, you must take care to avoid altitude sickness indicated by headaches, dizziness and low energy, and heat exhaustion, both of which can become life-threatening if not treated immediately.
What health precautions should I take?
We strongly recommend you consult your own physician, public health clinic and/or travel clinic for detailed travel health information. For the most up-to-date health precautions and general recommendations, please consult the following sources:
Is the water safe to drink?
We recommend that you bring a water bottle with you, and keep it filled with the purified water that will be provided to you by the team leader.
Is it safe to eat food purchased from street vendors?
We strongly recommend that you do not purchase food from street vendors.
What type of insurance do you recommend?
We strongly recommend medical insurance that covers you while you are outside your home country, and trip cancellation insurance.Your travel agent can refer you to travel insurance providers. Global Volunteers will provide you with emergency medical evacuation insurance.
MONEY MATTERS
What is the currency and exchange rate?
The local currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD$). For currency conversion information, refer to the following website: FXConverter
Where do I exchange money?
At the airport: Please exchange money before exiting through customs at the airport. In the villages: There is no place to exchange money in the host communities. You may have an opportunity to exchange money at the banks in Morant Bay on the weekend.
Can I use cash, credit cards or checks?
Credit Cards: Credit cards, U.S. cash and traveler's checks are not widely accepted in the smaller communities, but may be accepted at hotels and restaurants in Port Antonio, Morant Bay and Kingston. Traveler's Checks and Cash: You can cash US$100 traveler's checks. U.S. cash and travelers checks can be converted into Jamaican dollars at the airport. Cash: The banks will not exchange US$100 bills.
How much money should I bring with me to Jamaica?
The amount of money you need to bring depends on your spending habits and if you travel on your free weekend. Exchange at least US$50 U.S. upon arrival. Incidentals in the villages will cost less than US$50. Your souvenir budget is entirely up to you!
COMMUNICATIONS
How can my family contact me in the partner community?
You'll receive a contact sheet with our host's phone numbers and USA office contacts shortly before your departure. Please provide a copy to anyone who may need to reach you.
Can I make international phone calls in Jamaica?
It's not possible to make or receive international phone calls in the remote mountain villages where we work. In case of an emergency, international phone calls may be made from Trinityville, about 45 minutes away by car.
Is internet service available where we stay?
Internet service is not available in the host community.