Frequently Asked Questions

1. What type of vacation experience should I expect from Treasure Beach?
2. What is the feel of the area?
3. How's the weather?
4. What language is spoken?
5. How do I get around?
6. Should I rent a car during my stay?
7. What currency is used? Where can I exchange it?
8. What kind of electricity is used?
9. How can I call/fax/email from Treasure Beach?
10. How's the beach?
11. Is it safe here?
12. I want to go! Now how do we get there?


Q: What type of vacation experience should I expect from Treasure Beach?
Treasure Beach is a perfect destination for people looking for quiet, peaceful community, chill-out spots along the ocean, hammocks in the shade, and friendly people always willing to talk with a visitor.

You can choose to spend your day exploring the mountainside, waterfalls, the quaint parish of St. Elizabeth, or relax along the beach. Here, the most adventurous watersports are snorkeling or fishing for your dinner. The opportunities for relaxation are endless.
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Q: What is the feel of the area?
The Lonely Planet Guide to Jamaica describes Treasure Beach as "...a gem for travelers in search of the off-beat. You won’t find a more authentically charming and relaxing place in Jamaica. Treasure Beach is the generic name given to four coves – Billy's Bay, Frenchman's Bay, Calabash Bay, and Great Bay – that stretch for several miles…their rocky headlands separate romantically lonesome, dark coral-coloured sand beaches."
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Q: How's the weather?
"85F (30C), sunny, with a light breeze from the East. Same as yesterday, same as tomorrow."

While the above statement is true 90% of the time:
- June and October are typically the Rainy Seasons
- June through November is Hurricane Season
- October through May offer calmer sea conditions
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Q: What language is spoken?
The Queen's English is the official language of Jamaica. However, the everyday language is called patois, from the French word for 'dialect'. It's English-Spanish-French- African all blended into one and comes off as a colorful, flowing language, nice to listen to...but sometimes a challenge to understand.
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Q: How do I get around?
You have a few options here. Most everything in Treasure Beach can be accessed by foot or bicycle, which can be rented. For daytrips, you'd be better off hiring a taxi, bus or car rental, or tour operators can get you there.
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Q: Should I rent a car during my stay?
Generally speaking, you shouldn't unless you've driven the roads before. Few roadsigns interspersed along the way leave you relying on landmarks, or the goodness of individuals who may be helpful in getting you to just to the next town over.

The best option is to arrange to have a taxi driver for airport pick-up/return, and allow our staff to coordinate transportation for your daytrips and sightseeing.
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Q: What currency is used? Where can I exchange it?
The Jamaican dollar is the official currency. Other commonly exchanged currencies are the US Dollar, Canadian Dollar, British Pound Sterling, and the Euro. Other currencies are frowned upon and may be difficult if not impossible to exchange.

Traveler's checks are the easiest to exchange and most widely accepted. Provide your passport number or driver's license/ID number on the back of the check before cashing.

You can change money at the airport, banks, and Cambios (official money exchanges). A few places in Treasure Beach exchange cash and traveler's checks; ask our front desk for more details.

Credit cards are not widely accepted; only a few restaurants and attractions honoring them. However, you can obtain a cash advance on Visa or MasterCard at most banks, but not with AMEX or Discover.

There are no money machines in Treasure Beach. The nearest ATM is in Black River, a 30-minute drive from Treasure Beach. There is also a machine near the Montego Bay Airport - Arrivals area. Both CIRRUS network ATMS and can give advances on VISA (airport only) and MasterCard. All ATMs dispense only Jamaican currency.
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Q: What kind of electricity is used?
110V, 50 Hz with a standard 3-prong North American plug. The only difference between Jamaica and US/Canada is the frequency; any appliance (except clocks) will work. Europeans MUST bring an adapter for conversion.
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Q: How can I call/fax/email from Treasure Beach?
Cell phone service is surpisingly reliable on this part of the island...but we won't tell your boss if you don't!

After your cell phone, the easiest way to make overseas phone calls is to purchase a Cable & Wireless World Talk card. These can be purchased in most shops.
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Q: How's the beach?
Interspersed throughout 6 miles of coastline lie sandy beaches, private coves, and rocky shorelines conducive for long walks. (Be sure to bring appropriate beach shoes!)

There are 4 public beaches well suited for swimming, snorkeling, and body-surfing. Depending on the sea conditions and the season, the waves can vary from 6 inches to 6 feet. The south coast seas tend to be rougher than the north coast.

"That its beaches tend to be less sprawling than those of other island resorts is more than compensated for by the fact that they are also virtually deserted."
-- American Way
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Q: Is it safe here?
Because safety is an important concern of our residents, we are active participants in an island-wide Neighborhood Watch program. Treasure Beach has a large amounts of community-based tourism as opposed to resort-based tourism. It is OK to walk the streets day or night and passing residents will usually offer a friendly greeting.

Use the same precautions you would anywhere you are traveling. Lock your doors when you leave, don't make your cash easily visible, do not invite strangers into your place, etc.

If you have specific questions or concerns, our frontdesk staff will be happy to assist you.
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Q: I want to go! Now how do we get there?
Getting to Taino Cove is easy. We suggest you fly into Montego Bay. Arrange your arrival time with our frontdesk and a driver will pick you upon arrival.
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FAQ's provided by TreasureBeach.net

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