THE OPTIMA JURIS GUIDE TO THE CARIBBEAN

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Table of Contents

1. Overview of the Caribbean
2. Caribbean Parties to the Hague Evidence Convention
3. Countries That Require Visas
4. Currency
5. Security Isssues
6. Tipping Rules
7. Transportation
8. Country Specific Information
9. Major Cities in the Caribbean
10. Major Caribbean Airports
11. Useful Links

Overview of the Caribbean

The Caribbean is a region consisting of the Caribbean Sea, its islands (most of which are enclosed by the sea), and the surrounding coasts. The region is located southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and North America, east of Central America, and to the north of South America.

Caribbean Parties to the Hague Evidence Convention

Barbados*
*Non-Member States
Full List of the Hague Evidence Convention Parties

Countries That Require Visas

If a visa is required, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative before proceeding abroad. Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application especially if you are applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities and in many instances a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area of his/her residence.

• Cuba, U.S. citizens need a license isssued by the U.S. government to legally enter Cuba
• Dominican Republic requires the purchase of a tourist card, available at the airport for $10.
  Foreign Consular Offices in the United States
  Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Currency

Money

Cash is easy, flexible and you don't even have to show your passport as ID to exchange cash like you do with travellers checks. But easy come easy go. Cash is also the riskiest way to carry large amounts of money. If lost or stolen, it's gone - unlike travellers checks which can be replaced.

Credit cards

Check carefully for your credit card's terms and conditions. In particular, check the small print regarding ATM transaction fees and currency conversion charges so you don't get any suprises. Make sure your card has the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol - otherwise you may not be able to use it overseas.

Exchanging money

Compare exchange rates at a number of booths if possible, but don't waste time and money traipsing across town to save ten dollars. Banks and booths typically give much better rates than hotels or other businesses. It's wise to exchange money at a licensed foreign exchange location - while you may get a better rate on the street, you may get burned by a scam or wind up with obsolete or fraudulent notes - weigh up the pros and cons.

Travellers checks

The main advantage of travellers checks is that they can be replaced if lost or stolen. The disadvantage is that there is often (though not always) a fee to both buy and cash them. Even so, think of this small expense as a type of travel insurance, guaranteeing that you'll be able to get cash in an emergency, when you'll need it most. Travellers checks are most commonly issued in U.S. dollars, but other currencies are also becoming more widely accepted.

Security Isssue

• Ask your hotel for a list of safety cell numbers & email.
  There should be a main contact and a backup contact whom you can contact in the country you're visiting. Get a cell number and email. Getting a contact number of someone in the USA is ok, but keep in mind that some of the Caribbean countries are in a different time zone.
• Carry some cash.
  While credit cards are accepted throughout the Caribbean, cash is still king when you are absolutely in a bind. While we aren't saying to be a walking ATM, do have several hundred dollars on you just in case.
• Get your paper work straight.
  Do make sure everyone has a passport. Do make sure everyone has a visa if applicable. Do check the embassy rules as they are constantly updated. Also, see what items are included in your travel package (insurance, tipping, forms, etc).
• The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from June to November. You should monitor weather updates.
• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in the Caribbean.
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
• Global Security Updates
• Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
  • organize comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
  • register your travel and contact details, so someone can contact you in an emergency

Tipping Rules

Caribbean restaurants often incorporate an automatic gratuities charge into the final bill, which is usually 10 percent of the total cost of the meal. Additional tipping is at the individual's discretion, but it is not expected. If you are particularly delighted with your service, you may want to leave more than 15 percent.

For taxi drivers it is customary to tip approximately $1 to $2(USD) for in-town fares. Plan on tipping more on holidays, after midnight, and on Sundays in the Caribbean.

Transportation

If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service.

Also available in the Caribbean

• Buses
• Cars
• Taxis
• Boats
• Trains

Country Specific Information

Major Cities in the Caribbean

• Havana, Cuba
• Santo Domingo, Dominica Republic
• Port-au-Prince, Haiti
• Kingston, Jamaica
• Nassau, Bahamas
• Santiago, Dominican Republic
• San Juan, Puerto Rico

Major Caribbean Airports

• Haiti
  Port au Prince International Airport
  PAP
• Cayman Islands
  Edward Bodden Airport, Little Cayman
  LYB
• Aruba
  Comodoro Arturo Merino Ben�tez International Airport
  SCL
• Bahamas
  Simon Bolivar International Airport
  CCS
• US Virgin Islands
  Cyril E. King Airport, St. Thomas
  STT
• Puerto Rico
  Luis Munoz Marin International Airport, Carolina
  SJU
• Jamaica
  Donald Sangster Internation Airport, Montego Bay
  MBJ
• Dominican Republic
  Las Americas International Santo Domingot
  AEP
• Cuba
  Jose Marti International, Havana
  HAV

Useful Links

Hotels

Agoda Hotel Search in the Caribbean
Lonely Planet Caribbean Hotel Search

CIA

CIA Factbook Page

U.S. Embassy

United State Embassies Around the World

Electrical Requirements

Detailed List on Voltage Requirments

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