Telephones in Jamaica

Cellular service is expanding throughout Jamaica, especially in Kingston and in the resort areas (service remains sporadic in the mountainous regions). GSM cell phones equipped with tri-band or world-roaming service will find coverage throughout much of the coastal region. Cellular service averages about $1.50 to $2 per minute on the island. Prepaid SIM cards are a more-economical way for travelers who plan to make a large number of local calls.

Rates for local calls start about 14¢ per minute, and incoming calls are free. Outgoing international calls to the United States start at about 30¢ per minute. Prepaid SIM cards cost about $60 and usually include a $20 airtime credit. Cellular-phone rentals are also available starting about $20 per week.

Most hotels offer direct-dial telephone services with a substantial service charge; local businesses provide fax services for a fee. Pay phones are available in most communities, but be aware that on the island calls from town to town are long-distance.

To dial Jamaica from the United States, just dial 1 + area code 876. Some U.S. phone companies, such as MCI, provide only limited credit-card calls from Jamaica because they've been victims of fraud. The best option is to purchase Jamaican phone cards, sold in most stores across the island.