Banks -- A branch of National Commercial Bank (tel. 876/962-2083) can be found at 9 Manchester Rd.; open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 3pm, Friday 8:30am to 4pm.

Hospital -- The town's major hospital, Mandeville Hospital, Hargreaves Avenue (tel. 876/962-2067), is the best medical center in the Central Highlands of Jamaica.

Internet Access -- The Internet Café at Manchester Shopping Centre (tel. 876/961-1829) is the largest in Jamaica, boasting 20 computers and charging US$3.20 per half-hour. It is open Monday to Thursday 8:30am to 5pm, Friday 8:30am to 4pm.

Mail -- The Mandeville Post Office, South Racecourse (tel. 876/962-4445), is open Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm. To mail packages, it's more efficient to use Airpak Express, 11 Caledonia Rd. (tel. 876/962-5101). Include "Jamaica, W.I." in all island addresses.

Pharmacy -- The most convenient drugstore is the Caledonia Mall Pharmacy, Shop G5, Caledonia Road (tel. 876/962-0038), open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 6:30pm, Saturday 8am to 5pm.

Safety -- The police station, 8 Parkerson Rd. (tel. 876/962-2250), is on the north side of the central village green. Of all Jamaica's cities, Mandeville is the safest; still, take all the usual precautions.

Travel Agencies -- The best one is Sterling Travel, Caledonia Plaza (tel. 876/962-2203), open Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.