Three numbers. The ones that decide the meeting.
When the world meets at work.
Read the day in both zones.
Crossing the border. Money, language, plugs.
Money changes hands at the border: San Jose uses the USD ($) and Kingston uses the JMD ($). Conversations can stay in English, which is official in both countries. Be careful behind the wheel: San Jose drives on the right, Kingston on the left.
- Country
- United States
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD · $)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Drives on
- Right
- Country
- Jamaica
- Capital
- Kingston
- Currency
- Jamaican dollar (JMD · $)
- Language
- English, Jamaican Patois
- Calling code
- +1
- Drives on
- Left
Quick answers. Before you book the call.
What's the time difference between San Jose and Kingston?
San Jose is 2 hours ahead of Kingston. San Jose runs on GMT-7 and Kingston on GMT-5. The gap can shift by an hour when either side enters or leaves daylight saving — the live clocks above always reflect the current offset.
When's the best time to schedule a meeting?
There are 6 hours where both cities are inside a 09:00–17:00 workday. Aim for the middle of that window so neither side is starting or closing out.
Does daylight saving time change the difference?
Yes, if either city observes DST. When one side shifts and the other doesn't, the gap changes by one hour. The DST badges under each clock show whether each zone is currently shifted and when the next transition lands.
How far is San Jose from Kingston?
About 4,875 km as the crow flies (great-circle distance). A non-stop commercial flight cruises that in roughly 6h 14m, not counting airport time, winds, or routing around restricted airspace.
Can I send this meeting time as a calendar invite?
Yes. Pick a time on the slider above, open the meeting card, customize the title and duration, then download the .ics file. It imports cleanly into Google Calendar, Outlook, and Apple Calendar with the correct timezone attached.
What currency do San Jose and Kingston use?
San Jose uses the United States dollar (USD, $); Kingston uses the Jamaican dollar (JMD, $). Check the live rate before transferring money or paying with a card abroad — most banks add a 1–3 % FX margin on top of the mid-market rate.
How do I call San Jose from Kingston?
Dial the international prefix used by your carrier (often 011), then +1, then the local number — drop any leading zero of the city or mobile code. For free calls, WhatsApp, Signal, and FaceTime work over Wi-Fi regardless of country code.
What language is spoken in San Jose and Kingston?
Both United States and Jamaica count English among their official languages, so business meetings often skip translation. San Jose also has no other official tongue; Kingston adds Jamaican Patois.
Do San Jose and Kingston drive on the same side of the road?
No. United States drives on the right, Jamaica on the left. If you're renting, expect a learning curve on the first day — especially at roundabouts and when judging the centre of the lane.