Jamaica
Focus on shorts, t-shirts, tank tops, and sundresses for daytime wear. A light sweater, cardigan, or long-sleeved shirt is useful for air-conditioned interiors or cooler evenings, especially from December to March. During the rainy season, a lightweight, packable rain jacket or small umbrella is handy.
Pack multiple swimsuits, board shorts, and cover-ups for beach and water activities; quick-dry materials are helpful. For hiking and excursions, comfortable walking shoes or sturdy hiking sandals are appropriate. Lightweight long pants or capris protect from sun and insects.
Flip-flops or comfortable sandals are perfect for easy movement.
Choose comfortable walking sandals or breathable sneakers for daily excursions.
Water shoes or sturdy sandals with good grip are useful for wet and slippery terrains.
Your travel documents are required for a smooth trip to Montego Bay. Keep them organized and secure. Store copies of your passport and other important documents separately from the originals. Leave one set with a trusted person at home.
Jamaica uses 110V and 50/60Hz, with Type A and Type B plugs (same as North America). If you are from the US or Canada, no adapter is typically needed. Travelers from other regions will need an universal travel adapter. Local SIM cards from Digicel and Flow are available at MBJ airport or authorized stores for affordable data plans.
A standard digital camera or smartphone is fine for photos. For water activities, a waterproof camera (like a GoPro) captures underwater scenes. Portable chargers and power banks are useful for excursions or brief power outages. A portable power bank with high capacity is good for long days out.
Use services like Google Drive or Dropbox for photos and important documents.
Consider a waterproof phone pouch to protect your device from splashes and sand at the beach.
Ensure your phone is unlocked to use local SIM cards, providing better connectivity options.
Pack a small kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Include anti-diarrhea medication (e.g., Imodium) and antacids. Hydrocortisone cream is useful for bug bites or rashes. A compact travel first aid kit is highly recommended.
High temperatures and strong sun are common. Use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated. Apply insect repellent before going out, especially during dawn and dusk. Bottled water is widely available. A personal water filter or purification tablets can be useful for sustainability and off-the-beaten-path ventures.
A compact snorkeling set (mask, snorkel, fins) is convenient if you prefer your own gear. Rental gear is also available at most dive shops and resorts.
Pack a lightweight daypack for water and snacks. Comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes are required for trails. Water shoes with good grip are incredibly useful for safely climbing wet rocks at waterfalls.
A quick-dry towel is useful for beach days. A waterproof dry bag protects your electronics and valuables during boat trips or beach outings. Consider bringing a waterproof phone pouch.
For long flights or bus rides, a neck pillow and eye mask greatly improve comfort. Earplugs are useful for noisy flights or hotel rooms. A small padlock for luggage or hostel lockers provides security. A money belt worn under your clothes keeps valuables like passports and large amounts of cash secure. RFID-blocking wallets protect your credit card information from digital theft.
To minimize plastic waste and save money, bring a reusable water bottle. You can refill it from filtered water dispensers at your hotel or purchase large bottles of water. A reusable shopping bag is useful for market visits. Consider bringing reusable utensils if you plan to eat street food often. High-quality insect repellent or specific brands of sunscreen might be harder to find locally.
Reduces plastic waste and saves money.
Useful for markets and souvenirs.
For street food and takeaways.
Protects marine environment.
Roll your clothes when packing. This saves space and helps reduce wrinkles, allowing you to pack more efficiently.
Carry a small backpack or daypack for daily excursions. This holds water, sunscreen, snacks, and any souvenirs you pick up.
