Most Jamaica advice is either marketing or scare stories. This is the practical list we give our own guests before they travel — the things that genuinely catch people out, written by people who live here.
If you read one line: do not pack camouflage clothing. It is illegal for civilians in Jamaica and it is the most common avoidable problem visitors create for themselves.
Laws that catch visitors out
- Camouflage clothing is illegal for civilians, tourists included. It covers every colour, not just green, and applies to bags, belts, shoes and hats. It catches families out because camo childrenswear is so common. Items can be confiscated on arrival. Full detail here.
- Nudity and topless sunbathing are illegal outside designated resorts and private property.
- Cannabis is decriminalised, not legal. Small amounts for personal use attract a fine rather than arrest, and there is a licensed medical framework. Buying on the street is still an offence, and taking any amount out of the country is a serious one. Do not assume a relaxed reputation means a relaxed law.
- Drone use is restricted and generally requires permission. Do not assume you can fly one over a beach or a hotel.
Money
- The currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD), but US dollars are widely accepted.
- Bring cash. Card acceptance is patchy once you leave the resort areas, and small local businesses are often cash-only.
- Small US notes are more useful than large ones. A US$50 is hard to break; five US$10s are not.
- ATMs exist but are not everywhere. On the south coast, top up in Santa Cruz or Black River rather than assuming you will find a machine locally.
More in our FAQ on currency and where to exchange money.
Tipping
10–15% is the norm, much as in North America. Check restaurant bills first — many already add a 10% service charge.
At a staffed villa the convention is different: around 15% of the rental total, given to the team before departure and shared among them. It is not included in the rate and it is genuinely expected, so budget for it. Full tipping guide.
Arrival fees and tourist tax
Jamaica charges a Tourism Enhancement Fee — around US$20 for air arrivals and about US$2 for cruise passengers — alongside airport landing and departure charges.
In almost all cases these are bundled into your airfare rather than collected separately on arrival, so most visitors never consciously pay them. Check your ticket breakdown if you want to be certain.
Rates and tourism taxes are reviewed periodically, so confirm current figures close to travel rather than relying on any article, including this one.
Getting around
- Driving is on the left. Main roads are fine; rural side roads are rough in places.
- Avoid unfamiliar rural roads after dark. They are unlit and livestock wander.
- Route taxis are shared cars running fixed routes. Very cheap, and a genuine slice of local life.
- Use licensed taxis. Red PP or PPV plates mean the vehicle is licensed to carry passengers.
- Journeys take longer than the map suggests. Montego Bay to Treasure Beach is 2.5–3 hours, not the 90 minutes the distance implies.
Health and practicalities
- Electricity is 110V with US-style plugs. UK and European visitors need an adapter. Details here.
- Mosquitoes are present, particularly at dusk. Repellent is worth packing.
- Sun is stronger than it feels with a sea breeze. Reef-safe sunscreen, and a hat.
- Take travel insurance, especially between August and October during the more active part of hurricane season.
- Bring any medication you rely on. Do not assume you can buy the equivalent locally.
See also our FAQ on whether the water is safe to drink.
Safety, proportionately
Jamaica’s crime statistics are driven overwhelmingly by specific urban areas that no visitor has any reason to go to. The tourist areas and the rural south coast are a different country in practice.
Ordinary travel sense applies as it would anywhere: do not flash valuables, do not wander unfamiliar places alone late at night, use licensed transport, and be sensible about how much you drink in unfamiliar company.
Treasure Beach in particular has a long-standing reputation as one of the calmer parts of the island, largely because tourism here is small and locally owned. Our honest answer on safety.
Things that surprise people
- Imported goods cost more than at home. Cheese, cereal, wine, branded toiletries. Local food is cheap; replicating your home shop is not. See what a trip actually costs.
- It gets dark early and fast. Sunset is around 5:30–6:30 PM year-round. There is no long summer evening.
- Jamaica does not observe daylight saving, so the time difference from home shifts twice a year. More on time zones.
- The south coast is dry. Cactus grows by the roadside. Most people expect rainforest.
- Island time is real. Things happen, but not always when scheduled. Fighting it makes for a worse holiday.