Packing list for Jamaica, travel insurance for Jamaica and taking your belongings

What to take to Jamaica: brief

To pack and check

• Documents and money: a passport valid for the duration of your stay. Check current entry requirements before departure. The local currency is the Jamaican dollar (JMD), but US dollars are accepted in many tourist spots. Credit cards work in many places, but cash is always handy.
• Clothing: swimwear, swimwear, swimwear. Furthermore, light, airy clothing for the tropical climate. A thin cardigan can be pleasant in the Blue Mountains or in rooms with strong air conditioning. Covering clothing is useful for visiting the Bob Marley Museum and church.
• Shoes: flip-flops or sandals for beach days. Good walking shoes are useful if you are going to explore the Blue Mountains, visit waterfalls, or travel outside the resorts.
• Personal care and hygiene: reef-safe sunscreen with a high protection factor.
• Packing and protection: a waterproof bag for excursions, boat trips, and tropical rain showers.
• Insects and animals: a good set of mosquito repellent. Medicines and travel first aid kit: First aid kit with ORS, painkillers, plasters, blister plasters, and insect bite remedies.
• Outdoors and practicalities: sunglasses, cap or hat, and a reusable water bottle.
• Technology and equipment: a universal adapter for Type A and B sockets (like in the US).

To consider

• Snorkel set.
• Water shoes for coral, rocks, and waterfalls.
• UV-protective swim shirt.
• International driving license if you want to rent a car.
• Binoculars for birds; Jamaica has many endemic species.

Are there mosquitoes in Jamaica?

• Mosquitoes are present in Jamaica all year round, especially during the wet season (approximately May to November) and around stagnant water.
• Mosquitoes can be quite active, especially around sunset. Dengue fever occurs regularly in Jamaica, and there have also been outbreaks of other mosquito-borne diseases. Protection is therefore important.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Jamaica?

• Jamaica sometimes has sandflies on some beaches, mangrove areas, and sheltered coastal locations. The north coast and some remote beaches are known for them.
• The bites can itch for days and are sometimes more annoying than mosquito bites, but not dangerous.
• An insect repellent containing DEET and covering clothing around sunset also work well against sandflies.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other insect repellents, in Jamaica?

• DEET and other insect repellents are easy to obtain at supermarkets, pharmacies, and tourist shops.
• Well-known brands such as OFF! are easy to find.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Jamaica, or bring it to Jamaica?

• Jamaica holds an exceptional position compared to many other Caribbean countries. Small quantities of cannabis have been decriminalized, medicinal use is permitted, and religious use by Rastafarians is recognized.
• However, this does not mean that anything goes. Although it is not a criminal violation of the law, possession of small quantities (up to 57 grams) can result in heavy fines. Larger quantities are considered an offense and can lead to fines or imprisonment. Always check the latest rules and regulations.
• There are places where cannabis may be legally purchased and consumed with a doctor's prescription, provided you are over 18 and can show this prescription.
• So, although cannabis is treated somewhat more leniently than in most other countries, strict rules still apply. Bringing cannabis into or out of the country is strictly prohibited in any case.