8+ Packing Essentials for Jamaica You Might Overlook

If you’re wondering what to pack for Jamaica – or anywhere in the Caribbean islands – here are a few helpful items we recommend you put on your packing list for Jamaica.

I first put this Jamaica packing list together because while packing for a trip to Jamaica ourselves! In 2014, we concluded our Peace Corps service in Jamaica and returned to the States. We returned only 7 months later for a three week visit, and then again the following year. Our aim was to reconnect with Peace Corps and Jamaican friends.

Check out more of our Jamaica culture posts here.

Updated: September 2021. Originally published: 2015.
 

So, what is in our Jamaica packing list?

1) Shampoo

Providing shampoo and other toiletries is not a standard practice in Jamaican hotels – unless you’re in a high-end all-inclusive resort.

Although familiar shampoo brands can be often be found in Jamaican stores, it tends to be at a premium price (like most imported goods). Consider bringing your own.

2) Snacks

Of course, when you’re in Jamaica, you should eat Jamaican food! But sometimes it’s wise to have a back up snack. As mentioned above, imported items like granola bars, packaged nuts, cereal, etc. can certainly be found on the island. But it will be much cheaper to bring to Jamaica from home. (We went for Kind bars which are all-natural, made with ingredients you can pronounce.)

3) Replacement jewelry

A friend of ours lost his wedding ring while snorkeling, so we’ve been extra cautious with our own rings any time we’re in the ocean. For the two years we lived on island, we actually wore cheap replacement wedding rings to avoid the risk of loss or theft.

It’s not just about slipping off in the ocean. Tourists can be ideal targets of theft, one of the most common crimes in Jamaica. The best protection is simply appearing to not have any valuables.

4) Goggles

I prefer not to get salt water in my eyes when in the ocean, and if there’s a pool around, I’ll sometimes swim laps for exercise. We found that basic swimming goggles were a perfectly adequate – and less bulky alternative – for snorkeling in Jamaica. (Sadly, reef degradation has made good snorkeling rare around the island.)

5) Sunscreen and Other Sun Protection

Sunscreen is probably a given on your list of essential travel items for Jamaica. But I can’t tell you how many tourists we saw looking like fried lobsters.

Get a good, sweat- and water-resistant SPF–even better if it’s a reef-safe sunscreen like this. Expect the sun to be stronger than you anticipate, and reapply every time you come out of the water!

Often sunscreen is not enough for a Jamaica beach vacation, so pack clothing for sun protection as well. Consider a wide-brimmed sun hat and light-weight, long-sleeve cover ups.

6) Bug spray

Mosquito bites and sand fly bites are annoying. But packing insect repellant is especially important with mosquito-born viruses that come and go in Jamaica. Speaking from experience, natural alternatives to Deet simply aren’t as effective. We use our mosquito repellant liberally!

Order Deet Off Road repellant >
Order Ranger Ready’s Picardin bug spray >
*Take 10% off any travel-size bug spray at rangerready.com with code IntentionalTravelers10 

7) Surge protector

Jamaica uses essentially the same electrical system as the U.S. The prevalence of power surges, however, is much higher.

To protect your electronics, we highly recommend the Belkin SurgePlus Mini. This portable charger and surge protector also gives you the ability to charge by USB.

Learn more about our recommended electronics for travel here

8) Quick dry clothing (and other clothing tips)

Our 2+ years of Peace Corps service in Jamaica taught us some surprising things about clothing in Jamaica.

For one, clothing signifies your respectability in this culture. Jamaican professionals dress very formally and conservatively regardless of the heat or discomfort. Granted, you are likely not going to be in a professional setting with dress codes on your vacation, but take this into account as you choose your wardrobe when leaving your hotel. Swimsuits are not appropriate outside of the beach. (Revealing clothing is not a mere fashion statement in this culture – it can be interpreted as promiscuous. Besides, it’s not respectful to treat the community’s public spaces as your personal vacation zone.)

We respect our Jamaican counterparts for their ability to wear long polyester pants and close toed shoes despite the heat. We just couldn’t do it! That’s where lightweight, quick dry clothing comes in.

Quick dry is important not only because the island’s humidity can make laundry slow to dry. It also helps wick away sweat and keep you cool while you wear it.

Start with:

– Light-weight quick dry running shirts
– A light jacket (for evenings and cold buses/airplanes)
– Capri pants or knee-length shorts from a nylon blend
– Breathable, sweat-wicking socks

Click here for more detailed recommendations on travel clothing.

Here’s one last note about clothing for anyone planning to spend time outside their hotel. Jamaican political parties are strongly associated with their colors: orange and green. Especially during election season, it would be wise to avoid these colors, just in case you might appear to be “taking sides.”

Other recommended Jamaica packing items

– Copies of your passport photo page and other travel documents. Take a photo on your phone or print off a copy in case of loss or theft. Consider a vaccine card protector during the pandemic. By the way, a blue or black pen will also be handy for filling out the immigration form on the airplane.
– ATM card, credit card, and cash. Withdrawing Jamaican dollars at the airport is the easiest and we like to use an ATM card that reimburses fees. US dollars might get you by in a pinch but they’re generally not widely accepted. A few small bills under $20 should suffice. Resorts and some restaurants may take credit cards. Read our cash, credit card, and ATM guide here.
– Prescription and other medications. Pack enough supply of your own prescriptions in their original bottles. I also like to bring a small supply of ibuprofen, anti-histamines, bandaids, and stomach relief pills on any international trip.
– Flip flops and/or water shoes. The right pair of sandals could be the only pair of shoes you need, depending on your travel plans. Water sandals are ideal for Dunns River Falls or snorkeling around rocky beaches.
– Beach bag. A carry-all day bag for your beach towel and personal items is a good idea. It could potentially double as carry-on luggage. 
– UV protection sunglasses. Protect your eyes in Jamaica’s bright, sunny weather. Hot tip: I suggest bringing a pair you don’t care about, as sunglasses are easy to lose in the ocean or get damaged on an excursion.
– Camera supplies. Whether it’s a waterproof camera or just your smartphone, double check that you pack your charger, a memory card (if applicable), and potentially a protective water-proof case. 

See my list of minimalist travel toiletries list for women here.

What is not in our Jamaica packing list

– Flashy, expensive jewelry or electronics
– Raincoats (these get sticky fast in the humidity, so bring an umbrella if you’re concerned about downpours in rainy season)
– Shirts that are all orange or all green
– Clothing with camouflage print (this print is reserved for the local army)
– A neck wallet (they get too sweaty – see the alternatives we use instead)

We hope our packing essentials for Jamaica has helped you complete your list of things to bring to Jamaica with some helpful items you may not have thought of. What other essentials do you recommend adding to a packing list for Jamaica?

For further reading:

– Our tech gear essentials for nomads
– Clothing recommendations for travel
– Personal security tips for safe travels
– Natural deodorant for hot climates