Montego Bay City Guide

Local dishes like jerk chicken and ackee saltfish are must-tries. There's decent international food, especially near resorts. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Some late-night street food is available.

Nightlife centers on the Hip Strip with bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Coffee culture is solid, featuring Jamaican Blue Mountain coffee. Specialty shops are emerging but limited.

Tipping is expected in tourist areas. About 10-15% at restaurants if no service charge. For taxis and services, small tips or rounding up is common.

SIM cards are available at the airport and stores. Main providers are Digicel and Flow. Passport required for registration. eSIM availability varies.

Tourist areas are generally clean; local neighborhoods can have litter and sanitation issues.

Some pharmacies and minimarts open late or 24/7. Few 24/7 clinics, but emergency hospital care is always available. Late-night food options are limited mostly to weekends.

Supermarkets stock international products, with fresh markets offering local produce and seafood. Shops often open from 9 AM to 8 PM, with many closed or reduced hours on Sundays.

Cards work in major hotels and big shops, but cash is needed for markets, transport, and small vendors.

ATMs are common, especially near banks and tourist spots. International fees may apply, so check with your bank.

Local schools use English. Montego Bay High School and Cornwall College are options; international schools are mostly in Kingston.

The nomad community is small but growing. No dedicated hubs, but tourist cafes offer Wi-Fi suitable for work. Meetups are mostly informal or online.

Limited large parks in city center. Access to natural green spaces is better outside urban areas.

The Hip Strip is a popular running area with waterfront views. Safe during daytime in tourist zones; less so at night.

Resorts usually have gyms; standalone gyms are available.

Many resorts have tennis courts. Public courts exist. Rentals and some coaching available.

Padel courts are rare or nonexistent.

Yoga classes are available at some studios and resorts, usually with English-speaking instructors.

Some gyms offer martial arts like Taekwondo and Karate. Boxing is more common; BJJ and Muay Thai less so.

No skiing; Jamaica is tropical.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and windsurfing are widely offered, especially at resorts. Rentals and guided tours common.

Limited local surfing due to reefs. Better surf spots are a few hours away on Jamaica's south coast.

Excellent diving in Montego Bay Marine Park with reefs, wrecks, and marine life. Good all year, better Dec-May. Centers for all levels and gear rental available.

Public hospital Cornwall Regional serves the area, but private clinics offer better service and English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are common and well-stocked.

Tap water is treated and usually safe to drink, especially in hotels. Some prefer bottled water.

Resorts and some parks have playgrounds. Many restaurants welcome kids. Attractions like Doctor's Cave Beach and Aquasol Theme Park suit families.

Jamaica has conservative views and limited protections. Tourist areas are somewhat tolerant, but public displays are risky. Few inclusive venues or events.

Pet policies vary; many hotels don't allow pets. Veterinary care exists, but pet-friendly services and spaces are limited.