Advice list for newcomers to Negril

[BaileysMom]

As a newbie getting ready for her first trip to Jamaica- first trip out of the US really, aside from Cabo and a couple of cruises... I am NOT well versed on out of country travel. I truly appreciate all insight and tips here on this forum. I have what is probably a stupid question, but... here goes anyway. I've read that you must carry your US passport with you at all times while in Jamaica. Well if that's the case, I don't see people carrying their passports while swimming. I've heard some people say carry a photocopy, others say photocopies will do you no good, but keep a photocopy somewhere safe in case your passport gets stolen. What's the real deal here... passports necessary while you're out and about, whether swimming/walking the beach/going to dinner, etc?

[wrtiii]

What's the real deal here... passports necessary while you're out and about, whether swimming/walking the beach/going to dinner, etc?

I have never been asked for my passport other than at the airport. It wouldn't surprise me if hotels are supposed to ask to see them, but that's never happened to me. At cambios, I have used my driver's license as a photo ID. So I don't carry my passport around with me, but keep it in the hotel safe. My driver's license is plastic so less likely to get damaged.

I travel with a photocopy of my passport and my itinerary in each piece of luggage, including carryons. Having the photocopy will help should you lose your passport.

[groove16]

absolutely not...lock it up when u get there, ...we have a copy handy, u will only need it if u rent something, or purchase a sim card for phone, or something like that....we never carry any id, and a trip back to the room if we ever needed it...maybe 3 times in 11 trips...lol

As a newbie getting ready for her first trip to Jamaica- first trip out of the US really, aside from Cabo and a couple of cruises... I am NOT well versed on out of country travel. I truly appreciate all insight and tips here on this forum. I have what is probably a stupid question, but... here goes anyway. I've read that you must carry your US passport with you at all times while in Jamaica. Well if that's the case, I don't see people carrying their passports while swimming. I've heard some people say carry a photocopy, others say photocopies will do you no good, but keep a photocopy somewhere safe in case your passport gets stolen. What's the real deal here... passports necessary while you're out and about, whether swimming/walking the beach/going to dinner, etc?