Travel Tips

Information regarding flying in and out of Montego Bay, Jamaica

Terminals

MBJ has only one terminal


Immigration

You are required to complete an online immigration form prior to arrival. There is no cost. A confirmation will be sent to your email.  Have this ready on your phone when you arrive. The first step after arriving is entering you information at the immigration kiosks.  Once completed, it will print out your visa which you will need to keep with you.


Link: https://www.enterjamaica.gov.jm/

Customs

After you pick up your bags from luggage claim, you will head to the customs area. 

Once in the customs area, you may or not be inspected by the officers. 


Arrivals Area

Once you exit customs you will be in the main arrivals area of the airport.  Most transportation companies have a counter who will then take you to your driver.  Your trip documents will specify which company you will be traveling with.

Once outside and you are waiting for your driver, there are bars and vendors available.  Most transportation companies we use will have a complimentary beer on board, but many resorts are a long drive if you want to stock up!

Club Mobay

MBJ offers a VIP arrival and/or departure service. Someone will meet you at the plane to help you through the arrival process. They will handle getting your bags and will expedite you through immigration and customs. You will then have access to their lounge before meeting your transportation.  For departure, you will have access to the lounge for complimentary beverages and snacks. 

This is not included with your trip. See link below for more info.

https://booking.vipattractions.com/

Packing

January 30, 2026
Packing Tips on what and what not to bring

Resort Stay

September 15, 2025
Tips while staying at the resort.

TQO - Tulum Airport

September 5, 2025
Terminals There is only one terminal at TQO.

PUJ - Punta Cana Airport

By Stephen Couch • August 15, 2025
Information regarding traveling in and out of Punta Cana

SJD - Cabo San Lucas Airport

By Stephen Couch • August 15, 2025
Terminals The Cabo San Lucas airport has only one terminal. Immigration There are no forms to fill out when you arrive. Simply present your passport and boarding pass to the officer. Customs After you pick up your bags from luggage claim, you will exit to the customs area. You are required to fill out a customs declaration form. They have them available at the line entrance. When you approach the officer, they will have you press a button. If you get the green light, you may proceed. If you get the red, then you will be taken back for additional screening.

CUN - Cancun Airport

By Stephen Couch • August 1, 2025
Information regarding flying in and out of Cancun International Airport.

Why we don't prefer Frontier Airlines

October 4, 2024
Frontier Airlines - Fees and possible issues

Resort Dining

October 4, 2024
Resort Dining

Choosing a room category

October 4, 2024
Room categories vary by name at each resort but typically fall into the following categories. Keep in mind you will not be spending the majority of your time in the room. Standard rooms have a sitting area, TV, mini fridge, safe, closet, hair dryer, balcony/patio, and coffee/expresso maker. Room categories Tropical/Garden View - Usually ground or second floor and not really a view of anything. Cheapest, but consider its less steps to get to. Swim-up - Not all resorts have these, but your room will have direct access to a private pool. Ocean View - In most cases this means you are able to see the ocean in some way. It might be just a glimpse through the trees or an adjacent building. Very deceptive and usually not worth it. Ocean Front - If an ocean view from your room is important, then this is the best option. They are located in the buildings closest to the beach. Family suites - These include two bedrooms and it's a good option for those traveling with children. Not all resorts have these, contact us and we can give you some recommendations. Master and Presidential Suites - These are suites with a living room and separate bedroom. They can get pretty extravagant depending on the resort but so does the price tag. VIP service - Most brands offer some type of VIP package. This could mean better room categories or locations, access to special lounges and restaurants, and other amenities. We will give you our honest opinion if we think it's worth it at your resort. Tips Let the staff know what beverages you would like to have stocked in your mini fridge. Housekeeping will clean your room while you are out for the day.

Our guide to tipping

September 30, 2024
Most resorts state that gratuities are not required. While this is true, we always recommend tipping. The average resort employee makes less than $10 a day so you can see what a few dollars here and there can mean to them. Below is a general guide for when we tip and the general amounts. Transfer driver - $20-40 depending on the total distance of the drive and driver courtesy. (each way) Bellman - $5-10 Breakfast - $2-3 Lunch - $3-5 Dinner - $10-20 depending on the type of dinner and service. Bartenders/Servers - While we don't tip on every drink, a dollar here and there is appreciated. Consider laying down a five or ten if you plan on being at a bar for a couple hours or more. Pool attendant/concierge - Not all resorts have these but tipping them can be crucial if you want prime real estate at the pool. $10-20 on the first day may secure your chairs for the week! Housekeeping - $2-3 per day. Be sure to leave this on the bed. Butler/Concierge - If a resort provides this service, then tip on the service provided. If they only introduce themselves and you never see them again, don't tip at all. If they have gone all out, leave a hefty one on departure. I've never done more than $100 though. Airport baggage porters - $5-10. At the airport you might be approached by porters wanting to take your bags. We used to think this was a scam but have recently realized it's well worth the tip. They will help you navigate your way through the airport chaos and will help you find your driver on arrival or check in to your flight faster when leaving. Here's some other pointers regarding tipping For a seven night trip we recommend bringing $500 in cash broken up by denomination. $150 in ones, $150 in fives, $100 in tens and $100 in twenties. We always come back with spare money but it's best to have more than not enough. ATM's come with hefty fees abroad. Not all tips have to be money. Consider leaving items for staff if you think they would like or need them. For example, the people in the Dominican Republic are huge baseball fans. Leaving them a cup with an MLB logo on it can mean a lot to them or their children. Also mentioning by them by name in a review can get them rewarded by the resort. Carry a cheap wallet for cash in your beach bag, leave the real one in your safe. Slipping a few dollars in your waterproof phone case is also helpful while at the swim up bar.