Montego Bay Warnings and Dangers

The sun is really strong in Jamaica and if you have been hibernating all winter and are pasty white like me, you can get burnt pretty quickly. The 1st day, I swear I got burnt just walking the length of the beach which can't be more than 15 minutes. I've given up on trying to tan and slather 50 SPF sunblock over every inch of my body, spend most of my time under a beach umbrella and still manage to get a few burnt spots, make sure you reapply frequently if you are in the water. Don't forget the top of your head which can burn as well, I always bring along a light colored hat to wear to keep my part from burning.

Another danger in the sun, especially if you are enjoying the all inclusive heavily rum fortified drinks, is dehydration. Make sure to drink plenty of water.

When we got off the Suncat to do some shopping near Margheritaville, we were offered drugs at least twice in five minutes! We found it very distressing, as a man followed us saying "I got sth for ya". We didn't even look at him, but he kept insisting till a guy (I think it was someone from the shop) asked him to go away. So do be careful while walking around the city.

In the last few years Jamaica has made a cross country highway. There are hardly any signs informing you of the speed (I can't remember any). The point is that on any smooth road, guys like myself like to put the foot on the accelerator. DON'T! There are cops lurking in wait to catch you in the act. Like Britain it is a stealth tax, a means of making money for the government. Unlike Britain it comes without the warning of a yellow speed camera or speed limit signs. Most will write you a ticket but there are some who will ask you the very interesting question, "What can you do for yourself?", meaning "How much are you willing to give me to avoid a ticket?"

To all my USA travelers, when going here or anywhere in Jamaica for that matter. Please travel as light as you can. When you get there, keep a keen eye on all your luggage and keep them close at hand. The contents are easy resale items. When you arrive to your hotel, have things like your ID and passport put away and do not walk with them. They are hot items to the locals to steal. I am sure no one wants a great trip ruined by theft.

One of the scams seems to be for the person that inspects your car when you return it to the rental office to say you have damaged it. We were accused of causing body damage when there obviously was none.
Lucky for us we had taken photos of the car before we left the lot and on the return.
The photos showed the insurance company that there was no damage done and it was dropped.

Locals are always trying to sell you drugs and always try to get you in their shops.

Honestly, if you don't like that, then don't go off the resort. We went off the resort and many people tried to sell us stuff and it was really hard to feel comfortable.

i dont know where i picked up the bug/ parasite. It is 11 days after returning and i still have diarrhea. Take immodium along to stop the diarrhea for a while. Dont know if there are vaccinations that you can have before you go.

Like always in jamaican biggest cities be carefull in downtown, specially if you are a tourist.
Try not to walk alone, specially at night.
For more information have a look in my "Warning or Danger Tips" from Kingston and Negril.