I will be in Jamaica soon.. any last minute advice?

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stingjam

JAMAICA IS A COMPLICATED PLACE.

Most of the negative comments here come from pretentious oversimplications. Here are some real tips:

1. Marijuana is ILLEGAL in Jamaica. If here for spring break you should understand that its available, but in any case where it is used or sold in public you are basically taking a RISK, and asking the police to turn a blind eye. Some of them might not.

2. If making excursions beyond the tourist resorts, do so in groups and ensure that someone in the group has properly checked the security of the adventure. Its not that you are 'highly likely to be robbed'. The problem is the complexity of the place. Making a wrong turn can multiply your security risk really fast.

3. (Noting the above) Take the time to inform your self about safety risks, including streets that are narrow without sidewalks, and not just the usual robbery risks people think about. The deeper you travel, the more you need to know about what you are doing. i think this is an international RULE about being a tourist.

4. Imported items such as beers cost more here because of shipping costs, tariffs and generally 'supply and demand issues'. Most beers manufactured here are affordably priced - Hieneken, Guinness, Redstripe are popular beers that have local brewing plants. Just like in Las Vegas, you pay more for everything in the tourist areas.

5. Most jamaicans in general are NOT resentful of Americans. You are a customer (just like any other international visitor). They want your money to earn their living. Our economy would love you to spend all your cash here and leave with just your departure tax. lol. Infact, please remember the tagline too - For everything else there is Mastercard.

On the downside of this are some who will try to use illegal or unpleasant ways to coerce or to take your money. This is not 'personal' and its not 'accepted' by our society but it happens from time to time. Being aware and informed is the best defense.

Enjoy your trip. Enjoy reggae music. Do everything in moderation. Carry a cheap, disposible camera and take many pictures.

Sherona B

Just have fun and contrary to what some people r saying, Jamaican's do not resent Americans, at least not for the USD. If there is ANY resentment, it is more likely because of the arrogance many Americans come to the Island with. Jamaican people are VERY PROUD and if u act condescending towards us then u we WILL NOT LET IT SLIDE. Generally Jamaicans are quite eager to please and feels very PROUD when we think that tourists are enjoying and love our island as much as we do. Be as cautious and careful as you would going to any strange place. It makes absolutely no sense as far as i am concerned to stay within the confines of the resort, u need to carefully explore the island. And again we cannot stress it anymore, Marijuana, though readily available on the island is NOT LEGAL. U can really get into some deep **** if u get caught with it. ENJOY UR STAY!

Secret

Americans are resented world wide these days... and its your governments fault... in fact Jamaica is probably your biggest / only fan!

I tell u what turns off Jamaicas... uppity tourist that scoff and dont want to be touched by the locals... we scorn scorn! and since we are not good at hypocracy... it is all over our face!

But nice people, curious about our culture... we celebrate them... and go out of our way for them. We are natural hosts.

It is true if u lay yourself careless you may get robbed... but that is the risk a tourist must be aware of everywhere.... in fact, at the Vatican, getting robbed is almost a pre requisite... but i swear our tourist either dont think of this or have never traveled to europe (yes im snobbing!)

My advise is... take a tour out of the hotel... seen one beach seen them all. Go to some hot spots and some off the beaten track.. get the tour person at the hotel to help you... be specific about your interests... if u can imagine it... its here!

dont stick to the hotel jamerican food either... try to go to a jamaican resteraunt

ocho rios bibibips or the jerk centre
negril cosmos
mobay scottchies or native

a margaritaville is a good place to mingle a bit in a cross over environment (mix of tourist and locals)

find a river... any river.... Ocho rios has 8 and dunns river is popular.

Find a botanical garden... you have never seen these flowers...

Experience some art (and i dont mean the ridiculously huge "membered" statues in fern gully) I mean some gallery with at least prints of the modern and contemporary artists.

Buy some music, learn to dance reggae and drink beer, liquors or rum... leave the merlot, chardinnay and zhinphadel or Bud for when u get home

If you want weed... go to amsterdam where it is legal :) or be a fugitive in Jamaica!!

... and feel alright!

dENISE D

On a lighter note.............You might want to bring some Off or other bug spray. They have these little sand fleas or black flies that seem to just love to munch on me. They don't seem to bother Hubby that much so maybe it's just me. Sunscreen is a must and it's rather expensive at the resorts.

I'm sure you'll have a great time. Pack your manners too, I hate the way some visitors behave sometimes. Wish I knew where you are staying, maybe I'd have more advice for you. Have you been to tripadvisor.com? Reviews from people who have just returned can give you an idea of what to expect.

Keisha

Take bug spray the mosquito's can be unforgiving

Be aware of your surroundings in the same manner you would in any strange city

Do try to experience the real Jamaica outside the resort attractions

Be friendly but do not be afraid to be firm if necessary

Eat the local cuisine

Ask your hotel for the attractions in the area you are staying

Have a great time

K

elizadushku1

Yes fasten your seatbelt.

NONAME

don't take the purple acid

HandyMan

Can you bring a package back for me?

Andrea H

YES KEEP OFF THE GANJA MAN lol.otherwise stay in the resort ,don't go wondering around alone at night or in the day for that fact,and other than that enjoy you're holiday.

Leon B

If you're on a cruise, you may be warned that certain things (e.g., pot) are legal in Jamaica but are not ok once you're back on the boat. Take that warning seriously, if you decide to take advantage of the opportunity.

I understand that Jamaicans, as a whole, are very resentful of Americans--not that they resent us per se, but that they resent American money. Can't say I blame them. I don't know if you're from the US or not (if not, this may or may not apply to you). I've heard that they jack up prices for things Americans typically buy--so, if you're buying beer, Budweiser will cost a LOT more than Red Stripe.

Trojan Girl

My advice is: Beware of the STDs out there and make sure you party in safe places. Make sure to call your significant other and don't use any drugs.

Veteran Voter

Don't leave the resort area. The locals that work the resorts may love you but the rest don't

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