Jamaica / Security

When visiting Jamaica you should take the normal sensible precautions, as you would anywhere in the world nowadays, including the UK and USA. It is a good idea to be careful who you associate with – just as you would at home, for instance. The people that get in trouble in Jamaica tend to be the ones that mix with the wrong crowd. 

You can expect to be hustled in some of the main resort towns in Jamaica. While it can be trying and even unpleasant sometimes, it is generally not dangerous in the tourist areas. Be more careful if you are approached off the main drag. Hustlers will offer a mind-boggling array of services, from a ready-rolled spliff to an aloe massage, a box of fruits from the market or even a bus tour. While some are trying to make a little money on an innocent errand, others would be quite happy to run off with your money, so you are very strongly advised not to part with any money that you are not happy to lose. They can be very persuasive as well as persistent, so if you want a hustler to leave you alone then you will have to be as persistent as they are, offering a polite but firm no until they give up and go away. 

The use of non-prescription drugs in Jamaica is against the law, despite an impression that smoking ganja might be the norm. In practice you will be offered a range of drugs in the tourist centres. The risks are clear though, and foreigners are occasionally sent to prison for drugs offences. 

Remember not leave doors or windows open at night or when you go out during the day and do not leave valuable items, such as your camera, visible from outside. The same goes for items left in cars. Also, do not leave valuables unattended on the beach. If driving at night, do not stop for anyone that you don’t know, and it is a good idea to keep your car doors locked in Kingston. You are advised not to walk around alone in Kingston at night.