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While Jamaica's murder rate is undeniably high - the average
is about a thousand per year - the JTB is keen to stress
that you are more likely to be mugged in
New York than Montego Bay. Nonetheless,
robberies, assaults and other crimes against tourists do
occasionally occur, and it's wise to apply the
precautions you'd take in any foreign city.
Hustling
can be a major annoyance in Jamaica. Especially in Montego
Bay, young hopefuls aggressively (or humorously) accost
foreigners in the street with offers of transport, ganja,
aloe massages, hair-braiding and crafts.
While an inevitable few street touts see tourists as easy
prey for exploitation, most are just trying to make a living
in an economically deprived country. Best advice is to keep
things in perspective and employ a dash of humor.
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Though tourism officials are loath to acknowledge it, many
people do come to Jamaica in search of what aficionados
agree is some of the finest marijuana in the world. If
you're fairly young, expect to be offered ganja in
the tourist areas; if you're not interested, calmly and
firmly refuse.
Bear in mind, too, that the possession, use, export or
attempted smuggling of any quantity of ganja is against
the law in Jamaica and carries stiff penalties.
The emergency number for the Jamaican police is 119.
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Jamaica
Travel Guide
Montego Bay, Kingston, Ocho Rios, Negril, Blue Mountains, Portland
Caribbean Travel Guide
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