As in other parts of Jamaica, visitors to Ocho Rios will receive a lot of attention from street vendors of all sorts and may also encounter petty thieves and con artists. The government has taken steps to improve conditions for travelers: Members of the Jamaica Defense Force are now stationed in Ocho Rios and other resort areas, where they assist the regular police in keeping the peddlers, pushers and thieves away from tourists.
A few precautions will increase your odds of avoiding trouble. Don't wear jewelry, don't leave valuables in your rental car and don't flash large quantities of cash. It's best to carry your belongings in a money belt or zippered tote.
Don't walk alone on dark streets at night, pick up hitchhikers or go off to "experience the real Jamaica" with someone unknown to you. Use only licensed taxi and tour services (and don't agree to unscheduled taxi stops for shopping).
Don't be surprised if you're offered drugs. No matter what you've heard, drugs such as marijuana and cocaine are illegal, and you could be fined and/or imprisoned if caught with these substances.
Dos & Don'ts
Do walk facing oncoming traffic to avoid accidents.
Don't be surprised by the language; the locals speak in a sometimes-confusing mixture of English and patois.
Do expect to hear "no problem," "irie," "cool" and "yah, mon" quite often.
Don't wander around town without being appropriately covered.
Do expect searing heat, even if it's late in the year.
Don't wander off the beaten track with unknown individuals.
