Tips on Montego Bay Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Montego Bay Warnings and Dangers

Montego Bay is a popular tourist destination in Jamaica with beautiful beaches and exquisite hotels. However, like many tourists destinations, there are dangers and warnings that visitors to Montego Bay should familiarize themselves with before traveling.

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Stay on the Resorts or Hire a Driver

It’s not a good idea to venture out on your own in Montego Bay. Locals are always pushing to sell you something (drugs or jewelry, for example) and there is crime away from the tourist sites.

Many hotels offer excursion tours with buses that ride to and from the destination such as Dunn River falls—a must see—and the Aqua Sol theme park. This allows you to travel with a large group of people and avoid dangerous areas of the city.

If you do want to travel around Montego Bay without going on excursions from your hotel, hire a driver. Drivers will show you the sites and help keep you safe in dangerous areas or situations.

Sun, Sand, and Dehydration

The sun is strong in Montego Bay. If you are not used to it, you’re bound to burn on the beach and ruin your vacation. Apply sunscreen as often as every hour to keep your skin healthy. Drink plenty of bottled water to avoid heat stroke.

If you’re drinking sweet rum cocktails on the beach all day, remember to supplement it the bottled water. You can become very dehydrated, causing sickness and fatigue.

Food and Water

Sometimes when your digestive system is introduced to a different area of the world you can develop a bug or contract a parasite that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Eat food that’s properly prepared and cooked through. Consider purchasing and drinking bottled water rather than local tap water. This is less of a concern in tourist areas and hotels.

Pushy Vendors and Drug Dealers

Everywhere you turn in Montego Bay, you are greeted with a swath of locals selling everything from hair braids and pictures to drugs like marijuana. These sellers can be very rude when you turn them down. However, be firm and keep turning them down; otherwise they will not stop. Aggressive behavior from these vendors can ruin your vacation.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Montego Bay Things to Do – Attractions & Must See
• Montego Bay Nightlife – Clubs, Bars & Nightlife Tips
• Montego Bay Shopping – Shops, Stores, Best Buys & Inside Tips

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Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about dangers and warnings in Montego Bay.