"Jamaica is my home, my birthplace, my true North. I was born on the island in the 90s and spent my childhood catching hermit crabs next to the ocean, climbing trees to pick mangoes during the intense summer heat, and sneaking away from my parents’ gaze to spend time petting and feeding stray dogs – much to their dismay.

Unfortunately, I parted ways with my beautiful home at the age of eight because my Hungarian father found work opportunities back on his home continent. Despite having spent most of my life away from Jamaica, the smell of the ocean, the feeling of the Caribbean sun on my skin, and the warmth of the smiles of strangers passing one another in the street was never far away from my mind or my heart. Despite moving to London, and now living in Austria, I try to go back to Jamaica as often as possible. My family still has a house there in my hometown of Ocho Rios, a special town about which we will learn more later.

I am now training to be a psychoanalyst in Vienna. The winters here are harsh, but the knowledge that what I learn here may someday help to uplift the people – my people – back home in Jamaica makes the slight discomfort worth it. I still feel an intense connection to my country of birth. The food, the music, the culture and the spirit of the people is something that never leaves your soul, no matter where you’re from."

Gina Hargitay

As a whole, the police in Jamaica are friendly and helpful. So long as you’re respectful, they will be too, and they are generally very welcoming of foreigners.

Like in many countries, police in Jamaica are underpaid and overworked. As a result, it is not uncommon that they would accept a bribe to get out of a speeding ticket or some other such misdemeanour. However, the police themselves are not the ones who initiate this, and tend to uphold the law, especially in the presence of tourists. Should you break the law, you will be held accountable, but it is unlikely that you will be specifically or unjustly targeted by a police officer.

Most encounters with the police happen whilst driving. As well as strict policing of speed, random stops and searches can occur. This is no cause for alarm. Provided you show respect, have the appropriate documentation for yourself and your vehicle, and have not committed a crime, you will most likely be sent on your way without an issue.

Jamaica

Police in Jamaica: What's the Stance?

Renting a car is the most ideal option for a trip to Jamaica. You can arrange a car rental online at jamaicacarrentals.com and the car can be picked up and dropped off at the airport. Renting a car for two weeks will cost around 800USD. Public transport can be unreliable and confusing and the majority of locals own cars themselves or take taxis to get around. Taxis are a viable option but not the public taxis you see on the roads; only take taxis from a trusted company or by recommendation of a local. The best way to find one is to ask the front desk at your hotel or contact your Airbnb host.


Uber is available, but not very popular, so can’t be relied upon everywhere on the island. Additionally, there is a bus service called the Knutsford Express. This service travels between all the major cities in Jamaica and is the only bus service advised for tourist use.

Without a car of your own, getting to the more remote parts of the island can be difficult. Taking local buses is not recommended for tourists. On top of being unreliable, they can also be unsafe depending on the area, and especially after nightfall. Befriending a trusted taxi driver recommended by someone at your accommodation is a good idea, they may be willing to take you long distances. This is also the best option for getting back to the airport for your departure.


The most popular and safest way to get to and from the airport is by “Juta”, these are private minibus taxis that are always around the arrivals area. A Juta from the airport to your hotel (if it is in the same town) should cost less than 15 USD.

What's the Deal On Transport in Jamaica?

Whilst Jamaica’s political past affects its present in the form of gang wars, these are localised to certain areas – mainly ghettos – where the everyday traveller is unlikely (and not recommended) to go. Moreover, supporters of the two political parties, the People’s National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) tend to have rivalries. These can be especially explosive around election times. Nevertheless, this is again something that mainly affects locals. People visiting Jamaica are unlikely to be caught up in any such tensions and general questions travellers may have will not be met with hostility.

What's the Political Situation like in Jamaica?

First and foremost: water. Whilst it is unlikely that you will get sick from drinking the tap water in Jamaica, it is recommended that you filter it first. Most restaurants offer filtered water for free. Otherwise, buying bottled water is the way to go. There are a number of locally bottled brands, the best and most delicious of which is Catherine’s Peak.


Aside from water, stay hydrated with rum punch (fruit punch with a rather strong dose of rum). Jamaican rum is excellent and you will most certainly want to buy a few bottles to bring home with you at the duty-free store at the airport. The best dark rum is made by a brand called Appleton, who have a variety of different ages and blends. Wray and Nephew is the brand you want for white rum, it is famous both for its flavour and strength – be warned! Rum tends to be the leading act in most local cocktails. For those looking for something a little less distilled, most restaurants offer a delicious fruit punch, made from fresh local fruits such as banana and papaya. All the flavour without the hangover.

As for food, when it comes to Jamaican cuisine, you will not be disappointed. Jamaica is famous for its jerk chicken: chicken slow cooked on a bed of coals slathered in the most delicious spice blend. It's a must-have with a side of festival, a sweet and savoury fried dumpling. There are jerk-centres scattered throughout the island, you just have to ask someone for the nearest, and everything on the menu is worth a try. Try Chelsea Jerk when in Kingston, and Ultimate Jerk Centre in Discovery Bay on the north coast. You can pick up a meal for around five dollars.


With a large Rastafari community, Jamaica tends to be very vegetarian friendly, so veggie options are easy to find, just look out for "Ital" food. The Rastafari way of cooking and eating places emphasis on health and excludes meat. For a great Ital meal visit Calabash Ital restaurant in the heart of Ocho Rios.

Another must-try is our national dish, ackee and saltfish. Ackee is a yellow fruit with an indescribable savoury taste and a texture similar to avocado. Together with salted cod and various veggies and herbs, this dish is a winner for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Seafood in general is delicious and extremely fresh. Try red snapper cooked escovitch style; the fish is fried and topped with pickled onions, carrots and hot-peppers.

Street food is both safe and delicious. There are always vendors on the street selling a variety of foods like peppered shrimp, drum pan chicken, seasonal fruit and local snacks. They are usually super friendly and nine times out of ten they are willing to give you a good deal if you buy enough.

Something that is an absolute must try is patty! A Jamaican patty is a pocket of flaky, crunchy pastry with various savoury fillings. The classic filling is beef, but there's a huge variety to choose from. There are various chains of patty shops throughout the island, the two most popular are Tastee and Juici.

Where to Eat and Drink in Jamaica

Recreational drugs are illegal in Jamaica, and contrary to popular belief, that includes marijuana. Whilst marijuana is largely decriminalised, it is not legalised, meaning that being found with a small amount will generally result in a small fine. Nevertheless, should you choose to consume weed during your trip to Jamaica it is recommended that you are discreet about your consumption. The consumption of weed is generally looked down upon by the Christian Jamaican society.

Nevertheless, whether you are looking for it or not, weed will find you. Tourists are offered weed on a regular basis. It is generally of good quality and safe to consume. Other drugs, however, are not. Whilst one may come across party drugs in Kingston clubs, it is difficult to know whether the quality can be trusted. Additionally, being caught with such drugs by the police can carry heavy penalties, including jail time. For both your safety and liberty, it is better to stick to weed.

The Lowdown on Drugs in Jamaica 

As a predominantly Black country, POC travellers are unlikely to face the kind of racial prejudice they might encounter in predominantly white societies. Nevertheless, there are some racial issues to be aware of.


In Jamaica, there is the prevailing misconception that all white people, as well as most foreigners who travel to Jamaica for holidays, are wealthy. Locals will assume travellers have disposable income and are therefore likely to overcharge you for goods and services or straight up ask you for financial support. It is difficult to avoid this, as without previous experience it can be difficult to determine whether or not you are being overcharged. It’s worth keeping in mind the general prices you encounter in order to make comparisons and have an idea of average prices for things such as street food. Also, there are many people begging in the streets, especially in the city. If you are white or you stand out as a foreigner, it is guaranteed that you will be the first to be approached for money.


Jamaica, like many former colonies, experiences prevailing colourism, meaning that even within the Black race there is a hierarchy based on skin colour. So much so that many Jamaicans bleach their skin in order to appear lighter, which is often seen as synonymous with being more attractive.


As someone of a mixed background, having a white European father and a Black Jamaican mother, as well as often being treated as a foreigner myself, I have seen these issues in action as well as having experienced them personally.

What are Racial Politics like in Jamaica?

Your safety during your trip largely depends on where you go. Generally during the daylight hours and in most areas you will be safe, but crime has risen in Jamaica in recent years. Nevertheless, Jamaica thrives on tourism; so, the touristic areas are especially well protected and tourists can generally enjoy a larger degree of safety.

Kingston, Spanish Town and Montego Bay have the highest crime rates, with both violent and non-violent crimes on the rise. In these areas it is advised to move between your accommodation and the place you would like to visit (museum, restaurant, bar, theatre, etc) by car or taxi. Spanish Town should be avoided. Check with your hotel or host before visiting a place to ensure it is not in a dangerous neighbourhood. Avoid walking from place to place.

In other areas of the island safety is not as big of an issue, especially in the resort areas and hotels where there are security measures in place. Nevertheless, it is important to be circumspect, to always travel in groups and to seek guidance from your hotel or host about the areas you intend to visit and how you intend to move around.

You can still travel to Jamaica and soak up the legendary culture and history that created icons such as Bob Marley and Marcus Garvey; you just need to be cautious, be aware of your surroundings and avoid taking unnecessary risks with your safety.

Jamaica: The Safety Guide

Solo travel in Jamaica is not advised, unless you are travelling there to meet up with a larger group. For women, travelling in pairs (at the very least) is advised, or preferably within a larger group. Women receive a lot of attention in Jamaica and travelling alone or in a pair as a female could put you in danger of harassment or assault.

Backpacking in general, especially alone, is also not advised. Without intimate knowledge of the country and which areas could present a risk to your safety, moving around alone without your own vehicle is generally not considered to be a good idea. Accepting rides from strangers is also advised against.

People are extremely friendly in day-to-day interactions. So much so that it is normal for strangers to greet one another as they pass by. As a foreigner, people are very likely to be curious about your home and life or invite you to places. In such a case it would be better to ensure a meeting in public places until you are sure about the person’s intentions.

A Guide to Solo Travel in Jamaica

Social etiquette in Jamaica is similar to those of the general West. In the resort areas it is not uncommon for people to walk around in swimsuits and cover ups. In the city, or in more formal settings such as restaurants, one is expected to be fully dressed. There is no general social or cultural etiquette that prevents revealing clothing such as short skirts or crop tops. It is very normal to see people dressed this way, especially due to the warm climate. It should be noted, however, that the men in Jamaica are very forward. As a woman, wearing revealing clothing will not go unnoticed by the men around you. It is common for men to approach you in order to comment on your beauty or attire and the male gaze is unavoidable. These encounters are generally not meant in an aggressive manner; however, it may be uncomfortable for someone who is used to more subtle attention.

Generally, there is no issue with drinking in public, however being publicly (and obviously) drunk is considered rude or antisocial. Subtle public displays of affection are also of no issue, hand-holding and a passing kiss is of no consequence, but anything more than that is not well looked upon.

Jamaica: The Cultural Codes and Etiquette 

Little is known about the island’s early history; Jamaica's native population, the Taínos Arawaks, did not survive past two hundred years of Spanish discovery and subsequent invasion in 1494. All that is left of them is the island’s original name, 

 is a corruption. The British captured Jamaica from the Spanish in 1645. Both colonising powers replaced the rapidly dwindling indigenous population with African slave labour and the next two centuries saw Jamaica become one of the most important colonies in the British empire for the trading of slaves, and the production of sugar, cocoa and coffee.

The Taínos and Arawak are indigenous tribes of Jamaica and “First People”.

The brutality and inhumanity of this slavery has had great impacts on the psyche of Jamaicans today, passed down in the form of transgenerational trauma. A small handful of these scars include high rates of depression, denigration of youth, distrust of authority, homophobia, colourism and a phenomenon now identified as Post-Traumatic Slave Syndrome.

The lack of compensation given to former slaves after slavery’s abolition directly contributed to the poverty and uneven distribution of wealth seen in the country today. Former slave-owners on the island were compensated for their loss of human property, whilst the slaves themselves were given no support or infrastructure, meaning that most had to go back to working for former masters for almost nothing.

Despite these hardships, the spirit of the Jamaican people has prevailed. What was once a population of rebellious slaves who refused to ever stop fighting for their freedom has grown into a population of resilient minds who continue to seek a better life. This hardship and hope can be heard through our music, specifically reggae, which has touched every corner of the world and millions of hearts across it. Reggae speaks to the injustices of the past and present, but teaches us to keep fighting for a brighter future and to rise above the immorality that has haunted the region’s past. The Jamaican fighting spirit and the strength to overcome adversity is what has led to the success of our athletes and musicians and created strong voices against oppression such as Marcus Garvey, a key player in the Civil Rights Movement. It is what drove Jamaicans to fight for their independence from the British and win it in 1964. It is a spirit that is still felt throughout the island today.

Jamaica: The Cultural History 

You step out of the sliding double doors at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, the warm breeze gently kisses your face, you smell the ocean, the crowd in front of you is filled with smiling faces awaiting their loved ones. To the left you see a wooden stall painted in red, green and gold selling coconuts; your first introduction to the abundance of fresh seasonal fruit you’ll soon feast on. To your right, a row of shops selling fresh fruit juice and Jamaican food. The best food is yet to come, but this is a soft and satisfying introduction. Welcome to Jamaica.

Arriving in Kingston will be a similar experience to arriving in Montego Bay, but only until you leave the airport and make your way into the town. Kingston is a big city. It is the hub for business, banking and the arts, with all the hustle and bustle (not to mention bumper to bumper traffic) one would expect of a capital city. Montego Bay is far more touristic. These two locations represent a small insight into the variety of terrain and experiences that Jamaica has to offer. Although Jamaica is best known as a beach holiday destination, there is so much more to it. Aptly named “The Land of Wood and Water'' by its original inhabitants, the Arawaks, Jamaica also offers rivers, waterfalls, mountains, rainforest and even swamps.

One thing that cannot go unnoticed is the vibration of the Jamaican people as a whole. Despite the poverty that affects the majority of the country, most people have smiles on their faces and a joke to tell. Jamaica is a place that, despite its dark history, fights for hope. Jamaicans are a people born of struggle, but they are also always hoping and pushing for a better life. You can hear it in the reggae music, you can see it in the way our athletes push themselves to be the best and you can experience it in the way we make light in the darkest moments. It’s truly a magical place.

Jamaica: A Local’s Guide

Jamaica is my home, my birthplace, my true North. I was born on the island in the 90s and spent my childhood catching hermit crabs next to the ocean, climbing trees to pick mangoes during the intense summer heat, and sneaking away from my parents’ gaze to spend time petting and feeding stray dogs – much to their dismay.

I am now training to be a psychoanalyst in Vienna. The winters here are harsh, but the knowledge that what I learn here may someday help to uplift the people – my people – back home in Jamaica makes the slight discomfort worth it. I still feel an intense connection to my country of birth. The food, the music, the culture and the spirit of the people is something that never leaves your soul, no matter where you’re from.


Check out Gina's favourite spots in Jamaica below

A reaaaally good ital place. They do the most delicious breakfasts and ackee sandwiches... 

Is a bit overrated, but they do really have a beautiful sunset view.


Jamaica Inn is also a beautiful (but quite expensive) hotel with beach access. 

Inside the Island Village is a must. It's a Jamaican brand of Ice cream that originated from Devon House in Kingston and it's my favourite. 

Also come here for the freshest seafood. Both locations are right next to the water with fresh caught fish served then and there.

It is this cool place with lots of rivers and waterfalls and you can cliff jump and stuff. 


I've actually never been but i've heard good things, I would say it's worth a visit. 

Sugar pot beach is the place on that end of the island where my friends and family usually go, it's quite beautiful. 