Question 1

What is the "Fake Marijuana / Reggae "Tour" Solicitation" scam in Ocho Rios?

Accepted Answer

Touts on Main Street offer "ganja tours" or pressure tourists to buy marijuana, sometimes followed by a coordinated "police" intervention demanding USD bribes (the "police" are accomplices). Decline all street offers of cannabis. Jamaican law allows possession of up to 2 oz only with a license; tourists are not exempt. Any "police" demanding cash is a scam — request to go to a station.

Question 2

What is the "Craft Market Aggressive Markup" scam in Ocho Rios?

Accepted Answer

Vendors in the Ocho Rios craft markets (Main Street, Pineapple Place) quote starting prices 5-10x the actual sale price, especially to identifiable cruise passengers. Some refuse to let you leave the stall until you "make an offer." Bargain to 20-30% of the opening price, walk away if pressured. The same items are available at multiple stalls — competition is your leverage.

Question 3

What is the "Beach "Free" Aloe Massage" scam in Ocho Rios?

Accepted Answer

Beach vendors approach tourists offering a "free" 30-second aloe shoulder massage that turns into a 20-40 USD demand once they''ve started. Some wrap braids into your hair you didn''t ask for and demand payment. Politely refuse all touch from beach vendors before it begins. If they start anyway, walk away — there''s no obligation to pay.

Street Scams in Ocho Rios

Fake Marijuana / Reggae "Tour" Solicitation

Craft Market Aggressive Markup

Beach "Free" Aloe Massage

Experienced a scam here?