Just got back from cruise (10/4-10/11) on Freedom. In Ocho Rios, Jamaica we did the Sky Explorer and Dunns River Falls excursion thru Carnival. Climbed the falls and rode lift to top of Mystic Mountain. Ate at restaurant up there and shopped in gift shop. Friends with us did same and used her debit card at gift shop and restaurant. When got back home and checked bank balance discovered that her debit card number had been used for internet purchase in amount of $725.00 in Montego Bay the day after we left Ocho Rios. She will get her money back after a lot of paper work, time and inconvenience. She contacted Carnival to let them know but wanted to let other cruisers know.
Beware of Jamaica
- Thread starter osbeach
- Start date
HoustonTodd
Massage Therapist
That's not just Jamaica, that is any foreign travel, and particualrly impoverished areas, that you want to beware of using credit/debit cards. I spent 2 summers in Israel and Jordan among other areas of the middle east. Guess what? With some exceptions, you want to not use credit/debit there either. I wouldn't use credit anywhere in the islands frankly. Take cash along for spending, it's safer.
Sorry about the trouble your friend experienced though. At least they will be getting their money back.
Sorry about the trouble your friend experienced though. At least they will be getting their money back.
I can't believe how much some people depend on their credit cards when they travel. If they see something for a few dollars they can't really buy it from a street vendor.
I learned my lesson years ago not to trust salespeople in foreign countries with my credit card. I once bought several pieces of jewelry in a nice jewelry store but when I got home
I complained about the over charged on my credit card. My credit card company punished them by asking for all of my money back. Every time I look at a beautiful gold ring that I bought it reminds me of how I got the ring for free because the salesman was greedy.
I felt sorry for him. I just wanted the extra money back that he charged me.
I presently carry many singles, 5's, 10's and a few 20's when I go shopping in ports. I don't wear any jewelry and I also carry hidden money inside my blouse.
I carry a purse as a decoy with just tissues, lipstick, bottle of water, some small bills, etc. Everything important is inside my clothes.
I learned my lesson years ago not to trust salespeople in foreign countries with my credit card. I once bought several pieces of jewelry in a nice jewelry store but when I got home
I complained about the over charged on my credit card. My credit card company punished them by asking for all of my money back. Every time I look at a beautiful gold ring that I bought it reminds me of how I got the ring for free because the salesman was greedy.
I felt sorry for him. I just wanted the extra money back that he charged me.
I presently carry many singles, 5's, 10's and a few 20's when I go shopping in ports. I don't wear any jewelry and I also carry hidden money inside my blouse.
I carry a purse as a decoy with just tissues, lipstick, bottle of water, some small bills, etc. Everything important is inside my clothes.
Cruizer
Staff Captain
There is a difference between a credit card and a debit card. With a credit card you are not out any money.
Best thing you can do when traveling, especially to places like some of the islands in the Caribbean, places in Mex., etc. is to not use plastic of any kind--credit or debit---use paper called money. Some places in Europe are ok.but if I can't pay for it in the Caribbean with good ol' Yankee dollars, it stays on the shelf for the next guy.
cruisetochill
Deck Crew
I'll think you're being a little unfair on Jamaica. Our press is full of stuff with headlines like 'Washington D.C. Restaurants Become Credit Card Cloning Hot Spots'. My advice is preferably pay by cash, otherwise watch your card like a hawk, and speak up if a shopkeeper/waiter/etc tries to take it out of sight.
Mbandy
Staff Captain
It happens all the time. A few months ago I went to the ATM to get some cash. The ATM said no. I knew I had more than enough in my account so I called the bank. They had frozen my account because of "suspicious activity". Turns out there were two charges to my account on two consecutive days at a Target store...IN FLORIDA.
I assured the bank that I had not been in Florida and that I had been in posession of my ATM card at all times. I told them I had no idea who was accessing my account. They immediately credited my account the $300 odd dollars and sent me an affidavit to sign stating that I had not been in Florida, I had been in posession of my ATM card at all times and I did not know who was accessing my account.
I keep a close eye on my account but kudos to B of A for watching my back.
I assured the bank that I had not been in Florida and that I had been in posession of my ATM card at all times. I told them I had no idea who was accessing my account. They immediately credited my account the $300 odd dollars and sent me an affidavit to sign stating that I had not been in Florida, I had been in posession of my ATM card at all times and I did not know who was accessing my account.
I keep a close eye on my account but kudos to B of A for watching my back.
Pretty sure Jamaica has not cornered the market on crime. Jamaica is not my favorite place but the same kinds of crimes happen here in the US, as well as anywhere. I've been robbed at gunpoint twice. Once in the US and once overseas [not cruising]. Credit card crime is a walk in the park compared to a GUN BARREL!
