If you're not a fool you're safe as you would be anywhere else.

Now I use LINUX for the Internet. I can arrange for payment via my credit card. I have one card I use for the Internet, and that one is kept at the minimum credit.

If I need to exceed it, I could probably make an advance payment, call the credit card centre and have a one-time only expense.

The first thing you need to know is that pretty much anything you buy is going to be a real hassle to clear. It may be only one click to order it, pay for it, and get it shipped to Jamaica. But once it comes, well, the item might cost more to clear than its original cost, and be prepared for the usual snags.

POST OFFICE

Ordering books that are delivered through the post office may be cheaper, but you'll have to bring your thread bag, because the post office only accepts cash.

Having the item pre-paid in America doesn't mean that the folks here will comprehend that. It took a week for me to have it released. This was a package sent in which all duty, all shipping, would be paid by the sender, and this was clearly marked on the Air Way Bill.

Don't pay attention to any promise made by the vendor. Once that item leaves the United States, it's anyone's guess where it ends up, and how much you'll be charged to receive it. This may be a special cost by the company which delivers it - you may have to go to the airport to clear it.

In other words, beware. Only when the item is going to be delivered to someone in the U.S. or it is so unusual as to be unavailable in Jamaica and you absolutely need it, should you consider buying anything over the Internet.

http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20040121/business/business8.html