How safe is it to visit jamaica?

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Scott C

I have been to Jamaica before and all of the resorts suggest you not leave their area. The country is horrible poor which you will see if you have to be bused from the airport. I think I got offered cocaine about 4 times at the resort by people that got in from the outside. I would not suggest walking the town, its just to dangerous. Dont get me wrong the people are really nice, but its just like any other poor country...so be careful.

stardust

It's fine! the centre of Kingston is a bit dodgy but hey don't go there. Like any other place everywhere has it's good and bad areas. I went to Montego Bay it was great. I was advised not to go out of the complex - I totally ignored the advise and had a ball. We went out with the locals, they were really nice. When we went into clubs they did not search us but they did search the locals. The funny thing was they give them their drugs back - they are only looking for knives and guns. We did not have a problem we went to local talent night we took a taxi trip as opposed to an arranged outing we got a few people together from the hotel. It was much cheaper and to our criteria not a tour company. We did everything that you are told not to do. The locals were lovely, they begged us to get more people from the hotel to come out. We do not understand why there is fear. People treat you the way you treat them. If you treat them with respect- you will get respect in return. If you are racist or afraid of groups of black people (which sound stupid but seriously a lot of people were) then stay in your little cocoon of a hotel. Go and enjoy your holiday- just understand that these people are very poor think about it and don't go out dripping in jewellery and you will have a great time.

sandra b

it's fine but like anywhere really don't go wandering the streets late at night on your own and in the rough areas!!!!it makes sense to me,just like everywhere.

snowymountains123

yes I was there with my daughter in June 04 and it was great!
we firstly stayed in a posh hotel then a smaller one downtown and it was ok both places. but obviously u take care in certain areas at night, like down town Kingston.
we had a lovely time and all the people are very friendly - don't take notice of those that say otherwise. my daugher has been back twice since and we both love Jamaica its the best!
go and have lots of fun - see the Marley place, the beaches are beautiful and u can climb the falls and kiss the dolphins - a holiday u will long remember!

dance_wazup

Its very safe to go to Jamaica. There is no wars or anything going on and you just have to watch your back. Dont worry no one will hurt you. You can go to Kingston and Montego Bay trust me if you dont mess with anyone, no one would mess with you and just make sure you dont go into any areas that look dangerous.

elementamigo4

very safe i lived there
no kidding
i lived there
just dont walk around at night badddddddddddd idea
OOO and try to stay inside during elections, because we are very political u kno, like i have heard of people saying who are you voting for, and they will say paterson, and then they will shoot them

vic6981

of course it is safe, its jamaica.....chill to the core.

bigblueeyes37

I think all of the people who answered before me all have valid, excellent points and you need to be very aware of your surroundings. Any place can be dangerous if you let it and don't respect it. What was it that Forrest Gump said?........ "Stupid is as Stupid does"

This space isn't large enough to list every possibility, you need to think and use your head always, no matter where you are these days. If you look like the tourist that can be taken advantage of, someone will approach you and try something.

I would also suggest reading some travel books, web sites, etc. about how things work there, (like the Jamaican money and the exchange rate for example) so you are more prepared and aren't so surprised (or taken advantage of). It is important to know how much something costs and what the value of their currency is. A good, easy rule of thumb is 300 Jamaican dollars is about $5 US dollars.

Some locals watch you do small things, and size you up accordingly. So pay attention to what you are doing, wherever you are.

It only takes some planning, preparation and thinking in advance to help you have a safer and much more enjoyable trip.

Bless up, mon!

Nalfoxxy

Jamaica is just as safe as the US. Yes it is a small country and things are at times magnified when they are compared to make things seem equal. Just like in the US where you protect yourself and your valuables the same apply to Jamaica and any other country for that matter. Try to find the 'safest' country in world and re-examine it with locals or even do some research on your own. Your bound to find some 'safety' issues.
My suggestion is stay at a resort, eat and shop at reputable places, NEVER take anything to smoke, snort, eat (unless you are into those things) form anyone.
Research the culture, and have some fun; there is a lot about Jamaica that people don't know.
-Enjoy-

lafemmeswizzle

As safe as you want it to be. Dont be flashy and attract attention to yourself. Touristy activities are safe. enjoy the beauty of the country and its people. There is a reason why tourists still flock to Jamaica. Experience the island to the fullest! Being holed up in an all inclusive hotel is but a minute facet of Jamaica.

beachgirl5628

I was just in Ocho Rios last month. As other posts say, it is a very poor country and very sad to see. We had a two hour commute from Montego Bay airport to Ocho Rios and so we saw a lot of the poverty and living conditions, which were horrible. The resort we stayed in was top of the line and beautiful, but the country itself is rather depressing. We as americans don't know how lucky we have it.
They do advise not to leave the resort, we did not but other guests at the resort did take day shopping trips into Ocho Rios and they were fine. Just like anyplace else, use common sense and stay away from bad areas.

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