I've heard that it's not safe to travel outside of your hotel in Jamaica.?

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stingjam

Its not that you will immediately become a victim of crime once you venture away from your resort. Not at all.

The safety element is simply because as a tourist, you don't really know the area or the people. Your level of awareness will be low, and you could fall victim to one of the FEW jamaicans who have criminal minds. You won't know where NOT to drive or who NOT to trust (whether by their attire or thier behaviour).

If you rent a car, there is also an element of driving on the left side of the road (instead of the right as in the U.S.A.). Some roads are also narrow, the local taxi drivers can be VERY aggressive. It can be very diffficult to adjust to. Accidents are frequent enough.

If you travel with local people who are trustworthy, you will be fine. You won't have to worry about anything AT ALL. On a short 1-week or 2-week vacation you just don't need that stress!

If you decided to stay in Jamaica for several MONTHS you would probably be better able to handle yourself alone.

No, it's not true. It would be a shame for you to go to Jamaica and not travel outside your hotel. What's the point in even visiting Jamaica if your not going outside of the hotel?

traveler

If you are stoned on weed, had too many red stripes/Jamaican rum, wear all kinds of flashy jewelery, carry a roll of cash, it's probably not safe to travel outside of your hotel. Of course, you could also be robbed by the employees/guests at the hotel. Jamaica is generally a safe place if you are just street smart. If you worry about leaving the hotel and experiencing the true Jamaica, why even leave home?

kira

The safety risk is the same when you travel anywhere in he world. Try to be aware and cautions, dont be too trusting, dont just give people money for something u dont see, dont go anywhere with anybody you dont know..........its best to have a Jamaican friend who can show you around. dont carry too much cash either.

Trust me, find a friend out there. i have friends out there i can hook you up with, gimme a holla. u cant hit me up on mesenger.......

The same can be said for any country in the world duh!

Mel

I hate seeing comments like this...I dunno why Jamaica gets such a crappy rap with regards to safety. I've been to Mexico, Hawaii, Bahamas, and Jamaica. I've always felt the safest in Jamaica - go figure??

The people there are so friendly, the culture, music, food, etc. are all amazing. It would be a shame to NOT leave your resort. If you don't, you will never know the real Jamaica and its people.

Of course, always use caution when traveling abroad. Don't walk the streets alone at night, don't flash large sums of cash, etc. etc.

cutie_62003

I was in Jamaica and i was fine staying outside of the hotel parts. I went for a wedding and i didn't like to stay on the hotel grounds so i went off the grounds with my daughter. I was pregnant at the time too and the only thing that happened was ppl selling things. But thats how they make their money, they need to feed their families too. I plan on going back in them summer time and this time i won't be staying in a Hotel, i will be with family. There is violence and crimes in every country you go to so don't be afraid. Generally Jamaicans are really nice and laid back ppl.

Robert B

I have never had a problem in Negril ,montego Bay, Runaway Bay, or Ochos. I think they may be talking about Kingston, which I have not been to ,but heard it may be dangerous.

Dr Knight M.D

That is so not true

BostonMel

No.. Like any city use common sense like already stated. I have traveled to Jamaica many times and always feel safe. Never flash $$ or jewelry. Don't walk alone at night drunk, or get into cars with strangers. I have seen more visitors to Vegas have more issues than I have ever seen in Jamaica. The crimes that take place in Jamaica are typically towards each other, residents. Not mainly directed at tourists. Jamaica is a wonderful country with some truly amazing people. Like everywhere there is good and bad.
I have taken my 13 year old son there alone with me. We didn't stay at all inclusives and walked Negril from one end to the other and had a blast chilling where we wanted and meeting many new people. Usually I find the people who say stuff like this have never been, or stopped over on a cruise.
You either get Jamaica or you don't. But I got it the minute I stepped off the plane.

datgirl

This is SO not true. I made the mistake of listening to that so-called "tip" from other people my very first time I visited Jamaica. I stayed on the resort for most of the time I was there and finally went out with some of the locals who worked at the resort. I could have kicked myself, because by the time I really started enjoying myself off the resort, it was time to leave.

When you are there you NEED to go out and enjoy the island. There are so many things to do. Of course as other people have said, you have to be smart when going out. But that is anywhere you go. It really is a beautiful country.

Keisha

No but you need to take stock of your surroundings in the same manner you would when visiting any other place

jjay

This is like anywhere else you go as a visitor, you need to be aware of your surroundings, my suggestion daytime travel unless you know some one take a private taxi around the guys will not allow anything to happen to you

if you stay in Ocho Rios on montego bay its safe

Sharon C

you are advised not to travel outside your resort but guided tours are fine

TVL

In Montego Bay,if you go outside your gated hotel area, expect to be constantly followed by people selling their goods. Even if you are nice and say no thank you,they do not stop and curse at you if you do not buy anything. Will NOT leave you alone.
If you go into town, you will see rampant poverty and cracks in the road so deep a small child could fall into. Also, if you go into the local grocery stores,there are flies all over the meats and really unsanitary. So sad. Never really felt threatened though.

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