Is jamaca safe?

Show all answers

CATHOLIC PRIEST!!

Jamaica is as safe as any other country you may visit. There are a few problem spots that you may not want to venture into so you have to use your own instincts and judgement. If you are home say in Atlanta or New Yourk there are some neighborhoods you wouldn't venture into because you may not get back out! So likewise if you are in a foreign place you have to be on the safe lookout.

Having said that, I have vacationed every year in Jamaica since 2000 and I have never had any problems with anyone. In fact I made several friends there over the years and we keep in contact. I actually have some family friends in Kingston that we became friends with in 2003 while on a resort in Negril!

Jamaicans in general are friendly and welcoming all they expect from visitors is respect for them and their homeland. I have seen fellow Americans on vacation there acting like major league idiots because they think they can do whatever they want in Jamaica. Well I have to say too a lot of these ignorant types usually end up in trouble.

The resort areas are safe so are the towns and shopping areas because their main business is tourism so they have to protect it. Often times you may see a police patroll in a resort or shopping areas and this definitely make me feel safe. I went to shopping areas with my family and strolled around shopping and no one bothered us. The vendors are sometimes aggressive but they mean no harm because they are just trying to eke out a livelihood. You can bargain with them and get some of the best deals ever on souvenirs.

I have traveled the entire island from Kingston, to Portland, to Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, and alontg the North and South coasts. While the entire Kingston is labeled as a 'BAD' place, this is totally untrue. A small part of the downtown Kingston area is the place to avoid. Most of Kingston is safe.

Ignore comments from the likes of Brandon above, because he is a definite RACIST BIGOT who probably never left the block he lives on.

Overall I would say Jamaica is safe with a few isolated problem spots. Use good judgement and be respectful and you would do fine there.

Reidi

lajalouise1, thank you! This is why Jamaicans get upset when ignorant people get up and want to spread rumours and on top of it, wants to take over. Jamaica is no difference from the Middle East, Europe, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA and Canada. Come on people! stop the sarcastic sterotypical comments. Think, where in the world isn't there a crime? My dear, go on your vacation and have the kind of fun you think you deserve. Just remember to MYOB. You'll be fine.

jaci

Some parts of Jamaica is safe but you have to be sensible and keep your wits about you don't be flashing or wearing expensive jewelery stay in groups just be on your guard I wouldn't holiday in Jamaica but that's me I hope you have a safe and trouble free holiday good luck

cute_but_psycho876

well, its pretty safe down here, it just depends on where u go.
dont listen to those boobs. everybody seems to think that Kingston is the most dangerous place down here, but it's not.- it doesnt even hav the highest murder rate, it's actually a rural parish- i live in KIngston, and trust me it's safe. its just certain areas that u should stay away from. and if ur planning to vacation here, u wont be newhere near those places.
kingston is a beautiful parish, and just as much a pleasure to experience as the other parishes. ur getting the real Jamaica, not necessarily the hotels, but the buildings, the ppl the parks, and a lot of other things.
overall, yes the murder rate has risen in the past couple of years, but if ur gonna vacation here, where u'll be will be safe. it's woth coming here, this is a very beautiful country to enjoy in all its natural splendor.=D

Flying High

I went to Jamaica on a Habitats for Humanities trip and it was very safe. It also depend son wher eyou are going. I went to the parish of St. mary and it was perfect there. I am 15 years old and it was safe enough for me to walk to the store 1 mile down the road with a friend. Of course, those drivers in Jamaica are absolutly insane but the Jamaicans love it when people from America especially visit the island so they keep it safe. It is said however, that in Kingston it is dangerous for all including Jamaicans, but dangerous cities are all over the place. I do recommend going with a friend or a group because you never know, but like some people have said before, it is Jamaica, not Afganistan or Lebanon.

baddrose268

aside from hurricane season yeah they love americans

wcivils

For the most part, yes, if you stay in the right areas. Most of the resorts along the north coast are fine, from Montego Bay to Ocho Rios. I went to Negril on the northwest coast, and it was fine, but you are pretty much confined to the resort. You can go into town pretty easily though. I took a trip inland to a waterfall, and it is all fairly rural and safe. The only area I was told to avoid was the capital city of Kingston on the southeast coast.

LeXi

yea jamaica is real safe if u stay outta areas u don't blend into or you don't have someone in particular you wish to visit from the area and you'll be fine. it's no less safe than the US or any other country for that matter just don't be a tourist in a tourist free area (if u catch my drift). I love JA!

Rae

Just like most everyone else has said, stay where the tourists are. don't buy "janga" (weed) cuz oftentimes the seller will get it back from the police after they've arrested you. We stayed in Mo' Bay and went to Margaritaville in the city. We stayed at Sandals and had NO problems, only pushy vendors. An all-inclusive resort will save you A BUNCH of money, especially if you drink. My hubby and I had a magical time and can't wait to go back. We met alot of friends there and have stayed in contact since our return. IRIE MON

jmiller

I have been to Jamaica twice. It is a beautiful country, with beautiful people. I have ventured off the resort property many times, and have never been acosted or pursued.
Yes, there are vendors trying to sell their wares, but a polite no thank you does the trick. They are merely doing what they can to support their family, and I for one, congratulate them on that.
I was also asked twice if I wanted to buy some ganja. I politely said no thank you, and that was it.
I never felt threatened, or insulted. I beleive in giving people the same respect as I wish to receive in return.
As for the letter regarding the person who claims to have 2 friends who had bad experiences, I really doubt their story. Sure, negative things happen everywhere, but 2 out of 2. Sounds like this story is made up to me.
I am from the United States, and have lived in many, many different cities here. I have been robbed at gunpoint on the street, attacked in my home, a felt threatened throughout the years at different times. I have yet to experience this negativity in Jamaica.
Any place a person chooses to go will have good spots and bad spots. Use common sense.
Personally, I have found the people of Jamaica to be genuin, friendly, a gentle people. While they are a very poor country, with few benifits such as health insurance, unemployment, free schooling, they don't let that get them down. They don't expect a free handout, and they don't tend to feel sorry for themselves.
I can't wait to go back to Jamaica. I love the country, the culture, the food, and especially the people.

boy_jam_arch

Do ever heard of a Plane crash in Jamaica?

JerseyGirl4u

Always travel with somebody. Never go out alone!

Matt T

Depends on how safe you are there? Sticking a rustey nail into your feet might not be, just drink clean water, and helthy food. Dont inhale other gasses.

lil mamma

yes jamaica is safe.. if you stay in groups and dont go to kingston

lisa

depends on where you go and waht your doing...word of advise don't diss any jamaicans i should know i am one

wcnghj

stay off the streets, espally kingston, stay at your resort all week

only go on grouped tours

heterophobicgirl

Actually, last year it was named the murder capitol of the World. However, if you stay at a big named resort and only go on excursions with people from the resort or companies affiliated with the resort, you'll be absolutely fine. Always stay in groups. Stay out of local bars and clubs. Stick to the resort for entertainment and drinking so you don't have to worry about your drink being tainted. I would suggest an all-inclusive resort like Sandals.

pooh412

Jamaica is not safe. You have to stay where the tourist are do not leave that area.

mel

Jamaica is safer than Afghanistan or India.

I tell it like it is

I went with a group of my buddies on a cruise, and I wouldnt go any other way. There are a lot of pan handlers trying to sell you anything and everything, some of these people follow you and wont leave you alone without money. If i can give you any advise; dont go to the bathroom alone

leofwine1@sbcglobal.net

is your face ugly?

Brandon

No way, it's full of Jamaicans!!

oscar

I know of two families who vacationed in Jamaica. Both had horrible experiences. Family number 1 got robbed at gun point. Family number 2 their teenage daughter got raped. I don't think I would want to go there. In both instances the authorities did nothing. I don't believe I would want to go there.

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: