is jamaica a dangerous place for tourists?

Answer 1

Anywhere can be a dangerous place, its how you present yourself to the public that will protect you. Jamaica is safe and safer than a lot of Jamaicans think too.

Dont wear excessive jewellery, watch is fine, a ring but leave the chains, dont show your money in the street and dont look too simple. I read people so whoever is out there is reading too.

If you think you are lost, walk into a store and ask someone for directions, avoid dark places and lonely streets. The people are friendly and nice and wont eat you.

Jamaica is safe, take it from me, I have clients(tourists) coming here to enjoy it from Kingston to Negril and all over and they never complain or even lose a strand of hair and they always come back for more.

Hop on a plane, boat or swim if you have to and enjoy Jamaica, be sure to get some white rum with everything you drink, it will double your fun and triple your vision.

Answer 2

I think the 3 people who answered before me all have 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). 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.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Hello D-Nice, well lets take this question from a first-hand point of view, being living in Jamaica for 20 years, I have had the uttermost experience of knowing about the safety of Jamaica. Lets make it clear that Jamaica is indeed one of the safest places you can be. You are embrased by warm and friendly people, who will indeed look out for you, and will make sure that your visit to Jamaica is as enjoyable and memorable as it gets. However, within the basket, there is a rotten egg, and sadly, Jamaica is not excluded from this view.

Depends on where you go, Jamaica can be safe or unsafe. If you flight and vacation takes you to the north coast, then that is a big bet of safety - the government spends a lot of money, time, and effort to accomodate the tourists while ensuring that security is at its maximum. The hotels are extremely safe, whether in Montego Bay, Negril, or even southside in Kingston. Tourists are given first hand preference of travel, and will always be secured by the tour guides and drivers, et al. From hotel to the airport, it is the same approach, and of course, our airports are safe (so safe, that after the incident of 9/11, Air Jamaica was the first international airline to enter the United States.... from Kingston to Miami Intl.).

However,. as glamourous as Jamaican life is along the coast line, NEVER BE ISOLATED, especially if you look like and talk like and act like a typical tourist. Let me pose an example - I am a fair skin person myself, and I tend to dress very proper, even when on the road, going to class, or to a function. While on the road, some men will give a pass, wanting to beg for money. Whilst letting them know that I am a Jamaican (thus expected to be poor too), they insist that I am some European or Atlantic American mixed person. Of course, to defend myself, I have to introduce my Patois, or else. Alway walk in groups if you are going into the town areas. If in the suburbs, you may take a chance, but my advice is to stay within the tourist designated areas - and you will be fine.

Now, Montego Bay, Negril, Ocho Rios, etc are swarmed with tourists, and so you will be fine. Going inland, just be on your guards. Now on the Southside, Tourism is not as developed as in the Northside - however we do have eco-tourism. Most of the crimes take place on the southside, especially in areas that are isolated and non-densely populated. Kingston, however, which do have the inner-cities, is not so bad either. Some inner-cities are really good actually, and you can walk any time of the day, and some times of the night. New Kingston, Jamaica's little CBD is one of those urban safe places, with hotels, banks, malls, movie places, travel agencies, hotels, parks, recreational facities - you name it. Security is often times at its peak (although I must warn you about prostitutes and "un-straight" men who plauge the area at nights - and can be barefaced about their personality in the day too). Downtown is one little call for concern - again, go in groups, or, preferable, go with a yardie-born Jamaican who you know and/or can trust, or else.

Jamaica can be a dangerous place, but its mostly safe. You just have to know where you are going, what you are doing, and at what time you are staying - these factors can determine first hand your safety.

Hope you take this view from a 'native' himself. And don't fret, Jamaica is really a cool country. Like we say, "Come to Jamaica and feel alright". :)

Answer 4

Yes it can be if the tourists aren't careful. Try to stay on the hotel property, be sure to have a guide when venturing outside and be alert. The majority of Jamaicans are good people (like myself) but there are the few bad ones that bring down our name.

Answer 5

I agree with LeXi. The hotels are nice and safe. Be careful when leaving the hotel property. Guys will try to sell you drugs. We took the public bus into town and rode with the locals, most are very nice but watch out for pick pockets. It is hard to find a restaurant with food you would feel safe eating. We ate at out hotel a lot and took a few guided bus trips that stopped at good places to eat. And DON'T rent a car and try to drive. They are crazy drivers, pass on hills and curves and fast.

Answer 6

NO.