Do you want to report "How dangerous is jamaica in 2022?"
Hello there, I've recently researched about jamaica and places to go and made some reddit posts. Meanwhile when I read articles in the internet I get total different informations that the crime is more based on gangs killing eachother and stuff like pickpocketing and robbery. But local redditors told me that the place is not safe to visit at all not even in resorts. My plan was to go on solo hikes with my backpack, but I heard that's a very deadly thing to do there. I'm very confused right now because I get so many different informations about the island. So is it really that dangerous? What's your opinion?
Also for what OP wants to do ie hiking and maybe biking these are activities that people of the upper class partake in on a regular basis without fear. Obviously u wouldn’t go hiking near a inner city that’s plane stupid. There are designated areas where u can explore nature Holywell park is one of my personal favorite places to go hiking and camping with family.
I disagree but then again it’s all relative… if u are comparing it to let’s say Japan then sure… but there are places in the US that are way more dangerous than Jamaica. You never see any mass shootings or terrorist activities going on here. There is gang violence in the inner city communities for sure but which country does have that? We also have a problem with corruption and extortion so starting a business here is quite risky and u would have to spend a ton of money on security but generally speaking Jamaica is safe imo.
I go anywhere in Jamaica at any time. It’s dangerous for people who are involved in crime just like anywhere else in the world. Don’t part take in illegal activities or associate with criminals you should be ok.
Ppl seem to not understand this concept about jamaica, right now a tourist is more safe than the actual citizens as long as you don’t go out of your way to travel certain places you’re good. Most tourist only get harm when they have a Deal that as gone bad or literally just going places without any proper guide.
My wife is Jamaican. When we visit we rent a car. We usually have family with us in the car. Last visit was 2018. There were military road blocks due to gang issues. No issues for others. Quick story: We were at Reach Falls. Two blond ladies from Sweden were at the falls. When we were leaving we saw them walking down the road (through the forest). We gave them a ride down to the main road and to the house they were staying at. So I guess it all depends. We always visit Kingston for a few days. No problems there either, but there are definitely neighborhoods I do not go to even with local family.
Kingston? I went through by car with my wife’s cousin. It was run down and rough. Where did you stay? I should mention we were enroute to the infamous (or famed) Tivoli Gardens. Let me tell you, that place made the Bronx of the 70s and 80s look like a cake walk.
I was born and raised in the Bronx when it was a hell hole, too. I left the place many years ago. We all have to live somewhere. And most people rhat want to get out will find a way. The rest stay trapped.
I read a bit of what happened in Tivoli Gardens (incursion). It’s messed up that the American government forced the Jamaican government and police to recover a drug dealer at any and all cost to human life. Sad.
We bought a house in Ocho Rios ten years ago . When you use common sense you will be safe in Jamaica . We travel all around the island , no problem . If you go walking in montego bay or kingston downtown in the middle of the night , you are not smart . I would not do that in Amsterdam or Brussels so I will not do that in Jamaica . The violence you read about is mainly between the gangs . We just had guests here in our homestay / bnb from Germany who rented a car and are driving around the island to discover the nicest places for the fourth time , like other people we know did too . If you treat people with respect , the Jamaicans will treat you with respect too . Of course there are pickpockets and criminals like everywhere on this planet , but we never had any problems
Jamaica is safe for tourists when you stay in the tourist areas. I’m a Jamaican and I’ve never been the victim of a crime. I don’t go to the dangerous areas and I’m not involved in criminal activities or deal with criminals or potentials. Stay in the safe zones and you’ll be good.
We have been there twice and for 26 days total stay in Jamaica. We took our kids there. Every single person we interacted with there were AWESOME people. They love tourists and as long as you respect them they will respect you. They literally say “Respect” as a hello, goodbye, or agreeing with what you are saying. Jamaica is probably my most favorite country I have visited. I love the people and love the land. You shouldn’t have any problems! Don’t hesitate and just do it! You will have a blast! Partying there is so much fun as well.
How dangerous is it anywhere in 2022? I’d probably say “very” - everywhere is in economic turmoil, everywhere has governments not doing one damn thing except implementing things that will eventually line only their pockets, everywhere is still dealing with the effects/affects of the pandemic, everywhere is having a surge of gun violence and violence in general so …… Being a vagabond in these times might not be the smartest thing
I say anywhere you go, go with God my friend. The Lord is the way and he will guide your way, just have faith and trust in HIM. Don’t be naive and don’t be foolish in your ways while on your journey, pray for what you need and it will be given to you upon his command. Believe that!
GODSPEED
Have a watch, this will greatly help. https://youtu.be/OF44HAGv7SM. Some of the dangerous responses to your question is utterly pathetic. I’ve been more fearful of my life in Philly and NY than I am at home. It’s like everywhere else; dont be stupid, be vigilant and respect will carry you far.
I wouldn’t recommend backpacking probably. You stand out too much as a tourist in non-resort areas. Everyone is trying to hustle or scam you at best. That said, we just had a wonderful trip there renting a car and staying within the northern resilient corridor. Avoid Kingston and Montego Bay proper, do not go out past dark, be saavy and cautious. I would NOT go solo as a woman. I traveled with my boyfriend.
Covid restrictions are a real thing right now too so you aren’t even allowed out of the resilient corridors unless you go through a 14 day quarantine when you arrive.
Give this a watch…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF44HAGv7SM
If you don’t go into certain areas, just like anywhere else in the WORLD, you will be A-OK.
TO be honest.. It depends where and when you go in most cases…Most crime involves local (gangs,drugs etc)… But there are hidden truths and racial retaliations etc,.. understand Jamaica is a 3rd world Country and relies heavily on N American Tourism, besides the Chinese and Canadian Programs, most locals struggle even with daily basics of clean running water or electric.. Most ppl anywhere are not violent and welcoming of outsiders…Again, understand and know where and why you are wherever your going outside of your own home is basic knowledge….
As white tourists (Americans)— You could be shot in Montego Bay in one of the local taxis, which are crammed with various ppl… Not to mention the resorts, if you decide to try staying within the tourist/hotel boundaries { in which case you get what even the locals call a “ half white Jamaican vaca} which hurts the locals as the resorts overcharge you for the very things that are cheap outside the resort walls..
Check the facts and statistics over the years..I can highlights (2017-2019).. Basically every single resort throughout the Island was found guilty of covering up rapes and paying victims/families for their silence…You really have to understand where you are, what your doing and always be vigilant about your safety.. Whether In Jamaica, New York or some southern states bad things can happen… On Parish could be safe one day and maybe an area to avoid a few weeks later, it usually depends on the gang violence/wars, but youll usually find military presence to help police, as well they cruise ships usually will stop incoming ships, so the violence doesnt seems to last long in the tourists areas.. a good bit of these areas are/was fenced off… I havent been since leaving in 2019, but friends and family say things are about the same, COVID giving… Just do your honest research about where your going, why and when…..stay in groups of 3 min whenever possible, dont deal with locals selling drugs of any type, some will still try using their family are murders to intimidate you…, dress more like the locals….dont dress all flashy and draw more attention to yourself… Keep it friendly and moving and appreciate the love of the Island…
Rubbish. Jamaica is not more dangerous than any other place in the world. Stop with the hyperbole. Tourist backpack here all the time. Tourists are even seen backpacking in the most dangerous communities and not a hair is harmed on them. They are even welcomed in the communities. Go do your research and stop demonizing our country.
Not the person you replied to, but this part just stood out a bit too much for me:
>is not more dangerous than any other place in the world.
So you’re claiming that everywhere in the entire world is equally dangerous/safe?
I’m not making a claim about Jamaica being safe or dangerous, but your statement ignores a world of statistics about different crime rates, murder rates, etc, in various parts of every country, and again in various countries.
Do you honestly believe everywhere in the world is equally safe/dangerous at all times?
Jamaica is one of the more dangerous in the world that isn’t at war however tourists are relatively safe as long as they use common sense. Personally I’d tell you not to come here. There are many countries just like Jamaica in the Caribbean that are safer. Jamaica is not unique. The politicians sew divide and the deteriorating crime problem. Jamaica’s biggest industry is tourism. The only time the politicians try to improve the state of the country is if America threatens them or their corruption is some threat to the tourism industry. Spend your money elsewhere. If foreigners stopped spending money here they would try to improve the country to get them back. Go elsewhere.
I’m jealous of Jamaica? That’s hilarious. Trust me there are many places like Jamaica. Many of them are better cuz they have less crime, less corruption and more opportunities. But if you really think there’s no place like Jamaica then there’s no point in trying to convincing you. It’s not like in almost every country you don’t have some patriot yelling ‘there’s no place like my country ! My country numbah 1’. What a joke. Most countries aren’t as special or unique as people like you like to think. Keep living your fantasy.
You live in the Caribbean amongst other former British colonies, such as Trinidad, St. Lucia, Barbados and can’t think of countries that are like Jamaica? Really? At least in Trinidad the currency is actually worth something.
It would’ve been more honest to say that.
I understand you though. I personally don’t like that Caribbean islands’ economic opportunities are mainly around servicing tourism from people who don’t care about the exploitation.
I visited with my wife and we stood in St. Catherine. My wife is Jamaican and her cousin moved back to her home town. I saw firsthand what you meant by the socioeconomic situation. All I can say is I’m sensitive about it, too.
