Discover relaxed, sunny, versatile Jamaica with its waterfalls, beaches, mountains and cultural attractions; your best holiday ‘ever’!
When planning your holiday to Caribbean Jamaica, you have a wide choice of idyllic beaches with their authentic appearance. The many waterfalls, mountains and the relaxed yet lively appearance of Jamaicans themselves also attract many travellers and tourists.
Are you also interested in exploring Jamaica and are you wondering whether it is a safe holiday destination?
You will definitely benefit from the many tips of this blog about safety, crime and violence.
1. Friendliness
First of all, Jamaica is known for its lively and friendly people and it is easy to get to know them. Of course, there is a difference between people from tourist areas and those from the interior. To make money from tourists you will have to make contact and some use their creativity badly. In the hope of getting something in return. Around the villages you will meet rather shy people who are eager to get to know you. For example, farmers who proudly show you their products and people who hang out on the street or in a bar and are curious to have a chat. So enjoy nature, but don’t forget the people!
Wherever you are, Jamaicans are helpful. Feel free to ask for directions (not in the middle of the night in a remote place), instead of using your app: Jamaicans are happy to help you.
2. Cash and fraud
Especially if you come from Europe (the Netherlands for example) then using an ATM is the cheapest way to get Jamaican dollars.
If you only stay in resorts then American and Canadian dollars and Euros are accepted. However, the exchange rate is disadvantageous.
Also if you want to pay with foreign money at a restaurant or attraction the exchange rate is very disadvantageous.
Perhaps superfluously, but make sure you can safely use an ATM even though you can’t always control fraud. Take your time, go in the line and use an ATM at an international bank (the ATM at a resort is more expensive).
3. Drugs
Drugs are illegal in Jamaica. You may not possess, sell or use them. Soft drugs such as marijuana/ganja are allowed in small quantities for personal use. You may not import or grow them. Expect severe penalties.
When you want to buy ganja or a spliff in touristic area’s, it’s best to ask someone you know to arrange it for you. Otherwise they might charge you triple the price.
4. Crime
Know that Jamaicans generally do not like trouble and there are much more dangerous places in the world. In general, tourists will be protected. However, you need to be careful in Jamaica. Therefore, protect yourself from pickpockets and muggers. How do you do this? In any case, do not tempt them!
What not to do:
- do not carry too much money with you
- don’t walk far into neighborhoods where you have no business
- do not leave things unattended on the beach
- don’t leave your phone carelessly on a table
- take a taxi back to your hotel in the evening
- don’t drive independently long distances at night on deserted roads where you can be mugged
- don’t just take anyone to your hotel, avoid the risk that the person with your valuables will be gone the next morning
- don’t change money on the street. First of all the rate is not better than at an official exchange office and secondly you can easily be cheated
5. Violence – one love
How exactly is safety in Jamaica, especially when compared to other countries such as Mexico, the United States or Venezuela? Well, it’s less bad than various sources of information regularly provide. Use your common sense and mix it with intuition. This will get you very far everywhere.
However, remember that armed robbery and other violent crimes tend to happen mostly in certain locations outside the tourist areas. Serious criminal incidents are rare in tourist areas but can occur.
Gang violence has had an impact on both the rural and urban areas of Jamaica, but tourists are rarely affected.
Also know that worldwide the majority of the population has deteriorated financially. Poverty can be a reason for crime as it is growing and in Jamaica it is difficult to find well-paid work. But the tourist industry is the largest source of income and is therefore well protected. (In the 12 years I have been visiting Jamaica, I have never been robbed or assaulted. Oh…, except one break in)
6. Solo female travelers
In general, when traveling alone or for the first time to Jamaica don’t show you don’t know anything or don’t know anyone. Just make a story up and people will not take you for a fool. It certainly helps to know something about the geography and local lifestyle.
Traveling as a solo female through Jamaica, is perfectly possible.
With a healthy dose of friendliness and curiosity, you can go a long way. Don’t leave your common sense at home though and use your intuition like you do everywhere else.
Enjoy the attention you get and the contacts you make. Make sure your boundaries are clear. And when getting tired of all the ‘hello’s’ and the ‘how are you’s’ just politely decline the chat. On the other hand the contact is often just nice.
Build in security: before you leave, make sure they know where you are going; or let the next destination know what time you expect to arrive.
Sex tourism
Like some other countries, Jamaica is known for sex tourism. Whether you come for sex or not or unexpectedly falling in love, you should take precautions as sexual assaults occurs in Jamaica.
So be alert and take a taxi back to the hotel late at night.
Unwanted intimacy
There have been cases where women have been harassed by staff at the resort. This is not necessarily Jamaica-related and the circumstances are unclear. However, whether you are outside or inside the resort, always remain alert but maintain your spontaneity.
7. Benefits of exploring Jamaica with an experienced, private tour guide
- leave the difficult driving to an experienced driver; relax
- a tailor-made trip especially for you
- getting a lot information about culture, history and music
- meet Rasta’s, musicians, craftsmen, and other locals
- find your way around the island with ease
- try local food restaurants and bars and knowing where to find them
- travel safe to hidden gems
- slow travel; no hurry when you want to discover the real Jamaica
- explore the best hot spots and hidden gems in a day or round tour of 7-12 days
- no big buses, but a comfortable 4 WD Prado Jeep
- adventure, hidden gems, go with the flow and a lot of fun!
Emergency numbers
Police: 119
Ambulance: 110
Fire department: 110
Shorts
- Jamaicans are friendly, like chats, always willing to help you
- pay with local currency and get this at an ATM. For huge amounts or when dark, avoid going alone
- ganja: small quantities for personal use are allowed and let a trustfull person buy it for you to avoid high prices on the beach or in other touristic area’s
- crime: use common sense like everywhere in the world!
- violence: gang violence has had an impact on both the rural and urban areas of Jamaica, but tourists are rarely affected
- Solo female travellers: go and enjoy your holiday with an open mind and a good working brain. you are free and can easily get in touch with people, both locals and other solo travelers
- for ease, fun and safety to travel all over Jamaica including hidden gems, explore Jamaica with our experienced, local, Rasta tour guide Rappa