TravelTalkOnline Forums Travel and Vacation Forums Jamaica's Resorts & Beaches Kingston Jamaica safe?

I'm flying sxm to Kingston shortly, by myself, also gong to a resort by myself from the airport, and have heard that Kingston is very dangerous? I've flown to Montego Bay before and felt safe, but sxm doesn't fly direct to Montego Bay...

Kingston not safe

Jamaica on the whole is NOT SAFE. Only place that I swore will NEVER return to. When there on a ship a few years back, some idiots tried to get my wife and I down an alley, after following us for blocks. We finally jumped in a passing cab and went directly back to the ship. I am used to ''slum areas'' in my line of work, but never in my life felt so unsafe as I did for that short time on Jamaica.

It's really tiresome defending Jamaica to people that don't or won't understand the "runnings".
Kingston (and Jamaica) are as safe as New York City. There are areas that are wonderful and areas that you shouldn't enter.
Tour ports are known for overzealous panhandlers, "tour guides" and trinket salesmen.
Jamaica is a poor country, and tourists with bling, fancy cameras etc. are all rich.
Fact is that serious crime against tourists is almost nonexistent.

Halfwindy...i beg to differ. I have been to Montego Bay, and I have stayed in Ocho Rios previously. As in any country, there are safer areas than others...but....I was in downtown area of Montego Bay when accosted. When one visits NYC, they don't have armed guards outside the resort to protect the tourists. (they did when we stayed for a week at a couple's club). We were even told at the time that it is not safe to go exploring there. We didn't. But...on a cruise, right near the cruise terminal, thought it would be a bit safer to explore...but...found out i was WRONG. Also, when one visits NYC, you don't see the army, and a bunch of armed guards and dogs protecting the airport. The fact is , that there is a very serious crime rate to tourists on the island....don't know where you come up with your information.

Ok, so you're in the WON'T column.
What airport in the US doesn't have armed guards? It the US safe?
As for the dogs, do you understand that "visitors" will attempt to bring home Jamaican "growth"?
As I stated before, there are aggressive hustlers in Jamaica that appear anywhere green (gullible) tourists gather. Especially true of ports when a new ship arrives. (fresh meat)
Recently a tourist was killed in Savanna Lamar.(sp) He was in an area that any savvy foreigner wouldn't go after dark. The story made headlines because of it's rarity.
What constitutes accosted to you? were you physically attacked or just verbally intimidated?
Some people shouldn't go outside their comfort zone.
Stick with a "safe" island like St Martin.

To the OP, Post your question on the Jamaican forum on TripAdvisor. You will receive many answers from Jamaica travelers rather than just one opinionated response that you have here. Jamaica is a beautiful friendly island and just be "street smart" (as one has to do anywhere) and you will be fine. Jamaica constantly gets a "bad rap".

OP
Sorry I never got to answer your question. Rant got in the way.
Kingston airport area is safe. There are areas of Kingston that are not. You didn't mention where your final destination is, but transfer services are available and quite safe.

when we were there the drug folks shot down an army helicopter near Kingston and there was a meeting planned to try to sort it out (!)

For transfers from Kingston to tourist areas---
http://www.knutsfordexpress.com/

Credit-card skimming is an ongoing problem in Jamaica. Some scammers will make a copy of your credit-card information when you give your card to a bistro server or shopkeeper. ATMs furthermore may be rigged to steal your business business card information, or individuals may observe you at the ATM and try to rob your password. Avoid utilising credit cards or ATMs whenever likely; carry just sufficient cash for what you need that day. If you do need to use a credit card, hold an eye on the person management your business card. If you need to get money, use the ATM at your inn.