Safety in Kingston, Jamaica What do other Racers need to know in order to be safe? Current safety protocols/precautions in place? Any relevant issues/concerns? Any precautionary suggestions?
People’s Opinions
Our team did Unsung Heroes in Kingston. Multiple people told us that Kingston is a very dangerous city, so be extra careful when finding transportation around town. Our host was in Franklin Town, but we traveled to downtown Kingston, New Kingston, and a couple other areas. We also ended up at the bus station once. Our team took private taxis (aka Tourist taxis) when we left our host’s. The cost could add up depending on where we were going, but it was worth it to travel safely throughout the city. It usually ended up being around $2 USD per person. I would say that you should NOT walk around Kingston by yourself. It is safest to walk in groups (maybe 3 or 4). It is also best to have a local escort you if you plan to walk somewhere in the poorer areas
Ministry Summary
Ministry Summary in Kingston, Jamaica Breakthroughs? Suggestions? Concerns? On a scale of 1-4 (1 being not at all, 4 being absolutely) how strongly would you recommend another World Race team go to this ministry location & why?
People’s Opinions
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Lodging
Lodging in Kingston, Jamaica Where did you stay? What were the accommodations (sleeping arrangements, toilets, showers, etc.)? Cost (per person per night in USD), Contact info.
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Food / Meals
Food / Meals in Kingston, Jamaica What did you eat? Where did you get the food? Cost (per person per day in USD)? Contact info (if applicable).
People’s Opinions
We tried out some delicious restaurants in Kingston that I would recommend:-JoJo’s Jerk Pit (Great jerk chicken! You can get a 1/4 jerk chicken and a festival, which is fried bread, for about 540 Jamaican dollars (aka $4.19 USD)-Chillitos Jamexican restaurant. Good burritos for 500 Jamaican dollars on Fridays ($3.88 USD)-Pepperwood Authentic Jamaican Jerk Restaurant (formerly known as Scotchies)-Blue Cafe had good coffee!-Here are some foods you have to try while in Jamaica: Jerk chicken or pork, beef or chicken patties from Tastees (cost was between 150-170 Jamaican dollars aka $1.16-1.32 USD), ackee and saltfish (mainly because it’s the national dish), festival (it’s kind of like fried sweet bread with a hint of corn bread flavor)
Transportation
Transportation in Kingston, Jamaica What transportation did you use to enter the country? Where were you coming from? What transportation was used to move throughout the country? Be sure to include the cost per person in USD and contact info if applicable.
People’s Opinions
Apparently it is safe to take the public buses around the city, but I’d say only in groups. You also can’t really take your big packs on them if you were thinking of doing that. Our team never used them for Unsung Heroes because our host suggested we take private taxis (also called tourist taxis). Those were usually about $2USD per person to go 20-25 mins or so. We used Express Taxi, and just called at the time we wanted to go somewhere. There are also route taxis that go to certain places, but we didn’t use them. Those route taxis have a red license plate if you’re looking for one and they may be cheaper (but less reliable than the private taxis). For us, it was worth it to take the private taxis for safety reasons.I would not recommend walking places unless it is one of the richer areas of Kingston, or if you have a local escort. If you have a local walk with you, people are less likely to mess with you on the streets.
Medical
Medical in Kingston, Jamaica Information on local hospitals / doctors / pharmacies. Where would someone go in a medical emergency? (addresses and contact info).
People’s Opinions
I went to the doctor while staying in Franklin Town (about 15 mins outside of New Kingston). I can’t remember the name of the doctor, but it was right next to a pharmacy called Vineyard Town Family Pharmacy (address: 7 3/4 Deanery Road 3, Nightingale Avenue, Kingston, Jamaica). The doctor was from India, and he was nice! He’s been in Jamaica for a long time now, and used to have an office in Ocho Rios. The visit to the doctor was 1500 Jamaican dollars ($11.64 USD), and the whole visit (waiting and consultation) took less than an hour. I could also walk next door to the pharmacy to get my prescription filled. The pharmacy was kind as well.
Communication
Communication in Kingston, Jamaica Did you have cell reception / Internet service? Where? Carrier / Provider, where did you get phones / SIM cards, cost? Country code?
People’s Opinions
FLOW and Digicel are good for team phones.
Financial
Financial in Kingston, Jamaica Location of banks or ATMs, notes about transaction fees, best places to exchange money, and other money related advice.
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Translators
Translators in Kingston, Jamaica List any local translators – name and contact information, languages spoken
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Off Days / Fun Activities
Off Days / Fun Activities in Kingston, Jamaica What activities did your team experience? Recommendations? List locations/contact info. Any locations to be avoided? Any extra safety tips for off days?
People’s Opinions
Devon House – a tour is around $7.76 USD to tour the house I believe? Price may have changed. We just went to the property and walked around because there are some restaurants and shops there. There is also an ice cream place called “Devon House I Scream”. I recommend the ice cream! It was delicious.You can also go to the Bob Marley Museum. It’s more expensive for tourists than locals, but I heard that it’s cool. Our team didn’t go, but it’s an option to consider.
Other Important Contacts
Other Important Contacts in Kingston, Jamaica Additional ministry opportunities, local pastors, etc. Relationship & follow up suggestions
People’s Opinions
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Tips
People’s Opinions
Ask locals for must do, see, and eat things in Jamaica. They can help you get the most authentic Jamaican experience!
Additional Info
Additional Info in Kingston, Jamaica Anything we’ve left out? Any additional suggestions to make travel easier for others?