Expat Community > Bahamas

STiG911
Joined 2016
Posts: 7

Making the dream a reality

4 years ago

My wife and I have been planning a move to the Caribbean since we got married on Tobago and fell head over heels with the idea of living on a rock with endless summers.

We've visited a lot of islands in the Caribbean since then and got totally and utterly taken with Nassau when we first went to Sandals Royal Bahamian in 2012.
We got the bus into Downtown one day and ended up spending several hours with the excellent Jon Konstantakis from HG Christie looking at houses. That was it - we were sold.

We've been back three times since then (and are currently due to go back this September, but we'll have to see what Covid-19 says about that) and we've tried to do as much homework as possible to ensure we don't go in with rose-tinted glasses as sour the dream before we've even got started.

On two prior occasions, we've rented a car for the day and driven round to various locations on the island looking at what things really cost. Food wasn't much of a shock as we knew it be costly. DIY materials aren't too bad either until you get to the tools section - Yesus!

Anyway, there are two key areas where I'm needing more clarification.
1 - I was set on us living in the West side of the island, but for our budget, I've found some really super houses in areas like Yamacraw, Camperdown and Eastwood Estates. Any honest, no BS feedback on these areas? Much as most people would be all 'gated community' we'd much prefer to become part of whatever local community we relocate to.

2 - Work. My aim is to retain my UK job and work from home once we move. My employer does actually have an office in Nassau, but I'm well aware that I'd need a local role to be based there, and the rules on Work Permits look a right minefield and I don't want it to affect my / our residency status as a result. I guess my question is - is this OK? I did ask the Bahamas Consulate in London but haven't had an answer yet.

Excuse my brain dump! Thanks in advance for replies :-)

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