Moving to Jamaica

"I'm sure that others have advised this, but I would suggest that you rent a place initially until you've spent a year or two in JA and you're sure that you want to settle there permanently. I really wouldn't put all your eggs in one basket, and I would definitely not commit to moving all your hard earned monies to JA," explained one expat living in Jamaica.

"One of the things I struggle with is lack of transportation. We have a car, but if my husband is away I feel trapped. It's not easy to jump on a bus or grab a taxi," said one expat in Montego Bay.

"Keep in mind the location if you do not have a car. You will want to be close enough to public transportation. Route taxis (taxis that go along a specific route only) travel outside of many of the subdivisions/schemes and along main roads. If I can be of help to anyone, just let me know," said one expat who made the move to Falmouth.

"I made some friends here in Negril and found a place via referral from a friend. You can contact me at http://www.jamaicamax.com and I can help anyone find rental rooms or homes for sale in Jamaica," said one expat in Negril.

"I live in a community in Kingston called Long Mountain Country Club. It is a gated community with 24-hour security in the Liguanea area. The community has apartments and two/three-bedroom townhouses for sale and rent. It also has a pool and a store on the premises. The community also has ex-pats from the USA, Canada, Germany, Isreal, South Africa, Romania, India, China and South America. Great community that is close to the US Embassy, shopping and entertainment," replied a member in Jamaica.

"We live in a single family rental house located in a subdivision, called a scheme, here in Jamaica. We have not met a lot of expats yet, but the one couple that we did meet live in a house that they purchased," commented one expat who made the move to Falmouth.

"Like any other place it all depends on where you're living. My daughter rents a brand new two bedroom low rise in Kingston for $1100usd...she previously rented a large 2 bedroom in Beverly Hills (Kingston) for $900usd. When she first moved back she rented a townhouse in Montego Bay (gated community) for $1000usd. Nice housing is quite affordable and can be found...connect with a realtor," commented one expat who made the move to Jamaica.

"I'm renting in Falmouth a gated community. 800 monthly, pay my own utilities was lucky it came furnished. The people stay to themselves. I've had very few conversations with other occupants. A car is extra helpful! But I’d never drive in JA. This will be my second year renting. Not sure about the buying & building for myself. Too old for that & have absolutely no patience for the process.. sending good vibes! I love Jamaica," remarked one expat in Jamaica.

"For American style - outrageous - at least $2000. mo, some per week - like tourist prices, hard to rent long term - local hsg as little as $250.00, may or may not have elec, water, kitchen, bath, etc," said one expat in Calabar.

"My housing costs are significantly lower than in the US. I am paying 30,000 per month for a two bedrooms with two bathrooms. I was just lucky to get such a deal but the average cost for this apartment is 45,000-65,000 per month. My light bill is 7,000 per month but I run my a/c unit each night just to fall asleep. My water bill is between 500 and 800 per month," remarked one expat who made the move to Falmouth.

"Deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Jamaica depends on a variety of factors, such as your long-term plans, budget and lifestyle. Before making the decision to buy, it can be helpful to research the local real estate market, the types of properties available and the general cost of living in the country. You should also consider the financial commitment associated with buying a home and whether you are in a position to make such a commitment. If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, renting may be the better choice, as it gives you the opportunity to explore a variety of different areas before committing to buying a home. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Jamaica will depend on your individual circumstances," said one expat in Jamaica.

"Wish I would have brought: -Coffee Maker with extra coffee pods (Keurig)
-My art supplies
-Extra mosquito repellent
Wish I would have left at home: -Several pair of shoes
-Electronic gadgets I don't use
-Jewelry
," said one expat who made the move to Falmouth.

"When packing for a move to Jamaica, be sure to include items that will help you adjust to the tropical climate. Pack lightweight and versatile clothing such as tank tops, skirts, shorts, and sundresses. Be sure to bring along sun protection such as sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen. Lightweight, comfortable footwear is also a must. Along with clothing, it is important to bring other necessities such as any needed medications, toiletries, and necessary personal items. Additionally, you may want to bring a few items that have special sentimental value. Finally, it is important to bring items that help you remain connected like a laptop, smartphone, and charger," explained one expat living in Jamaica.

"Definitely ship your goods over - furniture etc in JA is very, very expensive and to be honest there isn't a great deal of choice. It is possible to find some great hand-carved furniture but generally I found it too heavy, ornate, and not quite to my taste. I thought that I could sell my goods in the UK and use the proceeds to replace them in JA, but the resale value just wasn't sufficient to cover the costs of buying new. Do shop around for reliable, and low cost shippers though," said one in Kingston.

"Jamaica is like the states so you don't have to over-pack. As a returning resident bring as much as you can. But, otherwise it is more economical to purchase you items here in Jamaica," explained one expat who made the move to Falmouth.

"It is important to be mindful of local customs and respect Jamaican culture and religious traditions when visiting the country. Avoid using offensive language or making any kind of joke that could be seen as a mockery of the local culture or people. It is also important to be mindful of conserversation topics and to be respectful to local people and not to discuss any sensitive subjects such as race, class or politics. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly and to be respectful to religious sites, such as churches and temples. Finally, it is polite to address people by their last names, unless given express permission to do otherwise," commented one expat who made the move to Jamaica.

"Jamaica offers expats beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture, warm temperatures, and exciting outdoor activities. With its rich musical, culinary, and artistic heritage, Jamaica is known for its welcoming people and relaxed lifestyle. Health care and education is of a good standard, making the country an attractive option for expats who are looking for a place to call home. A strong expat community makes the transition into Jamaica smoother and provides a valuable support network. It's easy to find affordable accommodation in Jamaica, plus it's a great opportunity to meet many locals, who are always happy to help. With its relaxed atmosphere, stunning beaches, exciting nightlife, and friendly locals, it's easy to see why so many expats are drawn to Jamaica," wrote one expat living in Jamaica.

"Healthcare services in Jamaica are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Jamaican citizens and permanent residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a good standard. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, however, they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Jamaica can use the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for certain services. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," commented one expat living in Jamaica.

"Jamaica has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics providing a range of medical services. The public healthcare system is free for Jamaican citizens, while private healthcare is available for those who can afford it. The country has a number of highly trained doctors and nurses, and a wide range of medical services are available, including general medicine, dentistry, optometry, and mental health services. Jamaica also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the University Hospital of the West Indies, which provides advanced medical care. In addition, the country has a number of pharmacies and health centers that provide basic medical services," remarked one expat in Jamaica.