Moving to Jamaica

"I suggest you visit and rent some homes from airbnb or vrbo in different areas of Jamaica to give you a taste of the areas. The island is not so big that you couldn't see all the major spots in like 2 weeks or less. If you've visited before you probably have some ideas of what you like, which could narrow down your search. Talk to expats about their experiences as well. I'm not an expat (I was born in Jamaica) so my experience of Jamaica is going to be different," said one expat who made the move to Jamaica.

"Ask around to find a good deal. Don't trust anyone because everyone is looking for a cut from the deal. Learn to take life slowly because the amenities you might be accustom to will not be at your fingertips. You have to wait for phone, internet and cable service. Your wait might be up to 3 months," explained one expat living in Falmouth, Jamaica.

"It is important for expats to research the areas of Jamaica before settling in to make sure that it is in line with their lifestyle. Expats should also take into consideration Jamaica’s tropical climate as weather conditions can be unpredictable. Expats moving to Jamaica should bring or purchase any medical and home supplies that they may need before settling in as some supplies may be difficult or expensive to buy in Jamaica. Jamaica is an English-speaking country but the Jamaican Patois may still take some getting used to. Expats should also be aware that traveling outside of the major cities can be difficult due to a lack of infrastructure in rural areas. Finally, it is recommended that expats obtain a valid work permit before securing employment in Jamaica," said one in 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 who made the move to Jamaica.

"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," explained one expat living in Falmouth, Jamaica.

"If you’re looking for a place to live in Jamaica, there are several resources you can use to help in your search. Start by looking online at real estate websites such as Just Landed, JaCAY Properties, Realty Jamaica, or Houses in Jamaica. You can also visit local real estate offices in Jamaica to find out more information on available housing and rental options. Additionally, you can reach out to friends and family who have connections locally in Jamaica who may be able to provide you with information or referrals. Finally, you can also look for postings on classifieds websites like Stush.com or Jamaica Classifieds which often advertise rental properties and real estate listings," said one expat in Jamaica.

"I chose my community by asking friends and family for references. I wanted to reside near the airport but not in a commercial zone. I chose Retreat Heights which is located outside of the town of Falmouth but close enough to hotels, airport and entertainment," remarked one expat who made the move to Falmouth.

"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," remarked one expat in Jamaica.

"I am paying $1200 USD plus utilities here. Expensive for Jamaica however this same house would cost double in Canada," remarked one expat who made the move to Montego Bay.

"Our housing costs are much lower than in the US. My husband and I live in a 2 bedroom, 2 bath furnished home for 60,000 Jamaican dollars (about $480 US dollars a month). Yard maintenance and water is included in the rent. It is a newer house with an open floorplan. Electricity is about $4,000 JMD (about $31 USD). Cable (Westar) is $2,700JMD a month (about $21 USD) and we get tons of good channels. Unfurnished houses here can be found for about $45,000JMD ($352 USD). Ofcourse, if you want to go really budget and talk to the right people, you can find a place for about $250 USD a month," explained one expat living in Falmouth, Jamaica.

"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," remarked one expat 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," commented one expat who made the move to Kingston.

"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
," remarked one expat in Falmouth, Jamaica.

"1. I wish I had gone to Dollarama and stocked up on spices and kitchen stuff. It pains me to spend $8-$10 on items I know I could get for free. 2. I brought a TV, but wish I had shipped both. Electronics are crazy expensive here. 3. Sheets, bedding, towels. I packed light so I didn't bring too much of anything. I had already read from others not to bring too much clothing and I'm glad I didn't," said one expat in Montego Bay.

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to Jamaica.

"money, money and more money - things that got lost in the Abyss - books, photos, video tapes - with no a/c mildew destroys," explained one expat living in Calabar, Jamaica.

"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," said one expat in 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," said 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," remarked one expat 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," wrote one expat living in Jamaica.