Moving 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," said one expat in Falmouth.

"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.

"Things change often here in Jamaica. It's best you contact a person you know for advice on current living conditions or accommodations. I run a blog at http://www.jamaicamax.com with details on current market condition's in Negril and Jamaica," explained one expat living in Negril, 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," replied a member in Jamaica.

"I am living in a 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom furnished townhouse in a gated community. It's brand new and beautiful," remarked one expat who made the move to Montego Bay.

"A typical expat home or apartment in Jamaica is usually a luxury apartment or villa with modern furnishings and modern amenities, such as air conditioning and fast internet. Expat living in Jamaica typically enjoys a generous living space, with bright and airy rooms and large balconies with a view of the ocean. Expats may also have access to a private swimming pool and patio area, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Jamaican countryside," explained one expat living in Jamaica.

"I live in a scheme in Falmouth 2bd, 2bath, furnished & washing machine. Love it," said one expat in Jamaica.

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

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

"The cost of housing in Jamaica is generally moderate, with a wide range of prices depending on the size, location and type of property. Costs can range from inexpensive one-bedroom apartments to luxury villas with ocean views. Rent for two-bedroom apartments in Kingston can typically start at around $500USD per month and can reach up to $1500USD in more desirable areas. Outside of Kingston, rent can be much lower, with some rural areas offering apartment rentals for as low as $200USD per month," said one expat in 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," said one expat in 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 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," wrote 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," commented one expat who moved to Jamaica.