What do I need to know before retiring in Jamaica?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Jamaica, they said...
"1. Expats should ensure they have access to any medical treatment or medications they may need, as healthcare in Jamaica may not always meet international standards. 2. It is important to research the cost of living in Jamaica before relocating, as prices may vary depending on the area. 3. Learn the local language as many conversations in Jamaica are conducted in Creole. 4. Obtain appropriate retirement visas, including a permanent resident visa, if planning to stay more than six months. 5. Consider joining an expat community, which can help with settling in to the local culture. 6. Be sure to purchase comprehensive travel and health insurance, as medical care and transportation in Jamaica can be costly. 7. Research the local tax laws to make sure you are in line with the local regulations. 8. Ensure any important documents are translated into English, in order to avoid any potential problems arising from language issues," explained one expat living in Jamaica.
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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"Jamaica is a beautiful island as are most of the people. But it’s not an easy place to live and you have to be fairly resilient to do so," said another expat in Kingston, Jamaica.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Jamaica?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Jamaica?
- Will I be able to find a job in Jamaica?
- What is life like in Jamaica?
- What do expats in Jamaica appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Jamaica?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Jamaica accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Jamaica like?
- What are healthcare services like in Jamaica?
- What are medical services in Jamaica like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Jamaica?
- What are emergency services like in Jamaica?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Jamaica?
- How are local medical facilities in Jamaica?
- As a foreigner living in Jamaica, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know before retiring in Jamaica?
If you live in Jamaica, newcomers to Jamaica would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.