backayaad2014
10/31/2014 14:02 EST
My boyfriend doesn't seem to be able to get his visa, so I have decided to retire from my job of 20+ years and move down to JA to be with him. I'm wondering how much of my American possessions I should bring, how to get them down there, what to do about health care. We will be living about a half hour from montego bay and I'll have to make some friends I'm sure. Any information or advice would be appreciated.
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edmon59
11/1/2014 11:17 EST
If I were in your shoes I would arrange to store my belongings in the US for 6-8 months. By that time you will know whether or not you want to commit to JA.
Around Mobay there is the Houseboat (restaurant) and Scotchies---both popular hangouts for expats----Scotchies sees some pretty heavy tourist traffic as well fwiw.
Never underestimate the degree of cultural adjustment involved in the move....especially if you are an interracial couple. Been there.
When shipping, arrange it through your boyfriend. I am assuming he is a JA national, and as such can import a fair amount of household goods duty free...once. This is a service for returning Jamaicans though, and I'm not sure he'd qualify. Do your research and good luck!
-Ed
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Gardis
11/1/2014 11:39 EST
So many red flags here I don't know where to start. Ed gave you good advice, I'd follow it. Beyond that, how long do you know this person? If they won't give him a visa, that tells me he doesn't have assets in Jamaica to draw him back to Jamaica, which is why they won't give him one. You are not going to find a "job" in Jamaica, forget about that. Are you financially able to survive there? Jamaica is expensive, food is expensive and so is housing - the type of housing that you will find acceptable, anyway. I would take another long, hard look at this before you make an irreversible move. Think about it. Again.
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Blackspiderja
11/1/2014 14:01 EST
Yes I agree with other comments. I'm white and from UK. Rent in JA for 6 months you will see the difference in lifestyle and behaviour. Does your man work?
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backayaad2014
11/1/2014 20:54 EST
Thanks everyone. It's been almost 4 years and yes he does work. We live on his family's property-they have a few plots of land and I wasn't looking to work right away. I'm familiar with Scotchie's and Father Bull's restaurants, we also go into Duncan's and Falmouth. I've been back and forth visiting and getting to know my way around with him. I would tell anyone else not to do it, but there's other personal factors going on, and I really think the change in lifestyle and being away from this culture would do me good, at least for a while.
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LoriB
11/12/2014 13:25 EST
Unless you get married (or start a business or have some kind of guaranteed income - pension, disability etc.) to apply for Permanent Residency, you will only be able to stay 180 days in the calendar year. (some people say they are able to get more time but I am only going to tell you what I know to be true, your mileage may vary)
Don't jump ship entirely on your current situation, and don't burn bridges. Downsize or Sublet your housing, store your belongings, leave yourself some way to come back or have a place to come back to if you need it (at some point you will, because there are some things you have to do in the US to stay in Jamaica.)
I've done this for 5 years...
You don't need much in Jamaica. I went there with almost nothing and over the years have brought various comforts with me. Really, you don't need much 'stuff' to live there, ingenuity goes a long way.
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