For that amount of money, you should be able to find something below Half Way Tree Road in Kingston.

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Hi Gardis,

I can't tell if you are being facetious here or condescending. Nonetheless, thanks for jumping in.

If someone could help by providing information on whether or not I should consider increasing my max limit and why, that would be great. While I have visited Jamaica quite a bit, I am fully aware that visiting anywhere is not the same as living there. Any supportive responses are appreciated.

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You can check the real estate listings in the Jamaican Gleaner and there's also a site called propertyadsja.com

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Hi Royal,

Thanks for the suggestions. I've actually been searching online, using both of those resources. I was just trying to see if there were people in the forum who know people personally. I think this will take me taking a trip down there and actively searching.

Funny thing is, I just left there. I didn't commit to the idea of moving until the day I returned to the US though. SMH.

Thanks again. I'm sure I'll figure something out.

.Ni.

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Hi ni, welcome to the forum. Surely you have read here that you can't just move to live in Jm? you have to have some path to apply for permanent residency, citizenship or business purposes.

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Hello stylistni,
I am happy for you with your effort to move to Jamaica, you did not state if you have spent time on the island before, if you have not then you must make that trip before you make the final plans for September. As with every country, living in the city is always more expensive than living elsewhere. I tend to see things in a different light as I am originally form Jamaica. The hardest thing for me when I return home is the conversion of the currency, however you will get use to it. I find that being practical and think realistically will save you a lot of worry. Many of the homes in the Portmore area are well equipped, but be aware that they do not come with electrical appliances so you will have to provide your own. Grocery is relatively cheap, except for personal items. As I said as long as you do your research you'll be fine.
Good Luck

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I would stay away from the Portmore area for now, too many mosquitos, and with the Zika virus currently on the island, that area is a no no.

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Royal,

I was thinking the same. I actually have a doctor's appt coming up because I have had back pains for 2 days and just returned from Jamaica (hanging out on the veranda several nights in Portmore).

I may have to redo my budget; make some adjustments. I really want to rent a house though. I'm not a fan of apartment living. I guess another option is to rent and take a look while I'm out there.

Thanks a bunch for reminding me of that.

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Hi Lori B,

Thanks for the welcome. Yes, reading here is what helped me to dig deeper in my research. I am a business owner in the states and have plans to do more research on the best way to start a business there.

Thanks again.

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Hi Ronnie,

Thank you. I have visited quite a few times between 2010 - June 2016. I try to go at least once per year, sometimes more. I just love Jamaica. I know that it will be different living there, but I honestly appreciate the slow pace, the idea that they have their own culture (either you're Jamaican or not, not African-Jamaican, etc), the energy/vibes, music, food, eating FRESH foods, etc etc. My overall health is better when I'm there. There are several reasons why I think this move will be beneficial. Even if I have to start off by just doing extended stays until I establish a business, I am fine with that. No rush.

I'm fine with the conversion rates. I noticed that J$1000 spends similarly to a US$10 (although when you use your credit card the conversion is even better for US money).

Thanks again.

.Ni.

SN: Thanks for the information about appliances. More things to work around. I truly appreciate your input.

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Stylistni, I'm similar to you when it comes to my health, I'm in Canada and the climate here is very dry, so I find my skin is dull and gets dry very easily. My overall health is much better in Jamaica, I love it there. I currently rent a house in the Kingston 6 area and I've starting selling some products down there as well. I try to go as often as possible.

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.ni., (note, my perspective is based on living in Negril)

I think you will be safer in a small apartment building than in a private home. There is some reassurance having others around and in the same yard. It is very common that people build a couple apartments into a building, with balconies/patios facing different directions, and each still has some privacy. Avoid those that have all the balconies/patios 'in a line'.

Also the yard work is generally handled by the landlord. If you have to go back and forth until you are authorized to stay more than 6 months (which requires application for Extension of Stay before 90 days are up), someone has to be hired to clean up the yard, and also un-occupied expat homes are more vulnerable to mischief.

Renting an apartment is good until you really get your feet wet and locate something else when the time is right for you.

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Thank you for that insight LoriB. I will definitely take all of this into consideration. I do have friends (one I know from over 10 years ago, we met while working for the same company here in the states) there, but I still absolutely agree with you. I will continue looking.

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Royal. It's so crazy. The longest I've stayed has been 12 days, but even when I stay 1 week I notice a significant difference in my energy levels, skin appearance, bloating (particularly in my core), etc. I'm going to PM you if that's ok??

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Hi there, I moved to Kingston from london, UK, in November 2014 to take up a job offer. I'm always happy to give advice - check my previous posts - but I will always give negatives as well as positives and both have many pros and cons. First, I cannot tell you how much I love living in Kingston...as you say it is so incredibly vibrant and diverse and it would be hard not to fall in love with the city. That said, there are downsides; the cost of living is high. very high, especially for people who are used to buying grossly subsidised cheap food and other everyday items from large supermarkets. I can't comment on the cost of rental accommodation as I am fortunate enough to have employer provided housing in an upscale part of Kingston. But overall, this is not an inexpensive place to live and if you want to live comfortably, it is possible to do so and more cheaply than the USA or Canada, but you do have to pay for comfort and safety. I'm not one for scaremongering about the particular security 'challenges' of living in Kingston, but I do think you would be wise to listen to what others are saying and to rent in a gated secure complex until you have a better sense of things. I am a single Black British/African-Caribbean female, in my mid-50s and I go about my business quite happily and have never had any problems but that's partly because I make sure that I stick to the golden rule. Take the same precautions as you would anywhere else - people come here and for some reason forget all their street sense. Don't walk around with flashy jewellery, cameras, phones, clothing; keep out of people's business and don't let people get into yours either. Most of all, please just treat others with courtesy and as you would expect to be treated yourself. Ask trusted people for recommendations for taxi drivers/companies etc. I can recommend trusted taxi drivers if you need to. Keep out of places that you have no business being in. Portmore is fine, but relatively quiet so if you want dancehalls, high life etc, it's not the place for you. Be aware that the town has numerous infrastructural challenges - it was built to provide homes for about 25,000 people but it is currently home to about 200,000 people so there are many challenges. Try to talk to people who live there...there may be some on this forum. You might not like what Gardis says but s/he is straight up and won't bulls...t you but will give you advice gained from many years experience of living here in Jamaica. I would strongly suggest that you not put all your eggs in one basket, that you come here and spend a few months before committing to the BIG move. Keep on doing as you're doing...research as much as you can, and then research some more....and appreciate advice from people who live here and have experience of negotiating and navigating their way around Jamaica...this place can be heaven on earth but it can be hellish too...

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Hi Cessj,

I'm a very open-minded person and totally respect people's positions. It's not that I didn't like what Gardis said, it was the undertone. I'm a pretty straightforward person and can definitely appreciate others who are "non-bulls****ers".

Nonetheless, I have several friends/family in Kingston and Portmore. I'm pretty familiar with both areas, but definitely am not taking this advice lightly. While I am familiar with navigating both areas, I have never spent more than 12 consecutive days in Jamaica.

I'm so appreciative of everyone's input. Y'all have really given me some things to think about.

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Hi.. I think you need to ask yourself just what it is you want from Jamaica. Are you seeking to build a life here or are you at this piubt wanting to explore the possibilities? You say you haven't spent more than 12 days here.. I appreciate that you have family herein Port more but just be aware that they are used to navigating this space and can deal with everything that living here throws at them. I'm pretty used to Caribbean life and culture from visits short and long but I have learned that it is one thing to be a visitor here but quite another to actually live here. I think you said you have a business but do you have any idea of the business environment here? Bureaucracy is top heavy here and it can take weeks to accomplish something that you could achieve in an hour in Canada or the USA.. are you full y aware of the residency requirements? Are you fully aware of all the red tape and hoops you need to jump through to get a business started here? Is there a market for your business and can the infrastructure support it? Lots to think about which is why I would urge anyone thinking about moving here - or anywhere else in the world for that matter to research, research, research and come live here for extended periods before committing..

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That's fine

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Excellent, excellent advice, Cessj. Which will be ignored, no doubt by these dreamers. It never ceases to amaze me, half the population of Jamaica would migrate in a heartbeat, to enjoy the benefits of life in a developed country - the same life that these dreamers want to throw out the window!!! The irony of it!

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I totally agree with Stylistni about Gardis, it's not what you say but how you say it. Cessji has valid points and she knows how to communicate those thought without alienating anyone. Not everybody is a dreamer, I was born in Jamaica and I've lived overseas for quite awhile, and physically and mentally there's no place I'll rather be. I've seen drastic changes in my body when I'm there. I know people who have picked up and left the UK and Canada because they fell in love with Jamaica and they're doing quite well now.

It's definitely not for everybody but don't assume people are just dream chasers.

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The fact that you know everything about us "dreamers" from posting in a forum doesn't cease to amaze me. I asked for specific advice about renting a home. You have no clue what my reasons are for wanting to move to Jamaica. SMH. You're something like a cyberbully. While it's awesome to get feedback about ALL (or as many as possible) aspects of any situation, take yourself away from trying to crush people's dreams. So what if we want to live out our dreams? Isn't it the same as the many Jamaicans who want to "escape" JUST to get to America and be on welfare, living in the projects, living off of a system that WE Americans have to fund? At the end of the day, it's THEIR dreams. If the dreams can be supported, no matter how, let them live their dreams and let me live mine. While I can't control you responding or not responding, I will RESPECTFULLY ask you to stay off of my posts. UGH!

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Exactly Royal! What in the world is wrong with this person? I could be moving to Jamaica because I have a sickness and found the cure there. Maybe I have a family linkage that I am tracing. All of these assumptions because I asked for advice about renting a home. I appreciate people helping by giving advice based on their experiences and research, but this person is rudely annoying.

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I do have my personal reasons for wanting to live in Jamaica. While I TOTALLY understand that living in a place is (or at least can be) very different from visiting, I'm still very exciting about starting the process. I'm definitely going to go on a tourist visa and stay, hopefully, 6 months. During that stay is when I will do more research on whether or not I should expand my business (if possible) or start a new one that better supports the Jamaican economy. Thank you for all of this information. Trust me, I have been thinking long and hard about this. I do have a friend who is supporting my move, but I still wanted to do my own research so that I can be in control of my move.

I appreciate you asking these tough questions and providing feedback that can actually help others as we make (or think about making) this move.

As Royal said, there are plenty of people who just pick up and start the relocation process without a second thought and are doing just fine. I'm sure I'll be fine either way.

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Nin,

1) I don't think I've seen what country you are from. CessJ says treat people like you want to be treated however, she is partly Caribbean, which relates differently (more friendlier) than folks from the US or perhaps Canada. I am used to being very private in public places whereas Jamaicans will at least acknowledge folks as they enter a public building or a waiting room. Its something I need to work on.

2. Try to take Gardis' comments as advice not personal attack, There are plenty who have talked big and washed out fast. On the other hand its the dreamers who succeed, that's where you want to aim.

You literally cannot move to Ja to live unless you have enough money/investments to be retired and apply for perm residency. Even starting a business you will not likely get it set up in 6 months, and should anticipate having to leave the island multiple times.

I have been 'all over the map' of living in Ja, first with 3 and 6-month stays exploring do I really want to live here, then two years of exploring business ideas as a means to residency; to eventually becoming flexible in the balance of living here and visiting family and friends in the US, sticking with my current source of earning. This is my 7th year in the journey.

I want to be in Ja more than 6 months/yr however, I have learned to be patient and go with the flow, as things have tended to work out in the direction I want to go (or even better than I foresaw), when I don't force them.

3. Stuff happens in Ja from the smallest (vendor sold you low-quality produce because you hadn't learned how to select that item) to much bigger (a shooting on your street) that you have to learn to roll with. I am the most cautious and careful person I know in Ja yet I was robbed and in a location where it never should have happened. (I got my things back)

4) Your comment about Jamaicans wanting to move to the US to collect welfare is off base and petty. They come where there are more jobs that pay better than in Ja and to get away from some of the foolishness in Ja.

5) have you considered moving to Florida? A couple months in Jamaica during the coolest months in Fl is a nice combo.

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I just want everyone to know where I stand, and what my background is, so perhaps my comments will be in context. I spent 10 years in Jamaica. I am a white man, USA born. I managed an apparel assembly plant in the free zones, with approximately 110 employees under me. My position was important enough to attend meetings with Government officials, like finance minister (at the time) Dr. Omar Davies and Minister of Industry and Commerce Robertson. I lived first in the old Courtleigh Hotel on Trafalgar Road, thence to a gated community off Lady Musgrave Road. I didn't feel comfortable living in such luxury in a country of such stark privation, so I moved into a house off Hope Road. I have friends who still live in Jamaica, whom I've helped through out the years. I still have my finger on the pulse, and I know exactly what's going on there. last year, one of my friends (Jamaica, 39 y.o) was found dead in a ditch off Spanish Town Road, murdered. Police haven't found anyone, and couldn't care less if they do or they don't. I have one or two others who are doing reasonably well. All, without exception, would leave the island in a heartbeat if they could get a visa to migrate.
Life in Jamaica is very cheap, and it's very hard - for them. I found the cost of living astronomically high, from groceries to "light." And so do they. If you grow ackees and breadfruit in your yard, maybe it's cheap as some of posted. I did my shopping at John R. Wong on Trafalgar Road and Sovereign. I drove my own vehicle. I never wore a piece of jewelry or expensive gold chains EVER. And neither should you. Jamaica is not the place to flaunt anything, especially not wealth. It could be very hazardous to your health to do so. I will return to Jamaica when I have a retirement income and can live totally independently. Those of you who think you are going to "get a job" and live in paradise, are just that, "Dreamers." Good luck with that. I speak with experience and knowledge. I've walked the walk. I don't just talk the talk. Take my advice, or leave it, as you wish.

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Addendum: I wanted to add, I loved living in Jamaica, every day of the 10 years. BUT I had an expense account, ate in the hotels whenever I wanted, had steak or lobster as I wished. all of it reimbursed. The weather is sublime and seductive. Who wouldn't be enthralled with it? Even as a white man, I walked around and felt comfortable - but I knew where I belonged, and knew where I did not belong. I never went "native."

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Hi Lori,

Thank you. I'm from the US and totally understand everyone's input about being cautious. I agree with you as well with the going with the flow. I've just decided to go that route. Financially, I am fine. In regards to Gardis, no matter what anyone says about this person, I'm not feeling their condescending tone.

Re my comment about Jamaicans moving to US and collect welfare was taken out of context. I was using that as an example. Basically saying that dreamers from all over want to be someplace they are currently not. My example was really saying that there are some Jamaicans (people from other countries in general) who think that coming to America will make them wealthy and/or they will never have to struggle or worry about not having a job. Then they arrive here to see that, yes we have more opportunities, but it's not as easy as they think and so they end up on gov't assistance or moving back. It goes both ways. My point is, it's fine to **INFORM** people, but don't try to kill their dreams. Expats all over the world move for SO MANY different reasons. And no matter what we try to accomplish, most (if not all) people stumble along the way. I was definitely not meaning to offend anyone, especially not an entire group categorized as Jamaicans.

Again, thank you for your input.

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As a Black British woman recently relocated here to take up a job offer I am right up there with your guidance Gardis. Its not for me to kill anyone's dreams but even with my situation - a good job, paid accommodation - this is a very, very tough place, and anyone thinking of moving here needs to research, research, and then do more research. The dollar is NOT going to stretch far when you're actually living here, having to buy food, other groceries, and utilities, which one doesn't generally have to pay when staying for short visits. Trust me, even as a professional in a good job, I still give thanks to the barrels of food, clothing, and sundry household and other items that my family and friends send down to me from the UK. If you want a measure of what it truly means to live here, get a friend or relative to send you a barrel and go collect it yourself. A day - or two - spent at the wharf, dealing with the arbitrariness that is Customs is a good start. If you can survive that, you might just survive everything else. Whatever you do, don't expect that there will be any order or sense to how things are done. Don't expect perfectly ordered systems, processes and procedures...they MIGHT (not always) exist on paper but the actuality tends to be different. If you are to have nay hope of running a business here, then set aside all your expectations of how things are done elsewhere. If your business is reliant on email, internet, for instance, then be aware that people just don't respond to emails. Be aware that your 10.00a.m.meeting might not happen until 3.00 - the next day. Your sense of urgency will not register as such with others.So when your toilet in your rented accommodation gets backed up, don't expect the landlord to jump on it. When your internet and phone system goes, don't imagine that you can just get on the phone to flow/lime/digicel and have the problem sorted because you probably will NOT be able to find a number for the said organisation, and when you do, you will be talking to someone in Outer Mongolia. Trust me on this. Should you have to purchase a technological item, be aware that the guarantee might not cover the Caribbean. You may be asked to return your precious but faulty laptop to Sticksville, Ohio, and no chance of getting it back for another 3 months. And you will be fortunate if you are offered a replacement during that time. I'mnot going to push this furtherbut just want to indicate that yes, Jamica is a cool plac, it's in my view, the most beautiful of all the Caibbean islands, the weather is fabulous, gorgeous beaches, great food, all of that. But as I said in a previous post, this place can be heaven on earth but equally, it can be hell on earth and the more and better prepared for it, the more likely you'll succeed. Bring your dreams, yes, but just check them in at the airport.

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As a Black British woman recently relocated here to take up a job offer I am right up there with your guidance Gardis. Its not for me to kill anyone's dreams but even with my situation - a good job, paid accommodation - this is a very, very tough place, and anyone thinking of moving here needs to research, research, and then do more research. The dollar is NOT going to stretch far when you're actually living here, having to buy food, other groceries, and utilities, which one doesn't generally have to pay when staying for short visits. Trust me, even as a professional in a good job, I still give thanks to the barrels of food, clothing, and sundry household and other items that my family and friends send down to me from the UK. If you want a measure of what it truly means to live here, get a friend or relative to send you a barrel and go collect it yourself. A day - or two - spent at the wharf, dealing with the arbitrariness that is Customs is a good start. If you can survive that, you might just survive everything else. Whatever you do, don't expect that there will be any order or sense to how things are done. Don't expect perfectly ordered systems, processes and procedures...they MIGHT (not always) exist on paper but the actuality tends to be different. If you are to have nay hope of running a business here, then set aside all your expectations of how things are done elsewhere. If your business is reliant on email, internet, for instance, then be aware that people just don't respond to emails. Be aware that your 10.00a.m.meeting might not happen until 3.00 - the next day. Your sense of urgency will not register as such with others.So when your toilet in your rented accommodation gets backed up, don't expect the landlord to jump on it. When your internet and phone system goes, don't imagine that you can just get on the phone to flow/lime/digicel and have the problem sorted because you probably will NOT be able to find a number for the said organisation, and when you do, you will be talking to someone in Outer Mongolia. Trust me on this. Should you have to purchase a technological item, be aware that the guarantee might not cover the Caribbean. You may be asked to return your precious but faulty laptop to Sticksville, Ohio, and no chance of getting it back for another 3 months. And you will be fortunate if you are offered a replacement during that time. I'mnot going to push this furtherbut just want to indicate that yes, Jamica is a cool plac, it's in my view, the most beautiful of all the Caibbean islands, the weather is fabulous, gorgeous beaches, great food, all of that. But as I said in a previous post, this place can be heaven on earth but equally, it can be hell on earth and the more and better prepared for it, the more likely you'll succeed. Bring your dreams, yes, but just check them in at the airport.

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As a Black British woman recently relocated here to take up a job offer I am right up there with your guidance Gardis. Its not for me to kill anyone's dreams but even with my situation - a good job, paid accommodation - this is a very, very tough place, and anyone thinking of moving here needs to research, research, and then do more research. The dollar is NOT going to stretch far when you're actually living here, having to buy food, other groceries, and utilities, which one doesn't generally have to pay when staying for short visits. Trust me, even as a professional in a good job, I still give thanks to the barrels of food, clothing, and sundry household and other items that my family and friends send down to me from the UK. If you want a measure of what it truly means to live here, get a friend or relative to send you a barrel and go collect it yourself. A day - or two - spent at the wharf, dealing with the arbitrariness that is Customs is a good start. If you can survive that, you might just survive everything else. Whatever you do, don't expect that there will be any order or sense to how things are done. Don't expect perfectly ordered systems, processes and procedures...they MIGHT (not always) exist on paper but the actuality tends to be different. If you are to have nay hope of running a business here, then set aside all your expectations of how things are done elsewhere. If your business is reliant on email, internet, for instance, then be aware that people just don't respond to emails. Be aware that your 10.00a.m.meeting might not happen until 3.00 - the next day. Your sense of urgency will not register as such with others.So when your toilet in your rented accommodation gets backed up, don't expect the landlord to jump on it. When your internet and phone system goes, don't imagine that you can just get on the phone to flow/lime/digicel and have the problem sorted because you probably will NOT be able to find a number for the said organisation, and when you do, you will be talking to someone in Outer Mongolia. Trust me on this. Should you have to purchase a technological item, be aware that the guarantee might not cover the Caribbean. You may be asked to return your precious but faulty laptop to Sticksville, Ohio, and no chance of getting it back for another 3 months. And you will be fortunate if you are offered a replacement during that time. I'mnot going to push this furtherbut just want to indicate that yes, Jamica is a cool plac, it's in my view, the most beautiful of all the Caibbean islands, the weather is fabulous, gorgeous beaches, great food, all of that. But as I said in a previous post, this place can be heaven on earth but equally, it can be hell on earth and the more and better prepared for it, the more likely you'll succeed. Bring your dreams, yes, but just check them in at the airport.

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Thanks everyone for sharing your perspectives. I will consider everyone's input, although my decision to begin the process of moving is already finalized. Just because I don't agree or like a pov doesn't mean that I'm taking any of this lightly. I'm too smart for that.

For those of you who keep saying how poverty stricken, corrupt, dangerous, etc that Jamaica is, please note that I'm no stranger to adversity. The slow pace does not bother me either. I don't like cellphones and there are solutions to internet going out etc. As previously suggested, I will take everything one day at a time and allow The Most High to continue to guide my steps.

Thanks again everyone. SN: I've actually had a little "luck" locating a couple of properties to view. :-)

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"...poverty stricken, corrupt, dangerous, etc..."

I don't recall reading that here, must have missed it.

I have a really good landlord, he loves me for telling him about any water problem (I have ears for leaks) and I've never had to wait more than a day (if that) for a plumbing repair. Other things I've waited on but I'm pretty adaptable and can get by on some things for a long time. Bathing etc is a priority though.

Jamaica is pretty much 180 degrees different from the life I come from. It took a few years for me to go from 'horrified' at some things to 'ahhh, Jamaicans are SO smart'.

CessJ, there's nothing like a current cut on a hot night, eh? Just when you want to relax and watch a little tv.... haha. Current comes back but the cable is down, too tired to read. I was thinking to get a land line for internet, but realized it would be no better than the cable.

Always grateful for gas cooktop and the jugs of water I put up, mi can manage (for days) and daylight soon come.

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SMH. It was a synopsis/interpretation LoriB.

Thanks again everyone. I'm familiar with some of the challenges and am no stranger to having to employ survival tactics. I'll be fine.

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I have been watching this thread with great interest, and if you read the whole thread beginning to end you can pretty much get the lowdown on most aspects of expat life in JA. I have a few thoughts, not so much about renting in Kingston, but more about the reality of life "on the ground" there. I am an American white male that has had Jamaican residency (through marriage) since 2004.
I have lived here as a manager at a resort, a local contractor, and as a struggling unemployed "white man" who was ridiculed by folks in my neighborhood for not leaving and sending money and barrels from "a farrin".
Last November I returned to JA from working abroad and decided to see what would happen if I went totally native. Would my wife and kids step up? Would my landlord throw me out when I didn't pay rent for months at a time? What about JPS and NWS? I literally had no money for weeks at a time, I ate rice, mangos, and anything that was free. I would agonize over what to do with $200 jmd if I had it in my pocket. My mother died in the US during this time, I didn't have any way to get there to attend to her estate. In fact, I had to walk to homes nearby that had unsecured wifi in order to communicate at all with my family. JPS got cut off---I jumped the meter. Water cut off---ran a pipe from 100 meters away......and so forth.
During my first few years in Jamaica I used to complain to my wife about "feeding the village", I had the opinion that my stuff, my money, etc belonged to me. In Jamaica you don't eat dinner, you "share" dinner. I thought that that was just a linguistic thing---like saying good night instead of good evening. Not so. There were times when myself and my family were hungry that people who had less than us would feed us. Fact. A young mother of 6 living in a shack fed me when she couldn't get money to buy pampers. This goes on every day, you take care of them, they take care of you. It took being poor in Jamaica to see how it works, what is behind the perceived pluses and minuses of Jamaica and Jamaicans in general.

Full disclosure: When I went local I knew I had a job overseas waiting and that the situation was not permanent. I also knew that I would receive an inheritance from my mother's estate. Living as a local caused a lot of resentment toward me and gave me immense respect for the spirit of the the Jamaican people, and it also taught me a huge life lesson.
Most who are on this site wont ever be a "local", You can try, but until you have been there for years, are married into the culture, are accepted, you absolutely wont "get it". I applaud the poster that moved out of the gated community---he got it. I am now working overseas. I'll be back in November or so. I didn't mention that I took a job for a bit raking lawns for a "Trimmer man", the guy who cuts your lawn for $3000. My take was $500 per lawn. $4 usd....I made between 8 and 16 bucks per day. Plenty if you are a local. Anyway, upon my return I'm going to become a silent partner and expand the business. I will consider it a success if I can gross $10,000 per day. With that money I will be feeding three or four households.....
Oh, Gardis' post was pretty harsh, but she was speaking the truth. Just sayin.

Be good.
Ed

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Excellent post Ed.
By the way, Gardis is a male.
Thanks.

Gardis

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Thanks for contributing to the thread Ed. Hopefully people who have no idea about Janaica n planning to live there will gain a better sense of it from this thread.

SN: if you are one of those persons, please don't be discouraged. Take what advice people offer, primarily the facts that they are sharing, and research + plan. Like anywhere u go, learn the culture & ask urself "if I was to become a citizen here n totally integrated with the culture/society would I still want to be here." I'M not going to go back n forth with ppl who don't truly know my own experiences & understanding of Jamaica, but I will say that despite the many challenges (which a LOT have been shared n this thread & are not false), Jamaica is a BEAUTIFUL place filled with BEAUTIFUL spirits. The fam & friends I have who hv very little to no income are rich in areas of life. They rarely complain and they make things happen. Remember that ppl share their experiences through their life lenses. Some of us know struggle before Jamaica, it just didn't come in the shape of a barrel. Many people see temporarily shut off electricity as the end of the world. I see it as an opportunity to shut up, cut off some of the foolishness ppl watch on tv, n just shut & sit down. Some people see eating mangoes & boil banana as a poor man's meal. I see it as eating natural foods from the land and give thanks to The Most High every time I don't hv to eat the poisons they put in our massed produced foods. Some people see Jamaicans taking their sweet ol' time as slow Jamaicans value noone else's time. I see it as "why are we rushing to die? Just let life happen." Time itself is natural but clocks are manmade anyhow.

My point is, write out/become clear on YOUR personal goals. If living in Jamaica (or wherever) will help you reach those goals and it feels REALLY good to the soul (not just ur heart) then just do it. Again, research first, only after you know what you truly want. Don't let anyone discourage you because their life lense is different from yours.

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Stylistni you hit the nail on the head. Love that post. There's is no place I'd rather be, I eat better when I'm there because I eat the local fruits and vegetables which cost an arm and a leg in Canada. Utilities are much cheaper there than in Canada. Overall I love my country of birth hardships and all.

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lol....so much for my "gender neutral" stance...kmt...
Respect

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OK. All good in theory, but hunger is real. There is a reason why food and food related things reign supreme in Jamaica. I suggest you move there (without $$), live with your poor relatives for a period of time...say 4 months...then report back. By then I should be back on island, perhaps we could meet up. Fact is, you can't starve in JA. You can however lose weight... Just go, I think you've got the right attitude. Time will tell if you really have any friends in Jamaica. Be very, very f---ing careful in that regard. Trust me on this. Your friends and family WILL steal your stuff. Be careful, quiet, and send locals to take care of local stuff if you can. Never have a local deal with JPS, water or rent on your behalf. Never, and you will be presented with persuasive reasons to "trust" them. Don't. Your best friend will take your stuff as sure as the sun will rise. It is hard to stomach, but that is the way it is,......a cultural thing. just sayin

Call me when you get there,
461-3061

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lol edmon59, I like how you tell it like it is without offending.

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lol edmon59, I like how you tell it like it is without offending.

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Whenever anyone's in Kingston you can hit me up, my number is 887-7477, not sure the exact date I'll be back but hopefully sometime in July. PS, the phone only works in JA, but I can get whatsapp calls while in Canada.

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I love the way you told it,from the heart.
I go JA twice a year,live like the locals,miss JA went I go back,
I also know how hard it is as I go for long periods at a time,I return as always with my barrels filled with everything and anything that will make life easier for my friends and their family.
I wish I could live there,find a job...any job,however I know that impossible ,this makes me sad.
I read most of what's said on here ,about how hard it is...I don't care...may be it because I need to think if me now ,family all grow up,parent have pass away now,who knows I could be going through a middle life crisis!
But one thing I know is life is short,never put off what you can do today,for tomorrow!!
That's how I feel....any one reading this can say ( fool).... But each to your own????????

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So true live your life

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I totally understand Amandalee. I live simply. Sold most of my belongings, hvnt owned a television in well over 5 years now, and eat as little meat as possible. I stopped so much impulse purchasing and rented my house out. One of the biggest things that I was avoiding here on the thread (because I do not like explaining myself unnecessarily) is that I am a person who knows what I want. Nothing shared on this thread was new to me except learning about opening a business. Amandalee, life is TOO short and I plan to enjoy my time here, understanding that enjoyment means different things to different ppl.

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Amandalee. That didn't read the way I intended. Was basically saying that I agree with what u posted.

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That's all we ask some of us.
Ideally Many may say we are mad...but walk a mile in my shoe and see.
Thankyou for your comment I understand what you mean??

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Edmond59,

Why would I want to live there with no money? It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see. I've lived poor, not knowing where our next meal will come from. I'm good on that. What I am saying is that I am no stranger to struggle, so while I do not seek to live with no money, I know how to make due. I'll always keep enough money to fly in and out of the country. Like, aside from purposely experimenting, who would go to Jamaica as an expat without a plan?

In terms of friends... I use the term loosely. I mean, we've known each other for a long time, met through mutual friends/family, and have already experienced major life changes together. I already know how many Jamaicans are with and about money. I've had to manage a fish fry from abroad (and they tried it with my money, but my fish fry was a success) and a few other things. I have plenty of Jamaican "friends" here in the US who have always talked about their experiences in JA with family and how, even their own mothers, have taken money when they weren't in JA. Trust me, while I don't know everything and am not immune to all of the challenges that we discuss, I am pretty familiar with Jamaicans and their culture. When I visit Jamaica, I do not seclude myself like many tourists. I am WITH them the entire time, sometimes engaging in "tourist stuff", but mostly living like a local. We're buying gas, cooking good/authentic Jamaican food, experiencing power outages (for lack of paying the bill), waking up to no running water with no ac or ventilation in the bathroom and 9 people in the house, eating "run dung", trying to find entertainment that doesn't require money, spending TOO much time at customs collecting a barrel (only to be disappointed by the contents), getting harassed by customs (I think because I had locs, am female, and the majority of my stamps are from Jamaica), my friend's chain being snatched from a guy who was OUTSIDE of a taxi that my friend was sitting in, my other friend having her cellphone stolen while in a crowd and have NO idea of how or when it happened, etc. While I still understand that it will be a bit different because I won't be planning to leave in a few short days from the time I arrive... I'm up for the challenge. I don't have the mindset of most Americans. I am not attached to things, and as successful as I have been in my career, eating "good" does not have to mean lobster for me. That's true for me here in the US.

Anyways, without looking back over my post I feel like I just wrote part of my dissertation. O_O

Thanks for your input edmon59. Truly appreciate it. I would love to hear/discuss more about your "experiment". Will be sure to call. I don't have my JA number on hand, but will definitely reach out.

Best

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Stylist
An "expat" is a person working in a foreign country under the auspices of a company located abroad. Most of the person's expenses are reimbursed (housing allowances, food allowance, school allowance, etc). From what you have described, you are most definitely not an expat.

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**Sighs**

Ok Love. You win.

**Toodles**

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??????

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I believe that's for Gardis

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Yes. That was for Gardis giving his definition of an expat.

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An expatriate (often shortened to expat) is a person temporarily or permanently residing, as an immigrant, in a country other than that of their citizenship. The word comes from the Latin terms ex ("out of") and patria ("country, fatherland").

In common usage, the term is often used in the context of professionals or skilled workers sent abroad by their companies.

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RickBlaine...if you didn't post that I would have.

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