About JABound

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Jamaica: looking to move to jamaica:

Hi, Congrats on the decision to move to JA! I just returned from a 2 week prep trip. I am moving late August to the Mona area as I need to be near UWI for research. One bit of advise is to start early in your housing and job search. I've been in prep mode for some time and am learning that admin stuff takes quite a bit of time and patience. (Ex. Even with all documentation it took 2.5 hours to get and open bank account). Further while Jamaicans a lovely people customer service is markedly different than it is further North. Looking forward to the move and sharing experiences. Further VERY interested in meeting and greeting members of this Expat community. Hope to host a lunch once I arrive. Best of luck with preparations! Kind regards, JA Bound

Jamaica: Moving in a few months!:

Hi congrats on the move to JA! Is your husband a prof? Will he be teaching at UWI? I will be at UWI myself and am wondering about housing. Are you able to offer any tips? The last few times I was there UWI housed me on campus in a house which was nice but funding supports for this leg of my research is not as lucrative. The ups and downs of research funding not fun. Please let me know if you have any suggestions. I am up for a smoothie at Dunkunoo and a walk around the circle with you and the kids when you are ready.

Jamaica: Goodbye Toronto, Hello Jamaica!:

Hi Karen, congrats on the pending move. I hope to depart Toronto soon too. Headed to JA next week but will be leaving Mid May. Maybe we catch up before I leave. Hoping to connect with folks prior to the relocation.

Jamaica: Fresh From DC:

congrats on the move to JA. What sort of development work are you seeking? Do you have a specialty? Will be in JA next week available to meet. would love to hear about your experiences of getting settled.

Jamaica: finally Touch Down:

Happy to hear you arrived safely. Best of luck with the housing search! Settle in we are eager to hear about your experiences.

Jamaica: How to Acquire JA Driver's License:

Hi All, Wanted to say thanks for ALL your great advise. You have been valuable assistants in preparing for my move. I wanted to ask about the validity of my driver's license for the years. I have an Ontario driver's license and wanted to know if it will be valid for a year of driving in JA. When I lived in the states I was forced to take on their driver's license within 90 of moving. Do I need to acquire a JA driver's license if I will only be there a year? Can anyone tell me about insurance companies that will insure me for the year? Will I encounter and challenges in trying to purchase, register and license a used car with Canadian driver's license? As always your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Jamaica: TRN:

Hello, can anyone explain how to go about getting a TRN? I thought I had completed the process but it has been SEVERAL months since the application and I have heard nothing. Did I go about it incorrectly? I completed the application. Paid a few at the Jamaican embassy in Toronto. I was told I could either pick it up at an office in Jamaica or it would be mailed to me. I opted to pick up at an office in jamaica but it was not ready while I was there. I then asked that it be sent to me in Toronto. since I have heard nothing. Any suggestions or advice on this would be much appreciated. At this point I am not even clear about all the purposes for which I will even need the TRN. Appreciate your time in educating me.

Jamaica: Shipping Items from Toronto:

Hi All, I just wanted to thank you for you ALL your amazing advice. I am moving to JA for one year in Sept for research. I would like to send a number of items to JA from Toronto. One with personal items like food stuffs, hygiene products, books, printers, computer components, camera etc. I also will bring what may look like commercial items restaurant supplies (pots pans, chafing dishes, paper plates), a 10x10 gazebo, 4 lawn chairs, 2 bicycles. My research requires large focus groups. It is my intention to hold large lunches and offer gifts for participants' time (t-shirts, pens, pads, gadgets). I have been terrified by stories of items being stolen from barrels. Can I combat this with a pictured itemized list of goods? So basically I have a list of contents with a thumb picture beside it. Will this help to avert theft? Is there a cost difference if I send the barrel in my name versus sending it to someone in Jamaica? Also, it is my understanding that what I pay for an item may not be what it is taxed at. Ex. I have a used printer I bought for $20. Their list may show a used printer for $80 and I am responsible for paying what is on their list despite my receipts. Can anyone clarify for me these issues? Also, any suggestions on reputable companies to use and what I can expect to pay? Many thanks for your advice in advance!

Jamaica: 1 Year Exchange in Jamaica:

Hello All, Looking for some advise on moving to Kingston Jamaica. I will be there for one year. Of particular interest is transportation. Can I buy a SAFE car on my limited budget $2500-3000 US (including registration fees)? (I have done this in parts of Africa and sold the vehicles upon departure). I don't want to assume things in Jamaica will be the same. Can I drive on a Canadian driver's license for the year? I also have international permit. Am I able to secure a title and registration for a car in Jamaica being a foreigner? Any suggestions for car insurance? How expensive is it to ship a late model car? I also have questions about sending items including dry foods ahead of me. But will ask in subsequent post. Thanks a lot for ALL your help in advance. I am VERY excited about the next year but want to be as prepared as possible to avoid costs. As a student I am on a strict budget. Kind regards, JA Bound

Jamaica: Work in Jamaica:

Hi Thanks for your post. I have a question regarding the "apartment renting" you mentioned. In the past I have owned income property (condo) which provided much financial freedom. I am currently a (mature) graduate student but am interested in owning again. That said, I am toying with the idea of purchasing a condo for the purposes of short term and long term rentals when not on the island. Would you have any leads in this regard? Ideally $50-90K, 1-2 bedroom /1.5bath within walking distance to a beach. I am quick handy so it doesn't need to be move in ready. Are homeowner association fees common in JA? Are you able to make referrals to property attorney, real estate agent and anyone who can explain the home buying process for a foreigner. Sashylinks, thanks in advance for any advice you may be able to share. Kind regards, JABound

Date Joined:

3/11/2014

Total Posts:

11

Posts/Day:

0.01