Moving to Jamaica > Ocho Rios >
Ocho Rios
I wish I had brought more baby toys, baby clothes and baby accessories in general.
I wish I had left our winter clothes behind! Also, I haven't worn any dressy clothes, nor my high heels.
Get FREE quotes from up to 6 international movers from The Relocator. Save up to 50% on your move to Jamaica! The Relocator offers an easy and free service to receive quotes from renowned and certified movers worldwide. They only work with qualified moving companies. Over 500 movers worldwide have already joined their service to help you get the best price and service for your international move. Get your moving quotes.
If you have a chance, give yourself plenty time to look for a good place. Call the realtors around, ask friends and acquaintances if they know of a good place. The town is very small and everyone knows one another. So, if you get in the right circle, you are bound to find help in all areas.
We got lucky with our apartment. We have all the amenities many people in Jamaica go without (running water, washer & drier, hot water, AC etc). We even have a dishwasher which we never used, since electricity here is extremely expensive. Our kitchen appliances are modern and really nice. Our internet is much faster than in the US. We have a 2 bedroom/2 bathroom, with a nice balcony overlooking the ocean and the pool. We take our baby son for a swim almost every day!
When we first moved to Ochi, we were staying in an apartment that was rented out by my husband's company. Since the apartment was a bit far from downtown and also very dark, we started looking around for a new place. Our lease was almost up, so we were actively on the lookout. A friend of ours saw a sign right outside a nice looking complex advertising a real estate agency and we called right away. Now we live in an ocean front apt and couldn't be happier.
Expats living in Jamaica interested in expat health insurance should take a minute to get quotes our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Aetna and GeoBlue.
I think the housing costs are about the same, since we lived in a very expensive area in the US. That being said, I think that the cost of living here may be higher than in the US. Our supermarket runs are much pricier than back home, and electricity alone is more than triple down here.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Jamaica from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
People from all over the globe have found their way to Jamaica to live as an expat in the Caribbean Sea. Expats already there are quick to point out (more)
Jamaica Forum
Join our Jamaica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Jamaica.
If you're thinking of moving to Jamaica or retiring in Jamaica, deciding where to live is not as simple as you think. Jamaica is a large island with numerous cities and towns that appeal to expats. This article highlights the 7 best places to live in Jamaica. (more)
Expats in Jamaica share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in Jamaica. Advice about private hospitals, leaving the country for surgery, the Zika virus, the availability and cost of prescription medicines and more. (more)
Expats move to Jamaica for a variety of reasons. Some go for work, while others want to retire there or live an island lifestyle. Moving to Jamaica requires thorough research and a recognition that island life is can be quite different than one might expect. (more)
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Jamaica.
Jamaica is a well-known island getaway, but living there is not an extended vacation. Expensive schools, safety issues and high cost of living are all challenges for expats. (more)
People from all over the globe have found their way to Jamaica to live as an expat in the Caribbean Sea. Expats already there are quick to point out that it's not a vacation every day on the island!
Expats in Jamaica share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in Jamaica. Advice about private hospitals, leaving the country for surgery, the Zika virus, the availability and cost of prescription medicines and more.
Expats move to Jamaica for a variety of reasons. Some go for work, while others want to retire there or live an island lifestyle. Moving to Jamaica requires thorough research and a recognition that island life is can be quite different than one might expect.
If you're thinking of moving to Jamaica or retiring in Jamaica, deciding where to live is not as simple as you think. Jamaica is a large island with numerous cities and towns that appeal to expats. This article highlights the 7 best places to live in Jamaica.
Expats in Jamaica discuss the best schools for expat children - from very expat-oriented schools like AISK and Hillel to more local private schools like St. Andrews and Montego Bay Christian Academy.
Great review and insight! We are looking to move to Ochi and have looked at several ocean front apartment / condo complexes. Can you provide some insight as to the benefits and disadvantages of being west vs. east of Ochi? TY.
RootsPrincessWHY would you bring winter clothes to the Caribbean? Had you ever been before? HIGH HEELS are for KINGSTON, so they may come in handy if you are someone that likes the NIGHTLIFE. The grocery stores are very pricey even Sav-more. You can get a cheap rent if you take the time to look on vrbo,com but sounds like you are not hurting for cash if your husband has a job there. I would be looking at schools. You have to pay for a good one or your child will be way behind compared to the US schools. Even teacher in Jamaica, cannot teach in the US. Their degrees are NOT transferable because the standards are much lower. Can I suggest that maybe you volunteer in a school once a week? Giving back in JAMAICA will turn YOU into a rock star. They need the help and you will feel FANTASTIC giving back. Trust me on that one. I have been donating books and school supplies for 22 years, and I am addicted. Those "likkle" faces are so precious and sweet. I think I get more out of it then they do. All the best on your journey in Jamaica...my home sweet home~
lala718Great feedback! Winter clothes in Jamaica,lol, what were you thinking? Did you ever visit or do a research prior to moving there? It does get chilly on the waterfront in Ochie but nothing that you need winter gears, umbrella, rainboats or raincoat is suitable. Ochie has great nightlife, Margaritaville is awesome, the food at Bibbidi is good and just outside Ochie in Discovery Bay you get the best jerk across from Green Grotto Cave at Ultimate's Jerk Center. If you want to kick it up you can get a 1 day pass for the hotels(Sunset Jamaica Grande and Riu Ochie are both great venues).
MobygirlI moved to Ocho Rios area 3 months ago.. I am enjoying Jamaica.. the slower pace when I go to the bank, stores really gets on my nerve.. I need a way to overcome getting so annoyed at slow service. By the way I found a beautiful apartment overlooking the ocean too..missing the A/C.. I find people here to be very nice.. neighbours that share ackee and breadfruit without hardly knowing me. I am loving my new life.. despite some of the USA comforts I am going without.
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Jamaica from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
Jamaica Forum
Join our Jamaica forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Jamaica.
People from all over the globe have found their way to Jamaica to live as an expat in the Caribbean Sea. Expats already there are quick to point out (more)
Expats move to Jamaica for a variety of reasons. Some go for work, while others want to retire there or live an island lifestyle. Moving to Jamaica requires thorough research and a recognition that island life is can be quite different than one might expect. (more)
If you're thinking of moving to Jamaica or retiring in Jamaica, deciding where to live is not as simple as you think. Jamaica is a large island with numerous cities and towns that appeal to expats. (more)
Expats in Jamaica share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in Jamaica. Advice about private hospitals, leaving the country for surgery, the Zika virus, the availability and cost of prescription medicines and more. (more)
Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Jamaica.
Jamaica is a well-known island getaway, but living there is not an extended vacation. Expensive schools, safety issues and high cost of living are all challenges for expats. (more)
Copyright 1997-2021 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.