Moving to Jamaica

What do I need to know before moving to Jamaica?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Jamaica, they said:

"Keep in mind the location if you do not have a car. You will want to be close enough to public transportation. Route taxis (taxis that go along a specific route only) travel outside of many of the subdivisions/schemes and along main roads. If I can be of help to anyone, just let me know," explained one expat living in Falmouth, Jamaica.

"One of the things I struggle with is lack of transportation. We have a car, but if my husband is away I feel trapped. It's not easy to jump on a bus or grab a taxi," said one expat in Montego Bay.

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How do I find a place to live in Jamaica?

We asked expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:

"If you’re looking for a place to live in Jamaica, there are several resources you can use to help in your search. Start by looking online at real estate websites such as Just Landed, JaCAY Properties, Realty Jamaica, or Houses in Jamaica. You can also visit local real estate offices in Jamaica to find out more information on available housing and rental options. Additionally, you can reach out to friends and family who have connections locally in Jamaica who may be able to provide you with information or referrals. Finally, you can also look for postings on classifieds websites like Stush.com or Jamaica Classifieds which often advertise rental properties and real estate listings," said one expat in Jamaica.

"We wanted to be close to the Montego Bay airport so we looked at a few parishes on the west half of the island. Falmouth is up and coming so we selected Falmouth. My husband and I are real estate agents in the US, so we just felt comfortable contacting a real estate agent to find our current house," remarked one expat who made the move to Falmouth.

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What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Jamaica?

"I lived in several places, and it's really a matter of personal choice..i love to swim early, in the morning, and so living close to beach or cliffs, if you're not going to have a car, is important to me..i also lived in someone else's yard, where it was very beautiful and in a garden paradise, but then i had a car, and could drive to the beach every morning...finding that the west end was more interesting for me, after a time..there are plenty of people to talk to, who will give you advice and tell you who has what, for rent.," commented one expat who made the move to Negril.

"I live in a 2 bedroom apartment near Island village in Jamaica. I don't know of any expats locally. Work pays for this, it is basic accommodation and costs US1200 per month. Beware of living close to too much hustle and bustle such as night clubs / late bars, you will be kept up with booming reggae music all night," remarked one expat in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

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What is the average cost of housing in Jamaica?

If you are thinking about moving to Jamaica, cost of living in probably a key consideration. Expats commented about the cost of housing:

"My housing costs are significantly lower than in the US. I am paying 30,000 per month for a two bedrooms with two bathrooms. I was just lucky to get such a deal but the average cost for this apartment is 45,000-65,000 per month. My light bill is 7,000 per month but I run my a/c unit each night just to fall asleep. My water bill is between 500 and 800 per month," said one expat who made the move to Falmouth.

"My housing costs are significantly lower but it's all relative to income here so it works out the same," explained one expat living in Ocho Rios, Jamaica.

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Should I buy or rent a home in Jamaica?

If you have not spent a lot of time in Jamaica, you should rent before even thinking about buying. We asked expats there about the buy vs. rent decision:

"Deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Jamaica depends on a variety of factors, such as your long-term plans, budget and lifestyle. Before making the decision to buy, it can be helpful to research the local real estate market, the types of properties available and the general cost of living in the country. You should also consider the financial commitment associated with buying a home and whether you are in a position to make such a commitment. If you are looking for a more cost-effective option, renting may be the better choice, as it gives you the opportunity to explore a variety of different areas before committing to buying a home. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Jamaica will depend on your individual circumstances," remarked one expat who made the move to Jamaica.

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What should I pack when moving to Jamaica?

We asked people living in Jamaica to list three things they wish they had brought and three they wish they had left behind. They responded:

"Definitely ship your goods over - furniture etc in JA is very, very expensive and to be honest there isn't a great deal of choice. It is possible to find some great hand-carved furniture but generally I found it too heavy, ornate, and not quite to my taste. I thought that I could sell my goods in the UK and use the proceeds to replace them in JA, but the resale value just wasn't sufficient to cover the costs of buying new. Do shop around for reliable, and low cost shippers though," replied a member in Kingston.

"Wish I would have brought: -Coffee Maker with extra coffee pods (Keurig)
-My art supplies
-Extra mosquito repellent
Wish I would have left at home: -Several pair of shoes
-Electronic gadgets I don't use
-Jewelry
," commented one expat who made the move to Falmouth.

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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Jamaica?

We asked people in Jamaica if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!:

"It is important to be mindful of local customs and respect Jamaican culture and religious traditions when visiting the country. Avoid using offensive language or making any kind of joke that could be seen as a mockery of the local culture or people. It is also important to be mindful of conserversation topics and to be respectful to local people and not to discuss any sensitive subjects such as race, class or politics. Additionally, it is important to dress modestly and to be respectful to religious sites, such as churches and temples. Finally, it is polite to address people by their last names, unless given express permission to do otherwise," explained one expat living in Jamaica.

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Why do people move to Jamaica?

When we asked people why foreigners move to Jamaica, they responded:

"Jamaica offers expats beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture, warm temperatures, and exciting outdoor activities. With its rich musical, culinary, and artistic heritage, Jamaica is known for its welcoming people and relaxed lifestyle. Health care and education is of a good standard, making the country an attractive option for expats who are looking for a place to call home. A strong expat community makes the transition into Jamaica smoother and provides a valuable support network. It's easy to find affordable accommodation in Jamaica, plus it's a great opportunity to meet many locals, who are always happy to help. With its relaxed atmosphere, stunning beaches, exciting nightlife, and friendly locals, it's easy to see why so many expats are drawn to Jamaica," stated one expat who made the move to Jamaica.

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How are healthcare services Jamaica?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Jamaica, they replied:

"Healthcare services in Jamaica are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Jamaican citizens and permanent residents. The quality of public healthcare varies depending on the region, but generally it is considered to be of a good standard. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system, however, they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Jamaica can use the public healthcare system, however, they may need to pay for certain services. In addition, many expats opt to purchase private health insurance to cover any additional costs," wrote one expat living in Jamaica.

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What are medical services in Jamaica like?

When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Jamaica, they replied:

"Jamaica has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics providing a range of medical services. The public healthcare system is free for Jamaican citizens, while private healthcare is available for those who can afford it. The country has a number of highly trained doctors and nurses, and a wide range of medical services are available, including general medicine, dentistry, optometry, and mental health services. Jamaica also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the University Hospital of the West Indies, which provides advanced medical care. In addition, the country has a number of pharmacies and health centers that provide basic medical services," commented one expat who moved to Jamaica.

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