Moving to St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica
Last updated on Jun 27, 2023
Summary: Moving to St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica? Expats talk about what you need to know before moving to St. Ann's Bay.
What do I need to know before moving to St. Ann's Bay?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to St. Ann's Bay, they said:
"Expats moving to St. Ann's Bay should be aware of the local culture, language, and customs. English is the official language, but Jamaican Patois is widely spoken, so it may be helpful to learn some basic phrases. The cost of living in St. Ann's Bay is generally lower than in major cities, but expats should budget for housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation. Healthcare facilities in St. Ann's Bay are limited, so expats may need to travel to larger cities for specialized care. It is essential to have comprehensive health insurance that covers medical evacuation if necessary. The crime rate in Jamaica is high, and expats should take precautions to ensure their safety, such as avoiding certain areas, not displaying valuables, and being cautious when walking alone at night. The climate in St. Ann's Bay is tropical, with hot and humid weather throughout the year. Expats should be prepared for hurricane season, which runs from June to November, and take necessary precautions to protect their homes and belongings. Public transportation is available, but it can be unreliable, so expats may want to consider purchasing a car for convenience. Expats should also be aware of the local cuisine, which includes traditional Jamaican dishes such as jerk chicken, ackee and saltfish, and rice and peas. There are also international restaurants available for those who prefer a taste of home. Finally, expats should familiarize themselves with local customs and etiquette, such as greeting others with a handshake and maintaining eye contact during conversations," said one expat in St. Ann's Bay.
How do I find a place to live in St. Ann's Bay?
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to St. Ann's Bay?
- Where should I setup a bank account in St. Ann's Bay?
- Will I be able to find a job in St. Ann's Bay?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in St. Ann's Bay appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in St. Ann's Bay?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in St. Ann's Bay accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in St. Ann's Bay like?
- How are healthcare services in St. Ann's Bay?
- What are medical services in St. Ann's Bay like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in St. Ann's Bay?
- What are emergency services like in St. Ann's Bay?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in St. Ann's Bay?
- How are local medical facilities in St. Ann's Bay?
- As a foreigner living in St. Ann's Bay, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?