What do I need to know before retiring in Jamaica?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Jamaica, they said...
"1. Expats should ensure they have access to any medical treatment or medications they may need, as healthcare in Jamaica may not always meet international standards. 2. It is important to research the cost of living in Jamaica before relocating, as prices may vary depending on the area. 3. Learn the local language as many conversations in Jamaica are conducted in Creole. 4. Obtain appropriate retirement visas, including a permanent resident visa, if planning to stay more than six months. 5. Consider joining an expat community, which can help with settling in to the local culture. 6. Be sure to purchase comprehensive travel and health insurance, as medical care and transportation in Jamaica can be costly. 7. Research the local tax laws to make sure you are in line with the local regulations. 8. Ensure any important documents are translated into English, in order to avoid any potential problems arising from language issues," remarked another expat who made the move to Jamaica.
"Your first stop needs to be the PICA website. This is the immigration website and it will list the options available to you for residency. There’s more to it than just packing your bags and deciding you’re going to move to Jamaica… I do suggest however, that you come for three months, maybe extend it to six months, and actually live here. By that I mean, you’re gonna live like a local; not a tourist. There are two totally different things. You need to figure out how you’re going to find your lifestyle here… As you’re not gonna be able to work, unless your company has an office here and sponsors you for a work permit. Or, do you have enough money to start your own business. As for housing, buy or rent the best place you can afford… In a gated community. A high end gated community Ex: Freeport, Spring Garden, Spring Farm, Rose Hall, you don’t want to live in a typical Jamaican gated community that was built by developers.," explained one expat living in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Jamaica?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Jamaica?
- Will I be able to find a job in Jamaica?
- What is life like in Jamaica?
- What do expats in Jamaica appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Jamaica?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Jamaica accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Jamaica like?
- What are healthcare services like in Jamaica?
- What are medical services in Jamaica like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Jamaica?
- What are emergency services like in Jamaica?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Jamaica?
- How are local medical facilities in Jamaica?
- As a foreigner living in Jamaica, 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?
What do I need to know before retiring in Jamaica?
If you live in Jamaica, newcomers to Jamaica would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.