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@Jridexpat7714

Hello and welcome !

Since you opened this thread on the Jamaica forum, is it your first choice destination ?

Regards

Bhavna

Yes, I have not been there before. I am coming this winter to get a feel for country.

It is really a beautiful. I'm looking forward to learning the culture and way of life in Jamaica

I operate an Airbnb in Jamaica in a 24 hours secured gated community along the North Coast about five minutes drive from Falmouth, Trelawny

Hi there, we are here.  Trelawny looks nice, I just Google mapped it.

Sure, I would be interested in hearing about your Air bnb

The place I found here is in Knutfield and is very far from anything, very budget friendly...I paid through air bnb already.

Hi.  I moved to JA in September 2024.  Would definitely recommend but it has not been easy.  We had a good idea of island life / culture as we have visited so many times over the last 20 years or so, but even so living here permanently does have its own challenges. 

Firstly, customer service as known in UK is non existent and if you try to push the issue, the Jamaicans will agree with you or tell you what you need to hear just to get you off the phone!  There is no sense of urgency and bureaucracy (government agencies especially) will move at a snails pace.

Secondly, prices are high.  I would suggest you wander through a few supermarkets and check out basic food prices, I think you may be surprised.  Utilities are reasonable and rent / property prices are good (compared to UK)

Thirdly, being a third world country, many items that are taken for granted in the first world are either not attainable or very expensive for cheap quality.  For example, pots, pans, utensils, drapes.  I bought locally (at crazy costs), found the items did not last and ended up purchasing again from Amazon. Speaking of.... Amazon now delivers to JA  often for free and if you keep the item cost under USD50 there are no import charges.  This has been a game changer for me.

Water from the pipe is hit and miss.  Often the pressure is too  low to be of use and occasionally there is no water but make sure you have a decent size water tank for storage and this won't be a problem.  Power cuts are not uncommon but (so far) have lasted too long.  A kerosene lamp, or decent torch with good battery supply is a must.

All that said, it is a great place to live.  The climate, the nature, the culture....  I would not want to be anywhere else.  The people are generally so friendly.  Everybody smiles and most of them will pass time and chat with you in the stores, streets,etc.  The food is fabulous.  The vibe is relaxed. 

The good things far outweigh the inconveniences described above.  We live in Trelawny, so if you do end up moving here, give me a shout and we could swap experiences

@Jridexpat7714

How was your experience in Jamaica this winter? I have been living here for a few years, it can be a great place to live, depending on your priorities.