One of the Caribbean’s most beautiful islands, Jamaica has long been a tourist hotspot. With its long sandy beaches and tropical climate, many want to wind down and enjoy the laid back lifestyle of the country. Nowadays there is also a group of people who are moving to Jamaica, not only for holidays but for settling down. With the number of digital nomads on the rise and large groups of pensioners with money to burn, it’s becoming more and more popular to immigrate to Jamaica. Let’s dive into the world of Bob Marley with our comprehensive guide on moving to astonishing Jamaica.
Moving to Jamaica from the USA is on the wishlist of many. But before you consider doing this, there are numerous things you need to find out. Things as visa, job opportunities, and medical care are things you want to have sorted out before you take the big plunge. So when you are serious about your move to Jamaica, join us when we explore all the things that are essential for a good expedition.
Jamaica is visited by 4.3 million tourists each year and that number is still going up. Many are fascinated by this small island which has had such a great impact on the world. Reggae, Ska, Dub, Dancehall and even Ragga all hail from Jamaica. And of course Bob Marley, the legendary reggae singer who claimed worldwide fame with hits such as “No Woman, No Cry” and “I shot the sheriff”. But there is so much more to this magical place and among that is Jamaican cuisine. Known for its flavors and spices, it is a melting pot of cuisines from countries such as Spain, England, China, India, and multiple African countries. With Jamaican music and food at hand, there is only one more thing you need: the beach! There is no shortage of beaches in Jamaica and guess what? They are all sandy and sunny. So when you want to live the good life, why not move to Jamaica? Before you do that, let’s take a look at some basic info about Jamaica.
| Capital | Kingston is the capital of Jamaica and with 660.000 inhabitants also the biggest city on the island. |
| Timezone | There is only 1 timezone on Jamaica: UTC-5 |
| Currency | the Jamaican dollar (JMD$) is divided into 100 cents. |
| Population | Jamaica has 2.9 million inhabitants. |
| How do you call someone from Jamaica? | Jamaican |
| Official language | The official language is English. However, the national language is Jamaican Patois. |
| International dialing code | +1 |
| Emergency number | 110 |
| Driving | On the left side |
| Tipping | it is standard to tip between 10-15% in a restaurant or cafe. |
| Unusual fact | Jamaica is one of the happiest nations on the planet. |
Nowadays you can easily arrange international removals to Jamaica with the services of Eurosender. Ordering a shipment is only a few clicks away and if your shipment doesn’t fit the standard measurements, just ask us for an individual offer. One of our logistics experts will help you with your order. This way we can make sure that you get the best deal. Relocating from the USA to Jamaica has never been so easy.
Once your shipment has been picked up by the courier, you will receive a tracking number. After that, you can track your shipment 24/7 online with our free online shipment tracker. When you have any questions your order you can always count our customer support to help you by phone and email.
Moving to Jamaica is probably a 100% shift from the reality you are in now. The climate, the laidback mentality, and the local cuisine, all of these are unequaled in the world. But it’s not all peaches and cream. Kingston has been the murder capital of the world more than once and in the poorer inner cities, there is a culture of gang violence. As long as you stay out of these areas, you have little to worry about as these things rarely occur in other parts of the country. You will see that Jamaicans are friendly and hospitable people, always in for a party. When you try to learn the local Patois, you will easily make friends and you can start living like a true Jamaican.
In general healthcare in Jamaica is free. However, keep in mind that there is a lack of quantitative and qualitative medical care. Hospitals with high standards are only available in Kingston and Montego Bay. Most Jamaicans lack the funds to pay for private medical care, but whoever can afford it, uses it. For expats, it is recommended to use private insurance, which gives you access to the best hospitals and clinics in the country.
There are both private and public schools in Jamaica but the basic school system is the same for all children. Keep in mind that for children aged 1-6 there is pre-school. This is not obligatory.
| Type of school | Age | Compulsory |
| Primary school | 6-11 | yes |
| Secondary school | 12-17 | no |
| Post-secondary school | 17-19 | no |
When you want to move on to University, take a look at the programs and titles below.
| Title | Duration |
| Bachelor | 3 years |
| Master | 2 years |
| Doctorate (PhD) | 3 years |
The biggest sector in Jamaica is the service sector, which comes as no surprise with the number of tourists that visit Jamaica each year. When your profession is in the field of education, finance, engineering or medicine, you will have a fair chance to find a job.
As with any other country, it is better to start looking for a job before you move. However, Jamaica is a country where everything is about relationships, rules and regulations come second. That is why you might benefit from visiting Jamaica beforehand to make some valuable contacts. You could also consider doing charity work or an internship to meet more people and increase your chances of finding a job.
Kingston is by far the most expensive city but also Montego Bay has higher prices. When you move more inland you will be able to find cheaper accommodation. On average the prices compare as following: a furnished apartment in a classy area will cost you a little less than JMD$ 2.000, while the same apartment in a more run-down area will cost you about JMD$ 1.000.
The cost of moving house to Jamaica is one of the biggest factors that make up your budget for relocation. The average moving costs to Jamaica, of course, depend on factors such as the number of possessions, the distance to Jamaica and the requirements for the speed of delivery. Are you wondering: How much is shipping from the USA to Jamaica? Then we got the answer for you. At Eurosender we help people find the cheapest way to move furniture to Jamaica. And that is not all, you can practically ship everything with Eurosender, be it a tv, bicycle or even a motorcycle. So, don’t wait to make an inquiry today and you will know how to save money shipping your belongings to your new dream life in Jamaica.
On the whole, the cost of living in Jamaica is much lower than in countries as the USA or Canada. However, that doesn’t mean that everything is cheaper. When you go to the supermarket you may experience a feeling of shock. Even though you can find many of your favourite items from the UK and the USA, the prices are way higher. So, when you want to save money on food, buy local (=Jamaican products) and buy in bulk. This way you can easily save money on your food expenses.
Jamaican drivers are hasty and careless. Besides that, the roads are not always in perfect condition, especially when you go into the mountains. When you don’t want to let those things stop you, take a look at the basic things you need for driving in Jamaica.
Disclaimer: The materials provided in this article were collected from other credible resources to be used for general information purposes only. Given that the legislative basis of the country and its economic development have a changing nature, the information provided in the article could be subject to change. Whilst we endeavour to keep the information up-to-date and correct, Eurosender will not be liable for any inappropriate, incomplete, or inaccurate information. Certain links will lead to websites which are not under control of Eurosender. Thus, Eurosender accepts no liability in respect of materials, products or services being not under control of Eurosender.