Best Place To Live In Jamaica For A Returning Resident (2024)

FAQs

Best Place To Live In Jamaica For A Returning Resident? ›

Mandeville is the most popular location for returning residents and retirees on the island.

Cost of Living in Jamaica

In Jamaica, it is estimated that the cost of living is approximately 25% less than in the U.S., and rent in Jamaica is approximately two-thirds cheaper than rent in the U.S. Excluding rent or mortgage, an individual may need just under US$700 to live comfortably in Jamaica each month.

Returning Residents are entitled to exemptions from import duties and taxes on household effects, whether new or used. Such exemptions relate solely to the quantity and description specified in paragraph 8 of Item 6A.

VISITOR: Commonwealth citizens are allowed a maximum of 12 months stay on the island and Non-Commonwealth citizens are allowed a maximum of 6 months stay on the island as a visitor. Documents needed: Valid passport no less than 6 months to the expiration date.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

You do not need a visa for tourist travel up to 90 days. All other travelers will need a visa and/or work permit. Visit the Jamaican Passport, Immigration, & Citizenship Agency of Jamaica or the Embassy of Jamaica in Washington D.C. websites for the most current visa information.

Before you go. There is an age limit of 5 years for motor vehicles and 10 years for heavy duty equipment being shipped into Jamaica.

Jamaica has both a departure tax and a landing fee (aka arrival tax) for passengers who arrive by air. The next four sections describe the departure tax. The fifth section describes the landing fee and the sixth section describes tourist cards. An airport departure tax of US$35 is payable when departing Jamaica.

All individuals are subject to taxes on Jamaican-sourced income, but only residents and “domiciled” individuals are taxed on worldwide income as well. Non-Jamaican residents are not taxed on foreign-sourced income.

Where do most Americans live in Jamaica? ›

Many British and American expats tend to live in the outskirts of Montego Bay in areas like the small fishing village of Hopewell, which lies just a 20-minute drive outside of town.

When people think which side of Jamaica has the best beaches, many would say Negril. This is because Negril is home to one of the most famous beaches on the island, Seven Mile Beach. Home to crystal clear water and white gold sand, it's easy to see why both visitors and locals enjoy spending time at Seven Mile Beach.

U.S. law does not mention dual nationality or require a person to choose one nationality or another. A U.S. citizen may naturalize in a foreign state without any risk to his or her U.S. citizenship.

Every country has their own laws on whether or not a person can hold citizenship in two or more countries. Jamaica accepts dual nationals. Persons interested in becoming citizens of Jamaica should first check to see if their country allows for dual nationality.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your Social Security payments outside the U.S. as long as you are eligible for them. However, there are certain countries to which we are not allowed to send payments.

Buying property in Jamaica

Foreigners are eligible to buy property in Jamaica without any restrictions. The process begins when the buyer makes an offer. Once the seller accepts it, a land survey is carried out.

Public Healthcare in Jamaica

Most of them fall under the public sector. These hospitals offer services to its citizens and residents, at no cost. There is a considerable difference in the quality of service that each of them provides. The majority of government hospitals have more number of patients they can handle.

RENT PER MONTH

Rent is expensive but largely depends on whether you're staying in a rural area or closer to the cities. The rent would average at around $350 per month, because outside of the city it would cost somewhere around 282.3$, while in the center of one of the cities, it would cost above 430.39$ per month.

The date by which you must leave Jamaica will be stamped in your passport. If you wish to extend your stay beyond this date you will need to apply to the Jamaican Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency. Overstaying without the proper authority can result in detention and/or a fine.

Can you live in Jamaica without citizenship? ›

This allows a foreign national to live and work in Jamaica without restrictions on their stay, without submitting an application for a work permit or Jamaican citizenship. They are not afforded the same constitutional rights as a Jamaican citizen.

THE legal age for a person to begin driving in Jamaica is 18, however, there is no age limit to indicate when a person should stop driving. As driving skills invariably deteriorate with ageing, the decision to discontinue driving is often made by the senior citizen, a medical doctor, or a loved one.

Route Taxi

Route Taxis must have ten (10) seats or less. Route Taxis must have: Red PPV licence plates. "Route Taxi" written on the doors. The particulars relating to the route legibly printed on the outside of the front doors.

Across the island, the colour of a motor vehicle's licence plate indicates its purpose. Plates with yellow are for government, red is for public passenger vehicles, green for commercial vehicles and white for private passenger vehicles. Among the least common is blue for demonstration purposes.

In total, the national gross income amounted to 5,190 U.S. dollars in 2021.

Many tourists have said that, if you want to live comfortably, you will need around 1000$, which is twice as much as their average monthly salary.

Buying property in Jamaica

Foreigners are eligible to buy property in Jamaica without any restrictions. The process begins when the buyer makes an offer. Once the seller accepts it, a land survey is carried out.

Middle-income earners make up almost 30 per cent of the contributors with lower middle income described as earning J$10,000 to J$20,000 per week; the middle-middle income earns above J$20,000. Housing priced between $2 million to $12 million, said Douglas, are targeted at middle-income earners.

Is American money good in Jamaica? ›

US Dollars are accepted in tourist areas, but if you pay with a note you'll receive Jamaica currency coins as change. This can often be at an unfavourable rate. So, if you're planning to explore less touristy places as part of your holiday, we recommend taking Jamaican Dollars to get the best prices.

Statistically, Jamaican dollars are usually exchanged for United States dollars. This happens because most travelers to Jamaica come from the United States and need to exchange their own currency for that of the islands.

According to Numbeo, a gallon of milk would cost around $10.24 in Jamaica (although you'll usually buy it by the liter).

The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar, or J$, but US dollars are also widely accepted. If you'll be visiting places outside of the tourist centres, you'll want to take Jamaican dollars. In big resort areas, you can usually get by with USD.

Cherry Gardens With some homes that are upwards of US$1 million, Cherry Gardens is one of the most-coveted neighborhoods in Jamaica. Jacks Hill Located in upper St. Andrew, houses there could have been featured on MTV's Cribs.

Country Background. Jamaica is defined as an upper middle-income country by the World Bank, with Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at US$4,665 per capita (current prices) in 2020.

Living in Jamaica has a lot to offer expats; from career opportunities and job markets to leisure activities, schools, and local cuisine. The island is also home to a vibrant culture and friendly people.