What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Jamaica. They wrote...
"Expats in Jamaica often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to, and can find it challenging to adjust to the pace of life and the way society is structured. Jamaican culture is heavily reliant upon familial networks, which can be alienating to those from other cultures. Additionally, the social and economic inequalities in Jamaica can be difficult to come to terms with. The tropical climate and Ministry of Health sanitation regulations can also take some getting used to, as expats may not be familiar with tropical conditions or local diseases and health threats," explained one expat living in Jamaica.
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"Driving is the most challenging aspect of this new culture, because of the bad roads and driving on the opposite side of the road is definitely a challenge! Health care is another concern of mine, but for now I'm not letting that stop me from living my dream," said another expat in Negril, Jamaica.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Jamaica?
- How do I meet people in Jamaica?
- What is life like in Jamaica?
- 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?
- Is the cost of living in Jamaica high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Jamaica?
- What are healthcare services like in Jamaica?
- Is the cost of living in Jamaica high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Jamaica?
- What is the weather like in Jamaica?
- Are there good restaurants in Jamaica?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Jamaica?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Jamaica?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Jamaica?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Jamaica?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Jamaica?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
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 InternationalTravel.ai 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 InternationalTravel.ai, 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. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

