Kingston, Jamaica 🇯🇲
#1102
17.971214, -76.792812
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, located on the southeastern coast of the island. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 670,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 155 JMD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers: Digicel, Flow. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Scotiabank and JN Bank; Revolut accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, Jamaica Vacation Rentals, and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely, particularly in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental services such as HomeAway are available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options such as The Blue House Hostel. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Creative Hive offers flexible desk options. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Blue is known for its good Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Events are hosted regularly at the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Check out the Jamaica Expats Facebook group for community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JaSpot and Uber are popular for rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | No major services, but bikes can be rented from local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hellshire Beach, approximately 30 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Caribbean Airlines services regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, JetBlue, and British Airways operate flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major routes include the Mandela Highway and Highway 2000. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Kingston has limited train services; buses are the primary transit mode. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Information on monthly bus passes can be found at the Transport Authority. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Kingston to Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, and Negril. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kingston Public Hospital is the largest health facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Sanctuary Yoga Studio offers classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Factory in New Kingston offers modern workout facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats like Wash & Fold provide services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Foodpanda is widely used for deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Jerk Chicken is a must-try local specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegetarian House offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Devon House Ice Cream is famous for its ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Coronation Market is ideal for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options like Shop Jamaica and international sites like Amazon are available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermarket delivery services such as Hilo offer online options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | New Kingston's nightlife is vibrant with a variety of bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Red Stripe Brewery is iconic, offering tours. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Acropolis Wine Bar is well-reviewed. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Enjoy local street food at various stalls in Half Way Tree. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Plenty of options including Italian, Chinese, and Indian restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bob Marley Museum is a key cultural site. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | National Gallery of Jamaica showcases local art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fort Charles, a historical fort, is worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. William Grant Park is a notable public space and gathering place. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Reggae Sumfest is Jamaica’s premier music festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the artsy areas of Devon House. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Little Theatre hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Coronation Market is vibrant and full of local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is abundant, especially in the summer. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Check out Kingston's street art in neighborhoods like Downtown. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Take a class at the Jamaica Culinary Institute. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Gallery features contemporary Jamaican artworks. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Spanish Town Square showcases colonial architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bob Marley is a significant cultural figure representing Jamaican heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Blue Mountains National Park offers stunning hiking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cockpit Country is nearby, known for its biodiversity. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Constant Spring Road has some scenic walking paths. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint from Fort Clarence Beach is beautiful. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Hope Botanical Gardens are great for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Many beaches allow bonfires; check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx operate in Kingston. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Appletree Technology offers quality service. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Available at various community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The University of the West Indies offers English language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Jamaica is a good study spot. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Culture Yard in Trench Town hosts activities and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Game Zone provides a space for gamers. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Jamaica Casino is a popular gambling venue. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Jamaican tax system based on residency. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, applicable to certain foreign-owned entities. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax varies based on location and property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 7.5% on residential property. |