Kingston, Jamaica 🇯🇲
#1102
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Kingston is the capital and largest city of Jamaica, situated on the southeastern coast. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 670,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | up to 50 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 155 JMD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable - use bottled water |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Digicel and Flow |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major options include Scotiabank and NCB; digital banks like Revolut are also popular. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, guesthouses, and hotels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted, but cash is still used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local property rentals are readily available. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Check out Places like Reggae Hostel and The Jamaica Pegasus. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | New Kingston and Montego Bay offer a variety of tourist amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | New Kingston and Barbican are popular among digital nomads for good connectivity and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Workspace Jamaica offers a crucial place for remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Blue provides a great atmosphere and wifi for working. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Look for TechJamaica meetups and digital nomad events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Expats in Jamaica Facebook group for community connections. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available and widely used in Kingston. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hellshire Beach is the closest, about 30 minutes from the city center. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Caribbean Airlines is the main carrier in the region. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and British Airways operate regular flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the Sir Florizel Glasspole Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The Knutsford Express terminal connects Kingston with other cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No comprehensive public transport pass is available, use cash for buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and the Knutsford Express are available for nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Kingston Public Hospital is the largest healthcare facility in the city. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Choose from various centers like the Mandala Wellness & Yoga Studio. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness centers include the Total Fitness Gym in New Kingston. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and dry-cleaning services are available across the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Use Itsafe for food delivery options in Kingston. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Jerk Chicken, a Jamaican specialty. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Check out The veg table for plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Try Devon House Ice Cream for local flavors. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Visit Market Square for local fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Jamaica's marketplace includes online stores like Kijiji. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Shop N' Go deliver groceries directly to your home. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Check out New Kingston and Half Way Tree for nightlife spots. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Red Stripe Brewery offers tours and tasting experiences. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Try the Wine Shop in Kingston for a cozy atmosphere. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Visit the downtown area for authentic Jamaican street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Tommy's is a well-known Italian restaurant in the area. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Bob Marley Museum and the National Gallery of Jamaica. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The National Gallery hosts a variety of Jamaican art exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the historic Devon House known for its architecture and heritage. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the iconic St. William Grant Park for a slice of local culture. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Reggae Month in February celebrates Kingstons rich musical heritage. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Trench Town and Downtown Kingston. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Little Theatre is famous for showcasing local productions. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Coronation Market is the largest in Kingston, ideal for fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Heartland Jerk offers live reggae and authentic local music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Wyndam Avenue features vibrant murals and local installations. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Jamaican cooking classes are offered through various local chefs. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The National Gallery showcases significant pieces from Jamaican artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Ward Theatre is a must-see for its historic architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Experience Jamaican culture at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Blue Mountains for hiking and coffee plantation tours. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Mountain biking trails are available in the Blue Mountains. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit the iconic lookout at Fort Clarence for ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Blue Mountains is known for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Hellshire Beach has designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and Jamaica Post handle parcel delivery effectively. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Look for Cellphone Repair shops around New Kingston. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check out community centers and local parks for tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like the Alliance Française offer French classes in Kingston. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Library of Jamaica offers quiet spaces for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Check out the YMCA for various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Visit Game Cave for a local gaming experience. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Jamaica Pegasus Hotel has a gaming room for visitors. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $100,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $72,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $132,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $280,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $208,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system with brackets ranging from 10% to 25%. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, CFC rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 2% on property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Jamaica offers a favorable tax regime for foreigners with various tax incentives. |