Ocho Rios, Jamaica 🇯🇲
#1105
18.408104, -77.101109
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Ocho Rios is a port town on the north coast of Jamaica, known for its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 10,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 150 JMD. Most transactions are done in Jamaican dollars, but USD is also widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 50Hz, with Type B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Digicel and Flow, offering prepaid SIM cards with decent coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banking services are offered by banks such as Scotiabank and NCB. International cards are widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses and villas; sites like Airbnb offer diverse listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; many places accept cards, but cash is recommended for smaller transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and vacation rentals are popular; expect to pay around $70-150 USD per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Buckfield Guesthouse offer beds starting from $20 USD per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Islandwide Coworking offers a good environment for remote work, located in the town center. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Blue, known for its excellent coffee and quiet atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for expat meetups and coworking events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join groups like Ocho Rios Expats on Facebook for local events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Jamaica's taxis are generally found on the street; Uber operates in some areas but may be limited. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops offer scooter rentals starting from $20 USD per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Dunn's River Falls Beach, just a 15-minute drive, is a must-visit. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Caribbean Airlines services regional routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue operate frequent flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The north coast highway offers easy access to major cities like Montego Bay and Kingston. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains, but local vans and buses run regularly. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | There are no formal public transport passes, but local minibuses operate on popular routes. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Minibus services connect Ocho Rios to nearby towns and cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ocho Rios Nursing Home is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Island Village offers yoga classes with local instructors. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness 24/7 is a popular gym offering various fitness classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats charge around $5 USD per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats is operational in the area with various restaurant options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the jerk chicken, a local specialty available at many roadside stalls. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Cafe offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cocoa Boutique for handmade chocolate treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local vendors at the Ocho Rios Craft Market offer a variety of fresh produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Jamaica, though delivery may take time. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | The Nearby Grocer app provides delivery options from local stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Hip Strip offers a variety of nighttime entertainment. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Red Stripe Brewery is famous for its local beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Tamarind Indian Cuisine has a good selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Numerous stalls offer traditional Jamaican food such as patties. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Ruins at the Falls serves a mix of international cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Dunn's River Falls is a top attraction; also visit Dolphin Cove. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Reggae Xplosion Museum showcases Jamaica's musical heritage. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of an old sugar mill are nearby and have historical significance. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Ann's Bay Parish Church is a notable building in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Ocho Rios Jazz Festival in June is a major event attracting international visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The nearby town of Oracabessa features local crafts and culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | No major theaters; however, local performances can be found at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Ocho Rios Craft Market offers handmade goods and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live reggae music can be found in many local bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Look for vibrant murals near the waterfront. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Taste Jamaica offers cooking classes for local dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Gallery of West Indian Art showcases local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Jamaica Railway Station is a historical landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Celebrate the island's Rastafarian culture through various local events. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Blue Mountains National Park is accessible for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Visit the John Crow Mountain National Park for beautiful landscapes. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal paths provide scenic strolls along the beach. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Visit Dolphin Cove for scenic views of the ocean. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Megan's Bay provides opportunities for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain beaches allow bonfires; local regulations apply. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx operate for international deliveries in Ocho Rios. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops can repair devices, usually found in town. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English is the primary language; however, there are local classes for Jamaican Patois. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Ocho Rios Library offers quiet study areas. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Ocho Rios Community Centre hosts various activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | There are few gaming lounges; local arcades are available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Coral Cliff Gaming Lounge offers various gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000). |
| 🏡 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 | Territorial basis, with taxes on income earned in Jamaica only. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict rules apply. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on property value, generally low. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% of purchase price. |