Port Antonio, Jamaica 🇯🇲
#1106
18.17636, -76.445928
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Port Antonio is a coastal town on the northeast coast of Jamaica, known for its stunning natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 15,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 15-25 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 153 JMD; you can exchange money at local banks and exchange bureaus. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is recommended to use bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 50Hz; 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Digicel and FLOW are the main mobile providers with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banks like Scotiabank and FirstCaribbean International Bank accept international cards and services. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals via Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used; credit/debit cards accepted at major locations. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel rates start from JMD 2,500 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Port Antonio offers few coworking spaces; consider the Port Antonio WorkSpace. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Olive Branch Cafe offers a relaxed space with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local expat Facebook groups for intermittent meetups and gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Jamaican Culture & Community group on Facebook hosts regular social events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use local jitneys or taxis; no major app like Uber, but reliable local options are available. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited availability; some local shops may offer rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Frenchman’s Cove Beach is a popular choice, just a 10-minute drive from downtown. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | InterCaribbean Airways operates flights to nearby islands. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and JetBlue offer flights from major US cities to Kingston or Montego Bay. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The A4 highway connects Port Antonio to Kingston. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Trains are not available; Buses and taxis are the primary means of transit. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transit pass system; cash fares are common. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses and minibuses are available for travel to nearby towns. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Port Antonio Hospital is the main healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Reggae Wellness Centre offers yoga classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Institute Port Antonio; regular membership is JMD 3,000/month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats available; most hotels also provide laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | No major food delivery apps; local restaurants may offer delivery directly. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ackee and saltfish is a must-try traditional dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Uptown Vegetarian offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Bakeries like Sweetie’s serve local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Port Antonio Market for fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon can deliver to Jamaica, but options may be limited. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets like Bargain Village are available; delivery services are limited. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Town Centre has several bars; Try Jonkanoo Lounge for a vibrant nightlife scene. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Wortley’s Brewery nearby offers local craft beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Rare I Bartending offers a selection of wines and cocktails. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Jerk chicken stalls are common along the street. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Port Antonio has several Italian and Chinese restaurants. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the famous Blue Lagoon and the Errol Flynn Marina. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Port Antonio Art Gallery showcases local artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Fort Charles ruins offer a glimpse into Jamaica's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Peter’s Anglican Church is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament occurs annually in July. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the local markets for a taste of Jamaican culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local events are held at various community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Port Antonio Market is the primary market, vibrant with local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Reggae and dancehall music are prevalent, with live performances at local venues. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals and art can be found throughout the town. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at local culinary schools and community centers. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | A number of local artists display their work in community areas. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Various colonial-era buildings dot the landscape. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Traditional Jamaican music and dance are integral to the community. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Blue Mountains National Park is an accessible scenic escape. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Visit the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park for hiking and nature. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Explore scenic coastal trails. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the Blue Lagoon is stunning. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit Hope Gardens for various bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas allow for bonfires, particularly at Frenchman’s Cove. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Utilize local courier services for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Look for local electronics shops for device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers may offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local centers offer Jamaican Patois classes for expatriates. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Port Antonio Library provides a quiet study space. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community hubs host events and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; inquire at local arcades for gaming options. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in Port Antonio; closest gaming halls are in Kingston. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. JMD 180,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = JMD 5,400,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. JMD 150,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = JMD 4,500,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. JMD 300,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = JMD 18,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. JMD 250,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = JMD 15,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. JMD 400,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = JMD 32,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. JMD 350,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = JMD 28,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Approximately 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Approximately 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | The Jamaican tax system is based on residency and worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Approximately 25%. Income over JMD 3 million. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are regulations governing foreign corporations. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates vary by location and property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 5% of the sale price. |