Port Antonio, Jamaica 🇯🇲
#1106
,
Nomad Score:
55%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Port Antonio is a quaint town located on the northeastern coast of Jamaica, known for its lush landscapes, vibrant culture, and stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 15,000 inhabitants. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed is 15 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Jamaican Dollar (JMD). Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 155 JMD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended due to inconsistent quality. |
| 🔌 Power | Voltage is 110V, 50Hz. Plugs are Type A and B. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Digicel and Flow, offering prepaid options with 4G LTE. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks such as Scotiabank and NCB offer services; international banks like HSBC operate as well. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, guesthouses, and short-term rentals through platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is commonly used. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer various options with prices ranging from $30 to $150 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | The Ocean Breeze Hotel offers rooms starting around $50 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The area around Frenchman’s Cove and Blue Lagoon is highly recommended for its beauty and accessibility. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Look for accommodation near the town center for better internet options and access to co-working spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Port Antonio Co-Working Space offers reliable internet and a pleasant working environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Blue Lagoon Cafe offers a relaxing atmosphere with Wi-Fi access. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups at various cafes and the co-working space to connect with locals and expats. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Port Antonio Expats Facebook group for networking and community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use local taxis or the app-based service called JamRide for convenience. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Available at various rental shops in the town; prices around $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Frenchman’s Cove Beach is a stunning option just 10 minutes away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Caribbean Airlines offers flights to Kingston and Montego Bay. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | JETBLUE and American Airlines provide services to Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Located on the A4 highway, providing easy access to Kingston and Ocho Rios. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Port Antonio does not have a train service; buses are available for regional travel. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific passes; local buses cost approximately 200 JMD per ride. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Port Antonio to other cities; the fare to Kingston is around 800 JMD. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Port Antonio Hospital provides general medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Wellness Spa offers yoga and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Members Only Gym offers membership options starting at $20 per month. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available locally, with prices around 500 JMD per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Use 'eatJamaica' for local food deliveries. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the Jerk Chicken and Ackee & Saltfish, both local favorites. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggie Oasis offers plant-based dishes and smoothies. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | The Sweet Spot serves delicious pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Port Antonio Market offers fresh produce and local goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local online shopping can be done via Caribbean Marketplace. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery available through supermarkets like MegaMart. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Dockyard Bar is a popular nightlife spot. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Red Stripe Beer is a famous local choice. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Rack offers wine tasting and selections. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try the fish fritters at local street food vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Italian Kitchen serves a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Blue Lagoon and the remains of the old Port Antonio Market. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Port Antonio Historical Society often hosts local art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Folly Lighthouse, a beautiful historical structure, is nearby. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Anglican Church for its architectural beauty. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Port Antonio Film Festival takes place every October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The local music scene thrives around the town center. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Port Antonio Cultural Centre hosts local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Port Antonio Craft Market features local artisans. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live reggae music can be heard regularly in local bars. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Explore murals around the town showcasing local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Book a cooking class at the Jamaica Culinary Institute. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Locally run galleries often feature works by Jamaican artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Check out The San San Estate, notable for its history and architecture. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Port Antonio's heritage includes a mix of Taino, Spanish, and British influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Blue Mountains National Park for hiking and stunning views. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park offers diverse flora and fauna. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Nature trails can be found around the Blue Lagoon area. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at nearby Nanny Falls offers breathtaking vistas. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Visit the Blue Mountains for an abundance of bird life. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Public beaches near Frenchman's Cove allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local branches of DHL and FedEx operate in Port Antonio. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local electronics shops provide phone and computer repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers often host table tennis events. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | The Port Antonio Language School offers English and local language courses. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Local libraries offer study spaces and book selections. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Port Antonio Community Centre hosts classes and workshops. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming venues are available, often as part of community spaces. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos; however, local bars often feature gaming machines. |
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. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $192,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 25%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | The rate is currently at 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Taxation is based on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 15%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules currently in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxes are assessed based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax at a rate of 4% for properties. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No specific tax incentives for digital nomads currently in place. |