In today’s article, we’re going to discuss some essential aspects that ex-pats should definitely consider before packing their bags and making such a life-changing decision of moving to the Caribbean.
By addressing these points, I want to emphasize that this video is not intended to discourage anyone from pursuing their dreams, but rather we aim to provide you with a well-rounded perspective, thus helping you make an informed decision that aligns with your personal goals and aspirations. First, we’ll delve into the cost of living and economic factors specific to various Caribbean countries. While it may seem like an idyllic paradise, it’s crucial to understand the financial implications and realities of residing in this region.
Next, we’ll explore the diverse cultural landscape and the importance of embracing local customs and traditions. Understanding the local culture is essential for creating meaningful connections and avoiding potential misunderstandings. Then, we’ll touch upon the availability and quality of healthcare services in the Caribbean. It’s vital to be well-informed about the medical infrastructure and insurance options in your chosen destination. Lastly, we’ll talk about the impact of climate and natural disasters in the Caribbean. The region is prone to hurricanes, and it’s essential to assess the level of risk and consider strategies to ensure your safety and well-being.
And of course, will touch on some of the security concerns in the region. We believe that being well-prepared and aware of the potential challenges can make your transition to the Caribbean smoother and more fulfilling. So, if you’ve been considering a move to the Caribbean, or if you’re simply fascinated by this stunning part of the world, be sure to hit that subscribe button and turn on the notification bell, so you won’t miss any of our upcoming videos. People choose to move to the Caribbean for various reasons. Some move for work, some come here to study, and others switch to the Caribbean countries to retire or to live a simpler, more relaxed life than where they come from. The Caribbean has a favorable tropical climate, beautiful beaches and landscapes, excellent food, and a mixture of cultures with different influences such as French, Spanish, and English, which might make many ex-pats feel at home while being away from home.
The Caribbean is home to around 40 million people, with ex-pats making up a major segment of its population; according to migration data portals and various research such as UNHCR and UNDESA, there was a total of 1.61 million immigrants living in the Caribbean region in 2020 (including intra-regional immigrants and immigrants from countries outside of the region). Of these 1.61 million, 46 percent (approximately 746,000) were immigrants from outside the region, mostly from South and North America and Europe. In this presentation, we will highlight 10 of the most important things to consider before moving to this tropical paradise. Stay with us to the end of this presentation and find out all you need to know before relocating to paradise!
Cost of Living In The Caribbean
When comparing the local prices for basic goods in the Caribbean versus the rest of the world, anyone can see how the trends are different in each country. In Jamaica, for instance, the cost of living is approximately 25% less than in the USA, Rent in Jamaica is, on average, 69.9% lower than in the United States, however. Guyana, Belize, Haiti, Dominica, Grenada, and the Dominican Republic have the lowest cost of living in the region, as the estimated monthly cost for one person is lower than $500 (excluding rent).
It comes as no surprise that Barbados, Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Bermuda have some of the highest costs of living among all Caribbean countries. Monthly expenses in the region average at around $800 to $950 USD per month, per person. The incomes should need to take all these varieties into account, as what is a more than decent salary in one country might not be enough to survive in another.
Housing / Infrastructures
As the cost of living is so different from one country to the other, so is the housing situation. Generally speaking, renting is cheaper than purchasing a home in the Caribbean, so it should be the ideal starting point when you decide if the Caribbean life is for you or not. A licensed Real Estate Agent, better if recommended by other ex-pats in the country of your choice, will be essential to make the process smoother. Research the real estate market of your country of choice in advance and consider housing schemes and gated communities as they have additional perks – gyms, pools, convenience stores, and even daycare – and safety.
Some of the less expensive places to buy real estate are the Dominican Republic, Belize, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Grenada, but Remember that affordability is subjective and can vary depending on the specific location within each destination. It’s important to conduct thorough research, visit the areas of interest, and work with local real estate professionals to find the best deals that align with your budget and requirements. Do not be frightened by the possible lack of infrastructure that several Caribbean countries face, but come prepared. Many nations in the region have ongoing initiatives and national development plans both in the public and the private sector.
Money And The Caribbean Currencies
Traveling comes with perks and drawbacks. If we travel in the US or The European Union, we might be used to many countries or States sharing the same currency, making it easy to adjust financially to a new geographic area. However, in the Caribbean, you will find several different currencies that can be quite complex to adjust to.
Using a local currency, understanding the value of items here, and comparing it to the value we are used to at home can be challenging at first. When moving to a Caribbean country, ensure you are familiar with the local currency – even though using US Dollars or Euros is possible in some countries – and exchange your foreign currency in respected establishments, checking the rates and fees.
As mentioned earlier, do not walk around with large sums of money – especially foreign currency -as this might attract petty crime, robberies, and fraud. Opening a bank account in the Caribbean might seem impossible at first but there are several financial institutions that accept accounts from foreigners and will gladly consider your investments. Also, some countries, such as Dominica, Antigua and Barbuda, St Lucia, and St Kitts, offer “Golden Visa” programs, also known as citizenship by investment.
The Caribbean Lifestyle
Finally, and what we feel is more of a cultural shock for many ex-pats that choose to live the Caribbean dream, is the island lifestyle, especially when it comes to time management, bureaucracy, and a general lack of the sense of urgency that drives instead the rest of the world.
The Caribbean countries, so laid-back and beautiful, have a slower pace and timeline, which foreigners might have to adapt to. Tomorrow is another day, and what can’t be done now will be done – at some point. One thing expats need to learn when moving to these beautiful shores is that the lifestyle is completely different and the sense of frustration this might come with will eventually ruin your experience.
Our best suggestion? Embrace the slower rhythm, wait for that bus, and plan 2 hours for that lunch break instead of 1. It will all come naturally with time, and one day you’ll find yourself no longer struggling to accept that that service that in your home country would take a day or two, here might take a few weeks – or months! As we say in Jamaica, NO PROBLEM MON!
The Language(s)
What an incredible melting pot of cultures, religions, and languages, of course, the Caribbean region is! While people traveling to the Caribbean and staying in one of those famous resorts might get by on their language or the universal English, for expats that desire to move here, it is vital to learn the local language.
While the Caribbean people working in the tourism and hospitality industry all master English and can easily converse with tourists in other languages such as Spanish, Dutch, or French, the majority of the local population living a little more “off the beaten track” might only speak local languages such as creole, patois, Papiamentu and a multitude of indigenous languages.
For those who plan on moving to the Caribbean and living here, getting a little lost in translation can be frustrating: learning the local language not only will allow you to communicate but also shows the local population that you respect their culture and truly desire to be a part of their community.
Healthcare Concerns
While some countries have a decent healthcare system, as in Cuba or the Bahamas, some Caribbean islands have an outdated, quite inadequate healthcare system, especially in the eyes of ex-pats coming from first-world countries.
For anyone considering moving to the Caribbean to live, study or work, it is recommended to do some detailed research and enroll in medical insurance coverage that can help relieve the costs of inpatient and outpatient care, specialist treatments, emergency care, evacuation, or repatriation if the treatments needed are not available locally. If coming to the Caribbean to work, many companies here offer basic medical insurance that will give you peace of mind, too.
Caribbean Fashion
Especially for Europeans, known for their sense of elegance and taste in fashion, or Canadians and Northern Americans, coming from “the cold”, adjusting to the local fashion might be not as obvious.
The temperature and humidity all call for fresh, loose-fitting clothes, in cotton, linen, or silk. On the other hand, the powerful sun rays of the Caribbean countries require long sleeves and overall protection that does not fit well with your desire for tank tops and shorts. High heels and formal leather shoes might not always be adequate in these countries, and flip-flops will tempt you every day. However, people living in the Caribbean will also have to attend parties, formal events, and elegant get-togethers, or might simply work in an environment that demands a certain attire. Fabrics make the difference, allowing us to wear dresses and suits if needed without suffocating from the heat.
The Weather
While summer all year round might be a dream for many, it can become sometimes overwhelming for some people. The heat is basically constant, with a few temperature drops in the winter months. The rainy season can be challenging, and hurricanes are known to hit some of the Caribbean countries in the hurricane belt, especially in the months of August and September.
According to INFORM Risk Index 2023, the Bahamas are at the highest risk with an 8.8 index, followed by Antigua and Barbuda with an 8.4 and the island of Cuba with an 8.0 Tropical Cyclone Exposure Index. Hurricane preparation, chances of floods, and stocking up on primary goods might be something ex-pats can find hard to get used to.
The Tropical Fauna
With humid and hot weather, come all sorts of insects and creepy crawlers. The gorgeous Dominican Republic is famous for some quite big spiders – not to mention the cacatas (tarantulas), and all over the various islands you might have to come to terms with frogs, snails, lizards, snakes, and of course, cockroaches.
Some endemic species in the Caribbean include the stink bug – or bush bug – which releases an unmistakable smelly punch when touched, the bulky carpenter bees – or bumble bees, and the Jack Spania, a red wasp that leaves a very painful sting when disturbed.
Safety And Crime Rate
A major concern for ex-pats coming from all over the world, safety is definitely a very hot topic when choosing where to spend the rest of your life – or even just a part of it. Statistics show that violent crimes can be a bit high in a few of our Caribbean countries – But, also that violent crimes rarely touch the 28 million tourists and ex-pats visiting or living throughout the Caribbean region.
Foreigners might be experiencing – like in many other vacation destinations – petty street crime, which is why it is recommended to be extremely mindful and avoid showing off expensive jewelry or technology and leaving valuables unattended. A common sense of precaution will be more than likely all you need to live safely in the Caribbean, and it might be best to live in a gated community for additional comfort and a sense of security.
We do hope these few suggestions will make your choice easier and you will move to our tropical paradise soon. A whole new life expects you in the gorgeous Caribbean region, with a peaceful lifestyle, a relaxed environment, the sun, the ocean, and the white sand beaches, too!