Is it possible for one to live comfortably in Jamaica on about 2800 a month from the US govt pension I receive? Because that is what I would like to do if possible.

You can live pretty damn good for that in JA!!!!!! Have you looked at what your dollar converts to!
I'd say as long as you have your house paid for, you're laughing on that kinda cash/.

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I agree with Jamcan. You can live very comfortably on 2800 in Ja if the house is paid for. If not you are looking at 17-23 % mortgage interest if you can get a bank to accept you. They are certainly different over there when it comes to banking.

Most middle income people in Ja make anywhere from $24000 to $45000 JA. Your 2800 equates to approximately $177,800 JA per month. Of course that does not mean you can go out every night and hoop it up. But you can still have some great times once in a while.

What area were you thinking of in Jamaica to hang your hat? I can help you if it is near Mobay or Negril.

I was thinking of just getting a decent place...an apt. to rent, not necessarily a house with a mortgage. How long can I stay before I decide if I want to be a permanent resident? And are there real estate agents that would help me find a decent apt. to rent? I just want to live in a place within walking distance of the beach.

And as long as I have a bank account, could just use my atm to take the money out and pay, right? I am going to find out monday if the VA would allow me to have a jamaican account and have direct deposit there.

I go to Jamaica for the first time in August, but I have wanted to live on an island in the Caribbean for years, and I like Jamaica because of the culture and the language.

And it was Negril I was thinking of, actually.

Oh you had to go and say that did you? You realize that if you remain a member here and you live in Negril you'll have to put us up when we come visit right?

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I'll have to make it a two bedroom apt to rent then.

Actually, I was planning on doing so for when either of my kids would come to visit. My youngest is fourteen, so it is still about four or five years off, but it is most definitely in my plans!