Do you want to report "Port Antonio or Treasure Beach for remote work?"
Hello! My bf and I will be going to Jamaica winter 2023. After \~1 week of vacation there, we are going to be working remotely. I can't decide where is the best place to set up base: Port Antonio or Treasure Beach? I know they are both amazing, but here are some deciding factors I'm having issues finding answers to: \- **Internet quality**? We both have to use Microsoft Teams a lot for audio & video calls, and using browsers \- **Groceries**? We are not big cooks and will often eat out a lot, but we still need basics for breakfasts and some meals etc \- **Transportation**? We are not planning on renting a car, as we can't drive on the left. We would rent mopeds, bicycles, or walk and take buses \- **Safety**? We are well traveled and both grew up in developing countries, so we know the street smarts, but we would still take safety in consideration In terms of activities we like to do, we're big beach bums but love to do nature sight-seeing in the weekends. If we end up choosing Treasure Beach to set up base, we'd then visit Port Antonio during our week off :) Another option could be splitting the time between Port Antonio & Treasure Beach?
I spent May and June in Treasure Beach working remote. I couldn’t recommend it more if you are able to make it work. Absolutely wonderful community.
Internet was the biggest hassle. Most everybody is using LTE boxes that don’t seem to work so well when the wind blows, the rain falls, or the sun shines. Jake’s is the only place with reliable internet that I could find. I worked out a deal with them - I worked out of a desk they had in exchange for buying lunch there everyday.
Cash was also something of a PITA in Treasure Beach. The only ATM that accepts international cards was inoperative like 50 of the 60 days - which meant pretty regular route taxi trips to Junction or Black River to find a ScotiaBank.
Gunshots are a pretty regular commodity on my island. I didn’t hear one during my time in Treasure Beach and never once felt threatened or unsafe.
Transportation wise, talk to Red in Treasure Beach. I can send you his number. He does bike rentals. Pretty flat area and bikes are a great option for the immediate vicinity. You’ll get to know local drivers pretty quickly. I have a great guy if you need a longer-haul driver recommendation (to/from MBJ, for instance).
I stayed at an Airbnb a 5 minute walk from Jake’s – amazing place and great people if you need a referral. Most places in the Frenchman’s Bay side of TB will be close, though. Lunch was there was maybe 10-12 USD.
I just introduced myself at Jake’s to one of the front desk employees. Told them I was staying nearby and my internet was having issues. After realizing that was the way to go, I asked the manager for a long-term arrangement and she came up with buying a daily meal. I worked in this covered seating area at the front of the resort. You can try reaching out. I really don’t think they will turn you away. Super accommodating. Here is a post that I did over at /r/digitalnomad about the trip. I will send you a message with the airbnb info.
We visit Jamaica once or twice a year, I always try, and remind people wanting to come to do remote work…Do Not Mention any plans of working while in Jamaica to any Customs officials while checking in. They do not wany anyone working in Jamaica if they are not a Jamaican citizen. I have seen for myself visitors get turned away, and sent back on the next plane for admitting they are going to work while visiting….
http://www.starlink.com Internet from SpaceX. Around $600usd for the dish and $135 USD per month. I average around 100mbps down and 15mbps up, maybe 60ms ping, traveling all over the US with it. Unsure if it’s available in Jamaica, tho.
TB is a little slice of paradise.
Digicel tether is relatively reliable.
Plenty of supermarkets & prepared food near by.
As safe as safe is in Jamaica - if you know what you say then nothing is different to any other place.
Activities - chilling on the beach & exploring the areas surrounding could take all your time - not too sure if there is anything left in the pond right now but the locals will let you know if there is.. sharks apparently around Great Bay - but never seen with my own eyes.
A reliable driver is easy enough to find down and around there & it would probably make sense if you don’t drive. If the left hand driving is the only issue - trust me don’t worry you won’t appear out of place - down there its all foot on foot off - dodge the pothole, stop for the dog etc no real driving until you have to go Junction to get some money out the atm if you are not going to carry cash with you. If you do take JMD don’t use USD.
If you got the car & have the confidence go PA & further but you probably be just as good setting base in TB & then just getting a taxi to Junction maybe one a week or something.
Enjoy whatever you choose.
I agree with the last post , it’s heavily dependent on where in Portland re the WiFi but I would recommend the split … 10 mins west of port Antonio has a bunch of water falls and beaches … but the road and transportation is a weak factor right now in Portland as they are building the new highway
Why not stay in Kingston and visit St. Elizabeth and Portland when you’re free?
You’d have no issues with any of the items on the list.
Portland is less developed than St. Elizabeth. I doubt the internet connection will be more reliable there. Where in Port Antonio would you stay? The town is tiny and not a tourist friendly spot. I’d imagine the options for places to stay would be very limited.
Hello! I am an American expat and I live in treasure beach full time. If. you get yourself a Digicel or flow SIM for your phone (if you have an unlocked phone) you won’t have any issues most days with the internet. Jake’s closes down for the first 2 weeks of September every year for renovations so if you’re coming soon prepare for that. Starlink isn’t available on island yet. There is a satellite internet company based on Kingston called Neptune, but you’d literally have to have them come and install a dish. (It took them over a week to do mine) The nicest thing about TB is that you really don’t NEED a car if you’re fit to walk or ride a bike. Be prepared to relax, there isn’t too much to do here but we have WAY more to do than portie outside of the natural beauty. There’s really only 1 restaurant in all of port Antonio and everything is far from everything else. Definitely vacation there for a few days for sure but I think you’ll see after being there that it’s not a long term place.
I do have an unlocked phone, and that’s something similar than we did when we went to Puerto Escondido for remote work last winter! Are the prices reasonable for extended use? I’ll definitely look into it
I do have an unlocked phone, and that’s something similar than we did when we went to Puerto Escondido for remote work last winter! Are the prices reasonable for extended use? I’ll definitely look into it
