Moving to the Caribbean - should I follow my dream?

[elliephunt]

I have always dreamt of living somewhere tropical. Being able to go and swim in the sea whenever, rum punches, sailing, diving, relaxed pace of life.

I have been contacted by a recruiter for a job on a small Caribbean island, for a two year contract. The package is good but I won't be earning much more than in London (even considering the low tax).

Dp is behind me and says he'd be willing to give it a go and move to a Caribbean island for a couple of years. It's a long way from home and there are no direct flights.

We could afford to rent a small villa with a pool and ocean view.

Now the bad bits are; hurricanes, muggy weather half of the year, very expensive cost of living, non availability of items like fresh meat or fresh vegetables. Expat community.

Would you do it? or is the reality worse than the dream?

What do the locals eat? Fish more than meat?

Do you think you would be welcomed by the local community or would it be 2 years of you only speaking to your DP?

I think it sounds like a great opportunity!

Do you speak the local language? Just a consideration. I would go for it regardless. Good luck!

I would definitely go for it as I love the Caribbean. Most of them speak very good English. Which island?

I live in the Cayman Islands so happy to answer any questions OP.

The biggest impact will be your salary when you get to whichever island you're going to and what package is being offered.

Health insurance will need to be covered for you and any dependents and can be a significant chunk of your salary if your employer isn't covering it.

But I moved here 16+ years ago and am still here, got married and had my babies here so I obviously love it. But there are definite pros and cons to island life!

Honestly I'd give it a go for 2 years if I didn't have kids.

Fuck it, just do it.

Life is a short. I’d be off like a shot.

Which island is it? That would impact my decision

give it a shot, whats the worst that can happen, you hate it and come home, much rather take the chance than regret it

What island?

Are you happy to have little variety outside work - albeit that might be beach/ snorkeling/ sailing - I mean no city breaks, ikea trips.

Food will likely be 30-50% or more than here for some things- thinking $20 usd for a large jar of nescafe type of costs for imports. Booze will be much cheaper!

Are you happy with safety stats and have you been following the island!'s local newspaper?

Health insurance and access to health care will be very important to understand.

Have you been to the Caribbean? Do you like the laid back culture and the slightly down at heal main cities - I'm a fan but it is not all a tropical idle.

Life is short. You've always fancied the idea. Go!

Thank you for the responses. Yes I speak the language - it's English.

The island is Tortola, it's in the British Virgin Islands. I've been to the Caribbean maybe 5 times, but never to BVI.

Just do it! Two years will pass quickly! Sounds like a fun experience and you will have a chance to travel locally and eplore.

Omg yes! If the only down side is muggy weather and lack of Morrisons veg isle then it seems daft not to go. Hurricanes are of course slightly more worrying but the chance is low right?

gosh the idea of morning swims in a warm sea, the salty air, the sun, the rum…. Amazing!

I wouldn't move somewhere I'd never even visited.

Living somewhere is different to being on holiday. You have to deal with all the mundane stuff and bureaucracy that you can skip on holiday. Your fantasy sounds a bit more like a permanent holiday than living and working somewhere.

If it's not going to disadvantage you when you want to move back in terms of property ladder or career options and you don't have caring responsibilities or concerns about flying over if something happens to family, then doesn't hurt to try.

Try it for 2 years

A lot of people don’t like it (island life can be suffocating, finding people to fix stuff is really hard, the bursts of bad weather are extreme, lots of food had to imported and is expensive/bland, health care often isn’t great)… but you know, you might love it

I visited a few times and didn't find it particularly friendly. There will be a big enough expat scene to keep you busy though. I'd go for it. Be very clear that working there is not anything like being on holiday there. Sounds obvious, but the tone of your OP is a bit living in a fantasy!

Check healthcare as it may have changed but anything very serious you were transferred to Puerto Rico.

There absolutely is fresh meat and veg available on Tortola! The prices are just relatively high.

You’ll never know unless you go! You can always come back, oh honestly if I could genuinely follow my dreams I’d be right in there! Nothing about it is irreversible and you know that old saying you only regret what you didn’t do… how exciting! Who cares if it’s not what you thought, you’re still doing it and at least trying to live your dream, that’s everything!

Yes, do it. Not the Caribbean but I worked in Bermuda for 10 years (went for two). Obviously there are downsides but it was a great experience.