Want to Move to the Caribbean? Watch this First - [The Ugly Truth about Island Living]

So you've decided to move to the Caribbean. Congratulations!
Here is the truth about island living, but remember that life in the Caribbean also comes with its highs. The great thing is, and once you live here you will realize that too, is that you can turn the worst situation into a positive one. Why do you think Caribbean people are so mellow?
It's all about your own attitude towards life.
Which Caribbean island are you moving to soon?
Need a bit of more customized advice about Island Living? Book an hour consultation with me. Let's talk: thetravelingislandgirl.com/se...
Other videos about moving to the Caribbean
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10 things to know about buying property on St. Maarten:
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Island Life: The Good. The Bad. The Annoying:
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[@melvinbridgewater6402]

As a 66yr old man who resides and worked for 44yrs of my life in the U.S. I also lived and worked the first 22yrs of my life in Antigua & Barbuda. Due to 'REMOTE LEARNING' and the privilege to 'WORK REMOTELY'.... when I compare the pros with the cons, I chose the better of the 2 evils. Give me the Caribbean 365 days of the year...way less stress than living in North America. 🇦🇬 Thank you!

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

You are so right, Melvin

[@stevesteve7162]

And no demonization

[@familymatters6122]

Thank you for sharing this comment

[@andras8911]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirlHi. I’m thinking and planning to live in the Caribbean for a year and I’m looking to see if I can continue my shipping company from the roads of us to the islands of the Caribbean. Would you have any references for companies that would use my shipping services? I just thought your a nice person and helpful and we could get to know each other?

[@maijathrontveit6234]

Thank you for mentioning the dogs and cats. That was the most shocking thing about traveling to the Caribbean. It made me so incredibly sad.

[@tuncherferad6128]

THE BEST AND genuine review for Caribbean living. I wish more ppl could watch this and understand. These are the things you won't find easily on the internet! Well done!

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Thank you 😊

[@islandnemo1317]

Oh boy, when it comes to being a tour guide. You hit it on the nail. I enjoyed it, and took people to remote hiking locations, and ruins. A special experience for everyone. Yet, even after taking people through friend recommendations; who actually paid well. It didnt come close to the mechanic payment on your vehicles when they are gone. Its not a vacation for you. You have to make it here every day. Also, all other points are point on. 😅😢 It's a trade off, a paradise tax if you will. Thanks for the vid. Much better than most on island living 🙏

[@reena7523]

I went to St Lucia first in 2022 and stayed in a hotel. Went to St Lucia again in 2023 and stayed in an airbnb, I can definitely tell you the cost of groceries was a complete shock to the system. I’ve made some friends out in St Lucia and really love the island. I do hope in future to own a properties within a property to run my own airbnb. I think another great point, would have be don’t expect exceptional customer service all the time. Let’s be honest some Caribbean people cannot handle constructive criticism without taking offensive to it. I’ve seen it with amongst locals to one another and I’ve experienced it for myself as a tourist. Definitely some customer service training needs to be installed especially if you are working in the travel and tourism industry or just in locations with high levels of travellers.

[@mrtnj.9502]

Hi there, What is airbnb, Please? What other industries they've got besides tourisme? - Rum distilleries? Thanks

[@reena7523]

@@mrtnj.9502 airbnb is marketplace for short-term rentals. So property owners can rent out their apartments, houses, villas or even a spare room known as a “private room” to travellers. The home is yours for you duration, it’s self service. Can typically be cheaper than staying in the hotel. But you would have to buy and cook your own groceries. I’m regards to rum distilleries, I’m not to sure about that.

[@fluffytail6355]

Re: customer service. You’re not kidding. I lived in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and customer service is non-existent. First, there IS such a thing as “island time.” They move at their OWN pace and in their OWN time. There is NO hustle despite how long the line may be. They always chit chat about the family and things before getting down to business (cultural difference from those of us accustomed to efficient service), no matter how many people remain in line. Furthermore, in Cayman, the Caymanians are guaranteed work over everyone else on the island so they don’t fear for their jobs if they are slow and inefficient - the next Caymanian they hire will move just as slowly. There’s no competition to feel the need to “rush.” One thing you’d better get used to when moving to the islands from the uk, usa or canada is the slower pace of life occurs everywhere…bank, immigration office, licensing office, tax office, etc Don’t ever delude yourself to think you can accomplish 5 errands before noon - those 5 errands will take at least ALL day!

[@reginafromrio]

I love that you said to learn the culture and the language. It's so important!

[@bamboozle02368]

Excellent and so true! I returned to Barbados to live five years ago and she is right on target!

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Thanks. Island life is not always as easy as you’d think 😉

[@stevesteve7162]

But you have to deal with the bs in America

[@nalayini1504]

Excellent information, thanks for this video 🙏🏽💕

[@azureblubabee]

Wow, what a great informative video! Thank you for your candor 😊❤

[@kkgt6591]

Nice video, can you please also touch upon subjects of health care services and law and order situation.

[@cxrriz]

Thank you. I live in Sweden but have always been intrigued by the Caribbean.

[@callieduval3000]

Thank you for sharing I have always wanted to retire in the Caribbean and exploring which one I will choose so thanks again.

[@havilahroman6337]

Very accurate! Grew up in islands my whole life. Both in the pacific and in the Caribbean

[@kietdang6252]

Love your content, Riselle. Very informative.

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Thank you 😊

[@wandaandkiddos2400]

Great video island girl!!! The best one I’ve seen so far.

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Thank you, Wanda 😊

[@pnwcruiser]

Terrific video. Thank you for the insights!

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Thank you for watching

[@tracylalla3732]

Island fever!!! I can relate

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

I know you can 😉

[@ajalanbrown2200]

lately i been thinking about entrepreneurship and being able to work from anywhere is one of my endeavors, thanks a bunch for the info.

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

You are most welcome

[@kevinvincent1963]

This have helped me so much thanks Africa is for me .

[@alexandrubaginean7369]

Very good points!

[@stephenray7278]

You are sharing some great information that people don't think about transient friends is a tough thing

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Sounds like you may have experienced your share of friends leaving 😔

[@fluffytail6355]

Mexico is no different. Just as you got to know someone and become friends, they went back to Europe, the USA or canada. Mexico was amazing but could be a very lonely place.

[@BearingMySeoul]

@@fluffytail6355 Lived in Seoul, Korea for 5 years and it was the same thing. A small sliver of people married locals and stayed but nearly every single person I knew has moved elsewhere, including myself.

[@jijib7691]

OMG Riselle, I lived and worked in the DR and Mexico for 7 years combined, and you described my life back then to a T!! 💕

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

I actually forgot to add Power Outages. Remember those?

[@jijib7691]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl Haha, I sure do! And I don't miss them!

[@stevesteve7162]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl I rather power outages than being alone

[@reginafromrio]

I'm subbing because you know what's up! Lived in Vieques for 7 yrs. All true! Mañana mañana, rejas, lines, food expensive, friends transient, Island fever, deliveries scarce, stray dogs, internet, transportation, bugs, all the things!! But relax, right? You have the most beautiful beach right there :)

[@louisd95714]

Thanks for keeping it real. I've vacationed to St. Martin two years ago, Toured both sides, Saint Martin on the French side, and Sint Maarten on the Dutch side. It's a beautiful island. Went to a good portion of the beaches, including Philipsburg Mullet Bay, and a few beaches on the French side. I also went to Anguilla. What a beautiful beach there! I always wondered how those people live in those houses on those tall mountains in Sint Maarten. LOL.

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Thank you. I hope you come back and see us soon. And those houses on the tall mountains have the best views 😆

[@louisd95714]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl I forgot to write where I stayed. I was at the Oyster Bay Beach Club Hotel. It’s a pretty darn nice place to stay. :)

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

@@louisd95714 I hope you had an ocean view ;-) Although the lagoon side isn't too shabby either.

[@louisd95714]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl It was. My view was the infinity pool with the ocean behind it.

[@patriceb1274]

Trying to buy a restaurant in St. Martin has been exhausting coming from the US. We finally threw in the towel a few weeks ago. Plan B hopefully move there within 5 years!!!

[@christopherlochan3362]

yeah..i feel you. I had all red tapes trying to open a business in st. lucia

[@patriceb1274]

@@christopherlochan3362 Restaurant was purchased!

[@mrs.rogersneighborhood]

I lived in Bermuda, but it’s been awhile since I’ve lived on an island, so I’m coming back for some reminders. Lol

[@Caribbean_King]

The tip about getting a VPN to stream is helpful! I have to have tv, especially for sports!! 😂😂

[@jeffknight2907]

Great video! I lived in Asia for ten years and living abroad is living abroad. Adjust to the culture and learn the language.

[@christopherlochan3362]

Trinidad and Tobago have a lot of jobs compared to other islands, but the cost of living is extremely high, especially recently since the gas spike. 400%. Because of this I moved to St. Lucia only because I was getting a good paying job. It's even worse here, the cost of living is high. The only thing is cheap is rent. Gas is ridiculous. The main reason for the high cost is duty and tax. For example, if I bring a replacement part for my car that cost $100USD, I'd usually pay a little under $100 USD to ship it out of Florida and customs to St. Lucia. Not everything is heavily tax but the most important things are. And while it is a slow nice living blue beaches and low crime, I don't like it at all. Government services are the worst and for some reason the car insurance is pay for a full year no matter the month you bring your car for insurance. This is why a lot of people spoil visa and get out of here...

[@nunobarros3629]

Signed. Not from a Carib, but from a Brazilian islander. 😉 Masha danki, Riselle!!!

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Di nada, Nuno 😉

[@DJMonee727]

Please comment on Veterinary care & medical care. Thank You. 🙏🏼🩵

[@mblydenvlogs]

So over here in the Virgin Islands, particularly the island of st croix we have a major problem with the pets left back from expats. We now have a “snake” problem on the island too! People mainly come to the island to work at the oil refinery and they bring their snakes as pets when they are relatively small, but by the time they leave the snake are to big to take with them so they just release them into the wild, where the mate! Before you know it we have an overwhelming snake population that the island has never seen!

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Aruba has the same problem with snakes. To the point that the Government has asked all citizens to kill the invasive reptiles if seen while hiking. St. Maarten has that problem with monkeys brought in as pets and now they have grown to an alarming number. Expats leaving their pets behind when they move back to the mainland is a serious issue on most islands. My heart breaks at how many homeless dogs and cats there are roaming around. We are seriously our own worst enemy, aren’t we

[@caribbeanvolunteers2994]

Seconding your sentiments! I'm on St. Croix and the snake invasion is seriously out of hand.

[@familymatters6122]

Omg are you serious?

[@familymatters6122]

Why are they even allowed to bring their pets in the 1st place wth

[@fluffytail6355]

@@familymatters6122what do you have against moving with pets? They should abandon them in their homeland when they move to the island? What’s wrong with you?? They should be mandated to take the pets home with them that they brought. The pets come in through customs so they need to leave through customs or have a vet’s certificate indicating why the pet can’t accompany them home.

[@morganmore6]

Home🇹🇹 for me just going back to wear i was born..

[@selinlightlovelife]

what about local market fruits and vegetables

[@JustMyOpinion-]

Hi miss, what is your occupation exactly, or what was? if retired.

[@andras8911]

I’m thinking and planning to move to the Caribbean and continue my shipping company from Us roads to the seas of the Caribbean. Anyone has any references companies might use my shipping services? Ty 😀

[@benjaminslife9424]

I did notice that the roads are not very good in the Caribbean islands I visited. The streets signs weren’t very good either. I noticed when I visited Costa Rica I did see a stray dog walking around. I think that dog may have had fleas.

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Not all islands but some Definitely have the poor roads and lack of signs. It adds to the charm 😆

[@fluffytail6355]

Really, you think a dog in a 3rd world humid country could have fleas? 🤦‍♀️

[@benjaminslife9424]

@@fluffytail6355 I think that dog may have gave me fleas or something. Which is why I’m very careful around stray dogs in 3rd world countries now. 🤔

[@aidanvasquez995]

Bottom line sounds like you need to well established financially before the move. Not the video I was looking for. Thanks for the tips.

[@trezndawg4240]

Im actually considering a visit to your island of Curacao in 2024. I have been traving back and forth to Maui for years and looking for something different. Maui is absolutely overran by tourist like myself, LOL. But a significant prerequisite for my moving to a Caribbean Island is, Golf Courses. I've noticed some of Caribbean Islands have no more than 2 Golf Courses.

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Yes, Curaçao has if I’m nit mistaken three but mist islands are too small to have more than one if at all. Anguilla had a very popular one but it’s just that one.

[@mabeaute8963]

@trenzdawg4240 did you go? I live on Maui and am thinking of visiting the Carib just cuz island life suits me. Share your experience if you care to

[@Annabelle66633]

I think, unless your a millionaire or have lots of money, don’t bother moving to the Caribbean 😌😂🌴

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

It does sound like it, right? But think of all the locals, like me, who actually live here and experience the bad and the great every single day. We make it happen.

[@fluffytail6355]

Agreed

[@MENSA.lady2]

Last August I visited Aruba, to check out a new British Airways route. London to Aruba via Antigua. I found Aruba to be pretty awful. The climate 70F to 95F all day every day and about 90% humidity. So rain just after sunset is common. It gets worse. It relies on tourism to survive, mostly from the USA. The Capital Orangestat has loads of stores flogging expensive tat that nobody wants but Americans buy. A small beer at about $12 is a clue as to how expensive it is. No I will not be returning.

[@TamiamiParkFlyers]

Internet = get satellite Internet KZbin videos not availables = use VPN TV channels = Use Internet TV channles (android box)

[@user-lr8vl4pe6i]

Thanks for this! How feasible is it to get around in SXM using taxis? My wife and I are headed there for two months later this year and the cost of a rental car seems exorbitant.

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

If you think renting a car is exorbitant, wait till you use taxis for everything

[@dovygoodguy1296]

How do the island residents survive with such high prices on imported foods and products with few local alternatives and lower incomes?

[@fluffytail6355]

They don’t eat much and crime is high to get what they need

[@darrylb4048]

I live on an island, Vancouver Island, BC, Canada and you even here you get island fever at first. But, this island has everything one could want, even palm trees. It is over 9 hours long by car with most of the way being four lane hwys. Nice vid.

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Vancouver island is gorgeous. I cannot wait to visit.

[@fluffytail6355]

You get island fever because it costs almost $300 roundtrip to take your car to the mainland and back.

[@darrylb4048]

@@fluffytail6355 hardly an issue

[@darrylb4048]

@@GEN_X_ Wow, I guess you live in the woods then, because unless you do there is always something we can complain about. I pick my battles in life and this one is minor in nature.

[@darrylb4048]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl You will love it. Enjoy.

[@clemdane]

How easy or hard is it to make your own garden and grow your own fruits and vegetables?

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

I don’t have green thumbs at all and do not do any gardening even though I should but I have seen an increase in it since the lockdown, even on islands where gardening wasn’t really a thing.

[@keyanregiste2503]

Can u tell us about the prices on food items pls

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

This is a very difficult question to answer. All items? One item? I don’t have them from the top of my head. I’ll need to take a trip to a supermarket, which is my least favorite thing to do.

[@patriceb1274]

Trying to buy a restaurant in St. Martin has been exhausting coming from the US. We finally threw in the towel a few weeks ago. Plan B hopefully move there within 5 years!!!

[@patriceb1274]

A box of Rice Crispies was $7. Produce was extremely expensive.

[@nietmeernietmeer4459]

Do you guys speak dutch ? How can a Surinamese person find work overthere ?

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Some of us do, not many. English is the main language spoken here. I don'y know how easy it is for a foreigner to find a job. You'll need to check with an immigration service agent.

[@user-nm2xy8zh3f]

What about health care?

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Depends on the island

[@firemanprice]

I will or want to bring my Big Jeep Gladiator with me. Is that a possibility, do you know of any who’s done this ?

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

There are people who actually buy their cars on the US and ship it down from Florida. Check with 4-star cargo or one of the other shipping companies that ship to St. Maarten. It’s an easy Google search. I hope this helps.

[@firemanprice]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl It does big time. And being that I already live here in Florida should be easier, thanx again.

[@mrtnj.9502]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl Are there taxes concerning that? - or to taking your stuff to your new living place in the Island? - and What Are taxes in St. Maarten generally? - thank you.

[@gordocarbo]

@@mrtnj.9502 Rust and theft. I wouldnt drive anything fancy. Get an old dunde buggy or beat up 4x

[@jasrob8247]

What kind of jobs are available for someone moving to an island coming from the us? Are there any remote options? (Outside of being an entrepreneur)

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Remote work is possible in most Caribbean islands but most are for entrepreneurs and business owners. All sorts of regular jobs are available and differs on each island but remember that locals need those jobs more than you do.

[@mrtnj.9502]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl Oh yeah, how is it safety questions in St. Maarten? - Is there problems as burglary, robbery on streets (or at night), and pocketrollers in the markets?... Etc. Thank you.

[@MyLordAndMyGodJesusChrist]

​@@TheTravelingIslandGirlwhen Caribbeans come to Usa i will say : but remember the locals need the jobs before you ..

[@jackrosario9990]

Well, were I live in the Caribbean, I pay 130 dollars for a 2 bedroom in an ok neighborhood and the internet is about 12 dollars a month and buying food is not that bad I can buy for 150 a month and I can go to the movies for about 5 to 6 dollars, the roads are bad and the drivers are terrible!

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

That’s great. Which Caribbean island are you on?

[@jackrosario9990]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl DR, but I know the area and know were to look, things are slow but the people are very kind!

[@mrtnj.9502]

Hí there, The apartment you rented - was it 130,-US dollars for a day or for a week or for a month? - and in which Island, please? Oh yeah, how is it safety questions? - Is there problems as burglary, robbery on streets (or at night), and pocketrollers in the markets?... Etc. Thank you.

[@jackrosario9990]

@@mrtnj.9502 I lived in a barrio not any fancy place, the place was nice and the people friendly. I paid 130 a month nothing fancy!

[@gordocarbo]

@@mrtnj.9502 Stay in at night...bars on windows and doors are an indicator of crime even the good parts

[@jamconnell1377]

No island fever if you move to the dominican republic because it's so big and has so many different places to go and see and has very diverse landscapes

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

I've been several times. It is indeed big but I would miss my english speaking islands.

[@mrtnj.9502]

Hí there, Oh yeah, how is it safety questions? - Is there problems as burglary, robbery on streets (or at night), and pocketrollers in the markets?... Etc. Thank you.

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

@@mrtnj.9502 there is petty crime everywhere. St. Maarten too. We are not crime-free. I wish we were.

[@fluffytail6355]

@@mrtnj.9502most Caribbean islands are “poor.” Where the poor live there will be crime, pickpockets, etc. if you don’t know this, you’re best to stay home

[@miv6851]

Similar to Cuba

[@ramalingamavinashigounder3909]

I want to migrate to an island for starting my business. Can you help me

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

No.

[@JustMyOpinion-]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl That reply made me lmfao!

[@gordocarbo]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl Cant stop laughing

[@mikeoconnor4590]

I’m a little surprised that produce is so high You’d think that the produce could be grown on the island

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Peoduce is grown on the islands and some islands like the DR produce more than others. The smaller islands are not able to produce high quantities to sustain the entire population so we import.

[@mikeoconnor4590]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl Thanks for so quick a response

[@DJMonee727]

Why can't you take your phone into the Bank ?????

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

I don’t think it’s the case on all islands but it has to do with security.

[@frankwhite83able]

a4 sport car lol

[@MaZaCar_Xiaoyu]

Lool I had to Google the A4 since I was wondering if Audi recently produced a sports car I didn't know about 😂

[@marketamania]

Not true... I live on Exuma, before Mexico, DR, Martinique... Now is cheeper than Europe with fucking snow

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

I agree. Not many destinations can top Europe when it comes to expenses. I lived in the Netherlands for 6 years. And living here is way better than in Europe, in my opinion. No snow, like yiu mentioned. But grocery shopping is definitely more expensive in many Caribbean islands even compared to Europe. Thank you for sharing your experience. Exhuma is high on my list and I hope to visit soon.

[@krstone0]

What about safety? How is crime out there?

[@TheTravelingIslandGirl]

Obviously it differs island to island. The islands are all very different yet very similar and cannot be grouped as one.

[@krstone0]

@@TheTravelingIslandGirl We’re are thinking about making the move. What island would you say is the safest?

[@chrislee2458]

perpetual tourists or expats. Choose.

[@kingtrance307]

The ugly truth is it’s much more expensive than the mainland.

[@user-xu9ib9cd6d]

Do not compare us to UK or USA, we are smaller, less developed, and poorer.

[@TruthInspector]

long intro...im out

[@heatherheather6127]

talking too much we need to see videos