Reasons Why Living in Antigua Can be Awesome

If you are thinking of moving to the Caribbean and not sure which island to pick, below given are wonderful reasons to choose the colourful nation of Antigua.

Affordable homes near the beach
In Antigua, you will easily find beautiful homes close to some of the best beaches in the country at a competitive price. You can also rent fully furnished, cosy apartments at a very affordable. It can actually be said that Antigua is a cheap place to live in.

Mouthwatering cuisine
The authentic Antiguan cuisine is made up of sweet potatoes and corn. You will find a wide variety of delicious food items, ranging from sweet dumplings to fiery hot dishes that will start a party inside your mouth. If you are not in the mood, you can always head to a local restaurant to try out their amazing delicacies.

Colourful celebrations and active nightlife
Start to ready your belongings for shipping to Antigua because this nation will never let you get bored. This nation is well-known for its active nightlife with an abundance of nightclubs. Also, the yearly Antiguan Carnival is a revelry that people come from across the world to witness. The Carnival is a festival where you can enjoy cultural shows, colourful costumes, delectable food, concerts and great music.

But, before you can move to Antigua or anywhere in the Caribbean, you need to find a shipping company. A company experienced in shipping to Trinidad, shipping to Dominica or Antigua will ensure a stress-free move.

Things to Know Before Moving to Barbados

Barbados is a tiny island, which is situated east of the Caribbean Sea. The island enjoys a high standard of living and showcases a marvellous mix of Creole, British, Latin American and African culture. If you want to relocate to Caribbean, Barbados is a great choice and you can look forward to an exceptionally simpler life that is in touch with nature, more relaxed and cheaper. But, before moving, here are a few things that you should know.

Real-estate investments are easy
The government of Barbados is business-friendly, and therefore, real estate investments are quite simple and easy. You can find beautiful beachfront plots to invest in. You will also find a number of rental properties close to the beach or a little far away from the coast.

Duty-free shopping
When living in Barbados, you can find tons of duty-free shipping options. Also, if you are considering shipping to Barbados, know that anything can be brought in by boats. But, you will need to find a good shipping company who will take care of the whole process on your behalf.

Densely population
This small island nation is densely populated, but the people are friendly and welcoming. Even though you would find 280,000 people occupying roughly 430 square kilometres, you will be able to enjoy your personal space. The island is gorgeous and there will be plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature quietly and peacefully.

So, look for shipping companies specialising in shipping to Trinidad from the UK, Barbados or shipping to Jamaica and get settled.

Here’s What to Know When Sending Barrels to the Caribbean

Do you need to send barrels to any of the islands of the Caribbean? If so, the following shipping insight will surely assist you.

First, look for a reputable shipping company that has years of experience in sending barrels to the Caribbean. The shipping company will be able to walk you through the entire shipping process.
Second, you need to find out if the shipping company offers shipping services that are fully insured. You need to remember that anything can happen when your barrels are in transit and without insurance, you will be expected to bear the expenses.

Third, request for a quote. Before you choose a shipping company to send your barrels, it is always wise to ask for an estimate. This way you can plan your finances and even compare the rate with other companies.

Fourth, inquire if there are any customs restrictions and limitations. The customs keep updating the restrictions imposed on import goods. Unless you know the things that you can legally ship to the Caribbean, you might get into trouble with the law. So, it is wise to choose a shipping company for sending barrels to Jamaica who will be able to provide you with updated information regarding import restrictions.

So, do you your due diligence when shipping barrels to the Caribbean. Make sure to only trust a shipping company that has strong reviews and recommendations. You would not want your barrels to be lost at sea.

Want to Relocate? Here’s Why You Should Consider the Caribbean

Even though the Caribbean is small in total size, it offers an eclectic mixture of cultures with different influences like, Spanish, French and English, along with a favourable tropical climate. It has 17 independent territories and its breathtaking natural beauty attracts millions of people from across the world. Below given are a few reasons why you should consider relocating to Caribbean.

Year-round pleasant weather
The Caribbean’s climate is tropical to subtropical, with year-round moist wind and sunshine. You might not want to be in the Caribbean during the summer months when the heat and humidity can be quite extreme, but the moment you go near the beaches and start sipping on your favourite beverage, time will fly.

Myriad diving and water sports
The Caribbean islands are home to myriad marine life including rainbow coloured fish, turtles, reefs, corals and dolphins. This is what makes diving a fun activity for the residents and tourists. If you are interested in surfing or other water sports, the Caribbean islands provide ample opportunities for adventure.

Delectable Caribbean cuisine
The Caribbean cuisine has many influences from Europe, Africa, Spain and Latin America. Olive oil, a kind of green herb, beans, potatoes, coconut and tomatoes are common ingredients that you will find everywhere. If you are relocating to Jamaica, you will find delicious items like, jerk chicken, Saltfish and Ackee.

The Caribbean is a fun place to relocate. However, you must contact a reliable shipping company to smoothen the relocation process.

Here are a Few Tips When Shipping to Guyana

Are you thinking of settling down in Guyana or St. Vincent? Or are you considering an extended stay in one of the Caribbean islands and would like to have a few of your possessions with you? If so, you need to take care of shipping. You should be able to receive your items undamaged and with no delay. When it is about shipping to Guyana, professional shipping companies can ship your things, via air or sea, depending on your urgency and bulk. This means that you have to work with a reputed company and below given are a few tips that will help you in finding the right company for your needs.

Research different shipping companies
You need to find out and research about different companies shipping to the Caribbean. You need to know their procedures, processes and the kind of items that they specialise in. Shortlist the companies that suit your requirements.

Consider reputation and experience
Before making your decision, you need to find out the company’s experience and the reputation that it enjoys in the industry. You would also want to find out their shipping timelines and frequency. Typically, an experienced company will be able to inform you about the things that you can and cannot ship to specific islands in the Caribbean.

Insurance
When it comes to the shipment of goods, insurance is crucial. You would want a company providing insurance so that you know that your items are protected.
So, keep in mind the above-mentioned before shipping to St. Vincent.

Why Hire a Professional When Shipping to the Caribbean?

Shipping is one of the most important things to streamline when you are planning to move to the Caribbean. Regardless of whether you are considering settling down in Trinidad or Jamaica, you need to ensure that your prized belongings will arrive at the desired location on time and in one piece. The only way to make sure that happens is by hiring the services of a professional shipping company. It is generally recommended that you entrust an experienced company with the task of shipping to Trinidad or any other Caribbean island. Some of the few reasons why you should hire a company are given below.

First, professional shipping companies have the expertise and knowledge in handling small to large shipping requirements. For instance, if you are moving to the Caribbean and planning to ship barrels, as well as, your car, you would need someone who can take care of the entire process smoothly. Since you will probably be busy with other aspects of your move, a professional company can relieve you of the trouble of packing and shipping

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Second, shipping companies offer insurance. This is crucial because you would not want your items to get damaged during transit. Also, in case your things do get damaged, you would not want to bear the extra expenses. This is where insurance protects you and gives you the peace of mind that your possessions are in safe hands.

So, if you are moving to Jamaica, talk to a reputed shipping company.

Way of Life in Suriname

Are you considering settling down in Suriname? This small country enjoys a good standard of living and has reliable and modern facilities. The population mainly resides in the country’s developed part and Suriname enjoys a vibrating, diverse culture. The culture of this country is influenced by the Caribbean, Asia, India, Africa and the United States. The people here have the option of relishing a myriad selection of cuisines, languages and musical styles. Moreover, those living here have excellent access to restaurants, shops, schooling and healthcare. There are companies specialising in shipping to Suriname so that you do not have to bother about the well-being of your prized possessions.

Transportation
Suriname is a nation of coastal roads and rivers. So, if you decide to stay here, you can get around by boat or car. You will not have any problem travelling to the nearby markets and will be able to get all the necessities without any hassle. Also, there are state and private run mini-buses that you can avail as they are affordable means of transport.

Education
If you are planning to move to Suriname with your kids, you will find a decent system of public education. The schools provide free education for children up to 12 years of age. At all the public schools, lessons are taught in Dutch. You will also find international schools where the main language of instruction is English.
In addition to the above, the healthcare system is also good and you can buy yourself a decent house. So, talk to companies with expertise in shipping to Trinidad or Suriname.

Things to Keep in Mind When Shipping to the Caribbeans

The Caribbean islands are not just a great place for spending your holidays, but it is a great place to settle down if you are seeking peace and relaxation throughout the year. If not for long-term, you can also extend your holidays and stay there for 3 to 6 months whilst working remotely from your chosen location. Internet connection is readily available and you can set up your office anywhere. However, if you decide to stay in any one of the Caribbean islands for a short few months or permanently settle down, you would want to connect with a company specialising in shipping to St. Kitts or other island nations. When choosing a shipping company, below given are some of the things that you should keep in mind.

First, the experience of the shipping company. There are certain import regulations and restrictions that the different islands of the Caribbean implement from time to time. Only a company with relevant years of experience will be able to navigate you through the changing regulations and make sure that you do not fall on the wrong side of the law.

Second, the reputation of the company. When it is about shipping to Grenada or St. Kitts, you would want a company that has a good reputation and one whom you can trust. After all, you are trusting the company with your valuable belongings.

So, start looking for a company that has expertise in shipping to St. Vincent or other islands of the Caribbean.

Life in the Island Nation of Dominica

Dominica is one of the less populated Caribbean countries. It is a fun and exciting place to live and provides many adventures. In fact, this island nation is regarded as one of the safest places to live in the Caribbean. Since it is a developing country with little commercialisation, it is virtually stress-free. Regardless of whether you are considering settling down or enjoying a long-term vacation, this place is perfect.

Unlike the other Caribbean countries, Dominica is small with only seventy-two thousand people. The people are generally welcoming and always willing to help, especially if you are a foreigner. Since the official language is English, you will not face any communication issues.

The island nation is considered to be a paradise for foodies and you can find a wide range of local, as well as, French and Italian delicacies. From the finest cocktails to wines and liquors, the options are limitless.

That is not all. Dominica is also quite affordable when compared to the other islands of the Caribbean. The real estate is cost-effective and you can easily rent or purchase an apartment here to start a new life or extend your vacation for a few months. Of course, in order to do all of that, you need a reliable company specialising in shipping to Dominica.

The shipping company that you choose must have experience in shipping to Antigua, shipping to Grenada and other places in the Caribbean. Make sure that the company offers insurance and takes care of the entire shipping process.

Shipping Barrels to the Caribbean is a Great Option

When it comes to shipping items to the Caribbean, shipping barrels is one of the most preferred options. The reasons that make sending barrels to the Caribbean a viable option when compared to other methods of shipping are given below.

Greater protection for the shipment of your items
Before shipping your items to the islands of the Caribbean, you have to make sure that the items are delivered safely. Barrels provide a solid receptacle for the shipment of your belongings. When you choose barrel shipping, you do not have to worry about your belongings getting easy destroyed or damaged. However, for complete safety, you need to make sure that you have carefully packed the barrel so that the barrel provides protection to your items during the process of shipping.

Room for packing a lot of items
A barrel is naturally a better option compared to shipping to several small boxes. With so many boxes, the cost of your shipment will become higher and you might even lose track of the number of boxes that you have actually shipped to the Caribbean. A better solution would be to choose shipping barrels to Barbados or any other destination in the Caribbean that will easily hold all the items that you want to send. A barrel makes it possible for you to pack a lot of items into it.

So, now that you know that barrel shipping is the right option for you, the next thing to do is find a reputed shipping company that can transport your barrel.

Retire in the Caribbean

The Caribbean paints the idyllic picture of a blissful paradise for people considering to spend their retirement years in peace. With beautiful beaches, year-round tropical climate and unspoiled natural wonders, the region provide a tantalising escape from the bustle and chaos of their home country. If you are thinking of relocating, here are top reasons that make the Caribbean the perfect place to retire.

Delish Cuisine
Imagine being able to pick ripe, fresh ripe mangoes from your background when you relocate to Caribbean. The islands of the Caribbean is rich with fertile soil for growing a range of tropical vegetables and fruits. Additionally, Caribbean food is well-known for its strong flavours that is an adventure for taste buds. Then, you have an unlimited choice of beverages to wash everything down and feel a little buzz.

Abundance of Natural Beauty
The Caribbean islands are unique when it comes to natural beauty and it does not exist anywhere else in the world. Clear waves kiss white sand beaches that lead into a beguiling landscape surrounded by mountains. You can spend your days hiking nature trails, lazing away at the beach or exploring the hidden caves.

Besides that, you can spend your evenings listening to local, reggae music. The Caribbean people are friendly and you can count on them in need. So, when relocating to Jamaica or anywhere in the Caribbean, you need to find a reliable shipping company who will safely deliver your prized belongings to your chosen destination.

Things to Remember When Shipping to Barbados

Whether you are shipping barrels to Barbados for your holiday, to your relatives or you are returning home, you need to find a shipping company that you can trust. Shipping to Barbados or anywhere in the Caribbean can be hassle-free and easy if you find the right company. The professionals can offer advice and take care of the whole process for you.

The first and foremost thing to take care of is knowing what you can pack in the barrels. You have to know the items that can be included and the items that are against customs regulations of Barbados. For instance, you cannot send fictitious stamps, toy guns, ozone-depleting substances and so on. However, the list of prohibited items is updated and changed. So, you need a shipping company who will have all the information and will be able to answer your questions.

Second, packaging and labelling your barrels is of utmost importance. You can choose to take of that yourself or you can find a shipping company that provides packaging services. Obviously, a professional touch will be better as you would not want your fragile or delicate items to get damaged when in transit.

Third, you need insurance for your barrels or packages. Unforeseen situations might arise in transit and you would not want to bear extra expenditure.

The only other thing that you have to remember when shipping to St. Lucia or Barbados is that you need a company providing you fuss-free delivery service.

Shipping to the Caribbean Islands? Here are a Few Helpful Tips

When you need to ship commercial freight, large barrels or small packages to the Caribbean, what comes to mind? Fast, easy and reliable are generally the top things to think about when shipping to Guyana or any other island in the Caribbean. But, how can you find the ideal shipping company within your budget, without sacrificing the quality of service?

Just follow the below given tips.

First, you have to identify shipping companies that you can trust to safely handle your shipping needs. It will be great if you can find companies that specifically cater to all types of shipments to the Caribbean.

Second, request a quote. You would want to hire the services of a company that can provide you with a transparent, bespoke quote based on your requirements. However, before getting a quote, ensure that you have the estimated dimensions and weight of your shipment so that you can get the most accurate quote.

Third, you must make sure that your packages or commercial freight will be delivered unharmed and undamaged. For that, you need to find out if the shipping company is offering additional services including packaging, cargo insurance and so on.

Last, but not least, look for a company shipping to St Vincent, Guayana or any other island in the Caribbean that has experience and can answer your questions. The company should be able to give you a list of items that are prohibited in some of the Caribbean islands.

Why Should You Consider Moving to Jamaica?

Among all the islands in the Caribbean, there is something special about Jamaica that will tickle your taste buds. One visit to this pulsating island nation of reef-lined beaches, rainforests and mountains will make you wonder if you can stay long-term or retire here. Moving to Jamaica and making it your permanent residence is a great decision for the following reasons.

Delicious Jamaican Cuisine
Jamaican food has a special place in the hearts of people across the globe. Having finger-licking curry goat, jerk chicken and Jamaican oxtail as every meal options is reason enough to live here.

Year-round Tropical Weather
Forget your bulky winter coats and sweaters. Jamaica welcomes you to warm tropical weather all-year-round. Temperatures range between 22 and 36 degrees Celsius. There is a slight drop in winter, but you can still go to the beach and soak up some sun whenever you want.

Ample Options of Fun Activities
Jamaica has many attractions and activities to keep you hooked. Sway to reggae music, go swimming with dolphins and horses, bobsled through the mountains, go hiking or take part in some water sports. You will never get bored!

Now all you need is a shipping company to help you with everything you need for moving to the Caribbean. There are companies specialising in shipping to Trinidad, Jamaica and other islands in the Caribbean. Hire their services and let the professionals make sure the safe delivery of your prized belongings. They can also clear doubts that you might have regarding your move.

A Few Things to Know About Moving To the Caribbean

If you are moving to the Caribbean, there are a few things that you should know that nobody tells you. The first of these is that there is something called "island time". If you call an electrician and he says he will be there in an hour he means that he may be there today if you are lucky: if not, it may be tomorrow. If he says tomorrow, it will be about a week. It's just something that you have to get used to.

The mosquitos are terrible. Fortunately, you can buy a mosquito repellent. The best-known brand is called "Off" and you can buy it on all of the islands.

If you are relocating to Jamaica, or any of the other islands, you have to learn several different languages. The populations are very multicultural and may speak English, French, Spanish, Dutch, and local Creole languages. You will need to learn the basic phrases in each language just in order to get by.

You can't go home after work and get the barbecue going. Well, you could, but it will be in the dark because the sun sets between 6.00 pm and 7.00 pm. However, you won't have to get up and go to work in the dark because the sun rises at around 6.00 am.

Grenada is a popular destination for many people from the UK. You might live in the capital of St George's with its buildings from the early 18th century. If you decide to go there, you will need a company that specialises in shipping to Grenada to get your possessions there in good time and in safety.

Things to Take With You If Moving To Jamaica

If you are relocating to Jamaica it may be for one of a number of different reasons. Some people move to Jamaica to be back closer to extended families after having spent many years in the UK. Others may go there as students in order to study, while still others may have been there for a holiday and enjoyed the laid-back lifestyle and the glorious weather and decided that it is just a great place in which to live when compared to the British winters.

If you are moving to Jamaica, expats who are already there have said that there are some things that you should take with you and some that you should leave behind. Nearly all say that they have taken things they simply don't need and don't use. One suggested that you take a generator, because power outages are common, and you can be without power for two or three days at a time.

Others say you should ship furniture as it is very expensive to buy there. One went to look for a bed and the cheapest one he could find was about £650, when you could buy one for considerably less in the UK and just pay for shipping to Jamaica. Household items are also expensive in Jamaica, such as a coffee maker, saucepans, a kettle, and so on. Toiletries are another thing: soap, shaving foam, toothpaste, and so on are all expensive.

Things to leave at home: coats and sweaters. You simply are not going to need them.

More Things to Consider When Choosing a Shipping Company

In another article we looked at a couple of things to consider when choosing a shipping company to move your belongings abroad to the Caribbean. Here are a couple more to consider if you are shipping to Trinidad, or perhaps shipping to Suriname.

You will want to find out what tracking tools the company uses and whether it charges extra for the service: some shipping companies include it in the overall price. You may either get an online code so that you can track where your ship is, or you may simply get email updates.

Ask the company which shipping line they will use for shipping your possessions. Has it got a good safety record? You can log on to a company's website in order to see its' certifications.

Insurance is another vital question. Most shipping companies offer insurance from beginning to end of the voyage, and if something were to go wrong on the ship you want to know that your goods are fully insured. You may decide that you want more insurance than the company includes, in which case you can buy extra insurance. Look around for the best rates. Your shipping company may also suggest an insurance company that it partners with.

If your ship arrives early, what are the holding facilities? Where will your goods end up and what charges will there be? You need to know if there are any extra charges if there are issues over timing, and if there are how much they will be.

A Couple Of Things To Consider About Shipping Companies

If you are relocating to the Caribbean and you need your possessions shipping to St. Kitts, or shipping to Grenada, you need to choose the right cargo shipping company. You may have heard horror stories about people not receiving their belongings on time, or ships arriving too early or too late. There are a few things to consider, and not just the price. 

 

Many shipping companies will focus on one cargo loading service but may offer others as well. Warehouse loading is one option, and this is where the company loads your possessions into a container in their warehouse. They should be able to arrange for collection of your goods and delivery to the warehouse. They then transport the container onwards to the port.

Another option is a live load where they drop a container at your home, and you load it yourself. You usually only have a few hours to load it with this method. Better still is the more expensive, but less stressful, option where they drop the container off and you have a few days to load it before they pick it up again.

The size of container that you need will depend on how much you need to ship when you are shipping to St. Vincent or one of the other islands. Most companies provide either a 20' or 40' container. If you have valuables such as original paintings or antique furniture which might be affected by heat you may need a temperature-controlled container known as a reefer.

Shipping to the Caribbean

If you have goods that you need shipping to Antigua or shipping to Dominica which is 118 miles further south, there are companies here that specialise in shipping to the Caribbean islands.

It is always best to use a company that specialises because they will be able to tell you what you can and can't ship to the islands, as many of them have different rules and regulations. For instance, you are not allowed to import furs into Antigua and you may not import anything made of Liberian wood! Furthermore, the shipping company itself may have some items that it will not ship, and common among these are cash, jewellery and precious stones, ammunition, and live animals.

Most of the shipping companies that ship to Antigua and Dominica will act as a receiving depot for goods which means that they can carry out consolidation into a container for you. This will mean that you can save quite a bit of money on shipping costs. Of course, if you are a manufacturer or distributor and need to ship commercial items you may need your own container, or even more than one. However, if you only need to ship a couple of pallets at a time they can also be consolidated.

Most of the shipping companies will also be able to ship cargo by air freight as well, if you need your goods to arrive quickly. You really need to contact two or three different shippers to ascertain the best one for your needs.

Barbados – The Jewel of the Caribbean

Barbados has been described as the jewel of the Caribbean and is the most easterly of the islands, with the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Caribbean sea to the west. The island is 21 miles long and 14 miles wide, which is not all that big, yet is home to 280,000 people. The official language is English. However, most Barbadians speak a unique Bajan dialect mixed with English which can be a bit difficult to understand when you first arrive, but you soon learn to pick it up. 

The island is just north of the equator and the temperatures for most of the year are 80° - 86°. Tourism is the biggest industry and there is a lot to do and see, even though the island is small. There are tropical gardens dotted all over the island and some wonderful beaches. Surfing and kite surfing take place on the south coast, you can go swimming with the turtles, and if you enjoy art there are lots of art galleries selling local works.

There are some wonderful restaurants and if you want to party the night away after dinner there are lots of bars and night clubs at St. Lawrence Gap on the south coast.

If you want to move to Barbados and would like to move your goods than choose shipping barrels to Barbados. Sending barrels to the Caribbean is the most effective method of getting goods there, as barrels can be tightly packed, are highly secure, and of course completely watertight.

Shipping Goods to Antigua or Dominica

If you are shipping to Dominica or shipping to Antigua you will know that these are two of the smaller islands in the Caribbean. The population of Dominica is around 75,000 and the area of the island is just short of 300 square miles which is only twice the size of the Isle of Wight. Antigua is only just over 100 square miles and has a population of a little over 80,000. 

 

However, these islands have their own rules and regulations about what you can and can't import, whether you are moving there permanently or just sending some goods to friends. There are companies involved in the shipping business which ship to these islands on a fairly regular basis so they will be able to help you with the individual rules and advise things that you cannot import. Among others, these usually include seeds and plants, alcohol, furs, gambling devices, ivory, hazardous goods, and pornography.

Companies that ship to these islands will be able to supply barrels, cartons, and other packaging materials, and will also be able to provide a container if you need to ship a large quantity of goods. If you need to ship vehicles this can either be done on a Ro/Ro basis, flat rack, containerised, or shared container.

If you need to ship a large quantity of goods, you can always pack them yourself. However, it is usually better to have them packed by expert packers and shippers who will ensure that your items arrive safely and securely in Antigua or Dominica.  

Boxes or Barrels. Why Barrels?

Here is a thought: if you are considering shipping barrels to the Caribbean why use barrels? Surely they don't make maximum use of the space available in a container or anywhere else as a carton or box would?

And no, they don't.

However, there are a couple of very good reasons why, if you are shipping barrels to Barbados, you should use them instead of boxes or cartons. Very often, these barrels are found to be full of dry goods and items of clothing. Now you don't want to get them wet, and the barrels are far better at waterproofing than commercial shipping boxes.

But there is another reason as well, and this is one that you might never think of. Barrels are cylindrical. This means that they can be rolled around very easily by hand, and this is a huge benefit when loading or unloading from the deck of a ship, which has always been the most common method of transport to the Caribbean, as opposed to air cargo. You can't roll a crate or box: it has to be loaded and unloaded with a crane, as do barrels, but you can't easily move a crate around on deck or below deck. Barrels are very easy to move.

So now you know. They keep your goods dry and are easier to ship.

When packing barrels, always ensure that you place the heaviest items at the bottom and work upwards. Also, don't include any glass items. Some goods are not allowed to be imported, but you will need to check with the island to which you are shipping, as rules vary.

Finding the Right Company to Ship Your Goods to the Caribbean Is Important

Many manufacturing and wholesale businesses in the UK have customers in the Caribbean because, along with other countries, we make and supply things that they do not make or have themselves in the islands. If they do make them, they may find that ours are better quality, cheaper, and so on, so they prefer to import them from us. 

It follows that if you are such a manufacturer or wholesaler you will need to find a shipping company that you can rely upon to deliver your goods on time, failing which your customers will very likely go elsewhere. They are not going to be very happy if they keep running out of stock because of erratic supplies. You may be manufacturing and delivering to the shipping company on time every time, so in that sense it is not your fault, but you do need a reliable shipper.

Fortunately, in recent years there have grown some shipping companies who deal regularly with the Caribbean islands. If you are shipping to Barbados, or shipping to St. Lucia, there are companies who have become specialists in the area and they know all there is to know about the customs on the various islands along with the import regulations, so they can get your goods to its' destination island.

These shipping companies also have contacts and arrangements with transport companies on the islands who can get your cargo to the final destination which is your customer's business. 

Reasons to Move to Jamaica

Many people go to the Caribbean for a holiday and find out just how lovely the weather is and how laid-back life is in general on these islands, and this spurs them on to make the decision to mover there permanently. After all, if you have the choice, who wouldn't want to escape the harsh British winters? 

If you decide to relocate to the Caribbean, you have a choice of many different islands, but the fact is that a large number of people who do move there decide upon relocating to Jamaica. It is the third largest of the Caribbean islands and is 146 miles long and 50 miles wide. A large amount of the island is composed of limestone, and there are six mountain ranges and no less than 120 rivers, along with many springs.

The weather in Jamaica is tropical and ranges between 22°C and 31°C. The wettest months are May and June, and then October and November, when the sunshine is mixed with tropical downpours. From December to February the days are bright and sunny, and the nights cool. There are exotic trees, flowers, and wildlife that will astonish you.

Many people go to Jamaica to open a business. In 2015, Forbes Magazine listed Jamaica as the best place to do business in the Caribbean and included it in their list of Best Countries To Do Business overall. Throughout the island you will find many bars, restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment businesses that are owned by foreigners.

Jamaica Is a Wonderful Island to Retire To

Many people in the UK consider relocating to Jamaica. As you will know if you have ever been there on holiday, the weather is wonderful and warm, and the way of life is just so laid back. Contrary to what you may have read, the Jamaicans are friendly people and will welcome people who want to join their community. Having said that, you will need to adopt the local culture. Most of the population is black and you need to respect that.

 

Housing costs can vary quite a bit depending whether you want to live in an upper-class suburban community or out in the sticks. However, even in a suburban community the rents are a lot cheaper than they are in the UK. There is always a downside though, and in this case it is the cost of things in the supermarkets. Yes, you can buy your Scotch whisky there, but you will be paying far more for it than you would here. In general, you are better off buying locally made products, and shopping for fruit and veg in the markets.

There are some good medical facilities in Jamaica, but if you need some really specialist treatment, Miami is only a 90 minute flight away.

Of course, if you want to relocate to the Caribbean, Jamaica is not the only island by any manner of means. There are many other places to which you could go, but you really do need to do your research before making any long-term decisions.

Some Thoughts on Relocating To the Caribbean

If you are moving to the Caribbean, it is a good idea to seek out one of the UK shipping companies that specialises in shipping there. As with many other things, there are companies that are specialists in certain areas, and shipping to the Caribbean is no different. 

If you are relocating to Jamaica, or need your belongings shipping to Grenada there is always a temptation to undertake the packing yourself in order to save some money. However, this really is a false economy. Companies that specialise in the Caribbean and the West Indian islands also have expert packers on hand. Let's face it, the Caribbean is a long way to go, and you want your goods to arrive in the same condition as they left the UK, so you don't want them slipping and sliding about in a force 10 gale in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean.

Another thing that will save you money is to leave behind things which are going to be of no further use to you. You might have a lovely heavy overcoat for use in the UK winters, but you simply don't need it in the Caribbean. Too many people emigrate there and then find years later that they brought things with them that they have never used since they arrived. You need to sit down and think things through carefully, because there is little point in paying for goods to be shipped to the Caribbean for which you actually have no further use.  

Shipping Goods to the Caribbean Islands

There are many reasons why someone would want to send goods to Trinidad or Suriname. You may be a manufacturer and exporter, you may be a wholesaler, you may have family there and want to send them physical items, or you may even have decided to move there permanently to be closer to relatives, or just because you have had enough of the English winters and want to live in the sun.

Whatever your reasons, if you need shipping to Trinidad or shipping to Suriname, or one of the other Caribbean islands, you need a shipping company that has expertise in shipping goods there. You need a company that you can rely on to get your goods halfway around the world so that they arrive on time when you need them to, and don't get stuck in a warehouse here in the UK or get stuck in customs at your destination. Let's face it: if you are shipping a barrel of goods to family in Suriname for a special occasion – family wedding, birthday, retirement party, or whatever – they have to get there in time for the big day.

Equally, if you are moving to one of the islands permanently – or even for a year or two as a student on a study course – you not only want everything to arrive on time, but you want it to arrive in exactly the same condition that it left the UK. This is why you need a company that specialises in your particular destination.

Sending Goods to the Caribbean Requires a Specialist Shipping Company

Many British companies have dealings with the Caribbean and send goods there as a matter of course. If you are a manufacturer or a wholesaler, you may need to ship goods to the Caribbean on a regular basis in order to keep your customers stocked with the goods that they need, which means that they have to arrive on time every time. 

If you are, say, shipping to St. Kitts or shipping to Grenada you may very well have your manufacturing process set up so that you can produce the products that your customers need, but there is another factor in the equation and that is the shipping company that you use. It is one thing getting your products to a shipping company's warehouse in plenty of time, but quite another for that shipping company to get your products halfway around the world in a timely manner.

You need your products delivered to your customers on time because if there are glitches and they run out of stock they are going to lose business. In turn, that means that they will look for another supplier and you will lose the business also, regardless of the fact that it wasn't your fault.

This is why finding a shipping company that knows all of the import regulations at the destination and can be relied upon to get your goods to the port on time is so critical. In the Caribbean, rules vary from one island to the next, so finding a company that specialises in shipping to your particular destination is vital.

Something to Consider When Shipping To the Caribbean

If you are a manufacturer or wholesaler and need goods shipping to Guyana, shipping to St. Vincent, or shipping to any other of the Caribbean islands, you will need to investigate companies that are specialists in shipping to the Caribbean. There are, indeed, companies that do specialise in shipping to the various Caribbean islands, and they will have the kind of experience that you need in order to ensure that your goods arrive safely and equally importantly in a timely manner. 

 

After all, when you have customers in these far-flung places, they will want to know that not only are your goods of top quality, but that they will also arrive when they are supposed to so that they don't run out of stock and then lose business because their customers cannot rely on them. Their customers won't blame you, the manufacturer or wholesaler, they will blame their own local supplier, even though it is not his fault.

 

In one sense they could even be right because it could be argued that their supplier should know better than to import goods from abroad when the seller cannot be trusted to deliver on time. Certainly, there can be an occasion when things are beyond your control, or that of your shipping company, such as severe weather conditions, or a local uprising, but by and large you need to ensure that you are using a shipping company which is reliable and has the local knowledge required to get your goods from the UK to your end customer without any problem.

Some Things to Think About If You Are Considering Moving To the Caribbean

If you are considering moving to the Caribbean, you are not alone. Despite the fact that we have had an extremely warm winter so far in the UK, the prospect of Brexit has made some people simply want to get out of Europe altogether and move to a sunnier and more easy-going climate, particularly since the politicians here don't seem to know whether they want to leave the EU or remain. We won't delve into that, but it does make moving to Jamaica or one of the other Caribbean islands seem like a very good alternative.

If you have decided to move to the Caribbean, you will want to investigate the pros and cons of the various islands. You will probably want one which is mainly English-speaking, and you will need to do some serious research because the islands have different requirements if you want to move there permanently.

One of the things that many of them have in common is rules about employment. In general, they tend to favour local people first, and in many cases, employers are required to show that they have tried to fill a post with local labour but have been unable to do so. There are some exceptions. For instance, if you are a doctor you will probably be welcomed with open arms, but if you are a general office worker it may be difficult.

Many of the islands also have other requirements, and some charge a fee of several thousands of pounds just to permit you to become a resident.

How to Consider Your Choices When Moving To The Caribbean

If you are thinking about moving to the Caribbean there are many islands to consider, but you may find that many of them are not suitable for you. It is possible you are thinking about relocating to Jamaica which is a destination many people first think of, but there are several other islands that might suit you as well.

One expat who moved there stated that he started preparation by looking at the islands that might be suitable for him, and his major concerns were safety and the fact that they were English speaking. This immediately reduced his selection to just 13 of the islands and the Caribbean coast of Belize. 

He then spent many tedious hours online searching the internet and found that tourism sites were not a lot of help. As he said, they seem to "hype" information to their advantage in order to persuade tourists to visit their chosen locations.

He found that the best websites for statistical information were government websites, while message boards were the best for each of the locations he was considering for everything else. As he said, if he wanted to know about Grenada, he could delve through years of information on a Grenada message board online.

If you, too, decided that Grenada was your chosen destination, then you would need to find out about shipping to Grenada because you will want to take many of your possessions with you. That is simply a matter of doing a search for that term and adding "from the UK" to find suitable shippers.

Moving To Jamaica Is A Major Undertaking

Moving to Jamaica is not something that you do every day of the week. In fact, it is a very big upheaval. Whether you are leaving the UK having been here for years and want to return to family and friends there, or whether you are moving there for business reasons, it is still a major event. You could even be relocating to Jamaica because you have holidayed there, and you enjoyed the climate and the friendliness of the locals, so decided it would be a good place to which to retire.

Whatever your reasons for going, there is an awful lot to do. Not just packing up everything in your home to take with you, but a huge number of decisions to make. Do you take your car with you, or buy a new one when you arrive? Can you take the dog? Do they allow you to take a case of your favourite Scotch whisky? Can you buy English newspapers there? The list goes on and on.

One of the things that is critical is your choice of shipping company. Can they provide a part container for shipping to Jamaica if your belongings don't require a whole one? You don't want to pay for a whole container if you don't need it. Can you pack everything yourself, or would you be better off letting their experts do it for you (answers on a postcard!).

You can see that there is an awful lot involved, so you need to sit down with a clear head and a notepad.