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- Airport Taxi (JUTA/JCAL approved)
- Safe, regulated, metered.
- More expensive than regular taxis.
- Good for first-time arrivals with lots of luggage.
- Private Car Service
- Book in advance (e.g., Knutsford Express Shuttle links, private drivers).
- Reliable but requires coordination.
- Family Pickup
- Common, but ensure your family has adequate space for luggage.
- Avoid overloading small cars with heavy barrels or multiple suitcases.
- Public Transport (Not Recommended Initially)
- Buses and route taxis are cheap but not suitable for arrival with luggage.
Tip: Arrange transport before you land. Nothing adds stress like standing outside arrivals with suitcases and
no clear plan.
Guidance for Seniors
Older returning residents face unique challenges:
- Mobility: Request wheelchair assistance at the airline gate or airport. Both NMIA and MBJ provide this
service. - Medication: Carry prescriptions in original containers with a doctor’s note. Keep them in your hand
luggage. - Arrival Support: If possible, have a relative meet you at the airport to help with luggage and paperwork.
- Rest Stops: If your home is several hours away, plan a rest break en route. Jamaica’s roads can be tiring.
Guidance for Young Adults
For those in their 20s and 30s returning alone:
- Independence: Use the time to establish your own systems (bank accounts, transport).
- Networking: Join alumni groups, diaspora clubs, and professional associations quickly.
- Safety Awareness: Avoid oversharing arrival details on social media — it can make you a target for
scams.