prettymedicine
3/24/2017 11:36 EST
I just have to post about this--I can't take it anymore. This message board is ruined by the very few that formerly lived in Belize and have nothing to contribute but negative comments and discouragement.
This board is supposed to be for those living in Belize, moving to Belize, or planning to visit. For the life of me I cannot understand why those few take precious minutes out of their day to spread the worst gloom and doom under the guise that it's "the reality of what's happening there".
Why don't you concentrate on where you currently live today? You are contributing nothing to this board but fear mongering and negative energy. Thanks to those living in Belize or have lived there with helpful comments and advice, it is deeply appreciated.
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belizelenny
3/24/2017 11:58 EST
TOTALLY CONCUR! The moderators should be on top of this..
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LorraineWard12
3/24/2017 11:59 EST
Thanks for the post. I think you speak for many of the happy positive folks out here.
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tommyboy99
3/24/2017 11:59 EST
I have never been there but will plan to visit soon and then move there in a few years. I don't take the negative comments serious at all and I am certain that other mature adults won't either. I do agree that the negative people just need to stay away from this blog
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Vallew11
3/24/2017 12:43 EST
Thank you!!! It is discouraging when you read negative comments from those that no longer live there. But I guess the best way to look at it is: they no longer live there giving negative mojo, and clearly the beauty of it just wasn't for them. ??
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tommyboy99
3/24/2017 12:47 EST
It seems like the complainers wanted to have it like their previous home country with all the amenities of a first world country. People who think that Belize, or any other Carribean country, would be like the USA just set themselves up for failure
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5allan1
3/24/2017 16:17 EST
Thinking errors abound with Belize expat wannabees. eg you can get first world amenities and health care in that region eg Mexico, Panama, Costa Rica. There is no need to settle for a neolithic failing country like Belize. Clearly it is not a bad idea to get opinions from those who lived there for years and left. Its not a bad thing to have views from those who like to clear up rose coloured eyewear. After all do you just want the rosy opinions of real estate developers or others with commercial interests? But sadly after years of studying expat motivations and psychology, the Belizers are not the brightest of the cohort. Dumb as posts they are blinded by ideas of paradise. After one year of residence 60 % of expats leave. Its not terribly smart to ignore their input.
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gringoslow
3/24/2017 16:27 EST
best thing i've read on this forum in awhile...
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5allan1
3/24/2017 16:30 EST
Belizers appear to like comfortable lies over unpleasant truths. You can get first world health and amenities in Mex, Panama and Costa Rica. No need to settle for a country determined to stay in the stone age. Dismissing the views of former expats is nearsighted and stupid. If you prefer opinions of commercial expats you are dumb as posts.
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waljoa
3/24/2017 19:07 EST
facilities are close and I do prefer Belize over the others as that is part of the draw each to their own and I do believe you are now overdoing it, you used to be amusing and you do have some info but it is getting outdated and your amusing is gone. Allen
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William RussellGet QuoteWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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OutaHereIn2017
3/24/2017 20:10 EST
I don't care whether any particular comment is positive, or negative. I don't care whether the author is in Belize, or left Belize, or never been to Belize. I care whether the statements made in the post are true.
If you don't like what someone on this forum has to say, prove them wrong. Call them out for lazy thinking. Point out that they are peddling anecdotes when there's a bigger picture of facts. Call them out for blatant racism when that's necessary. (Neolithic? Really?) But have something to say, other than "I don't want to hear that."
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Kenubelizeit
3/24/2017 22:27 EST
I certainly agree with you but they believe that putting all this negativity they can payback and encourage other people not to come here it is there way of seeking revenge.
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Mikxx
3/24/2017 23:28 EST
I have been around for close to half a year now and I unfortunately have to agree with a lot (but not all) of the negative stuff people post here. In the end it only helps to find out yourself.
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bradinbelize
3/29/2017 12:28 EST
From and American LIVING in Belize. Here's the deal for the people that have not been here: Belize is a third world country and living here requires a certain mental mindset, flexibility and adjustment - very simply. Some people can do that, some can't and many that can't or get tired of it become bitter about Belize, thus spreading their horror stories and doubt (there is poverty, there is crime - it is VERY DIFFERENT LIVING here versus coming on vacation for a few weeks, many newcomers don't understand that reality).
BEST ADVICE FOR EVERYONE: Come see for yourself, explore the country, DRIVE Around, talk to people (expats and Belizeans, who BTW are some of the nicest, friendliest, most helpful people in the world - this coming from a person that's been in 35+ countries).
BEFORE BUYING: Rent for 6 months in the place you THINK that you want to live and after that time, you will know whether it's your cup of tea or not (and save yourself tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars) in the process - I have seen many lose their life savings because they were chasing a dream and it didn't work out and they had to or chose to leave BZ.
I always give the same first step of advice to everyone - "Come, explore, THEN decide"
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bobbyveee
3/29/2017 12:49 EST
Very good advice Brad, i dont know if we would ever buy there again, invest our capital and use the income to rent, that gives you security and the ability to move very quickly. Remember the statistics say that 60% leave Belize within 3 yrs. This is particularly true for older expats who become long term ill and have to return to there home countries for long term medical needs. You have to come live here a short 2 wk vacation is pointless.
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Vallew11
3/29/2017 12:51 EST
Thank you for your post! I have been to Belize 3 different occasions and personally love the people. We are considering wether or not it is the right place for us to retire. We are headed there for 10 days in December. Will this give us time enough to at least get a general idea of if we should take that step? Staying on Ambergris Caye
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Vallew11
3/29/2017 12:51 EST
Thank you for your post! I have been to Belize 3 different occasions and personally love the people. We are considering wether or not it is the right place for us to retire. We are headed there for 10 days in December. Will this give us time enough to at least get a general idea of if we should take that step? Staying on Ambergris Caye
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terrific
3/29/2017 15:25 EST
Belize is a tiny but very dversified country. 10 days in December will give you an idea of that ara is like during high and holliday season the tourist season is only about 5 months, with Ambergris getting higher rates of travelers than most areas in the down season. Island life is very different to mainland life and each district has its own unique character. I would suggest further visits to as many different main land areas that appeal before making any firm decision. also you need to visit at different times of the year. Here in the middle of the country April is, in my opinion, the perfect month start of the dry season so little rain but still cooler mornings and evenings. Then May comes in like the blast of an open furnace. Oh well I have a raised building and ceiling fans I will survive.
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Ozzy
4/11/2017 12:16 EST
I do not read posts from allan or bobbywee anymore, just skip them. They repeat the same negative things. No value to me.
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katzgar
4/14/2017 12:10 EST
Send expats estimate that something like 40 to 50% of those that move to Belize return home a little reality at the front end is a good thing
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katzgar
4/14/2017 12:12 EST
10 days in December is the height of the tourist season. You would probably better off to spend 10 days in say june or August so you can see if the insufferably hot heat of the summer is something you can handle
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Vallew11
4/17/2017 11:17 EST
Unfortunately we are already booked and paid for our December trip. I'm sure if we like it, we will come down again at different times of the year to get the feel of all seasons there.
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Vallew11
4/17/2017 11:17 EST
Unfortunately we are already booked and paid for our December trip. I'm sure if we like it, we will come down again at different times of the year to get the feel of all seasons there.
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avacadoacres
4/17/2017 11:42 EST
Bobbyvee, Thanks for your info, you are always forthright. I now know that I need to spend 6mo or more renting before buying in Belize. I have been to Belize 4 times now on vacation. I think its a good vacation spot but not for long time living or retiring. I think what we are going to do is get out of Ca. and buy property in another state and then travel around. My husband traveled with his job for years... so he has an idea where he does not want to go. We lived in Taiwan for 2 yrs. Could not wait to get back to the U.S. So I do value your thoughts on Belize. Thanks
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5allan1
4/17/2017 14:47 EST
You probably should not assign credibility to anything I or bobbyvee write due to our classification as negative hater naysayers, but your view that Belize is a great tourism venue but sucks as a retirement destination is essentially correct. Belize appeals to a small cohort of retirees who are eccentric odd duck DIY-minimalist-republican/libertarians. But they need a place to relocate to as well as normal people.
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jracer98
4/17/2017 18:01 EST
"eccentric odd duck DIY-minimalist-republican/libertarians."
Great! I scored 100% on this test.
jay
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katzgar
4/17/2017 18:02 EST
people move to belize for many reasons. I can see moving there to rent and escape winter for say 6 months. I dont want to live there year round for health reasons.and would not want to raise children there. Dont expect the lifestyle you have in a first world country because it isnt there. Belize is not the place for HGTV prima donas.
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terrific
4/17/2017 20:03 EST
Well I always wanted to grow old disgracefully I was described as eccentric more than once in my life time, So that is probably why I decided to retire to Belize. I made my 'impulsive' decision after 20 plus years of knowing Belize, 2 years living there and then visiting every year until actually buying land and building. Belize is completely different from anywhere else I have lived or visited and I am just happy and contented living there. I do not need 40 varieties of bottled salad dressing, I am a good scratch cook so do not need the ready made Pie shells, and packets of cake mix. Would like a better selection of flour though, but I can manage perfectly well with what is readily available. Not a beer drinker so Do not care if the beer selection is only between a few brands, Wine is available but at a premium so it is a nice treat with a special meal. In 3 years I have purchase land cleared a little of it and Had 2 houses built by local builders and very happy with them. I sat through a hurricane and got the best and cheapest dental work done in my life, so all in all if that fits Allans profile I (and the rest of my family) am/are still very happy with the decision.
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5allan1
4/18/2017 07:42 EST
@terrific Your comments are dated. I never use cake mix but I do like frozen pie shells. Having a selection of flours is nice. In Mex I can get pretty good local red wine and Argentine etc for 9-12$. Life is too short to spend 17usd on Barefoot Cabernet in bz. Local wines are good only as waffle syrup. How much deprivation u can or should tolerate in the sunset years is a question. My experience with Brits in bz was limited to ex military who frequented the Rose Garden and married Belizean women whom they preferred over the standard British issue. ;)
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Belizeboy
4/18/2017 10:57 EST
Well, I do live here, on Placencia Peninsula. I spent 5 years visiting different regions, different times of year, resort life and renting houses. After interviewing many people here in Belize as well as researching online and in forums, I finally made my own decision. I don't think there's and reason not to do your due diligence, by getting advice from those actually living in Belize, AND those that have and decided to leave. Learn from the mistakes of others. One specific recommendation I have for you. If you decide to buy a finished home, buy land and build, or buy in a community, be very careful! Always use an attorney of your choice, never build or buy anything unless you are getting the title, or have proof of title being held by a bank ( with loan). If buying in a community, like a gated, buy in one where it's already finished all ammentities ( roads,electric in, water in, waste management in, pools in, etc., and there's a " HOA" have that checked out by attorney before signing. Keep in mind, many many expats have invested their retirement funds in properties that they ended up walking away from, for various reasons. I tell you that from experience. This is where your " due diligence" will pay off. Bottom line is, it's your decision, right or wrong.
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