About jsuits

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Some Forum Posts:

Belize: Cayo district off grid advice?:

We live completely off-grid between San Ignacio and Spanish Lookout in a new and growing community called Carmelia Gardens. Living in Cayo is great and living completely off-grid has exceeded our expectations. We moved into our new home this past January. If you want to know more about building here and such send me a private email and we'll talk or get together. Jim

Belize: QRP Program:

You can do QRP processing on your own, it isn't difficult and unlike any government organization I've ever dealt with the Belize Tourist Board (BTB) truly has a "can-do" attitude. In other words, they work hard to "say yes". However, if you want someone to act as your agent that's okay too. I wouldn't advise that you pay over US $250 for it though. It really isn't that hard. It takes more patience than anything else. Once the BTB has everything is usually takes less than a month before it's completed. On the vehicle thing - you are correct about the model years. If you decide to buy a new car (under the QRP) I'd suggest that you buy it here in Belize and have the dealer ship it in so it qualifies as for the QRP. If you want someone to process the QRP you can contact me and I'll do it for you if you want. It's isn't what I do for a living but I can do it for you if you like. Jim

Belize: Internet services:

Internet services in Cayo District are generally pretty good. We use "dongle stick" (or as we call them "magic sticks" and buy our service by the kb or gb. I get 15 kb for BZ $110 which is good for 90 days unless I use it up before then. We use Smart as it seems to get much better coverage than the other companies. While you can reload your internet service almost anywhere we use a particular provider that give outstanding service. If you come to Cayo let us know and we'll hook you up with him or at least make an introduction.

Belize: Qualified Retirement:

Great answer Katerina! One clarification though. You don't actually have to go to any office to renew your QRP. It's a simple process to submit a renewal application with proof that you've deposited the required amount. When we renew we just send a copy of our bank statement with the deposits highlighted. No problems have been encountered with that.

Belize: Exchange Rate:

Hi Sheila, The official exchange rate is 2 to 1 but that's not what you get at the bank. They charge an exchange fee - it's how they stay in business. The banks outside of the U.S. charge fees for a lot of things expats aren't used to but it is universal that way. Working the exchange rate thing takes a little time but it isn't difficult once you make the move.

Belize: Storage for shipments/containers in Belize:

We moved to San Ignacio last summer (2012) and had the same issue. We couldn't find a storage company or unit that met our needs. That is, humidity control, infestation control, etc.). So what we've done is rent a large house (6 bedroom, 4 bath, 5,400 sf.) and use the extra bedrooms for storage. We're doing this until our house construction is complete which should be in Dec. We went this route because we: 1. have access to the things we need. 2. we know what is happening with our things. 3. what we would have spent for a storage unit is simply in our extra rent. This has worked well for us and I'd do it again if I had it to do over again. Certainly worth considering. Jim

Belize: home mortgage?:

For most people it's cash only. However, you can get a mortgage here in Belize. Compared to the US they are very expensive - but remember, you aren't in the US. If you have not established a residence in Belize yet you can work with the international banks such as Belize Bank International (they aren't permitted to loan to residents in Belize). If you have established Belize as your place of residence then you can use a local bank such as Belize Bank Ltd. I'm just now completing a loan with Belize Bank International. The basic terms are 20yrs @ 8%. Mind you, I will have it paid off in 4-5 yrs. I just didn't want to use up all of my investment cash. Processing takes more time than the US. I'd suggest allowing 5-6 months for everything. If it comes in sooner - great. If it takes that long - you won't be upset. Good Luck!

Belize: Skype:

We live in San Ignacio and use Skype A LOT with no problems. That is, it isn't blocked. It is sometimes slow with the video but it has never been blocked. We're very pleased at being able to use it the way we do.

Belize: QRP Documentation:

When we applied in 2011 we went to the county sheriffs office and requested a criminal history report. Had no problems with that even though it was basically limited to the county (might have included state also but can't remember). Something from 40 years ago? Unless it was really major I'd be very surprised if it caused a problem. You might also want to just get a QRP for one of you for now and then get the other one later. Why? You can ship duty free into Belize on a QRP for the first year only. Splitting the periods up doubles the timeline. We moved to Belize this past summer on QRP and the duty free time period has expired. But, we're still finding things we need/want from the US to finish getting settle in. We sure could use another year of duty free. Something to consider.

Belize: Tricare overseas:

Tricare Global (overseas) is for those who qualify for Tricare. Generally, that would be dependents of active durty members, plus retirees and their dependents. Unlike Tricare in the US it is a reimbursement program. We pay first then file to get reimbursed. It is paid after you meet the deductible ($200 I think) and you still pay your co-pay.

Date Joined:

4/7/2012

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32

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