Expat Guide to Living in Belize

Whether you're already living in Belize or preparing to move to Belize, our Expat Guide to Living in Belize offers articles and reports submitted by expats about expat life in Belize. For answers to specific questions, visit our Belize Forum to talk with expats in Belize.

Living in Belize: Building a New Home in Belize

Author Gary Peterson talks about the ins and outs of building a home in Belize and introduces his new book about the subject.

Expats Talk About The Biggest Challenges They Face Living in Latin America

Expats talk about some of the biggest challenges they've faced living in Latin America. Whether you're moving to Panama City or Punta del Este, this article is a must read to help you prepare (hint: you'll be much happier if you learn the language) and adjust your expectations (realities: the roads are rough, the pace of life is slower and bureaucracy is unavoidable). Despite all of the challenges, the list of what expats like about life in Latin America far exceeds the challenges.

Top 5 Reasons Expats Move to Central America

From lower cost of living to affordable healthcare and beachfront living, expats discuss the top reasons they moved to Central America.

Pros and Cons of Living in Belize

Anyone thinking about moving to Belize should carefully consider the pros and cons of expat life in Belize. The article includes insight from expats about the cons (crime, limited healthcare, poor road conditions and more) and the pros (beautiful beaches, friendly people, low cost of living and more).

Moving to Belize: 10 Things to Know Before You Move to Belize

Expats that move to Belize learn to enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful setting without some of the essentials they may have taken to granted in their home countries. Here are some tips to consider before taking the plunge and moving to Belize.

12 Tips for Living in Placencia, Belize

An expat in Ecuador talks about what it's like living in Placencia and what Placencia has to offer - the private school, Rotary club, Placencia Beach Club, nearby hospitals, the local airport and much more. With its low cost of living, property taxes of 15-35 USD per year, Placencia offers affordable living with lots of activities for expats.

Expat Health Insurance and Healthcare in San Ignacio

An expat in San Ignacio, Belize discusses local medical care and the availability of prescription medicines. Most common prescription medicines are available at the local pharmacy and many do not need a prescription.

Moving to San Pedro, Belize

An expat talks about moving to San Pedro, Belize on Ambergris Caye. For $400 per month she lives steps from the beach on the outskirts of town.

Moving to Corozal, Belize

An expat who originally moved to Ambergris Caye decided to move to the mainland after the AC became overpopulated and prices on the island rose dramatically. He moved to the Corozal area and appreciates the lower cost of living there.

Culture Shock in Hopkins Village, Belize

An expat in Hopkins, Belize describes in great detail about life there. Here cultural blunders, the food available there, and the pace of life and much more provide a nice glimpse of what it means to be an expat in Belize.

Living in Ambergris Caye, Belize

An expat in Ambergris Caye talks about living on the island, meeting people, starting a business and more.

Retirement in Hopkins Village, Belize

An expat in Hopkins Village, Belize talks about deciding to retire part time in Belize. He and his wife enjoy teaching local kids how to play baseball, attending a church and meeting other expats in their neighborhood.

More Culture Shock Reports for Belize

Culture shock is part of the settling in process. Knowing the different phases of culture shock and how other expats in Belize handle it can be very comforting. Below are some of the responses from expats in Belize:

Culture Shock in Belize City, Belize

Submit a Culture Shock Report

More Living in Belize Reports

What are people's priorities in Belize - work? family? What are the best ways to meet other expats? Are people accepting of racial, cultural and religious differences? Below are some of the responses from expats in Belize:

Submit a Living Overseas Report

More Moving to Belize Reports

What should you take with you when you move to Belize? What should you leave behind? What type of housing and neighborhoods are typical for expats in Belize? Below are some of the responses from expats in Belize:

Submit a Moving Overseas Report

International School Report

Parents are invited to answer questions about the schools that their kids attend (Pre-K through High School) in hopes of helping others moving to Belize with the school selection process. If you have expat children who attend school in Belize, take a few minutes to submit a School Review.

Submit an International School Review

Dream vs. Reality Report

Most expats have have "dreams" (and fears) about the expatriate experience before they moved to Belize. If you are already living in Belize, share how those "dreams" have been fulfilled, and how they have not by filling out our Dream vs. Reality Report.

Submit a Dream vs. Reality Report

Retiring in Belize Reports

Retiring abroad can be a great option for retirees seeking their dream lifestyle at an affordable price. Help other retirees, who are thinking about retiring in Belize, by filling out our Overseas Retirement report. Below are some of the reports from expats in Belize:

Submit a Retire Abroad Report

Having a Baby in Belize Reports

How did expats choose their doctors, midwives, hospitals? What is childbirth like in Belize? Below are some of the reports from expats in Belize:

Having a Baby in Belize City, Belize

Having a Baby in Placencia, Belize

Submit a Having a Baby Abroad Report

Working Abroad Report

What's it like to find a job in Belize? How difficult was it to obtain a work permit? What types are jobs are typical for expats in Belize? Help others following in your footsteps by filling out our Working Abroad Report.

Submit a Working Abroad Report

Additional Articles

9 Healthcare & Health Insurance Tips for Expats in Belize

Expats in Belize share tips and advice about healthcare and health insurance in Belize. While some expats advise those with serious health issues not to move to Belize, other expats choose Corozal for its proximity to doctors and clinics over the border in Chetumal, Mexico. Other topics include the quality of medical care, having a baby in Belize and more.

8 Tips for Living in Placencia, Belize

Expats in Placencia, Belize discuss why they chose to move to Placencia. They share tips about how they found their homes, rental prices, nightlife, internet speeds, driving and more.

Expat Belize: 5 Best Places to Live in Belize

If you're thinking about moving to Belize, we have 5 great places to recommend based upon the experiences of expats living in Belize.

5 Great Places to Retire in Central America

Central America is an increasingly popular retirement destination. Retirees love it's proximity to the United States, lower cost of living, beautiful cities, amazing beaches, healthy lifestyle and friendly people.

Buying Property in Belize

Ever dream of living on the beach? Belize's property prices are much lower than in the US and may be the perfect place to realize that dream! Author Victoria Day-Wilson shares information about buying property in Belize.

Moving to Belize: Immigration & Visas

Victoria Day-Wilson offers an overview of Belize's immigration and visa options - from Tourist Permits to Visitor Permits to Official Residence.

Living in Belize: Life in The Cayes

Belize has over 400 islands, of which Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are the largest. Ambergris Caye is much larger and has various supermarkets, banks, restaurants, bars and shops. Caye Caulker is much slower, more laid back and has fewer shops, grocery stores and restaurants.

10 Tips for Living in Belize

Whether you are living in Belize or considering a move to Belize, this article offers a glimpse at some of the tremendously helpful advice that expats share on Expat Exchange's Belize forum and in our expat reports.

Living in Belize: Reef, Ruins, Rivers, and Rain Forest...Plus Easy Residency and Tax-Free Living

From its sub-tropical climate to close proximity to the United States, Ann Kuffner shares 10 reasons why expats love living in Belize.

World's Top Retirement Havens 1 Through 9

Where are the best places to retire overseas? Which retirement haven is right for you? France? Ecuador? Panama? Nicaragua? Thailand? Kathleen Peddicord shares the pros and cons of the world's top 9 retirement havens.

Belize: No News Is Good News In This Under-The-Radar Safe Haven

Whether you're looking to live in Amgergris Caye or Belize City, Belize's charm, stability and financial advantages make it a great place to invest in property.

Ten Things You Should Know Before You Move To Central or South America

Lee offers ten tips for people contemplating a move to Central or South America.

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Belize from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote

An Expat Talks about Culture Shock & Living in Hopkins Village, Belize

Expats Talk About The Biggest Challenges They Face Living in Latin America

Pros and Cons of Living in Belize

Top 5 Reasons Expats Move to Central America

From lower cost of living to affordable healthcare and beachfront living, expats discuss the top reasons they moved to Central America.

From lower cost of living to affordable healthcare and beachfront living, expats discuss the top reasons they moved to Central America....