An Expat Talks about Living in San Ignacio, Belize

Comments about this Report

Sounds like you are ready to move back to your home country. Just curious, how long did you research Belize before moving there?

We live in San Ignacio and all I can say is you get back what you give. Things are different here. Just what did you expect? It's a different country! Of course, stay in the the U.S., there's no crime there! And why would you ever want to live in a country like Belize where the government leaves you alone, the people support themselves and their families, go to church and make it a point to tell you good morning or hello just in passing. Yes, it's so much better in the U.S. so just stay there - oh, and don't forget to keep your papers on you for the TSA to stop you and check to see if you are a terrorist. Next time you move to a different country I suggest: 1. Don't. 2. Determine what it is EXACTLY you are looking for 3. Spend some time there FIRST to see if it "fits you" 4. When you do move, adopt the country and their ways - don't expect them to change to meet your desires. Again, that's what's happening in the U.S. so if you want that just stay home. There's more to say but I think you get the point. Living in a different country is an adventure. If you're not adventurous don't do it. If you are, then go and live life. Learn to slow down, smile and laugh at yourself and with others. Be at peace with life and live longer and happier like the Belizians.

Move back to the US? No way! We love it here in Belize. I'm just tired of people bashing other countries because they're "different" or they have a crime problem. Living in a new country requires an open mind and a spirit of adventure and some self-reliance. People shouldn't complain when they come here, or anywhere else, and things are different. Adopting Belize as my home is one of the best decisions I ever made - but it isn't right for everyone. Too many times people blame the country instead of just admitting that they don't fit the country. Hope this helps.

i think you should give it more than 6 months before you bad mouth the place. it seems to me that you just had bad luck or maybe you are just too close minded to live in a country you didnt grow up in. do tell people to stay away from such a great place just because you couldnt cut it.

Wow - sounds like you love the place and want all for yourself. My daddy told me story long time ago about settler stopping at a farm half way from nowhere. New comer asks guy plowing field what people like there, old man asks newbie maybe what people were like where he left. Newbie maybe goes on and on how terrible they were. Old man says, "well that is how you will find people here." Maybe newbie says thanks and whips up horses and goes on. An hour later, different maybe newbie sees same old man and asks same question. Old man asks same question. This maybe newbie answers with how people where he left were best, salt of earth, loved em all. Old man, smiles and says, "I am sure you will find people here the same." God Bless everyone this CHRISTmas season. Best to all and hoping everyone finds the joy they deserve.

I like your honest advice. I am flip flopping between Belize being a great place to retire to more honest ones like yours. Being robbed seems to be the one thing that everyone mentions. I read that owning dog will deter robberies. Have you seen this to be true? Also, do you think the cost of living in Belize is easier for retirement than in the US. (Excluding New York or California)