• Explore Belize
  • Best Places to Live
  • Schools
  • Find
  • Belize Community
  • Favorites
  • Plan Your Move
  • Sign Up
  • Sign In
  • Search
  • Home
Expat Exchange
Best PlacesBest Places Community Find
Schools Plan Favorites
Partners & Local Guides
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Account Belize Index   Search
Explore DestinationExplore BelizeBest Places to Live Schools FindCommunity Plan Your MoveFavorites
Explore DestinationExplore Community
Plan Your Move
B
Expat Lifestyle
B
Private Schools
B+
Family Friendly
B
Single Friendly
B
Senior Friendly
C+
LGBTQ+ Friendly
B+
Weather
B-
Healthcare
B
Cost of Living
B-
Recreation
B-
Nightlife
B
Restaurants
C-
Crime

Expat Exchange > Belize

Belize

  Coastal   Beaches  
Cost of Living: Moderate
Train Access: No
Bus Service: Yes (James Bus Line, Ritchie's Bus Service, Westline Bus Company, relatively safe)

Belize is a small country located on the northeastern coast of Central America, bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. With its diverse culture, rich history, and stunning natural beauty, Belize is a unique destination that offers a blend of Caribbean and Central American experiences. The official language is English, a legacy of its British colonial past, making it an accessible destination for English-speaking tourists. Belize is known for its vibrant biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. The Belize Barrier Reef, the second-largest coral reef system in the world, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a paradise for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts. The country's landscape ranges from tropical rainforests and savannas to coastal wetlands and the Maya Mountains in the south. Belize is also home to numerous ancient Maya archaeological sites, such as Caracol, Xunantunich, and Altun Ha, which offer a glimpse into the region's pre-Columbian history. The population of Belize is ethnically diverse, including groups such as the Mestizo, Creole, Maya, and Garifuna, each contributing to the country's rich cultural tapestry. Belizean cuisine reflects this diversity, with dishes that incorporate a mix of Caribbean, Mexican, and Maya flavors. Despite its natural and cultural attractions, Belize remains less touristy compared to its Central American neighbors, offering a more laid-back and authentic experience. The country's economy is based on tourism, agriculture, and fisheries, with a growing interest in eco-tourism and sustainable practices. Belize's small size and low population density contribute to a sense of intimacy and community, with locals often displaying warmth and hospitality to visitors. The pace of life is generally relaxed, with an emphasis on enjoying the natural surroundings and cultural heritage. Whether exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on a sun-soaked beach, or trekking through lush jungles, Belize offers a unique blend of adventure and tranquility.

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
Get Quote

Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.

 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance PassportCard Expat Health Insurance

Never worry about paying your medical bills out of pocket again. The innovative PassportCard allows for a stress-free experience for all expat families, remote travelers, and workers. With a 24/7 customer service and an outstanding customer base of over 2 Million clients, it will feel like medical care at home. Get up to 10% off on your policy now.
Get Quote

15 Best Beach Towns in Central America 15 Best Beach Towns in Central America
Pros and Cons of Living in Belize Pros and Cons of Living in Belize
5 Great Places to Retire in Central America 5 Great Places to Retire in Central America
Moving to Belize: Immigration & Visas Moving to Belize: Immigration & Visas
10 Tips for Living in Belize 10 Tips for Living in Belize
Volunteering in The Cayes Volunteering in The Cayes
Volunteering in Belize City Volunteering in Belize City
10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Belize 10 Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid While Living in Belize
Culture Shock in Belize Culture Shock in Belize
Pros and Cons of Living in Belize Pros and Cons of Living in Belize
Getting a Driver's License in Belize Getting a Driver's License in Belize
Guide to Residency in Belize Guide to Residency in Belize
6 Best Places to Live in Belize 6 Best Places to Live in Belize
Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Belize (Plus, Itineraries) Best Places to See While on a Look-See Trip to Belize (Plus, Itineraries)
10 Best Places for Families to Live in Belize 10 Best Places for Families to Live in Belize
15 Best Places to Live in Belize 15 Best Places to Live in Belize
8 Best Places to Live on the Coast in Belize 8 Best Places to Live on the Coast in Belize
9 Healthcare & Health Insurance Tips for Expats in Belize 9 Healthcare & Health Insurance Tips for Expats in Belize
Top Hospitals in Belize by Specialty Top Hospitals in Belize by Specialty
Pharmacies and Medications in Belize Pharmacies and Medications in Belize
Mental Health Care in Belize Mental Health Care in Belize
Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Belize? Do I need Health Insurance When Moving to Belize?
Having a Baby in Belize Having a Baby in Belize
Health Insurance for Expats in Belize Health Insurance for Expats in Belize
Dengue Virus in Belize Dengue Virus in Belize
Chikungunya Disease in Belize Chikungunya Disease in Belize
Zika Virus in Belize Zika Virus in Belize
Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Belize Enrolling in the Public Healthcare System in Belize
Insider's Guide to the Health System in Belize Insider's Guide to the Health System in Belize
Living in Belize: Building a New Home in Belize Living in Belize: Building a New Home in Belize
Moving to Belize: 10 Things to Know Before You Move to Belize Moving to Belize: 10 Things to Know Before You Move to Belize
Buying Property in Belize Buying Property in Belize
Moving to Belize: Immigration & Visas Moving to Belize: Immigration & Visas
Moving to Belize with a Pet Moving to Belize with a Pet
Homeschooling in Belize Homeschooling in Belize
How to Enroll Your Children in School in Belize How to Enroll Your Children in School in Belize
Educational System in Belize Educational System in Belize
10 Things to Know Before Moving to Belize 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Belize
How to Buy a Home in Belize How to Buy a Home in Belize
How to Rent a Home in Belize How to Rent a Home in Belize
Guide to Residency in Belize Guide to Residency in Belize

Living in Belize

Movies Set: The Mosquito Coast, Dogs of War
Popular Foods: Belizean cuisine is a rich fusion of Caribbean, Mexican, and African influences. Rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, often served with chicken, beef, or fish, is a staple dish. Seafood is also very popular, with dishes like ceviche and grilled shrimp being favorites. For dessert, sweets like coconut tarts and cassava pudding are commonly enjoyed.
Unusual Eats: Gibnut, also known as the "royal rat," is a gamey meat that is considered a delicacy in Belize but might be off-putting to visitors due to its rodent origins. Cow foot soup is another unusual dish, made from the cow's hooves and considered to be very flavorful.
Popular Sports: football (soccer), basketball, volleyball
Popular Teams: Belmopan Bandits (football), San Pedro Tigersharks (basketball), Belize Hurricanes (basketball)
Cultural Faux Pas to Avoid: It is considered rude to enter someone's home without being invited or to refuse an offer of food or drink, as hospitality is an important part of Belizean culture. Visitors should also be aware that casual dress is common, but wearing beachwear or overly revealing clothing away from the beach or pool is frowned upon.

Best Places to Live in Belize

Discover the top-ranked towns in Belize. Click on the town's name for a full profile of each town.
1
Ambergris Caye
2
The Cayes
3
Caye Caulker
4
San Pedro
5
Placencia
6
San Ignacio
7
Belmopan
8
Hopkins Village
9
Corozal
10
Bullet Tree Falls
11
Consejo
12
Independence
13
Benque Viejo del Carmen
14
Dangriga
15
Punta Gorda
Rankings are based on a combination of many factors including schools, recreation, family-friendliness, cost of living and crime.

Visa & Residency

Difficulty Obtaining: average
Popular Expat Visa/s: Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program, Permanent Residency
Popular Nomad Visa/s: Tourist Visa, which allows digital nomads to live in Belize for up to 30 days at a time, extendable for up to six months

Obtaining a residency in Belize is a process that can be considered average in terms of difficulty. There are several residency options available for expats, including the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program and Permanent Residency. The QRP Program is designed for retirees who wish to live in Belize and can demonstrate a consistent income of at least $2,000 per month from a pension or annuity. Applicants must be 45 years or older and are allowed to import personal goods into Belize tax-free. This program is quite popular among retirees due to its benefits and relatively straightforward application process. For those who are not retirees, Permanent Residency is an option. To apply for Permanent Residency, an individual must have legally lived in Belize for one year without leaving for more than 14 consecutive days. The process involves submitting various documents, such as a police record, health certificate, and proof of income or savings. Once granted Permanent Residency, individuals have the right to work in Belize without a work permit. Digital nomads often use the standard Tourist Visa, which is valid for 30 days. This visa can be extended for up to six months by applying for extensions at the Department in Belize. While this is not a long-term residency visa, it allows digital nomads to live and work remotely in Belize for a limited period. The process for obtaining residency can be bureaucratic and may require patience, as it involves multiple steps and interactions with government officials. However, compared to some other countries, Belize offers a more streamlined and expat-friendly process, especially under the QRP Program. It is advisable for potential expats to consult with a local attorney or a service provider that specializes in Belizean immigration to ensure all requirements are met and to navigate the application process more efficiently.

Healthcare in Belize

Belize's healthcare system is a mix of public and private services. The public healthcare system is accessible to all citizens and legal residents, including expatriates who have obtained residency status. It is funded by the government and offers services at low or no cost. However, the quality of public healthcare can vary, with urban areas typically having better facilities and more resources than rural areas. The country has several public hospitals and many health centers and clinics. Private healthcare in Belize is known for providing higher quality services with more modern facilities and shorter wait times. It is more expensive than public healthcare and is often used by expats and those who can afford private insurance or out-of-pocket payments. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare once they have legal residency or, in some cases, by paying directly for services. It is advisable for expats and digital nomads to have health insurance that covers medical treatment in Belize.

"In the US, I knew how to sell my home, or sell land that I own. Here, apparently I don't. I own 30 acres and I own a modern house and cannot sell either it seems no matter what. Any ideas?" - chavva

Connect with Others on the Belize Community

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Belize is considered moderate. While some goods and services may be more expensive due to importation costs, overall, the cost of living can be affordable, especially when compared to North American and European standards.

Weather

Belize features a tropical climate with a wet and dry season. The wet season runs from June to November and can include heavy rainfall and occasional hurricanes. The dry season spans from February to May, offering warmer temperatures and less precipitation. The coastal regions tend to be more humid, while the inland areas can experience slightly cooler temperatures at night.

Educational System in Belize

The educational system in Belize is influenced by the British system, as Belize was formerly a British colony known as British Honduras. Education in Belize is mandatory between the ages of 6 and 14, which covers the eight years of primary education. The school year in Belize typically starts in September and ends in June, with breaks for Christmas and Easter, as well as a summer break. Primary education is divided into two cycles: the Infant Division (ages 6-8) and the Standard Division (ages 9-14). After completing primary school, students sit for the Primary School Examination (PSE), which determines their placement in secondary school. Secondary education lasts for four years, and students are typically between the ages of 14 and 18. The secondary schools are often called high schools, and they culminate in students taking the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) exams. Belize also has tertiary-level institutions, including junior colleges offering two-year associate degree programs. The quality of education in Belize varies, with private and denominational schools generally having better resources and outcomes than public schools. For expatriate families, there are international schools that offer curricula from other countries, such as the United States or United Kingdom, and these can be an option for those seeking an educational experience similar to what they have at home.

SJB Global
GeoBlue
iVisa
AGS Worldwide Movers
Traveling Mailbox
The Relocator
Universal Tax Professionals
 PassportCard Expat Health Insurance
Our Story Our Team Contact Us Partner with Us
Guides to Cities in Belize
Ambergris Caye Belize City Belmopan Benque Viejo del Carmen Bullet Tree Falls Caye Caulker Consejo Corozal Dangriga Hopkins Village Independence Orange Walk Placencia Punta Gorda San Ignacio San Pedro Sarteneja The Cayes
Country Resources
Health Insurance Moving & Shipping Language Schools Real Estate Firms More Resources

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides