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considering a move

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curbappealmeals
  2/25/2019 21:12 EST

My husband and I are considering moving to Belize.

We are both currently self employed and do not have pensions or any other retirement benefits. We are also not old enough to collect social security (both in our 50's).

We have some savings and will also sell our house, cars, etc before we leave. This will likely not be enough money to fully retire.

Therefore, we would like to move someplace where we can work part time in the hospitality industry.
I am a chef and he has kitchen skills.

We would prefer to not be in a large city.

We are beginners as far as the Spanish language is concerned.

We are in the early planning stages (first few weeks).
Any advice on this is greatly appreciated.

toddwinston
  2/25/2019 22:12 EST

Wow!

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toddwinston
  2/25/2019 22:14 EST

...I meant whoops there and hit enter by mistake. You will lots of info on this site by searching... for sure.

bobbyveee
  2/26/2019 08:04 EST

Your best bet is to come visit , Its an English speaking country , You need a work permit to work, not given easily. Never sell up before you visited a country atleast a few times asnd do as much online digging as you can , youve obviously done none on Belize !!

5allan1
  2/26/2019 08:21 EST

You would require work permits.
The kind of work you request would make it nearly impossible to acquire one as that kind of employment is restricted to Belizeans only. Salaries are very low. One can start a business and hire Belizeans, that speeds things up. Living in Belize just on social security is very difficult as its not an inexpensive place, unless u live like a local. The locals would prefer not to live like a local however.

bradinbelize
  2/26/2019 09:45 EST

So - listen to Bobby Vee below. My wife and I are very similar to you (I'm in my early 50's, she's in her early 40's). We sold our business in the US and moved here approx. 4 years ago, managing a small hotel on the mainland first for someone else, then moving to San Pedro and opening a restaurant.

Work permits are obtainable (but you will have to have your own business, meaning start your own business and the wait for permits is 6 months before you apply (it will then take another 4 - 6 months to obtain), so plan on living one year off your savings.

DON'T sell back home until you have lived here first and make sure it's for you - cars are OK, but I'd keep the house unless you plan to sell it anyway.

Happy to chat - I have sent you a PRIVATE MESSAGE (PM) as well with contact info.

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terrific
  2/26/2019 17:14 EST

I think you may need to take a couple of steps back and really think through what you just suggested.
You are going to give up your complete lifestyle, sell up everything on a gamble that you will be able to make a go in a very poor country.
You are looking at a very restricted employment area. If you can start your own business that would be a little easier. You will need to cover all your costs for a minimum of 12 months just to get the permits and a business properly set up, Then it would take at least one SEASON to establish yourselves in that business. The tourist season in Belize is only 4 to 6 months. If you want to continue your research and planning for this please make sure you have an escape plan B ready, If for any number of reasons plan A doesn't work do you really want to be closing in on retirement age having nothing to fall back on if you have to return to your base. Take heed of what people with Belize experience are saying and even Allan has valid points on this one. Belize is an expensive place to gamble your life savings on. The reason most expats who succesfully retire there are happy is because they did not risk all, to do it before they could afford to retire.

Conmurphy
  2/27/2019 15:43 EST

Also remember that CLK32 doesnt and hasnt ever lived in Belize and doesnt have any experience about what he is talking about.

And when he says "estimates" he means.... he made it up or read it online...

That said, we have to admire his persistence.....

Never been a Belize Expat but is on here week after week trolling and spewing "factoids" that he gleans from other peoples' blogs or that he makes up.

Also assumes that everyone inquiring about Belize has cancer or heart problems...

Belize is slightly over 2 hours from the US....
I know a lot of people in the US who make longer journeys than this to get medical care in the US.

Anyhow...ask someone who lives in Belize if you want an accurate answer about Belize living.

But yes, minimum wage is US$1.80 per hour....but the only people who get paid that are field workers and wait staff.

C

belizelenny
  2/27/2019 18:33 EST

More numbers that are way off.. Where do they find 40 -60 % leave Belize? Been here 18 years and so few have left,

Those that do leave:

1) Miss Grandkids
2) VA Benefits
3) Personality Issues (had before coming to Belize)

Yes I am in real estate so I am in better touch with available properties and why they are on the market.

Conmurphy
  2/28/2019 05:24 EST

You can see whats going on in Belize from your Moms basement somewhere in the US?

Hawkeye!

belizelenny
  2/28/2019 08:53 EST

When a licensed real estate broker who has lived and worked in Belize for 18 years tells you something ..take it to the bank..

Yes and licensed in the USA. I live in a community I am working on...Not many can say that as well. So the facts I have can be substantiated.

There is however another reason some expats do leave, whick is the passing of a spouse.

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terrific
  2/28/2019 13:05 EST

CLk2
Stress has a major contribution to Heart problems. I think your stress levels must be really elavated by your earnest concern for the health and welfare of everyone and anyone considering moving to Belize.
Maybe you could do yourself a favor and stop worrying about what other people may or may not think about their own personal health care.
I am truly sorry you have such problems but hey going on and on about wether you personally could/would have gotten treatment in Belize or would have died, is not a relevant reply to a general enquiry.
You are sounding a bit like a self indulgent pity party of one.
If YOU can't live in Belize everyone else should steer clear as well.

AZFIRE551
  3/1/2019 12:08 EST

If you haven't been to Belize then you should take a trip down and see if it is what you are imagining it to be.
Having to work while your there and not having (based off your comments) job skills other than the kitchen may limit you drastically as far as income goes. Wages are not the same and living out in the country or a small village you may find yourself needing a car. Fuel is expensive $10-11 Belizean, roughly $5.00 U.S.
So definitely keep doing your home work. There are lots of youtube video blogs out there so watch the pros and cons.

If you can live without AC, Cable TV, and WiFi in the house you could rent fairly cheap. depending on your needs.
Where your looking to live will play into that as well.

Conmurphy
  3/1/2019 14:23 EST

Clk32

You have been the one coming on this forum with practically no first hand knowledge of Belize calling other people stupid; liars and cheats

As far as anyone can see you are the one mascarading as an expat and insulting people in this forum

I don't know anyone here who gets anything positive from your presence here

Execept you of course.
You get human contact obviously is lacking elsewhere in your existence

terrific
  3/1/2019 15:12 EST

You have called me, and others a LIAR more than once, then have the audacity to accuse others of personal attacks in the same paragraph.
I have no commercial profit motive in Belize , another accusation you regularly level at me, I tell people about life in Belize from Personal experience. Please show any single post on yours where you have given any positive information from your own" EXPAT in Belize" experience.
You do not ever give out any positive information,just because you have not said the words "don't move to Belize " the inference is always there.
FYI the original poster of this thread sent the exact same post to 2 other forums and has not bothered to get back to any posters on here.

terrific
  3/1/2019 16:45 EST

Ok I give in you are the true font of all things expat in Belize. Bit strong starting a post calling me a liar then complaining about personal attacks on your self. Maybe if you had a profile which explains up front that you are a failed Belize expat, being unable to fulfill that original dream due to poor health your barbs may be better understood.
Funnyow Con thinks of you as male and youngish but I think of you as old and Female one of us hopefully is correct. You will never tell us so speculation will have to suffice.

terrific
  3/1/2019 16:59 EST

Clk2 By the way the lie you are accusing me of saying has actually never been said by me.
On this thread alone you have thrown out insults and accusations on nearly all the other Expats with Belize experience who have posted along with your own oft repeated unverified stats.
GET A LIFE.. Make use of that no doubt expensive triple by pass and stop blaming the world in general and Belize actual expats in particular for your own problems.

terrific
  3/1/2019 19:18 EST

Not one person has ever disputed the fact that advanced healthcare is not available in Belize.
Maybe not everyone has family medical history that makes this their over riding concern, when thinking of moving to another country. Could be possible.

5allan1
  3/1/2019 19:36 EST

It is certainly adviseable not to relocate to Belize with a history of major medical problems. Where one takes a calculated risk is with ER/trauma care because that is rudimentary in Belize. There are no trauma centers and no trained surgeons in this area. Paramedic first response services are improving only very slowly. I have seen the end result of this more than once.
One I recall was on the New River road on the Cerros side of the ferry where a motorbike with two passengers went flying. Injuries were superficially minor. But an ambulance wasnt going to happen. So the locals ferried the folks across the river in canoes to a waiting car. Not the best situation if u have a spinal injury. It had a good outcome.
In a place like Belize u take your chances..

terrific
  3/1/2019 19:50 EST

Now who is confused, I did not say you said the words you quote, I was giving a precis of the impression you have given
to me in your posts. An opinion.
I remember you have claimed in the past you are allowed to air your opinions I did not realize you believed it was an exclusive right. Your disagreeing with my opinion does not make it a lie. Unless you can quote things I have said that can be prooved to be a lie in Law i suggest you temper your language, and accusations.
A poster being a realtor does not mean that person is unable to give helpful advice, A poster having a business in Belize is not a barrier to giving Valid current information.
It matters not a whit how many people come and go to Belize or how long they stayed. Because of this there are no VERIFIED figures kept in Belize, Or figures for how many people change their minds about being a long term expat, or if and why they change their mind.
Anyone citing any figure for this as a FACT, is telling a lie but I am sure you will say you never claimed your 40% to 60% was a fact. sleep well.

Belizeboy
  3/2/2019 08:30 EST

As far as working here in Belize, specifically as a chef, you will need a work permit, which you can get, will just take a bit of time and patience, and $$$.
I would suggest coming down to locate where you might want to live and work. The “ work” may dictate where you live.
As far as working as a chef, yes you can. Start researching and contacting resorts and maijor restaurants here, which you can do online, set up interviews for later.
I personally sat with an American Executive Chef here in Placencia that has been here for over 10 years, working as Chef, with his wife, and doing quite well.
So the answer to that question is yes you can.

bradinbelize
  3/2/2019 09:51 EST

CLK and Terrific -

CLK - please just stop posting. I believe you said MAYBE you came to Belize ONCE for a few days and TERRIFIC - Why do you keep inciting this guy?

The poor guy (CLK) has nothing to do in his life except to troll on a forum that has nothing to do with his life except the fact that it was a dream he had, that he couldn't realize and is obviously now hellbent on casting doubts onto others dreams. VERY SAD REALLY - maybe he will find a new hobby that is positive for his lifestyle, but if you just leave him alone, maybe he will just go away!

For those that actually LIVE in Belize, WORK in Belize and OWN property and businesses here, I like to give an honest opinion and just let the poster see for themselves. BobbyVee does this - good, solid, accurate info and reasonable advice (he said -as I ALWAYS do) - "Come here, stay awhile, experience it, then come back again, then RENT and see what happens". Moving to another country is a big jump and a big change for people and it is not for everyone, but the least we can do is be honest with people - Don't say you live here when you came for a 4 day trip ONCE and stop the bickering back and forth - use the forum for what it is intended. I've made some nice friends that now live here from writing them on here first. Help people - stop fighting (and maybe CLK will just go away)

Calinomore
  3/2/2019 11:20 EST

Excellent common sense post from Bradinbelize. The digital bickering between isn't good for the forum and ruins the vibe.
David
Calinomore ASAP.
Thank you Brad

5allan1
  3/2/2019 13:35 EST

On the subject of adjustment and how many expats leave the figures of 60% are not reliable. Rather the stats are available for comparing relocation destination numbers and why. eg for Costa Rica there are 50,000 expats there and 3800 in Belize.
People like conveniences, easy affordable access to commodities and amenities, stable governance, and tertiary medical care not requiring leaving the country temporarily or permanently. Adjusting to a corrupt,inefficient, poverty stricken, crime ridden banana republic like Belize is not for everyone. Mainly eccentric libertarians ;)
I did treat a number of viet vets - one whacked out ex tunnel rat and a PBR commander who ran a steady blood level of THC, but those guys can put up with anything.

curbappealmeals
  3/2/2019 17:41 EST

Thanks everyone for your info and time. As I stated, we are in the very early stages of this.
We are looking at 3 different places and trying to gather as much info about each from people who have actually made the move. We feel that is the best way to start.
panama & ecuador are also places we are gathering info on, but because we are not yet speaking spanish, Belize was attractive. All the places are beautiful and offer lower costs of living and more relaxed lifestyle than we currently live.
We will visit before we do anything drastic for sure.
We appreciate all the info.

5allan1
  3/3/2019 11:12 EST

For basic primary care Belize is superior to North America due to lower cost and a more empathic non rushed approach. Some subspecialties are not available. Advanced care is lacking, not so much due physician coverage but poor infrastructure and ancillary support services and shortage of supplies. Trauma care is poor as are ICU services.
Proximity to Chetumal compensates for much of this.
A patient with retinal detachement was sent to Guatemala City. There is a retinologist in Bze but he lacked the operative support services. The transfer was not the best situation due to movement risk.
It is what it is.

belizelenny
  3/3/2019 11:35 EST

Belize Medical Associates in Belize City and Northern Medical Center in Orange Walk as well as Corozal and Dr. Garcia in Corozal have all been excellent with my family and I.

terrific
  3/4/2019 20:56 EST

Allan
Those figures show that Expats in Belize are very a similar proportion of the population as expats in Costa Rica. Population just under 5 million with 50k expats, so roughly 100 Costa rican for each Expat. Belize has a population of approx 385.000 has 3800 expats so about the same ratio.

Do you think Belize could absorb, without becoming a Virtual US state, anything like 50k. I don't.
Costa Rica is also more than twice the land mass of Belize.

5allan1
  3/5/2019 07:44 EST

Dear terrific,
I think 50k expats in Belize might be a good thing esp if they paid more property taxes. The police might solve crimes, roads would get paved, the fire trucks might work, a bridge would get built over the New River so it would be easier to get to Cerros Sands, libraries would have more books, and Belize just might get a Chedraui store. But u know a lot of youse guys like Belize to stay in 1958 cause its charming

mcagun
  3/5/2019 08:49 EST

Same old names keep popping up on every post, plz stop trying to out-do each other
Expat Exchange (Belize) is now just a place for these same old names to hang out and bi*^# about each others claim to know what they are talking about when it comes to all things Belize

Take a breather guys and hopefully the content will be a more interesting than some rantings about who knows best and who has/has not lived in Belize the longest

belizelenny
  3/5/2019 12:45 EST

There are way more than 3800 Expats in Belize. Maybe 3800 that used QRP..

Conmurphy
  3/5/2019 13:18 EST

I, nor any of my Expat buddies were polled in the last census in Cayo.

I dont know any non Belizean who was.

Maybe it was different on the Cayes,

So none of us are reported as being in Belize even through most of my group are full permanent residents.

The majority of Foreigners in Belize at any one time as there on tourist visas, and many spend years in Belize as tourists.

When I was secretary of the American Chamber of Commerce in Belize city I asked the consular officer who was also on the board and I was told there was anywhere between 7,000 -10,000 US citizens in Belize at any one time.

C

5allan1
  3/5/2019 14:51 EST

The last full Census was 2010 at which point 3800 total expats were documented. Extrapolating from that by linear population growth gives us 4600 max.
Cuenca Ecuador has 4000. Thats just one city with a better climate and health care and 40% lower cost of living.
Doesnt matter. Belize could benefit from more expats. It just needs to join the 21 st century.

bradinbelize
  3/28/2019 11:12 EST

CLK - health is NOT great in Belize, nor have I personally ever said that.

To be clear though - how many days in your life have you been on Belizean soil? Please just stop your nonsense. and please be honest and answer my question - HOW MANY DAYS HAVE YO BEEN IN BELIZE IN YOUR ENTIRE LIFE?

Menehune
  5/30/2019 23:44 EST

Mr CLK,

Have you ever lived outside of your home country?

5allan1
  5/31/2019 17:50 EST

As I indicated before, the information provided by clk is not incorrect. However the ability to converse in English is a big plus. The only way to determine if it balances the negatives is by a trial of living day to day and learning your tolerance level

5allan1
  6/2/2019 09:02 EST

Vague pithy one liners have minimal utility. Like u I dont think Belize is an ideal relocation venue. However empirical truths require experimentation, for those who are uncertain. To see whether the use of English supercedes Belize’s many warts, one needs to live there for a few months or more and carry the risk.
Also I dont think enterpreneurs like conmurphy are credible sources of information, but an ad hominem arguement bringing up his past is intellectually weak.

terrific
  6/2/2019 19:15 EST

Con Murphy is not an real estate agent. Why do you think he is?
Interesting you consider slander as a bad thing, when you make a habit of slandering others on this forum.
Is it selective and your calling posters liars and drunks is not slanderous. Posters have been thrown off other forums for using such terms.
Have a nice day Gary/Katzgar/clk. Guest

terrific
  6/3/2019 16:13 EST

TO clk re checked you link, Well he does not include realtor in the link . If you got things right the first time you would not need to post them twice.

That aside why is it a conflict of interest for an expat IN Belize to tell posters about life in Belize on a forum for enquiries into life AS AN EXPAT in Belize. Regardless of what if any position they have in that country. I do not recall any subtefuge in his postings. He is not advice from several thousand miles away about Life as an expat in a country where he has NEVER been an expat.
As to slander is it slander making a guess at the life style of someone who refuses to even give a real name or their Gender in any profile for any Forum. For the longest time I guessed you were female and you called me a liar for guessing wrong. So many times you have called me a liar and a drunk, Insulted my intelligence and accused me of having a Profit motive for the information I have given. ALL of which are totally untrue and you know that. But you claim it is you who is being slandered.
I am no longer bothering to offer any advice as an expat with 30 years experience of Life in Belize, on this Forum
My life experience in Belize, at least in your mind, is inferrior to your 8 days experience on vacation in San Pedro when you found out you could not afford to live in Belize, about 10 years ago.
I will continue to follow this forum and may even PM occaisionally with advice to individuals but I have had it with posting here, as for some reason you manage to twist every thread to be about you. and I have been told not to INCITE you.
Dr Allan has the saving grace of humour, experience of life in Belize, and gives some actual useful advice, You on the other hand have none of these attributes.
Enjoy life in your Luisianna swamp, and enjoy going on all the different fora, asking for your recipies for Diabetic food,, picking fights on the Political forums.
( the ones that haven't banned you yet) and being rude on all of the expat sites for countries you have never lived in. most never even visited,

Bye Garryc/Katzgar/Clk/Guest. and whatever other names you go by on line.

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