Moving to Belize

"Do you research, feel free to contact me at [email protected] - I am now the Relocation Expert for Belize- not all info is the same, best to get it straight from the beginning ! See this video on Why Belize- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDiKKNXQuLo Belize is Everything to some People- I am ONE of these, are you ?," remarked one expat in Belize City, Belize.

"Here's your best advice: No one can tell you what is right for you. The very simple answer is this - 1) come here and rent for 6 months. - you can always buy a ticket back in 2 months if you don't like it (yes, you would lose a little money, but not your life savings). It would be a vacation 2) While here, live as if you are living here full-time (in other words, you're not on an extended vacation, going out every night, etc. - go to the grocery store, the pharmacy, etc so you get a good "realistic feel" 3) Look around at properties to RENT (Don't buy yet). If you decide you want to stay, RENT A ONE YEAR LONG TERM 4) Go back home for AT LEAST 2 months (even if you rent for one year) - clear your head. Don't get a false "Fantasy island / dream life" in your head. Focus on the difference of places and then decide during your year here what you want to do for "life decisions" I always advise: "wade into the pool, don;t jump in the deep end". I've seen hundreds of people lose their life savings by making bad choices (apparently they have never been to another country, never traveled, maybe never seen the Caribbean Sea) and they turn into five year olds, make spontaneous, bad decision and ruin their lives (divorce, bankruptcy, etc.) - "Wade into the pool" The worst case in my advice is you lose a few thousand dollars and you have "a good cocktail party" story. In 6 months you will know whether it's for you , or not and whether you want to proceed," said one expat in San Pedro.

"Expats should be aware that English is the main language spoken in Belize, though Spanish and other local languages are also spoken. Expats will also need to factor in the tropical climate when deciding what to bring and what to leave behind. When moving to Belize, it is essential to obtain a valid visa and residency permit from the Nationality, Immigration and Refugee Board. Expats must also remember to open a local bank account and evaluate the quality of local hospitals and medical care when deciding to move to the country. Additionally, it is important to remember that Belize is subject to hurricanes and floodings, so expats should consider the risks of living in this area," remarked one expat who made the move to Belize.

"Look for a place where you don't necessarily need a vehicle. Gas is expensive here. Rely on local transportation as much as you can. We bought a Chinese made truck (diesel) here. Not 4WD but a truck. We live in the Cayo, between San Ignacio and Spanish Lookout. Lots of unpaved country roads, hence the truck. Diesel is a bit over $6 USD/gallon," explained one expat living in Belize.

"Don't. Come here and spend some time first, find out the in's and outs. Cee if you can put up with the bugs that will eat you alive. Or, no doctors or hospitals for miles. They will tell you if you get sick take a flight back to the States. Check on the duty to bring anything there. It's 100 percent that's why you can't find anything there to buy. Car's are all old and rusted out. You used to get two to one on your dollar, but that didn't mean anything when everything is three times the price. Most all that cheap farm land you see is cheap because it is low with water standing on much of it and it won't grow anything. The cows in the country are all sick, due to blow fly's which you're not suppose to use for meat, but they sell em anyway. Don't believe the hype on this place, and don't listen to me, go there and spend a few months and you will soon find yourself flying out as fast as you flew in," said one expat in Belize City.

"I choose the San Ignacio area as it has the best local downtown, expats and locals mix well together, the folks are so friendly and the Expats are like my other family ! I found my home, thru Rainforest Realty www.rainforestrealty.com," remarked one expat who made the move to Belize City.

"Expat homes and apartments in Belize typically feature soaring ceilings, balconies, bright and airy living spaces, and independent access to the outdoors. Many expat homes and apartments are brightly colored, often in the local Belizean style, with ceiling fans, air-conditioning, and a mixture of traditional and modern Caribbean-style furnishings. Typically, distance to the beach or any other amenities will have to be taken into account when searching for an expat apartment or home in Belize," commented one expat who made the move to Belize.

"1 bedroom apt. Washer/Dryer, Internet. A couple of steps away from the beach. Living on an island [Ambergris Caye], you are NEVER to far from the beach. Yes, several expats live in the suburb type area," remarked one expat in San Pedro, Belize.

"Housing cost is about 50% less if you are a owner builder. Avg for land and house is $80k US and the ROI after three years is about triple that," explained one expat living in Corozal, Belize.

"The cost of housing in Belize varies depending on the location, size and condition of the home. The average cost for a small, one-bedroom house or apartment in a city can range from $550 to $800 per month. A mid-size home may cost between $800-$1500, while luxury homes and large estates on the beachfront may cost upwards of $3000 or more," said one expat in Belize.

"MUCH LOWER! Property taxes are around 30 dollars a year!!! Car insurance is less than 150 a year! WOW!," said one expat who made the move to Belize City.

"We purchased a lot along the sea and had a local builder construct a home for us. It was all done primarily through email correspondence and money transfers. He sent us regular pictures and reports to keep us informed," remarked one expat in Hopkins Village, Belize.

"I have lived in Corozal for 8 years+. I came with all of my tools, kitchenware, bed, and clothes. It cost a lot to bring the stuff but have not regretted it one bit. My neighbors that came here with only a tooth brush are always asking about borrowing, or do you have. I am careful to get my stuff back, but because I brought all my stuff, I am the go to person. I did not come QRP, I paid duty on all my things. Everyone is different. If you don't plan to lift a finger, than don't bring anything. If you tinker, work or house or cars, enjoy cooking, bring your stuff," remarked one expat who made the move to Belize.

"Three things I wish I had brought: Brie Cheese, More Sam's Clubs oscillating fans and more gorilla glue( works great here!) Things I should have left at home: high heels, vcr tapes and tools (we can get any type of tool here!)," explained one expat living in Belize City, Belize.

"Wish that I had Brought: Bug spray, bug nets, bug zappers. Wish that I had left at Home: Me myself and I," said one expat in Belize City.

"When moving to Belize, it is important to pack for the tropical climate. Pack plenty of light, airy clothing with both short and long sleeves to prepare for the hot, humid days. Make sure to include hats and sunglasses to protect from the bright sunshine. Also, good to have include sunblock, insect repellent, and a light raincoat. If traveling in the wet months (June-November) pack a waterproof bag in case of rain. In addition, be sure to bring essential medication, a valid passport, and a debit card or cash to purchase items not available locally. Finally, if possible, pack a few items that remind you of home such as photos, books, or music," said one expat who made the move to Belize.

"If you’re retiring here, bring summer clothes. Raincoat and a sweater are a good idea too. People are pretty informal here, anything dressy you want to bring is up to you. We brought suitable clothes for church but other than some nice capris and a pair of jeans, I’m pretty well in shorts, T-shirts and sandals most of the time," explained one expat living in Carmelita Gardens, Belize.

"Losing patience at the only 3 international banks when the Teller Machine was out of service for some malfunctioning and I needed to take out some money to go out and eat," remarked one expat in Belmopan, Belize.

"In Belize, it is important to respect the diverse cultural backgrounds and traditions. In your interactions with local people, be aware of any sensitive topics such as politics or racial issues. To show respect, you should also be aware of clothing etiquette. Men and women should dress conservatively in public, women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, and the use of profanity should be avoided. Additionally, during social gatherings and conversations, avoid making loud or offensive gestures. Lastly, show respect to local elders by addressing them with respectful titles like “Sir”, “Madam”, or “Ma’am”," said one expat in Belize.

"The Cayes - Ambergris Caye is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. It has some of the best scuba and snorkeling in the world with the barrier reef just offshore. Excellent restaurants and a vibrant Ex-Pat community, along with welcoming residents add to it's charm. The sister Caye of Caye Caulker offers many of the same benefits but in a much more laid back way. There they embrace their motto of "slow down"," offered one expat living in Belize.

"One of the main reasons we chose to relocate to Belize was the pristine reef, as we are avid snorkeling/diving enthusiasts," wrote one expat living in Belize.

"The people living in Hopkins are very friendly and it is a rare occurrence to pass by someone without receiving a big smile or wave. The expats living in the area are also very friendly and helpful. Additionally, the food establishments, large and small, serve delicious food at reasonable prices," commented one expat living in Hopkins.

"Our first choice is to go to the local pharmacist, who is very knowledgeable and helpful," wrote one expat living in Hopkins Village.

"Belize offers a range of healthcare services, including primary care, hospital care, and specialist care. The public healthcare system in Belize is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare in Belize is generally considered to be good, with a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics throughout the country. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system in Belize, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Belize typically use the public healthcare system, although some may opt for private healthcare services," commented one expat living in Belize.

"Word of mouth is a great way to find a doctor if you need one. Our pharmacist has a neurogist that comes to her place of business twice a month from Belize City. He is a wealth of information. Also, be willing to travel to Belize City or Chetumal Mexico to see specialists. We are very pleased with the care we have received thus far. Most of our prescriptions cost us less or equal to our copay in the US without having the cost of a monthly premium on top of that. We are going to look into getting an international health insurance just in case one of us has an emergency that can not be handled here or in Mexico," commented one expat who moved to Corozal/Belize City, Belize.

"Medical care in Belize is certainly not state of the art, but I received excellent care for a broken leg and resultant DVT, all at no out-of-pocket cost, at the public hospital in San Ignacio. I live out west in Cayo District," wrote one expat living in Esperanza.

"Belize has a wide range of medical services available to its citizens. The country has a number of public and private hospitals and clinics that provide a variety of medical services, including primary care, emergency care, and specialty care. The country also has a number of pharmacies and laboratories that provide access to medications and diagnostic tests. Additionally, Belize has a number of health centers and clinics that provide preventive care and health education services. The country also has a number of medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, who are trained to provide quality medical care," commented one expat living in Belize.

"I am located 10 kms from 3 towns that provide adequate health care, but Santa Familia itself does not. So their healthcare is non-existent, but I don't care, I'm a 10-minute drive from 3 towns with good healthcare," commented one expat who moved to Carmelita Gardens, Belize.