Moving to Belize

"The best advice I got with regard to what you need to know before moving to Belize is this: Belizean people have no interest in becoming another country. If you come over and try to tell them how much better things are in the country you came from, they will listen politely and then recommend you go back there and enjoy those things. Remember, you are a guest in this beautiful country. Be polite, respectful, honor their culture and traditions, and do your best to adapt to their way of life," said one expat in 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 ?," said one expat who made the move to Belize City.

"Finding a property close to the water can mean the Sea or one of the many Rivers in Belize. Near the sea can be difficult to find a tranquil property, but along the rivers, you can find solitude and a wide array of wildlife just outside your doors. A boat can usually take you to the sea for occasional outings and there is less danger of hurricane damage. If you want a slip at your residence, you might have better luck looking along one of the many rivers that open to the sea. You might want to look in Stann Creek, along the Sittee River. Good luck finding your perfect spot," explained one expat living in 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 in San Pedro.

"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," explained one expat who made the move to Belize City.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Belize is to start by researching online, such as through real estate websites or online listings. You can also look into local newspapers or social media pages to find listings. Additionally, it is recommended to visit the area, in person, to get a better sense of the local real estate market and to explore possible options. Once you have narrowed down your search, it is highly recommended to contact the local landlords, estate agents, and rental companies directly to find the most suitable place to live," replied a member in Belize.

"Originally San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, but after 4 years it got over populated and prices went way up. Moved to the mainland Northern Belize were there is less rain and humidity and 15 minutes from Chetumal where you can get low cost everything," commented one expat who made the move to Corozal.

"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," said one expat in San Pedro.

"My husband and I live in Carmelita Gardens (moved here in October 2020 and rented while we were having our home built). We have a 1BR/1BA house of 832 sq ft including our screened-in front porch and back terrace. Our home was built from Covintech which is a concrete-covered styrofoam-mesh material. We have a 6500 gal cistern, solar panels etc," said one expat who made the move to Carmelita Gardens.

"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," explained one expat living in Belize.

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

"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 who made the move to Belize.

"Deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Belize is ultimately a personal choice that depends on many factors. If you plan to stay for a long period of time, buying a home can be a great investment as you will own a valuable piece of property you can use as a vacation home. Additionally, owning a home in Belize may offer certain tax benefits that renting does not. On the other hand, if your stay in Belize is more transient, it may be more cost-effective and practical to rent so that you are not tied down to one location in the long-term. Ultimately, researching the market in Belize can help you to make an informed decision that best suits your needs," said one expat in Belize.

"Purchased a home in an auction. It was very easy. We purchased before we were even residents of Belize. To do that we needed a us dollar bank acct here, it was easy to do," remarked 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," explained one expat living in Hopkins Village, Belize.

"We just returned from a house hunting trip & have rented a home near Dangriga (In Sanctuary Reserve deveopment) We plan to bring essentials with us & ship our furniture & household goods once we have gained QRP status," replied a member in Belize.

"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," commented 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," remarked one expat in Carmelita Gardens, 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.

"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," said one expat in Belmopan.

"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 who made the move to Belize.

"The beauty of the country from sea to jungle. The local Belizeans are wonderful people who love and cherish their country. English speaking country in Central America is a plus. Easy going lifestyle is what people look for and Belize has it. Belize gives people so many options of type of areas from Seafront, Lagoon Front, Istlands, Jungles and Mountains with affordable living," wrote one expat living in Placencia.

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

"Belize has a great many attractions for prospective expats looking for a new place to call home. The warm, tropical weather, the stunning beaches, the stunning coral reef system, and the mix of cultures make it an ideal destination for expats. Additionally, Belize offers a low cost of living, with a culture that is both welcoming and safe. In addition to the many natural attractions, Belize also offers excellent opportunities for business and freelance opportunities, as well as a diverse range of activities and attractions that makes it an ideal home for people of all backgrounds," remarked one expat living in Belize.

"Our first choice is to go to the local pharmacist, who is very knowledgeable and helpful," said one expat.

"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," said one expat living in 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," commented one expat living in Esperanza.

"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.

"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," remarked one expat living in Belize.