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 ?," replied a member in 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," commented one expat who made the move to 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," remarked one expat who made the move to Corozal.

"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," explained one expat living in Belize.

"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," said one expat in 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.

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to Belize.

"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.

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

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

"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 who made the move to Belize City.

"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”," explained one expat living in 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," said one expat in Belmopan.

"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," replied one expat when asked about moving to Placencia.

"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," stated one expat who made the move to Belize.

"One of the main reasons we chose to relocate to Belize was the pristine reef, as we are avid snorkeling/diving enthusiasts," remarked one expat 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," stated one expat who made the move to Corozal/Belize City.

"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," offered one expat living in 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.

"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 living in Carmelita Gardens.