Living in Belize

"Do not leave your brain at the border- see this article here http://www.caribpro.com/Caribbean_Property_Magazine/index.php?pageid=767," explained one expat living in Cayo San Ignacio, Belize.

"Most Belizeans are happy with their country as it is. Don't try to change it into whatever country you're from and you should be fine. Generally, if you come with an attitude that wherever you're from is better than Belize, you will find a lot of Belizeans wishing you a safe trip back there, the sooner the better.," said one expat in Belize.

"If you're interested in San Ignacio, I would suggest visiting Carmelita Gardens. It's a development about 7 miles from SI, just outside of Santa Familia. I'm not sure if you're looking to rent or buy, but you definitely want a place where you will feel welcome. So you're looking for a community. That's why I would recommend checking out Carmelita Gardens. There are rentals (short and long term) and lots (and a few homes) for purchase. It's a very welcoming community. Cheers," said one expat who made the move to Carmelita Gardens.

"Before retiring in Belize, expats should understand that the cost of living is high compared to other Central American countries, and they will need to budget accordingly. Additionally, they should research their medical options in Belize, and familiarize themselves with the visa and residency requirements in order to stay legally in the country. It's also important to research the language and culture of Belize, as these will likely be very different from those at home. Finally, expats should be aware that the tropical climate and hurricane season may affect living conditions," explained one expat living in Belize.

"I am not sure how long I will remain in Belize because as a single person, it is important that others embrace me as a friend. They are very kind people but getting into their inner circles is a different story. I am alone most of the time. This includes locals and expats," mentioned one in Belize.

"It is really easy to meet people on Ambergris Caye. Here are just a few ideas of where we regularly socialize. Anything outdoor and health oriented is great on the island. My husband and I built the San Pedro Fitness Club, so I go there most days. Ladies tend to enjoy the water fitness classes, in particular, since it is both exercise and social time. But there are sailing groups, plenty of scuba and snorkeling opportunities, places that specialize in sailing or kayaking, and fishing groups and competitions. There are now also several yoga schools where you will meet health oriented people. So for those of us who like to balance healthy activities with a little indulgence, it is easy to do here... For those who enjoy live music, there are a variety of places where people hang out and listen to local bands, all for free. Beach bars include Crazy Canucks, BCs, and Fidos, all near town. On the north side, Legends often has good music. We love to dance to a live band on the beach, cooled by a sea breeze! Sunday afternoon lunch is a time when everyone goes out for beach BBQ and to socialize. Popular places include Caribbean Villas (they have plenty of water toys), Crazy Canucks, BCs, and the Palapa Bar (up north). We go to Wine de Vine on Friday nights. This is a "smoke free" environment where many expats, business owners and tourists drop in for a nice glass of wine, and a cheese platter. There are regular festivals and fund raiser events that many expats attend. It is a great way to socialize and also donate to a good cause. There are more volunteer organizations than I can mention. Many expats join both to contribute, and to meet people. The most popular are the Saga Society (which is the local Humane Society), the churches, Lion's Club, and various school organizations. Some groups get together to play cards such as bridge. And many of us get together for group dinners. Sometimes we meet a favorite restaurant. Other times we enjoy a pot luck with friends," said one expat who made the move to Ambergris Caye.

"Expats living in Belize can join a variety of different clubs and activities. Options include sailing, snorkeling and other water sports, yoga and meditation classes, extended day hikes and more. Expats may also want to visit the local markets and festivals for shopping, food, and cultural experiences. Other popular activities include golf, tennis, volleyball and basketball. In addition to all of these activities, expats can also meet people in Belize by taking classes at the local schools, attending church, and getting involved in volunteering. People also tend to gather in the bars and restaurants most evenings, making it a great opportunity to mingle and meet new people," explained one expat living in Belize.

"Open season on Gringos...check crime logs just for the month of July 2011...getting very scary if you are white American," said one expat in San Ignacio.

"I have lived a very enjoyable 9 years in the Corozal area. Whoever wrote the other response is a real nay-sayer. Tell me anywhere in the world where things are perfect. If you wear gold jewelry and drive a big fancy car, you are a target. It is not that bad," said one expat who made the move to Belize.

"Supposedly...l yes. Belize city is one of the most dangerous cities in the world... But it only has 60000 people in it, mostly during the weekdays. The killings tend to be gang related, drug related. In a specific area, south side, We live on the north side, in a very safe area. Our home is surrounded by a tall concrete wall, and our windows do have burglar bars on them. We have three large dogs which act as any further deterrent. I live here very happily, and feel very safe," remarked one expat who made the move to Belize City.

"There is crime everywhere, as someone else stated, however, we have discovered that most crime is either related to illegal activities (drugs or human trafficing) or are crimes of opportunity (theft.) As is also true everywhere, the best defense against crime is use common sense. Avoid areas that are known for high crime (like the ports in Belize City at night..) Don't participate in illegal activities. Don't flash cash. Don't leave valuables unattended. Places that have more people have higher crime rates because there are more opportunities for bad behavior. In Belize, such places include Belize City, Placencia, and Ambergris Caye. Also, if you are a Gringo, you need to understand that you will be targeted for passive theft. That's because most people in Belize have encountered many Gringo tourists, who spend tons of money whenever they are in port. As a result of such encounters, many locals develop the attitude that most Gringos are rich, and they assume they won't miss (or can easily replace) anything that gets lost/broken/stolen. Therefore, if you leave an iPhone on a table in a bar while you go to fetch more drinks, there's a good chance it will be gone when you return. If someone there "finds" your phone, they will expect a reward for returning it to you. Again, be smart. When it comes to home security, we chose a development with security gates and patrols. If you don't want that, then invest in good doors, locks, window bars/shutters, etc. These protections are especially important if you are not planning to live there year-round. Generally, thieves will target/rob those places where they are least likely to run into trouble accessing the place or get caught. Some friends got dogs to make noise," explained one expat living in Belize.

"People are diverse, expats, locals, mayans, spanish etc. Yes, they are very friendly and accepting of differences. It's a tourist town, when the cruise ships come in once or twice a week. So, there are always loads of strangers about town, speaking different languages etc. Most locals are very friendly and welcoming of strangers," remarked one expat living in Belize City, Belize.

"Belize is a culturally and ethnically diverse country, with people of African, Spanish, Garifuna, Creole, Mennonite, East Indian, and Chinese descent, among others. Belizeans generally display a tolerant attitude towards differences between people and cultures, and there is a strong sense of unity throughout the country. The culture is mainly based on friendly respect, and the vast majority of Belizeans are accepting of people from all backgrounds and cultures," wrote one member in Belize.

"Belize has a range of international and bilingual schools with high quality educational standards. The best international schools in Belize include the Saint John's College in Belize City and the New Horizons Academy in Corozal Town. Both offer modern and up-to-date teaching programs, as well as small classroom sizes, enabling teachers to provide a highly personalized learning experience for each student. The bilingual schools in Belize, such as Belizean Dreams Academy and the Monte de Luz Belize Spanish Immersion School, are just as impressive in providing an immersive and interactive education. These schools foster a deep appreciation of the diversity of Belize by offering both English and Spanish programs, allowing students to understand the local culture while gaining an impartial view of the world," commented one expat when asked about in Belize.

"It is a great opportunity for small class sizes with a diverse background of students. The school values diversity and helps children understand the value in every child," explained one expat in San Pedro Town, Belize with kids at Ambergris Caye Elementary School.

"We have no house payment since our home is paid for. We are doing very well on about 3,000 U.S. per month, though we could get by for much less," remarked one expat living in Hopkins Village, Belize.

"Living in Belize is generally inexpensive. It has a low cost of living which is similar to other Central American countries. A nice one bedroom apartment in Belize can cost around $400 - $650 USD per month in rent. A nice two bedroom apartment in Belize typically runs around $700 - $1000 USD. Eating out at a moderately priced restaurant will usually cost around $15 - $20 USD. The cost of living tends to be higher in the capital, Belmopan and in other more touristy areas like San Pedro and Placencia," commented one expat living in Belize.

"San Pedro is the TOWN on Ambergris Caye. Same place. Monthly expenses (not living rich but nice will run you approx. $1,500 - $2,000 per month. You will need a work permit (yes, even to teach online). That will cost you total to go through all paperwork around $2,500 BZD ($1,250 usd), per year. If you want transportation, you can buy a bike for a few hundred bucks. If you want a golf cart, to purchase you’re looking at $3,000 USD - $12,000 USD depending on whether you want a used fixer or brand new. Permitting cost there as well. You can rent a golf cart for $400USD per month. Basic cost (food will vary depending on how much you eat out and if you buy American items at the grocery store or not (anything you get in the US that you can’t live without - just plan to pay DOUBLE what you do in the US. Import duties, shipping to Belize city, then shipping to ambergris and then it’s DOUBLE. So, for a single person, eating out twice a week at areal sit down restaurant (one lunch, one dinner), you can do street food stands a little cheaper, it would be something like this (assuming a US quality housing arrangement: Rent -$650 - $1,000 Cable/internet - $70 Water - $25 Electricity - $ 150 - $250 Food - $200-$400 Entertainment/restaurants - $200 Golf cart rental - $400 Visa stamp - $25 (+ work permit app mentioned above) $1750 - $2,500 depending on lifestyle. $1,500 minimum," remarked one expat living in San Pedro.

"The cost of living varies with what kinds of recreation is enjoyed. Living there and cooking your our food can keep expenses low. Liquor and/ or drinking and eating out will increase expenses depending on how much you need the social life. Utilities aren't bad unless you are dependent on air conditioning. I try to be very frugal with A/C and electricity in general," said one expat living in Hopkins.

"I own my little house here and spend about US$110o per month. I tracked it for about 4 months last year, including car tabs renewal and such," mentioned one expat inEsperanza.

"We live in the Cayo District and it's at least as safe as where we lived in Ottawa. The Belize dollar is pegged (2 for 1) to the US Dollar, so how far your CAD goes depends on the current exchange rate. Some things like gas are more expensive. If you "live like a local" then your cost of living will be much lower than in Canada. Live like a local means eating local, ie rather than Kellogs Corn Flakes look for the local brand of cereal, etc. If you want to maintain your North American lifestyle, it's possible of course. But we came here to simplify and that is certainly possible. You don't have neighbours who are trying to keep up with the Jones'. Healthcare - we don't have a plan here. If you have an existing, serious health condition then reconsider living here. Healthcare is cheap compared to the US but in Canada, most of your services were "free" (of course paid for through your taxes). Here we pay as we go. For example, I had to have an eye examination and drops. The whole shebang (exam and medication) cost me $25 USD. I have to have a tooth filled. The cost was $50 USD," commented one expat who moved to Carmelita Gardens, Belize.

"There is always swimming in the beautiful Caribbean Sea and private pools. The village has a miniature golf place, and there is an outside basketball court. Soccer (futbal) is also played on the beach. There are many natural attractions like hiking, waterfalls, zip lining, motorcycling in the area," said one expat.

"Placencia Beach Club offers Swim Club memberships and is open to the public. Recreational activities here are mostly owned by individual operators and tour guides and most are connected to local hotels. To include: Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing, River Tours, Manatee Tours, Howler Monkey Tours. Mayan Ruins, Scarlet Macaw Tours, Cave Tubing," commented one expat living in Placencia, Belize.

"The weather in Belize is typically warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-80s Fahrenheit throughout the year. The rainy season typically runs from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in September and October. The dry season runs from December to April, with the coolest temperatures occurring in January and February," remarked one expat in Belize.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Belize is Elvi's Kitchen, located in San Pedro. Elvi's Kitchen is known for its traditional Belizean cuisine, such as stewed chicken, rice and beans, and fry jacks. The restaurant also offers a variety of seafood dishes, including conch fritters, lobster, and shrimp. The atmosphere is casual and relaxed, and the staff is friendly and attentive. Another popular restaurant in Belize is The Truck Stop, located in Belize City. The Truck Stop is a casual eatery that serves up a variety of dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and tacos. The restaurant also offers a selection of local beers and cocktails. The atmosphere is lively and the staff is friendly and helpful. Finally, The Reef Restaurant, located in Placencia, is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The Reef Restaurant serves up a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, lobster, and shrimp. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a selection of local beers and cocktails," commented one expat living in Belize.

"The stores in Hopkins are small to medium variety stores that also sell a selection of groceries. There are also vendors around the village selling fresh vegetables and fruit, as well as baked goods.I Supply may be limited, but generally you can find what you need. There are several village stores offering various souvenirs," mentioned an expat living in Hopkins.

"People living in Belize typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop at larger department stores and malls located in the larger cities. Additionally, some people may shop online for groceries and other items," said an expat in Belize.

"QRP is good for some people, especially those who wanted to bring an expensive vehicle and a container full of furniture or shop equipment. The people in charge of QRP really are serious about you having a defined pension, also. Sorry, plenty of rental and investment income is not good enough. But most folks I know have gone the PR (Permanent Residency) route, instead. The application ordeal is about the same, and once you have your PR status, you don't have to deal with annual renewals of QRP," mentioned one expat inEsperanza.

"Residency requires you to live in the country for 1 year and you are only allowed to leave for 14 days during that time. There is a QRP -Retirement Program which is Temporary Residency and a Regular Temporary Residency. Otherwise you go monthly to immigration and get a stamp," commented one expat who moved to Placencia, Belize.

"Tourists must get their passport stamped every 30 days in order to remain in the country. This costs $50 BZD at the Immigration office. For residency, a tourist must live in the country for a year minus two weeks before applying," remarked one expat living in Hopkins.

"Most people living on the Placencia peninsula get their visa stamps at the Big Creek Immigration office just outside of Independence/Mango Creek. You can take the Hokey Pokey water taxi from the village, or drive 45 to 60 minutes depending on where you are on the peninsula," commented one expat.

"In order to enter and stay in Belize for an extended period of time, visitors can apply for a Belizean visa. To apply for a visa, applicants must fill out a visa application form, attach all necessary documents (such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation and a reason for staying in Belize), and submit it at the nearest Belize Embassy or Consulate. After the application is processed, applicants usually receive a visa that allows them to stay in the country for up to 30 days. Applying for residency in Belize requires a more complicated process. Typically, applicants are required to meet certain financial requirements and have a valid reason for living in Belize. After completing the necessary documentation, applicants must attend an interview with the Department of Immigration to demonstrate their eligibility. Depending on the application outcome, applicants may be eligible to receive a permanent residency status and further benefit from Belize's laws and regulations," said one expat living in Belize.

"In the US I have Medicare and a supplemental insurance, which is fine and I have had no problems with coverage. In Belize, I do not purchase medical insurance because it is very expensive. ," remarked one expat living in Hopkins Village.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Belize can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance is available, but it can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public healthcare is available, but it is limited and may not provide the same level of care as private healthcare. Additionally, the cost of medications and medical supplies can be high, and some treatments may not be covered by insurance," said one expat living in Belize.