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

"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.

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

"Belize has been at the forefront of Disc Golf progress in Central America since 2020. There are now 12 courses in Belize most of which are Public and either free or $5 Bz to play. Most courses are in parks or large farms. A couple are located in growing expat communities specifically in Corozal. There are also now monthly competitions moving rotating around the courses. Come enjoy Disc Golf in Paradise," explained one expat living in Belize.

"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," said one expat 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.

"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.

"Expat and digital nomads in Belize enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with an emphasis on outdoor activities like visiting Mayan ruins, exploring the jungles and cays, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The people of Belize are warm and welcoming, with a culture based on the belief that the country belongs to everyone. With the rise of tourism, there is a thriving job market for those seeking employment. Living costs are relatively low and there is a great selection of affordable accommodation. The country is known for its diverse culture which blends the many influences of its previous colonizers. Expats and digital nomads can experience a truly unique way of life in the Caribbean paradise that is Belize," said one expat who made the move to Belize.

"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," explained one expat living in Belize.

"We do not hear about much crime in the area. The most news has to do with petty theft, which is why we are careful," commented one expat who made the move to Hopkins Village.

"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 living in Belize City, Belize.

"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," wrote one member in Belize.

"Belize is generally considered a safe place to visit, although there have been reports of crime, especially in areas frequented by tourists. Petty theft, home break-ins, and burglaries are common, especially in Belize City. Street crime such as bag snatching, pickpocketing, and muggings may also occur. Travellers should practice common sense security measures and avoid venturing in isolated areas," remarked one expat who made the move to 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," wrote one member in Belize City.

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to 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 living in San Pedro Town, 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," said one parent with children at in .

"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," commented one expat who made the move to Hopkins Village.

"That is such a leading answer. The QRP package requires that you bring 2000 us dollars into the country per month. For those not taking the QRP package, and taking up plain residency (takes a year to do) , there are people living on a lot less than 2000 US and living comfortably," remarked one expat living in Belize City, Belize.

"The cost of living in Belize is generally quite reasonable, especially when compared to its surrounding countries. Depending on the city and lifestyle, the cost of rent can vary from relatively low to quite expensive. Utility bills, transportation costs, and food items generally tend to be quite affordable as Belize has lower costs for imports than other countries in Central America. Additionally, many goods are locally produced and therefore even cheaper," wrote one member in 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 who moved to Belize.

"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," said one expat.

"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 living in Carmelita Gardens, Belize.

"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," remarked one expat living in Hopkins.

"In Belize, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and nature reserves. The country is home to many beautiful beaches, such as the popular Placencia Beach, which offers a variety of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. There are also numerous parks and nature reserves, such as the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to a variety of wildlife and offers hiking trails and bird watching. Other recreational activities include fishing, diving, and sailing. Belize also has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants," remarked one expat living in Belize.

"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," said one expat living in Placencia.

"I would be cautious about letting a summer visit determine whether you can get through the humidity. You’d be coming at the hottest and most humid time of the year, yes, but potentially without the opportunity to acclimatize. My husband and I moved to the Cayo last October and temps were still in high 80s to low 90s (with very high humidity). Not pleasant! Now, when we hit those temps, we don’t feel it as we did 4-5 months ago. It can take months to properly acclimate. And we know that the hottest months are still ahead of us," commented one expat who moved to Carmelita Gardens.

"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," said one expat.

"The heat is unlike anything I experienced in the US and I am from Houston (3 digit weather that I loved). Here, the humidity makes it feel much hotter than any humid whether in the states. AC is a luxury and man Americans get AC units here. They are not the same kind as in the states. They use 'split' units," commented one expat living in Belize.

"The climate varies from very humid and hot in the rainy season (June through October) to a bit less humid and hot in the winter months when the temperatures can drop to the low 70s F," remarked one expat living in Hopkins.

"Average 85 degrees year round. We have a rainy and dry seasons. May and June are some of the warmer months where it gets to be 90's," said one expat living in Placencia.

"There are many restaurants and bars in the area. Mostly serving local foods. There are some speciality restaurants like Italian and Chinese but most serve a variety. There is not alot of nightlife as this area is attractive to people that are outdoors types. But there is great local music in many establishments," mentioned an expat living in Placencia.

"The restaurants vary from about 5 star to small family cafes run by locals. The food is always delicious and prepared fresh. Don't ever be in a hurry for service! Bars or restaurants with bar service are open and lively in the evenings -- especially on the weekends. Many have live music with traditional drumming and dancing," said an expat 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 one expat.

"There are many grocery stores in Placencia but the beauty of this area is most product are delivered to your door. For Example, Bakery, Produce, Organic Foods, Water, Beverages, Wine, Beef, Chicken, Fresh Fish....," commented one expat living in Placencia, 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," remarked one expat living in Hopkins.

"If you are looking to have the comforts of the US you will not find them in Belize. You cannot go to a real grocery store and pick up things you are accustom to having. They don't have a large chain in the country just local corner stores found in big cities," said one expat living 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.

"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," commented one expat who moved to Belize.

"Belize has just started the digital nomad program, not a lot of details are available yet though. Basically, many people come to live in Belize who are digital nomads. If your employer is non-Belizean and your funds are transferred into a non-Belizean bank account you will be able to live and work in Belize. You will need to identify your source of income and pay $200 BZD per month for your visitor visa however most people find that this is worth the price of being able to live in paradise," remarked 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. ," mentioned one expat inHopkins 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," commented one expat who moved to Belize.