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Orange Walk, Belize

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jul 02, 2023

Summary: Expats, digital nomads and retirees talk about what it is really like living in Orange Walk, Belize. They offer advice about meeting people, cost of living, finding a home and more.

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International Drivers Association
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What do I need to know about living in Orange Walk?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Orange Walk, they said:

"Before retiring in Orange Walk, expats should know that the official language is English, which makes communication easier for those from English-speaking countries. The cost of living is relatively low compared to many Western countries, but it's important to have a clear understanding of your budget and financial situation. Healthcare facilities in Belize are not as advanced as in some other countries, so it's crucial to have a good health insurance plan that covers medical evacuation if necessary. The climate in Orange Walk is tropical, with a wet and dry season, so expats should be prepared for high humidity and heavy rainfall during certain times of the year. Belizean cuisine is a mix of Caribbean, Mexican, and Mayan influences, and Orange Walk is particularly known for its tacos. The country uses the Belize Dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar, so it's important to understand the exchange rate and how it might affect your finances. Belize has a slower pace of life, which can be a big adjustment for those used to a fast-paced lifestyle. Safety can be a concern in certain areas, so it's important to research and understand the local crime rates and take necessary precautions. Finally, Belize has a residency program for retirees known as the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program, which offers certain tax benefits, but it's important to understand the requirements and implications of this program," explained one expat living in Orange Walk, Belize.

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International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Interested in expat health insurance? Take a minute to get quotes from our partner, International Citizens Insurance, a trusted expat health insurance broker. They will provide you with comparison quotes from some of the biggest expat health insurers: Cigna, Allianz, IMG and GeoBlue.
Get Quotes

What do I need to know before moving to Orange Walk?

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

International Citizens Insurance
International Citizens Insurance

Get comparison quotes from Cigna, Allianz, IMG, GeoBlue and more.
Get Quotes

International Citizens InsuranceInternational Citizens Insurance

Get comparison quotes from Cigna, Allianz, IMG, GeoBlue and more.
Get Quotes

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