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Placencia, Belize

Pros and Cons of Living in Placencia

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Jun 27, 2023

Summary: The pros of living in Placencia, Belize include its stunning natural beauty, its laid-back atmosphere, and its close proximity to the Caribbean Sea. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low and the local culture is vibrant and welcoming. On the other hand, the infrastructure in Placencia is not as developed as in other parts of Belize, and the weather can be quite hot and humid. Additionally, the local economy is largely dependent on tourism, which can be unpredictable.

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What are the pros and cons of living in Placencia?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Placencia responded:

"We were in Placencia for about 3 months while we were property shopping. Can't say I liked it much. Some great restaurants, great beach shoreline but I find the village hot. Just the way the buildings are laid out inhibits the breeze making the place feel hotter than it may actually be. I couldn't find clothes for people who are not on vacation which means a trip off the peninsula. And the peninsula has over 40 obstacles that are meant to slow you down. Speed bumps, rumble strips, etc. I get why they are there and for somebody who was going off the peninsula every few days those obstacles became a royal pain in the ... There is no immigration office in Placencia so it's either an hour long drive up and around to Independence or a 15 minute boat ride over to Independence every month," said one expat in living in Placencia, Belize.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Placencia, often like the laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and warm weather. They appreciate the friendly and welcoming local community, as well as the relatively low cost of living compared to other popular expat destinations. The availability of fresh seafood and local produce is also a plus for many. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may dislike the limited availability of certain goods and services, as well as the sometimes slow and unreliable internet connection. The lack of public transportation and the need for a car to get around can also be a downside for some. Additionally, the humid climate and presence of bugs and mosquitoes can be bothersome for those not used to tropical environments," wrote one expat in Placencia.

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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.

Placencia, Belize

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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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Get a quote for international health insurance from our partner, William Russell.
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