12 Tips for Living in Placencia, Belize

By MarshaSellsBelize

An expat in Ecuador talks about what it's like living in Placencia and what Placencia has to offer - the private school, Rotary club, Placencia Beach Club, nearby hospitals, the local airport and much more. With its low cost of living, property taxes of 15-35 USD per year, Placencia offers affordable living with lots of activities for expats.

Expat Life in Placencia

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.

Cost of Living in Placencia, Belize

Cost of living is good. You can live as cheaply as you desire. Property taxes are very low at around $15-35/year US. If you eat local produce, fish and chicken the prices are very reasonable.

Local Clubs and Organizations

I am a member of Rotary that does a lot of amazing work here in Stann Creek. Other clubs in the Placencia area are Diving, Outdoor Adventure, Your Family groups and much more depending on your interest.

International Schools in Placencia

In Placencia there is a Private School called PIA (Peninsula International Academy). It is located in the Village of Placencia. This serves up to High School.

Shopping in Placencia

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.....

Public Transportation

Placencia has an Airport which connects with Belize City. There are many buses, taxis and shuttles. They are all very reliable as they serve the whole country and are very safe.

Climate

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.

Restaurants and Nightlife

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.

What are local hospitals and emergency services like?

Hospital are in Dangriga, Belmopan and Belize City. There are 4 Private Hospitals that offer excellent services. In Placencia there are 2 doctors - Public and Private. There are 2 different Ambulance Services in the area and both offer excellent service. Quality of care in the Private Hospitals is very good. Public is so so.

Recreational Activities in Placencia

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.

Residency and Visa Requirements

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.

Crime in Placencia, Belize

Crime in Belize is mostly crimes of opportunity or petty crime.