Moving to Belize

"Don't. Come here and spend some time first, find out the in's and outs. Cee if you can put up with the bugs that will eat you alive. Or, no doctors or hospitals for miles. They will tell you if you get sick take a flight back to the States. Check on the duty to bring anything there. It's 100 percent that's why you can't find anything there to buy. Car's are all old and rusted out. You used to get two to one on your dollar, but that didn't mean anything when everything is three times the price. Most all that cheap farm land you see is cheap because it is low with water standing on much of it and it won't grow anything. The cows in the country are all sick, due to blow fly's which you're not suppose to use for meat, but they sell em anyway. Don't believe the hype on this place, and don't listen to me, go there and spend a few months and you will soon find yourself flying out as fast as you flew in," remarked one expat in Belize City, Belize.

"Here's your best advice: No one can tell you what is right for you. The very simple answer is this - 1) come here and rent for 6 months. - you can always buy a ticket back in 2 months if you don't like it (yes, you would lose a little money, but not your life savings). It would be a vacation 2) While here, live as if you are living here full-time (in other words, you're not on an extended vacation, going out every night, etc. - go to the grocery store, the pharmacy, etc so you get a good "realistic feel" 3) Look around at properties to RENT (Don't buy yet). If you decide you want to stay, RENT A ONE YEAR LONG TERM 4) Go back home for AT LEAST 2 months (even if you rent for one year) - clear your head. Don't get a false "Fantasy island / dream life" in your head. Focus on the difference of places and then decide during your year here what you want to do for "life decisions" I always advise: "wade into the pool, don;t jump in the deep end". I've seen hundreds of people lose their life savings by making bad choices (apparently they have never been to another country, never traveled, maybe never seen the Caribbean Sea) and they turn into five year olds, make spontaneous, bad decision and ruin their lives (divorce, bankruptcy, etc.) - "Wade into the pool" The worst case in my advice is you lose a few thousand dollars and you have "a good cocktail party" story. In 6 months you will know whether it's for you , or not and whether you want to proceed," said one expat in San Pedro.

"The best advice I got with regard to what you need to know before moving to Belize is this: Belizean people have no interest in becoming another country. If you come over and try to tell them how much better things are in the country you came from, they will listen politely and then recommend you go back there and enjoy those things. Remember, you are a guest in this beautiful country. Be polite, respectful, honor their culture and traditions, and do your best to adapt to their way of life," remarked one expat who made the move to Belize.

"Look for a place where you don't necessarily need a vehicle. Gas is expensive here. Rely on local transportation as much as you can. We bought a Chinese made truck (diesel) here. Not 4WD but a truck. We live in the Cayo, between San Ignacio and Spanish Lookout. Lots of unpaved country roads, hence the truck. Diesel is a bit over $6 USD/gallon," explained one expat living in Belize.

"The Placencia Peninsula is approximately 14-16 miles long. The Placencia Road that connects to the Southern Highway is about 24 miles long, with the northern most 8-10 miles on the mainland. Riversdale, a tiny community right on the ocean is the most northern habitation on the peninsula itself. A few homes, a small resort, and that is about it. The "Plantation" area starts just south of Riversdale. It is all residential on the sea side of the peninsula, but toward the southern end of the area residences and lots are available on the lagoon side. There is no city or private water supply to this area. Everyone who lives there has cisterns or other water catchments to collect rain water. In dry season, there are people who provide water tanker service to fill cisterns or pools. There are no grocery or other types of stores until you reach Maya Beach, about 15 miles south of the Southern Highway. Between Plantation and Maya Beach you will find a lot of homes, lots, and a couple of resorts, but no commercial activity. Maya Beach is a popular residential community, with mostly homes, several small resorts, a few restaurants with bars, two small grocery stores, and a police station. A few miles south of Maya Beach is Seine Bight. A Garifuna community, and home to many workers from other countries such as Guatemala, Mexico, and Honduras. There are a couple of small groceries and restaurants, a large grocery with pharmacy, and just outside the village some large resorts. It is another 8 miles or so south to reach the village of Placencia (Punta Placencia). Between Seine Bight and Placencia Village there are a multitude of residences, lots, a number of commercial entities, and just outside of the village is the Placencia airport (airstrip). The village is where you will find almost all shopping amenities, medical services (government clinic and a private doctor practice), restaurants, bars, pharmacy, nice beaches, hotel accommodations, gift shops, clothing (mostly re-sale) shops, coffee houses (2), hardware stores, and service locations for phone and cable. I have been living on the peninsula for over 6 years, and love it," said one expat in Placencia.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Belize is to start by researching online, such as through real estate websites or online listings. You can also look into local newspapers or social media pages to find listings. Additionally, it is recommended to visit the area, in person, to get a better sense of the local real estate market and to explore possible options. Once you have narrowed down your search, it is highly recommended to contact the local landlords, estate agents, and rental companies directly to find the most suitable place to live," explained one expat living in Belize.

"My husband and I live in Carmelita Gardens (moved here in October 2020 and rented while we were having our home built). We have a 1BR/1BA house of 832 sq ft including our screened-in front porch and back terrace. Our home was built from Covintech which is a concrete-covered styrofoam-mesh material. We have a 6500 gal cistern, solar panels etc," said one expat who made the move to Carmelita Gardens.

"Expat homes and apartments in Belize typically feature soaring ceilings, balconies, bright and airy living spaces, and independent access to the outdoors. Many expat homes and apartments are brightly colored, often in the local Belizean style, with ceiling fans, air-conditioning, and a mixture of traditional and modern Caribbean-style furnishings. Typically, distance to the beach or any other amenities will have to be taken into account when searching for an expat apartment or home in Belize," explained one expat living in Belize.

"1 bedroom apt. Washer/Dryer, Internet. A couple of steps away from the beach. Living on an island [Ambergris Caye], you are NEVER to far from the beach. Yes, several expats live in the suburb type area," said one in San Pedro.

"The cost of housing in Belize varies depending on the location, size and condition of the home. The average cost for a small, one-bedroom house or apartment in a city can range from $550 to $800 per month. A mid-size home may cost between $800-$1500, while luxury homes and large estates on the beachfront may cost upwards of $3000 or more," said one expat in Belize.

"Housing cost is about 50% less if you are a owner builder. Avg for land and house is $80k US and the ROI after three years is about triple that," remarked one expat who made the move to Corozal.

"MUCH LOWER! Property taxes are around 30 dollars a year!!! Car insurance is less than 150 a year! WOW!," explained one expat living in Belize City, Belize.

"Purchased a home in an auction. It was very easy. We purchased before we were even residents of Belize. To do that we needed a us dollar bank acct here, it was easy to do," replied a member in Belize City.

"We purchased a lot along the sea and had a local builder construct a home for us. It was all done primarily through email correspondence and money transfers. He sent us regular pictures and reports to keep us informed," commented one expat who made the move to Hopkins Village.

"I have lived in Corozal for 8 years+. I came with all of my tools, kitchenware, bed, and clothes. It cost a lot to bring the stuff but have not regretted it one bit. My neighbors that came here with only a tooth brush are always asking about borrowing, or do you have. I am careful to get my stuff back, but because I brought all my stuff, I am the go to person. I did not come QRP, I paid duty on all my things. Everyone is different. If you don't plan to lift a finger, than don't bring anything. If you tinker, work or house or cars, enjoy cooking, bring your stuff," said one expat in Belize.

"We just returned from a house hunting trip & have rented a home near Dangriga (In Sanctuary Reserve deveopment) We plan to bring essentials with us & ship our furniture & household goods once we have gained QRP status," remarked one expat who made the move to Belize.

"If you’re retiring here, bring summer clothes. Raincoat and a sweater are a good idea too. People are pretty informal here, anything dressy you want to bring is up to you. We brought suitable clothes for church but other than some nice capris and a pair of jeans, I’m pretty well in shorts, T-shirts and sandals most of the time," explained one expat living in Carmelita Gardens, Belize.

"When moving to Belize, it is important to pack for the tropical climate. Pack plenty of light, airy clothing with both short and long sleeves to prepare for the hot, humid days. Make sure to include hats and sunglasses to protect from the bright sunshine. Also, good to have include sunblock, insect repellent, and a light raincoat. If traveling in the wet months (June-November) pack a waterproof bag in case of rain. In addition, be sure to bring essential medication, a valid passport, and a debit card or cash to purchase items not available locally. Finally, if possible, pack a few items that remind you of home such as photos, books, or music," said one expat in Belize.

"Wish that I had Brought: Bug spray, bug nets, bug zappers. Wish that I had left at Home: Me myself and I," said one expat who made the move to Belize City.

"In Belize, it is important to respect the diverse cultural backgrounds and traditions. In your interactions with local people, be aware of any sensitive topics such as politics or racial issues. To show respect, you should also be aware of clothing etiquette. Men and women should dress conservatively in public, women should avoid wearing revealing clothing, and the use of profanity should be avoided. Additionally, during social gatherings and conversations, avoid making loud or offensive gestures. Lastly, show respect to local elders by addressing them with respectful titles like “Sir”, “Madam”, or “Ma’am”," remarked one expat who made the move to Belize.

"Losing patience at the only 3 international banks when the Teller Machine was out of service for some malfunctioning and I needed to take out some money to go out and eat," explained one expat living in Belmopan, Belize.

"One of the main reasons we chose to relocate to Belize was the pristine reef, as we are avid snorkeling/diving enthusiasts," remarked one expat in Belize.

"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," wrote one expat living in Placencia.

"Word of mouth is a great way to find a doctor if you need one. Our pharmacist has a neurogist that comes to her place of business twice a month from Belize City. He is a wealth of information. Also, be willing to travel to Belize City or Chetumal Mexico to see specialists. We are very pleased with the care we have received thus far. Most of our prescriptions cost us less or equal to our copay in the US without having the cost of a monthly premium on top of that. We are going to look into getting an international health insurance just in case one of us has an emergency that can not be handled here or in Mexico," replied one expat when asked about moving to Corozal/Belize City.

"Our first choice is to go to the local pharmacist, who is very knowledgeable and helpful," stated one expat who made the move to Hopkins Village.

"Medical care in Belize is certainly not state of the art, but I received excellent care for a broken leg and resultant DVT, all at no out-of-pocket cost, at the public hospital in San Ignacio. I live out west in Cayo District," said one expat living in Esperanza, Belize.