Belize
What do I need to know before moving to Belize?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Belize, they said...
"Expats should be aware that English is the main language spoken in Belize, though Spanish and other local languages are also spoken. Expats will also need to factor in the tropical climate when deciding what to bring and what to leave behind. When moving to Belize, it is essential to obtain a valid visa and residency permit from the Nationality, Immigration and Refugee Board. Expats must also remember to open a local bank account and evaluate the quality of local hospitals and medical care when deciding to move to the country. Additionally, it is important to remember that Belize is subject to hurricanes and floodings, so expats should consider the risks of living in this area," wrote a member who made the move to Belize.
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"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," explained one expat living in Belize City, Belize.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Belize?
- How do I meet people in Belize?
- What is life like in Belize?
- Is there a lot of crime in Belize?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Belize accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Belize like?
- Is the cost of living in Belize high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Belize?
- What are healthcare services like in Belize?
- Is the cost of living in Belize high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Belize?
- What is the weather like in Belize?
- Are there good restaurants in Belize?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Belize?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Belize?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Belize?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Belize?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Belize?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to Belize?
If you live in Belize, newcomers to Belize would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
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.
