We are active in wildlife conservation and busier than we have ever been. Our expertise in our fields has been welcomed with open arms, this really is a country where you can make a difference, if you want to, How many people have had two types of endangered species In their car? We have helped capture and transport an injured orphaned baby manatee to rehab, and facilitated the handover of captive howler monkeys to rehab.
My husband advises the govt and the coalition on oil industry matters. We live a fulfilled life, with diving on tap, it doesn't get better than this. It was the best move we have ever made. Like everyone else we have spoken to, our advice is to do it sooner than later, and enjoy," said one expat. As a former British colony, English is the official langue of Belize. Belize gained its independence from the UK in The multicultural aspect of residents and tourists that you meet every day from all different countries.
Conversation flows, and is a constant learning opportunity," said one expat. It's a tourist town, when the cruise ships come in once or twice a week.
So, there are always loads of strangers about town, speaking different languages etc. Most locals are very friendly and welcoming of strangers," explained an expat living in Belize City.
One expat wrote, "I've learned to accept the culture and pace here and even enjoy it. Around noon, for example, many businesses, banks and government offices close for a 'siesta' time. Keeping this in mind, I have learned to shop or do business in the morning or afternoon.
Oftentimes I take a siesta too! I appreciate being reminded that it's important to live as stress free as possible, and this includes appreciating the pace of the culture and not expecting North American precisene. Remembering not to be in a hurry! The day is plenty long and there is always tomorrow. The day is as long as it is light, so there is generally no hurry," added another. We live modestly, eating out maybe times a month and do not have cable stream all tv.
Yes, the cayes are more 'expensive', however, that is in context to mainland costs, not to North American costs. For what you have available, you will live very comfortably, no matter where you chose. The only way to know is to visit here, spend time as a tourist days , then spend time as a 'resident' and grocery shop, cook, stay home at night and see if it's something you can do, and afford long term.
You'll get a good sense of 'expensive' for whatever region you choose to do this in. The time researching in person is invaluable in comparison to what you get in here," advised another expat in a thread about the cost of living COL in Belize.
Now we are debt free in Belize. Consequently, we are fully able to live off of our Social Security, and occasional deductions from IRA's, etc. We are very comfortable on the whole, and do not feel that any of the prices in Belize are too high," wrote on expat in Hopkins, Belize. Our team of US tax professionals has decades of tax preparation experience helping expats just like you and our streamlined process means our fees are among the lowest in the industry.
Connect with USTG. Expats often recommend Placencia on the mainland for its beaches. Additionally, Hopkins is another spot with good beaches. In the US State Department's Belize Travel Advisory it states, "Belize is rated high for crime and has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world.
Gang members and other criminals use violent means to resolve disputes. Visitors should exercise caution throughout Belize, particularly in the south side of Belize City and remote areas along Belize's borders due to high crime.
Crime may occur anywhere in Belize, and criminals frequently target tourists, including those at resorts and on the roads and river ways.
Crime, including sexual assault, armed robbery, and murder remains high and is distributed evenly throughout the country. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. A lack of capacity, resources, and training impedes the ability of local police to effectively investigate crime and apprehend offenders. Thefts of cash and credit cards happen frequently in some areas of Belize. It is believed several credit card fraud rings are currently active in Belize, particularly in San Pedro.
Scams occur in Belize, especially in resort areas. Women traveling alone or in small groups are targets for sexual assault, even in tourist areas. When we asked a retiree in Belize City if there was a lot of crime in her area, she replied, "Supposedly Belize city is one of the most dangerous cities in the world But it only has 60, people in it, mostly during the weekdays.
In keeping with those desires, many say they want to come back one day to live in Belize. They envisage a life a life of snorkeling, scuba diving, boating, and cocktails on the beach. But is that how expats live when in Belize full-time? The answer may surprise you. No housekeeper or on-site restaurants either. Where do you shop for groceries, you ask yourself? I found the six stores in my area and discovered they also sold hardware, furniture, and appliances.
As I scanned the shelves for items I knew, I saw there were similar local products that were cheaper. After trying them out, I found that they were just as good. So were many breakfast cereals. With fresh fruit and vegetables, I found most items in the stores were beyond their prime. When I asked other expats about this, I got excellent advice on what not to buy in stores, and what to buy in local markets.
With miles of quiet, sandy beaches, one can wander for hours — walking by the attractive expat homes right on the beach. There are far fewer condo complexes in Placencia than on the populated cayes —the vibe is laidback and Caribbean. The Cayo — just two hours from the coast—is a great place for hiking, canoeing, exploring caves, viewing exotic wildlife, horseback riding, and visiting ancient Maya ruins.
This region is abundant with rushing rivers, lush rainforest, and tumbling waterfalls. Although the main town of San Ignacio is busy, the surrounding country is open and property prices are very affordable. Expats who move to the Cayo typically purchase a piece of property to live off-grid, or for a small farm—these expats are self-sufficient types.
The cost of living in Belize is two thirds of what you would spend in Bermuda or the Bahamas, the highly popular resort areas of the Caribbean. For a Caribbean destination, real estate prices are still reasonable. Among the benefits are the ability to bring personal goods to Belize tax-free—including a vehicle, boat, and plane—and paying no tax on any foreign-earned income.
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