Digital Nomad Life in Belize

"Belize has been at the forefront of Disc Golf progress in Central America since 2020. There are now 12 courses in Belize most of which are Public and either free or $5 Bz to play. Most courses are in parks or large farms. A couple are located in growing expat communities specifically in Corozal. There are also now monthly competitions moving rotating around the courses. Come enjoy Disc Golf in Paradise," explained one person living in Belize.

"Expats living in Belize can join a variety of different clubs and activities. Options include sailing, snorkeling and other water sports, yoga and meditation classes, extended day hikes and more. Expats may also want to visit the local markets and festivals for shopping, food, and cultural experiences. Other popular activities include golf, tennis, volleyball and basketball. In addition to all of these activities, expats can also meet people in Belize by taking classes at the local schools, attending church, and getting involved in volunteering. People also tend to gather in the bars and restaurants most evenings, making it a great opportunity to mingle and meet new people," said one expat in Belize.

"I have lived a very enjoyable 9 years in the Corozal area. Whoever wrote the other response is a real nay-sayer. Tell me anywhere in the world where things are perfect. If you wear gold jewelry and drive a big fancy car, you are a target. It is not that bad," remarked one member in Belize.

"I choose the San Ignacio area as it has the best local downtown, expats and locals mix well together, the folks are so friendly and the Expats are like my other family ! I found my home, thru Rainforest Realty www.rainforestrealty.com," said one person in Belize City.

"Originally San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, but after 4 years it got over populated and prices went way up. Moved to the mainland Northern Belize were there is less rain and humidity and 15 minutes from Chetumal where you can get low cost everything," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Corozal.

"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 person living in Belize.

"Before retiring in Belize, expats should understand that the cost of living is high compared to other Central American countries, and they will need to budget accordingly. Additionally, they should research their medical options in Belize, and familiarize themselves with the visa and residency requirements in order to stay legally in the country. It's also important to research the language and culture of Belize, as these will likely be very different from those at home. Finally, expats should be aware that the tropical climate and hurricane season may affect living conditions," said one expat who made the move to Belize.

"The Belizean people are extremely friendly, nice and easy-going. Come live and enjoy," said one expat who made the move to Belize.

"Expats in Belize appreciate the fact that most Belizean people are friendly, hospitable, and open to welcoming newcomers. They also value the culture's diverse heritage as the country is a unique blend of Spanish, Mestizo, Maya, Creole, and Garifuna backgrounds. Additionally, expats are impressed by the country's natural beauty, from its coral reefs off the coast of Ambergris Caye to the lush Mayan jungle just inland. Furthermore, many expats enjoy the variety of outdoor activities Belize has to offer, such as caving, kayaking, and bird watching, as well as delicious local cuisine," explained one foreigner living in Belize.

"English is the official language in Belize, yes, and most people here speak it. Depending on where you live, you may find that Spanish is more the language spoken (here in the Cayo, Spanish seems to be more the mother tongue for many Belizeans) though they do speak English. It’s also the language that their kids get taught in, in school. Spanish is not necessary. It’s just nice to have, if you know it," said one in Belize.

"I had to adjust my expectations and standards. (Belizians have their own time standards. "I will be there soon" may mean hours or another day. Very laid back and slow environment. I recommend you come live in various areas for at least a month each then decide if you want to live in this country and where. This will make the transition a lot easier," said one expat who made the move to Belize.

"It was very simple, please go onto the Belize tourist board website and check out Qualified retirement persons package. We had no problem, it was easy, and maintaining it annually is easy too. You can join this program from aged 40 onwards,," remarked one member in Belize City.

"For starters, it is a full 52 weeks, with no more than 14 days out of the country in total, before you can apply for permanent residency. Having any documents in hand before you leave Canada might make it easier, though they will want more current bank statements and pension info when you apply. It makes sense to start filling out the application and gathering stuff together from about 9-10 months. They might even refuse to give you an application and checklist any earlier, anyway," explained one expat living in Belize.

"We got U.S. travel passports and did just fine. We report monthly to Belize Immigration to update our visiting permissions. We also have a pet dog, and he needed health reports and travel documents," said one person in Hopkins Village.

"If you are planning to stay in Belize for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a residence visa. Depending on your nationality, the type of visa you require may vary. You may also need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and supporting evidence of sufficient funds in order to cover your living expenses during your stay. Additionally, you may also be required to provide a police certificate from your home country as part of the application process," said 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," remarked one member in Belmopan.

"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”," explained one expat living in Belize.

"Our first choice is to go to the local pharmacist, who is very knowledgeable and helpful," said a member in Hopkins Village.

"Expats and digital nomads in Belize enjoy the laid-back lifestyle, the warm climate, and the friendly locals. They also appreciate the low cost of living and the fact that English is the official language. On the downside, they may find the infrastructure and public transportation lacking, and the internet connection can be unreliable. Additionally, the lack of job opportunities and the high cost of imported goods can be a challenge," said a member in Belize.

"Carmelita Gardens has been described as a gated community without the gates. Pre-COVID, the community was able to be much more integrated with our closest village of Santa Familia. My husband and I just arrived at the beginning of October, and I have to admit that we were much more knowledgeable of the larger nearby towns of San Ignacio, Santa Elena and Spanish Lookout as that is where we do our shopping. We are exploring Santa Familia more and getting to know it and its residents more. All of the workers at Carmelita Gardens are from Santa Familia, so is the crew that builds the new houses here. That helps build familiarity with our closest village. I love the peace and tranquility of Carmelita Gardens and love the new experiences we have almost weekly. We are getting used to the hotter, more humid weather but still haven't gone through the hottest months of the year. Major dislikes so far are the bugs but we're getting used to them. Major likes - our neighbours, feeding the chickens next door, going for walks with the community dog, having my neighbour's cats come over for cuddles, just relaxing and chilling with the people we've met here, good, fresh, organic food AND food that I've never had before," explained one person living in Carmelita Gardens, Belize.