Digital Nomad Life 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," explained one person living 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," said one expat who made the move to Belize.

"Expat and digital nomads in Belize enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, with an emphasis on outdoor activities like visiting Mayan ruins, exploring the jungles and cays, swimming, snorkeling, diving, and fishing. The people of Belize are warm and welcoming, with a culture based on the belief that the country belongs to everyone. With the rise of tourism, there is a thriving job market for those seeking employment. Living costs are relatively low and there is a great selection of affordable accommodation. The country is known for its diverse culture which blends the many influences of its previous colonizers. Expats and digital nomads can experience a truly unique way of life in the Caribbean paradise that is Belize," explained one foreigner living in Belize.

"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," said one expat who made the move to Corozal.

"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," explained one foreigner living in Belize City, 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," explained one person living in Belize.

"I love Belize, I am from London UK, now in America and we have bought some land in Belize and will be building a home and emigrating soon. We did months of research prior to spending 20 days there and fell in love. Best part is that it is only a 20 minute flight to the Cayes. Scuba diving is a must, I will definitely do that again. And Mexico is so near to us (Corozal) it is just a 20 minute drive to get to the big department stores so a win win. I love the way of life there, only thing I would say is never expect the place you emigrate to, to be and have exactly what you already have. People who have emigrated there with no research have moved back out of Belize as they expected Walmart and Starbucks on every corner, and a good old American food. Research, choose a few places then spend a few days at least in both," said one expat in Corozal.

"Always travel to Belize first before you move here. Never try to make Belize just like it was for you back home... just accept Belize for what it is and enjoy it. It's an emerging third world country.... not the USA, so keep your expectations in check and go with the flow," remarked one member in Belize City.

"I am not sure how long I will remain in Belize because as a single person, it is important that others embrace me as a friend. They are very kind people but getting into their inner circles is a different story. I am alone most of the time. This includes locals and expats," explained one expat living in Belize.

"The Belizean people are extremely friendly, nice and easy-going. Come live and enjoy," remarked one foreigner who made the move to 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," explained one person living in Belize.

"What I did appreciate most: of course, the cheap price of buying fruits and vegetables at the public market, of eating dinner or lunch for less than 6 or 7 dollars. Professional services, such as dentistry work came at 75% less than at home in Canada," said one expat in Belmopan.

"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," remarked one member in Belize.

"The most challenging aspects of the new culture: 1) the absence of the concept of customer service: for example, even a glass of water is charged in a restaurant, mostly Chinese controlled 2) the necessity of renting or buying a car as taxi service in the evening and at night is not there 3)the concept of unexposed Sewers as sewers do not have cover 4)the rarity of night life: bars, coffee places," said one person in Belmopan.

"Expats in Belize often find it challenging to adapt to the slower pace of life and the lack of modern conveniences. Many expats also find it difficult to adjust to the tropical climate and the high humidity. Additionally, the language barrier is a challenge for some expats as English is not widely spoken outside of the major cities. The lack of reliable public transportation can also be difficult for some expats to manage. Finally, expats may also find it difficult to make local connections and feel part of the community," said one expat who made the move to Belize.

"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," remarked one member in 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,," explained one expat living in Belize City, 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.

"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," said one expat who made the move to Belize.

"If you come to Belize on a tourist visa, it’s good for 30 days. If you want to stay past 30 days, you need to renew your tourist visa. You can renew for 30, 60 or 90 days at a time (cost is $200 BZD per month). You can renew indefinitely from what I understand but if you’re planning to stay indefinitely, look into QRP or permanent residency," explained one foreigner living in Carmelita Gardens, 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," said one person 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”," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Belize.

"Belize offers a range of healthcare services, including primary care, hospital care, and specialist care. The public healthcare system in Belize is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare in Belize is generally considered to be good, with a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics throughout the country. Foreign residents are able to access the public healthcare system in Belize, although they may be required to pay a fee. Expats in Belize typically use the public healthcare system, although some may opt for private healthcare services," said one foreigner in Belize.

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

"I first started my new residency in Belize in Punta Gorda. My husband and I loved the area, the people were great, so friendly, and helpful. Great little market for fresh veggies and fruits held almost daily. It is much less expensive in Punta Gorda than it is in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. A fish market is also there. The downside was that Punta Gorda is located so far from the rest of the country as far as other amenities go, visiting Belmopan for governmental requirements. Yes, there is an immigration department in P.G. for monthly stamps but other types of govermental tasks that require visits to Belmopan are an all day or overnight affair," said one digital nomad in Punta Gorda.

"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," commented a person living in Carmelita Gardens, Belize.