What are the downsides of living in Belize?

What are the pros and cons of living in Belize?

Pros: No commitment, no financial requirement, flexibility, little red tape. Cons: No tax advantages, no official status, inconvenience of having to renew periodically, monthly fee of US$25. to $50. per person to extend, possibility rules may change, can't work for pay in the country.

Is moving to Belize a good idea?

Belize is a very welcoming country for foreigners, especially those who are done working, and all they want is to enjoy life in a quiet and tranquil atmosphere. The Qualified Retirement Program is the initiative that allows people who are 45 years and above to settle in the country effortlessly.

Is Belize a good country to live?

Belize—situated on the eastern coastline of North America—has emerged as high growth and profitable investment region. It is not only a spectacular vacation destination but is also a great place for expats who are planning to move to South or Central America.

What is life like living in Belize?

Belize is a very non-materialistic place and people do not spend money on items like they do in the U.S. You find you don't need the stuff you left in the U.S. There isn't much to buy here, it is one of the greatest lifestyle shifts that I have personally experienced. Fancy things look out of place here.

Pros and cons of Living In Belize

Does Belize get hit by hurricanes?

In the past, major hurricanes have caused extensive damage, serious injuries, and deaths. The areas in Belize most sensitive to hurricane damage are the cayes and coastal areas, including popular destinations such as San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia on the mainland.

How long can a U.S. citizen stay in Belize?

As with many other countries, Belize requires visitors to have sufficient funds to support themselves, a return ticket, and a passport valid for at least three months beyond the date of arrival. As a citizen of the U.S. or Canada you can stay in Belize for up to one month without a visa.

Does Belize have good healthcare?

Medical care in Belize generally gets a poor grade, but it has been steadily improving in the last few years. Most expat residents say the country needs more healthcare facilities, more specialized physicians and staff, and better equipment.

Do people in Belize like Americans?

You Like Belizeans

As a general rule Belizeans like North Americans and Europeans and people from all over the world. It is estimated that the equivalent of Belize's entire population lives in North America. Because Belizeans speak English, hundreds of thousands live in the U.S.A. and Canada.

How much money do you need to retire comfortably in Belize?

How much money do you need to retire in Belize? Belize is not the cheapest place to live in Central America but with the right planning expats can live a better life for less than the U.S. Currently you can live very well in Belize for between $2,875 to $3,075 a month.

Can you drink the water in Belize?

Is the water safe to drink in Belize? Overall, yes, you can drink the tap water in Belize, although most hotels will provide bottled water, or they will filter the tap water.

What is the safest part of Belize?

What is the safest part of Belize? Placencia, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker are all considered safer areas for tourists. Belize City can be safe too if you stick to the tourist areas and don't wander off alone – especially not into the Northern part of the city.

How much does it cost to buy a house in Belize?

Belize tends to be less expensive than other Caribbean destinations. House prices range from BZ$294,002 (US$150, 000) to BZ$2,156,011 (US$1,100,000) depending on location. Condominiums range from BZ$280,281 (US$143,000) to BZ$772,244 (US$394,000), according to revealrealestate.com.

Is Belize English speaking?

Languages of Belize

English is the official language of Belize, but most of the population also speaks a creole patois, and many Belizeans are multilingual. Yucatec, Mopán, and Kekchí are spoken by the Maya in Belize.

Can an American move to Belize?

You can move freely within the country, open a bank account in Belize and travel in and out of Belize without any restrictions. Best of all, the clock starts running and after 5 years you can apply for full citizenship. Application fees for Permanent Residency vary by nationality, ranging from U.S. $250 to $5,000.

Is Belize a third world country?

Belize is an upper-middle-income country and an emerging economy. Belize is sometimes considered a third-world country due to widespread poverty, lack of basic human necessities, poor rule of law, corruption, environmental issues, and a significant crime rate.

Can I collect Social Security and live in Belize?

Social Security is available for any U.S. citizen, regardless of the country you're currently living in. However, as an expat, you may need to fill out a questionnaire to ensure you're still eligible for benefits.

Is it cheaper to live in Belize or Costa Rica?

Cheaper In Belize

You can live well in Costa Rica for less than at home, but it is no longer a bargain here. Compared with Belize, Costa Rica is actually expensive. You can get by in Costa Rica spending only a little. But you won't be able to live the kind of retirement that you could in Belize.

Is Belize good for retirement?

The average income in Belize is lower than neighboring Caribbean countries like the Bahamas, but the laid-back approach to life, combined with lower costs, makes it an excellent place to retire. When it comes to getting a sense for the overall costs of retiring in Belize, Investopedia estimate around $1,700 per month.

What is the leading cause of death in Belize?

Ischemic heart disease was the leading cause of death in Belize in 2019, accounting for around 49.2 deaths per 100,000 people.

How much does an MRI cost in Belize?

A visit to a medical practitioner for basic ailments will cost about U.S. $70. including medication such as basic antibiotics, cough or allergy medicine. Ultrasound ranges about US$75. An MRI averages US$900.

How is the crime in Belize?

Crime. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. There have been increased incidents of violent crime (armed robberies, home incursions, murders) against long-term expatriate residents as well as physical assaults, including rape, of tourists.

Is there a Costco in Belize?

You're a hobby shopper.

There's little opportunity for non-essential shopping in Belize, and there are no big chain stores. You won't be able to shop at Wal-Mart, Costco or Sam's Club. This is a small country where life is simple. You'll find everything you need, but probably not everything you might want.

Does Belize require a Covid test?

What Are The Testing Requirements? Fully vaccinated travellers no longer require a negative test but must show proof of vaccination for entry into Belize's airport, land borders or sea ports.

What to know before going to Belize?