Living On Ssi In Belize: Is It Possible?

Belize is an increasingly popular retirement destination for expatriates, particularly those from North America and Europe. The country offers a range of benefits, including a tropical climate, English as the native language, and a stable currency with a favourable exchange rate to the US dollar. Additionally, the cost of living in Belize is roughly 31% lower than in the US, and retirees can take advantage of the Qualified Retired Persons Program (QRPP), which offers perks such as waived import costs and tax exemptions. However, it's important to consider factors like crime, government, and the environment before making the decision to retire abroad.

Belize's cost of living

Belize has become an increasingly popular retirement destination, with its tropical beaches, year-round warm weather, and wilderness and ruins to explore. The Belize Tourism Board has actively encouraged emigration to the country. The cost of living in Belize varies depending on your lifestyle choices and where you choose to live.

Housing

Belize offers a wide range of housing options, from basic, traditional wooden homes to modern concrete builds. The former is the most economical option, with no air conditioning and smaller spaces. Concrete homes tend to be larger and include conveniences like air conditioning.

The location is also a significant factor in the cost of housing. In popular expat communities, such as San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, rental prices vary based on proximity to the beach or the town center. For example, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach in San Pedro could cost $1,200 to $1,500 per month. In smaller towns, you can rent a pleasant house near the sea for $300 to $800 per month.

Utilities

Utilities in Belize are reasonably priced, except for electricity, which is quite expensive. Phone plans are affordable, with an unlimited talk and text plan with 8GB of data costing around $28 per month. Internet access is also affordable, with basic 20 Mbps service at $25 per month, and 150 Mbps plans available for $100 per month.

Food

The cost of food in Belize is relatively high, which often drives residents to shop across the border in Mexico or Guatemala. However, the cost of living is tempered by the availability of low-cost, locally grown fresh produce. Belize's national meal, stewed chicken with rice and beans, is a cheap and filling option, costing $6 to $8 at roadside stands. Eating out at restaurants can be expensive, especially in touristy areas, but locals direct expats to cheaper eateries.

Transportation

Gasoline is expensive in Belize, about two to two-and-a-half times the price in the US. This makes owning a vehicle costly, and repairs can be challenging due to the difficulty in finding parts and reliable mechanics. Many residents opt for taxis or public transportation, which is the cheapest way to cover long distances. The Belize government has worked to improve the reliability and quality of public transportation, with bus fares ranging from $1 to $15 depending on the distance.

Healthcare

Belize offers both public and private healthcare systems. Public clinics often operate on donations, while treatment at a public hospital incurs a small fee and long wait times. Private doctors and clinics charge higher fees but offer shorter wait times and better facilities. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and may provide medications that are prescription-only in other countries. Herbal remedies are also popular in Belize.

Taxes

A 12.5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) is levied on almost everything, except some food and medical items. Import taxes are a primary source of government revenue and can range up to 80% of the value of imported goods. Official residents under the Retired Persons Incentive Act are exempt from import duties on specific items, such as a car, boat, or plane.

Overall Cost of Living

While Belize has kept up with the global increase in the cost of living, it is still possible to live comfortably on a fraction of the budget required in the US. Combining elements of North American and Belizean lifestyles can result in a lower cost of living than in the US. Public healthcare, renting or buying property, insurance, property taxes, and household labor are all less expensive in Belize.

For those willing to embrace the local culture and lifestyle, it is possible to live well on a few hundred dollars per month.

Healthcare in Belize

Belize's healthcare system has been through several reforms over the years, with the goal of improving the standard of healthcare in the country. The system comprises both publicly and privately run healthcare facilities, financed through public and local private health insurance schemes. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the government agency responsible for overseeing the entire health sector and is also the largest provider of public health services in Belize.

Public Healthcare

Public healthcare in Belize is available to all of the population at no direct cost to the individual. However, a large portion of funding has been allocated to Belize City, which offers the highest level of care. There are eight major public hospitals and around 60 public clinics in Belize. These facilities remain underfunded, understaffed, and under-supplied, resulting in long waiting queues. A Belize Health Information System card (BHIS) is mandatory for anyone seeking treatment in a public healthcare facility, including citizens and expats.

Outside of Belize City, there are seven additional hospitals located within the capitals of each of the seven other districts. Together, these regional hospitals provide more services to the public than the capital hospitals of Corozal and Toledo district. There is also a network of approximately 60 public health clinics, with a total of 700 public hospital beds, that provide primary medical and dental care to rural areas. Most of these clinics suffer from inadequate staffing, lack of financial resources, and a lack of equipment and medicine, resulting in reduced access to quality care.

Private Healthcare

The private health sector in Belize has grown over the years, particularly in urban areas, and provides care to a smaller portion of the population. While the costs are high, the coverage is comprehensive, and it offers a range of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. The country has three main private hospitals: La Loma Luz Hospital, Belize Medical Associates, and Universal Health Services. There are also over 50 for-profit clinics and four nonprofit clinics spread throughout Belize, with half located in Belize City.

Health Conditions in Belize

Some common health conditions prevalent in Belize include malaria, dengue fever, gastroenteritis, cholera, and HIV/AIDS. These conditions are often related to issues surrounding infrastructure and sanitation, and reflect a general lack of education and awareness about how they are acquired and transmitted. There are also concerns about potential future outbreaks of malaria, dengue fever, cholera, and HIV/AIDS due to the relatively fragile infrastructure and low population of the country.

Belize has also seen an increase in health problems related to human behavior and lifestyle, such as injuries, road traffic accidents, violence, adolescent pregnancy, abortions, sexually transmitted infections, and suicide. Other key areas of national concern include anemia, malnutrition, growth retardation, diabetes, limited equity in access to healthcare and distribution of resources, and an inefficient healthcare delivery system.

Residency options for retirees

There are two primary residency options for retirees in Belize: obtaining permanent residency status or applying for the Qualified Retirement Persons (QRP) program.

Permanent residency

To apply for permanent residence, you must live in Belize for at least 50 consecutive weeks out of a full year. During this period, you cannot leave the country for more than 14 consecutive days, or your application may become void. To stay for that duration, you will need to obtain a visitor's visa or tourist card and renew it every month until your permanent residency application is approved. Visitors can stay in Belize without a visa for up to 30 days, and you will be able to renew your card with a small fee. This route offers some notable perks, including the ability to work in Belize without a work permit and the freedom to travel in and out of the country without restrictions. If your application is approved, you can apply for full citizenship after five years.

Qualified Retirement Persons (QRP) program

The QRP program offers a more flexible residency route. Individuals over the age of 45 (soon to be lowered to 40) are eligible to apply, and the program also benefits their spouse and children. Members can travel in and out of Belize as they please and only need to spend one month per year in the country to maintain their status. Applicants must prove that they can deposit $24,000 per year into a Belizean bank account, which can be done through a pension, retirement savings, or a Social Security-related fund. However, those who choose this plan are not allowed to work in Belize.

The QRP program provides permanent tourist status, allowing eligible individuals to live and retire in Belize. It offers several perks, including tax-free entry of household goods and motor vehicles, as well as the ability to import marine vessels and small aircraft duty-free. Additionally, QRP members are exempt from capital gains tax on income derived from sources outside Belize and are not required to pay inheritance tax.

The Belizean climate

Belize has a tropical climate with a distinct wet season and dry season, rather than four seasons. The wet season lasts from May or June until October or November, and the dry season falls between February and May. The mean annual temperature ranges from 23–27°C (74–84°F), with some variation across the country. The coast tends to be hotter than the interior.

The wet season sees monthly rainfall of 150–400 mm in the south of the country, with the rest of Belize receiving less than 100 mm of rain per month. The wet season is also hurricane season, and Belize is prone to hurricane impacts as it lies in the path of most Atlantic storms. The country has an effective early warning network and safety procedures in place.

The dry season sees significantly less rainfall, with short, mild bursts of rain. The trade winds blow onshore for most of the year, and from September to December, northerly winds bring cooler, drier air.

Belize's climate is influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). El Niño produces warmer conditions from June to August, while La Niña produces wetter conditions and tropical Atlantic cyclones.

The mean annual temperature in Belize has increased by 0.45°C per decade since 1960, with the frequency of hot days and nights also increasing. The frequency of cold days and nights has decreased over the same period.

Crime in Belize

Belize has a high level of violent crime, including gang and drug-related violence, murders, and shootings. The US State Department advises travellers to exercise increased caution in the country due to crime, and avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, which is known for its high levels of gang and drug-related violence. Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world.

Violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murders are common in Belize, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related, and the local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, leaving most crimes unresolved and unprosecuted. Tourists are often victims of theft, and there has also been an increase in violent crimes against tourists and expats in recent years.

Gang violence is a significant issue in Belize, especially in Southside Belize City, where gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes and clash to gain control of territories for illegal activities. Drug and human trafficking, organised crime, and street gang activity are prevalent throughout the country, and border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence, with criminals active around the border with Guatemala, close to tourist sites such as the Mayan ruins at Caracol.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, keep your cellphone charged, and comply with any robbery attempts without resistance. It is also advised to avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery, and to keep your belongings secure at all times, especially your passport and other travel documents.

Frequently asked questions