Americans In Belize: A Tropical Haven For Expats

Belize is a small country in Central America, with a population of around 400,000 people. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, including pristine cayes (islands), lush jungles, and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The country has a diverse population, with people of Indigenous (Maya), European, African, East Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and North American descent. While the exact number of Americans living in Belize is not known, it is estimated that around 160,000 Belizeans live in the United States, mainly consisting of Creoles and Garinagu.

Belize has a history of attracting expats due to its tropical climate, laid-back lifestyle, and low cost of living. However, there are also challenges to living in Belize, including a high crime rate, limited access to quality healthcare, poor road conditions, and extreme humidity. Despite these challenges, many expats choose to call Belize home, enjoying the sense of community and adventure that the country offers.

The cost of living in Belize

Belize is an increasingly popular retirement and expat destination, especially for those coming from North America. While it may not be the cheapest place to live in, it offers a lot for your money, and your money goes further than it would in the USA or Europe.

Housing

Housing in Belize varies in price depending on style, location, and whether you choose to rent or buy. A basic, traditional Belizean-style wooden home is the most economical option, usually featuring one or two bedrooms, a simple kitchen, and no air conditioning. These can be rented for as little as $600 per month in inland areas like San Ignacio. In popular expat and tourist communities, such as San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, prices are higher, with a two-bedroom apartment near the beach costing between $1,200 to $1,500 per month.

If you're looking to buy, a modest three-bedroom cottage in the North American style can be purchased for $20,000 to $30,000. In the Cayo District, a 2 or 3-bedroom home with a garden can cost less than $150,000.

Utilities

Utilities are generally inexpensive in Belize, except for electricity, which is quite costly at $0.45 per kWh. A couple can expect to pay around $20 to $50 per month for water and $25 to $80 for internet. Cable TV is available for $30 per month, and cell phone plans are affordable, with unlimited talk and text plans with 8GB of data costing around $28 per month.

Transportation

While some areas of Belize are walkable, having a vehicle is convenient for getting around, especially if you live outside the bigger towns. Vehicle fuel is expensive, ranging from $5 to $7 per gallon for gasoline. Third-party insurance is mandatory and costs around $250 per year, while a vehicle license is $100 per year, and a driver's license is $30 per year.

Public transportation is also an option, with bus rides ranging from $1 to $15 depending on the distance travelled.

Food

The cost of food in Belize varies depending on your diet and where you shop. Eating like a local, with plenty of fresh produce and local dishes like stewed chicken, rice, and beans, can be very affordable. A meal at a roadside stand will cost you around $6 to $10, while dining at a local restaurant will set you back $15 to $25.

Imported foods and eating out in tourist areas can be more expensive, but you can find cheaper options by asking locals for recommendations.

Healthcare

Healthcare in Belize is improving, but for more advanced medical care, you may need to travel to Mexico or a larger city like Belize City. Basic medical care is generally affordable, with an "urgent care" visit costing around $25 and lab work costing $200.

Entertainment

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in Belize, such as snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and exploring the many islands and attractions. However, these activities can be pricey, ranging from $65 to $100 per person. One way to save money is to join with other locals to hire a boat and captain, splitting the cost of an official tour.

Residency

If you plan to become a Belizean citizen, you'll need to obtain a tourist visa, which costs $100 per month and must be renewed every 30 days. After a year of living in Belize full-time, you can apply for permanent residency, and after five years, you can apply for citizenship. Alternatively, the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) offers benefits for those aged 45 and older, including the ability to import personal items and vehicles tax-free. However, this program does not allow you to work in Belize or become a Belizean citizen.

Belize's official language

Belize is a country on the northeastern coast of Central America. It is the only Central American country where English is the official language, though Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect. Belize was a former British colony, and English is the primary language of public education, government, and most media outlets. While only 5.6% of the population speaks English as their main language at home, 54% can speak it very well, and another 26% can speak some English.

Belize is a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages. In addition to English, the major languages spoken in Belize include Spanish and Kriol, both spoken by more than 40% of the population. Mayan languages are also spoken in certain areas, as well as German. Over half of the population is bilingual, and a large segment is multilingual.

Kriol, or Creole, is an English-based creole of words and syntax from various African languages (namely Akan, Igbo, and Twi), and other languages (Miskito, Caliche). Many of its words and structures are both lexically and phonologically similar to English. As it is English-based, all Kriol speakers can understand English.

Spanish is the mother tongue of Mestizos and Central American refugees and is commonly spoken at home by 43% of the population. It is the most used language in the frontier districts of Cayo, Orange Walk, and Corozal.

Belize is also home to three Mayan languages: Q'eqchi', the endangered indigenous Belizean language of Mopan, and Yucatec Maya. Approximately 16,100 people speak the Arawakan-based Garifuna language.

German is spoken in Mennonite colonies and villages. The vast majority of Mennonites in Belize speak Plautdietsch in everyday life, while a minority of some 10% speak Pennsylvania German.

Belize's population and demographics

Belize is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America, with a population of around 400,000 people. The population growth rate of 1.87% per year (2018 estimate) is one of the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Belize is a melting pot of cultures, with a diverse society composed of many cultures and languages. The official language of Belize is English, a legacy of British colonial rule, and it is the only Central American country with English as the official language. Belizean Creole, Spanish, Mayan languages, German dialects, and Garifuna are also commonly spoken.

Belize has a multi-ethnic population, with most Belizeans being of multiracial descent. About 52.9% of the population is of mixed Indigenous (mostly Maya) and European descent (Mestizo), 24.9% are Kriols, about 10.6% are Maya, and about 6.1% are Afro-Amerindian (Garifuna). The remaining population includes European, East Indian, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and North American groups. Belize has a substantial expat population, with most expats originating from the USA, Canada, Britain, and other European countries.

Belize's population is predominantly rural, with slightly more than half of the people living outside of urban centres. Belize City, the former capital and principal port, is home to about one-fourth of the population. The capital city, Belmopan, has a population of 19,931, while other major towns include San Ignacio, Orange Walk Town, Corozal Town, and San Pedro.

Belize has a high prevalence of communicable diseases, and both public and private healthcare systems are available. However, access to quality healthcare is limited, especially in rural and remote areas. The country also faces challenges such as a high crime rate, poor road conditions, and frequent hurricanes.

The cost of living in Belize is generally lower than in the United States, with lower costs for renting or buying property, utilities, personal and auto insurance, and food produced locally. However, the cost of imported goods and fuel can be high due to import taxes and duties.

Pros and cons of living in Belize

Belize is a beautiful country in Central America, with a population of around 400,000 people. It is a former British colony, which gained independence in 1981, and English is the official language. This makes it an attractive destination for expats from English-speaking countries, and it is particularly popular with retirees.

Pros of Living in Belize:

• Adventure: Belize offers a range of outdoor activities, from exploring the Mesoamerican barrier reef and diving in the Blue Hole, to hiking, bird-watching, and zip-lining.
• Friendly Locals: Belizeans are known for their warm and welcoming attitude towards expats and tourists.
• Low Cost of Living: Expats report that their money goes further in Belize, with lower costs for housing, healthcare, and food. Property taxes are also extremely low.
• Beautiful Beaches: The best beaches are found in the Cayes, with Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker being the largest islands. The mainland also offers stunning beaches, such as Placencia's 17 miles of golden sand.
• Ease of Communication: As a former British colony, English is the primary language in Belize, making it easy for English-speaking expats to transition.
• Diversity: Belize is home to people of diverse ethnicities and cultures, including Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, and Creole.
• Laid-Back Lifestyle: Belize has a relaxed and easy-going culture, with a focus on living a stress-free life.

Cons of Living in Belize:

• Crime: Belize has a high crime rate, with a high per capita murder rate. Tourists and expats are often targeted by criminals, and sexual assault is a concern.
• Limited Healthcare: Access to quality medical care is limited, especially in rural areas. While basic medical care is economical, advanced medical treatment may require travelling to neighbouring countries.
• Poor Infrastructure: The roads in Belize are in poor condition, and the country experiences frequent power and water outages.
• Humidity: The climate in Belize is very hot and humid, which can be challenging to adapt to.
• Lack of Amenities: Expats may find that certain comforts and amenities they are used to are not available in Belize.

Overall, Belize offers a unique blend of Caribbean and Maya culture, with a range of outdoor activities, a laid-back lifestyle, and a welcoming attitude towards expats. However, it is important to carefully consider the potential challenges, such as crime and limited access to quality healthcare, before making the move.

Belize's healthcare system

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. The MoH offers affordable care to a majority of Belizeans, with a strong focus on providing quality healthcare through a range of public programs and institutions. The MoH launched a National Health Plan, "Quest for Equity", in 1996, which included an analysis of the major health conditions and determinants of health impacting Belize. This plan laid the foundation for the government-initiated Health Sector Reform Project (HSRP), implemented in 2000, which aimed to increase access to care, improve quality, and ensure the efficient and equitable delivery of care across both sectors.

The public health sector provides care to a majority of the population, with a focus on low-cost services. There are eight major public hospitals and around 60 public clinics in Belize, which remain underfunded, understaffed, and under-supplied. The public hospitals and clinics provide very low-cost and almost free healthcare services, but this often results in long waiting times. A Belize Health Information System card (BHIS) is mandatory for anyone seeking treatment in a public healthcare facility, including expats. The public healthcare system in Belize is available to all at no direct cost to the individual, but a large portion of funding has been allocated to Belize City, where the highest level of care is offered. Outside of Belize City, there are seven additional hospitals that provide public healthcare.

The private health sector provides care to a smaller portion of the population but, similar to the public sector, offers services at a relatively low cost with an emphasis on quality. There are three main private hospitals in Belize, with a total of 100 private hospital beds. The private sector has grown over the years, especially in urban areas, and offers comprehensive coverage, including a range of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities. However, private healthcare facilities remain expensive.

While medical care in Belize has been steadily improving, most expat residents say the country needs more healthcare facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and better equipment. The country has dedicated doctors who offer personal attention to their patients, but the standard of care is not as advanced as in North America. For more complicated medical treatments, many expats leave Belize and go to neighbouring countries, or return to their home countries to take advantage of services like Medicare.

Frequently asked questions