Belize: A Tropical Paradise To Live In?

Belize is a small country in Central America, south of Mexico, with a population of around 400,000 people. It is a popular destination for expats, particularly retirees, due to its laid-back lifestyle, stunning natural scenery, friendly people, and low cost of living. English is the official language, making it an attractive prospect for expats from English-speaking countries.

However, there are also several drawbacks to living in Belize, including a high crime rate, poor road conditions, limited access to quality healthcare, and extreme humidity.

Belize's natural beauty and climate

Belize is a country of natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. From savannas to wetlands, lush jungles, and beautiful waters, the charm of this natural beauty can make anyone fall in love. The country boasts over 200 pristine cayes (islands) scattered along its coastline, each surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise seawater teeming with brilliant fish, coral, and sponges. The Caribbean seascape, with its golden sand beaches, is perfect for leisurely strolls, sunbathing, and water activities such as diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing.

Belize is also home to the Maya Mountains, with tumbling rivers, mysterious Maya ruins, and awe-inspiring rainforests. The Cayo region is rich in productive farms and is perfect for those seeking an off-the-grid lifestyle. The country's natural attractions include the famous Great Blue Hole, a thousand-year-old limestone formation that is a mecca for scuba divers. The Belize Barrier Reef, part of the Mesoamerican reef system, is the second-largest and healthiest stretch of coral reef in the world, providing protection from large waves and hurricanes.

The mountains, hills, and large rock formations in Belize are primarily composed of limestone, which has led to the development of many cave systems, including the famous Great Blue Hole. The Maya, who originally inhabited Belize, believed these caves were entrances to the underworld and performed ceremonies to appease the gods within. Today, one can still find pottery, jewellery, and human remains in these sacred caves.

Belize's climate is tropical and humid, with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from February to May. The mean annual temperature ranges from 23-27°C, with the coast generally exhibiting hotter temperatures than the interior. Trade winds blow onshore most of the year, and from September to December, northerly winds bring cooler, drier air. Hurricanes are a threat from July through November, and the country lies in the direct path of the majority of Atlantic storms.

Belize's healthcare system

The country has been working to improve its healthcare system over the years, with the last few years seeing notable improvements. However, most expat residents say Belize needs more healthcare facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and better equipment. With fewer than 400,000 residents, Belize doesn't have the tax revenue to fund many public hospitals, although these hospitals are free or very inexpensive for Belizeans to use.

The majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located in Belize City, including the Karl Heusner public hospital. There are also two excellent private hospitals in the city: Belize Medical Associates and Healthcare Partners. Most expats prefer the better, more comprehensive care provided at these private hospitals. The towns of San Ignacio, Corozal, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda also have 24-hour care hospitals.

Currently, there are no hospitals on the cayes or in Placencia or Hopkins, but the public polyclinic on Ambergris Caye has expanded to offer 24-hour care with a doctor on call. In 2019, Ambergris Caye gained a rescue response team and ambulance called Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR). There is also a state-of-the-art clinic north of the bridge, at Grand Caribe, that has specialised services and more advanced medical care available.

Many expats leave Belize for more complicated medical treatments. American retirees, for example, often return to the US to take advantage of Medicare. Some expats also go to Chetumal and Merida in Mexico, or Guatemala City and Antigua in Guatemala.

Expats who have Medicare in the US or coverage under the Canadian healthcare system typically pay out of pocket for routine care in Belize and then fly to their home country for surgery or long-term medical treatment.

Dozens of companies offer international health insurance that covers the cost of overseas medical care and/or the cost of flying home for treatment. Most expats in Belize who maintain international health insurance have policies with Cigna Global, Bupa/IHI, and International Medical Group. Some expats decide to forego health insurance entirely as the cost of common medical surgeries and services in Belize and Mexico is very reasonable.

Pharmacies in Belize also offer low prices, and in the larger towns, they are generally well-stocked except for specialised medications. Most drugstores in Belize sell many medicines over the counter that would require prescriptions in the US, and they will sell a large supply at once, unlike pharmacies in North America.

Belize has made significant changes to its healthcare system over the years, resulting in marked improvements in several areas, including vaccine-preventable deaths. However, there are still some key areas of national concern, including a high prevalence of communicable diseases, a high mortality rate from non-communicable diseases, and an increase in health problems related to human behaviour and lifestyle.

Belize's safety

Belize is a beautiful country, but it has its pros and cons when it comes to safety.

The country has a high crime rate, and violent crime is on the rise, especially in urban areas like Belize City. Belize consistently ranks in the top 10 countries worldwide for its high murder rate, and gang activity is a significant issue. However, tourists are rarely the target of violent crime, and most crimes are gang-related or occur in specific areas. The US Travel Advisory classifies Belize as a level 2 country, advising visitors to exercise increased caution. The Canadian government advises exercising a high degree of caution, especially in Southside Belize City, where gang and drug-related violence is common.

To stay safe in Belize, it is recommended to avoid walking or driving at night, be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and not wear expensive jewellery or watches. Tourists should also be cautious around resorts and tourist sites like Mayan ruins, as these areas are often targeted by criminals. Petty theft and credit card fraud are common, and tourists should be aware of their surroundings at all times. It is also advised to carry valid ID, avoid displaying wealth, and follow local laws and safety practices.

While Belize has a high crime rate, most expats feel safe in the tourist and expat areas of Placencia and Ambergris Caye. Petty theft is an issue, and violent crime, though rare, does occur occasionally. There is a low conviction rate, and the policing and legal system may be frustrating for those accustomed to more advanced systems.

Overall, Belize can be a safe place to visit and live, but it is important to be vigilant, follow safety recommendations, and be aware of your surroundings.

Belize's cost of living

Belize may not offer the lowest cost of living compared to other Caribbean countries, but most expats find that it’s still well below their home country. The cost of living in Belize is also tempered by the low cost of fresh produce locally grown by Belizean farmers.

The cost of living in Belize depends on your lifestyle. If you live like a local, eating the same locally-produced foods as Belizeans, using public transport, and living in a Belizean-style home with ceiling fans and cooling breezes, you can get by on a few hundred dollars per month.

However, if you have a big SUV, run the air conditioning, and drink imported American gasoline, living in Belize can cost more than back home. A middle-aged expat in Corozal says she rents a nice small house for $250 a month. A couple in Caye Caulker, who own their own home, say their monthly budget is around $1,000.

The cost of living in Belize is also dependent on location. If you want to live in one of Belize’s popular expat or tourist communities, such as San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, you will pay more to live on or close to the beach or near the town center. For example, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach with air conditioning located a few miles from town in San Pedro will cost $1,200 to $1,500.

Belize offers a wide range of housing options, allowing you to find suitable housing for almost any budget. A basic, Belizean-style wooden home without air conditioning will be the most economical option. These houses are typically smaller, with most being one or two bedrooms. More recently, concrete homes have become an increasingly popular option as the cost to build with concrete is about the same as building with wood. Concrete homes are available in a broader range of sizes and tend to offer more conveniences, like air conditioning.

The cost of utilities in Belize is primarily driven by electrical usage. Electricity is quite expensive per KWh, with water, cooking gas, phone, and internet being far more reasonable. An unlimited talk and text plan with 8GB of monthly data will only cost about $28 per month, and the largest data plan with 66GB is $78 per month. A basic 20 Mbps internet service costs about $25 per month, while 150 Mbps will cost $100 per month.

The cost of food in Belize is also relatively high, driving Belizeans and expats to shop across the border in Mexico and Guatemala. However, the cost of food can be mitigated by shopping like a local and relying more on local items and produce rather than imported brands. Belize’s national meal, stewed chicken, rice, and beans, is cheap to prepare and will fill you up. You can find it for $6 to $8 at just about every roadside stand.

Eating out will also put a dent in your budget, especially in touristy areas like Placencia, Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker. If you plan to eat out regularly, ask the locals where they go, and they’ll direct you to the more out-of-the-way restaurants where you can eat for much cheaper.

In terms of transportation, gas is expensive in Belize—about two to two-and-a-half times what you would pay in the US. If you own a vehicle, learn to combine trips to make the best use of your gas budget. The cost of gasoline also affects what you’ll pay for a taxi. If possible, share a taxi with friends to keep the cost down.

Public transportation is the cheapest way to cover longer distances in Belize, with bus tickets ranging from $1 to $15 depending on how far you travel.

Belize's culture and community

Belize is a culturally rich country, with many different ethnic groups including Chinese, Creole, East Indian, European, Garifuna, Lebanese, Maya, Mennonite, and Mestizo. Each group has its own cultural and linguistic traditions, and while English is the official language, many other languages are spoken throughout the country.

Belize's culture is heavily influenced by its history. From 1862 to 1981, Belize was a British colony, which is why English is the official language today. However, the country's roots go back much further, to the Maya civilisation. The Maya were the first inhabitants to develop a distinct culture in the region and Belize was an important part of the great Mayan Empire, which was possibly the most sophisticated civilisation in the ancient Americas. The Maya reached their peak in the 6th, 7th, and 8th centuries AD but by the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, their presence was barely felt.

Belize's nationalist movement, which emerged in the 1950s, played a significant role in shaping the country's culture and identity. This movement coincided with the growth of similar movements in neighbouring British West Indian colonies. The building of the new capital, Belmopan, in the 1960s was a key moment in this process, as it aimed to attract people to the hinterland and promote agriculture as a replacement for the colonial economy, which was based on timber.

Belize's diverse cultural groups have their own unique traditions and practices. For example, the Garifuna, who are descendants of Carib Indians and Africans, continue ancestral customs such as fishing in dugout dories, harvesting cassava, and basket weaving. They celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day on November 19th each year, marking their arrival and settlement in Belize.

The Maya, who are thought to have first arrived in Belize around 1500 BC, have a rich cultural heritage that includes massive stone pyramids, an intricate writing system, beautiful art, and advanced mathematics and astronomy. Today, Belizean descendants of the ancient Maya have formed three distinct groups: the Yucatec, the Mopan, and the Ketchi.

The Mestizo culture, which accounts for almost 50% of Belize's population, is a blend of Spanish and Maya customs, language, and faith. It originated with the union of a Spanish sailor, Gonzalo Guerrero, and Zazil Ha, the daughter of a Maya ruler. Their children became known as the first Mestizos.

The Creole people, who make up around 25% of Belize's population, have their own language and cultural practices. The word "Creole" comes from the Portuguese "criar", meaning "to raise a child born into a family". Over time, the meaning expanded to include Europeans born in the New World.

Belize is also home to a small percentage of East Indian descendants, whose ancestors came to the country as indentured labourers in the 1800s. While the original Indian culture has largely been replaced by the mainstream Creole culture, Indian influences can still be found in the country, particularly in the form of traditional Indian food.

Belize's Chinese community, which mostly stems from immigration before and after World War II, also maintains some cultural traditions. These include the celebration of a child's one-month birthday instead of annual birthdays and the burning of "joss sticks" on graves.

The Mennonite community in Belize has different ethnic backgrounds and religious bodies. They speak various languages, including Plautdietsch, Low German, Pennsylvania German, and English. They have their own distinct customs, such as arranged marriages and traditional dress, and they rely largely on their own community for infrastructure and schools rather than the government.

Frequently asked questions