Belize: Paradise Or Peril For Expats?

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer expats, but is it dangerous? Well, it depends. While violent crime is on the rise in urban areas, tourists are rarely the target. However, petty crime is common, and some parts of the country, particularly Belize City, have high crime rates. As a result, Belize consistently ranks in the top 10 countries worldwide for homicides.

That said, expats tend to live in safer areas near villages or towns, where there is a police presence, lighted roads, and other people. Additionally, Belize has a special unit of police dedicated to protecting tourists and expats.

To stay safe in Belize, it's important to take precautions such as avoiding walking alone at night, not flashing cash or wearing expensive items, and staying in well-reviewed and public accommodations. It's also recommended to visit popular tourist destinations like Placencia, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker, and avoid areas with high crime rates like the southern part of Belize City.

In conclusion, while Belize has its dangers, taking the necessary precautions and being vigilant about personal safety can make it a relatively safe place for expats to live.

Crime in Belize

Belize has a high crime rate and one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world. Gang members and other criminals use violent means to resolve disputes. Visitors should exercise caution throughout Belize, particularly in the south side of Belize City and remote areas along its borders due to high crime. Crime may occur anywhere in Belize, and criminals frequently target tourists, including those at resorts and on the roads and waterways. Crime, including sexual assault, armed robbery, and murder, remains high and is distributed evenly throughout the country. Sexual harassment and/or assault of persons travelling alone or in small groups have been reported. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. A lack of capacity, resources, and training impedes the ability of local police to effectively investigate crime and apprehend offenders. Thefts of cash and credit cards happen frequently in some areas of Belize. It is believed several credit card fraud rings are currently active in Belize, particularly in San Pedro. Scams occur in Belize, especially in resort areas. Tourists, in general, are particularly vulnerable to these crimes, resulting in visitors being pick-pocketed, robbed and/or extorted. Women travelling alone or in small groups are targets for sexual assault, even in tourist areas.

However, in tourist and expat areas of Placencia and Ambergris Caye, most expats feel safe, and crime is similar to most tourist areas in the world. Petty theft is an issue, and violent crime, while it happens occasionally, is statistically rare. There are no in-home security systems, so most people take measures such as security bars or dogs to help them feel secure. It is smart to be vigilant about your safety and not take unnecessary risks.

Belize is not known for its sophisticated policing or legal system. There is a low rate of conviction in Belize, and it can be frustrating working with the police if you are used to the advanced criminal justice system in the US.

Healthcare in Belize

The standard of healthcare in Belize is generally poor, but it has been improving in recent years. The country has dedicated doctors who care about their patients, but there is a lack of healthcare facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and equipment. As a small country with a population of under 400,000, Belize doesn't have the tax revenue to fund many public hospitals. However, medical care is either free or very affordable.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the government agency responsible for overseeing the health sector and is also the largest provider of public health services. The MoH offers affordable care to most Belizeans, with a focus on providing quality healthcare through a range of public programs and institutions. The private health sector is smaller but offers similar low-cost services with an emphasis on quality.

There are eight major public hospitals and around 60 public clinics in Belize, most of which are located in Belize City. These hospitals and clinics offer very low-cost or free healthcare, but this often results in long waiting times. A Belize Health Information System (BHIS) card is mandatory for anyone seeking treatment in a public healthcare facility.

Expats are liable to pay for all medical costs incurred in both public and private facilities. Private healthcare facilities in Belize City cater to expats and global citizens, but they are expensive. Medical procedures are also limited, so it is recommended that expats opt for comprehensive international health insurance before arriving in Belize.

The Ministry of Health manages the public healthcare sector and is responsible for subsidising medications, vaccinations, and emergency surgeries. However, patients must pay for diagnoses, such as laboratory tests and x-rays. There is also a limit to medical provisions, so patients may need to travel to a neighbouring country for treatment.

The private health sector has grown in recent years, especially in urban areas, and offers comprehensive coverage. However, it is costly. Many expats also have international health insurance that covers the cost of overseas medical care and/or emergency treatment.

There is a shortage of medical professionals in Belize, with many doctors being foreign nationals working as volunteers. This shortage is particularly evident in rural areas, where emergency services are limited or non-existent.

Belize's pros: English as a national language

Belize is a small country with a population of around 400,000 people and a very low population density. It is the only Central American country with English as its official language, which is a legacy of British colonial rule.

English as the national language is a significant advantage for expats, as it makes the transition to living in Belize much easier. This is especially true for expats from the USA, Canada, Britain, and other English-speaking countries, who make up a large proportion of the expat population.

Belize has a diverse society with many different cultures and languages. While English is the official language, Belizean Creole is the most widely spoken dialect, with Spanish being the second-most commonly spoken language. Other languages spoken in Belize include Mayan dialects, German, and Garifuna.

The ability to communicate in English is a significant advantage for expats, as it makes it easier to navigate daily life, access public services, and interact with the local population. It also simplifies the process of obtaining residency or opening a business, as expats do not need to worry about language barriers when dealing with government officials or local businesses.

In addition to the language advantage, Belize offers expats a range of other pros, including a low cost of living, beautiful beaches, and friendly, diverse locals. The country also has a very non-materialistic culture, which can be a refreshing change of pace for expats from more consumerist societies.

However, it is important to consider the potential cons of living in Belize as well, such as high crime rates, limited access to quality healthcare, poor road conditions, and extreme humidity. Overall, while Belize offers many attractive features for expats, it is important to carefully weigh the pros and cons before making the move.

Belize's cons: Less developed infrastructure

Belize is a developing country, and its infrastructure is not as advanced as in the US or UK. This means that expats may experience some challenges and inconveniences when it comes to transportation, communication services, and utilities.

The road system in Belize is quite rudimentary, and public transportation, while inexpensive, is not always reliable. The roads are in poor condition, and there are many speed bumps, which can be challenging for low-suspension vehicles. Additionally, driving accidents are common due to speeding and improper passing.

Communication services, including internet and mobile networks, may not always be as consistent or high-speed as in more developed countries. This can be a hindrance for those who want to stay connected with family and friends abroad.

Power and water outages occur occasionally, although they are not frequent. Most expats find these inconveniences minimal compared to the benefits of living in Belize. The government is committed to improving the infrastructure, and strides are being made.

Belize's pros: Leisure opportunities

Belize offers a wide range of leisure opportunities for expats, from water sports to exploring nature and historical sites. Here are some of the pros of leisure activities in Belize:

Water Activities

Belize is known for its stunning coastline and marine life. Scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing are popular activities among expats and tourists alike. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world, offers a diverse range of corals and fish species to explore. The Blue Hole, noted by Jacques Cousteau as one of the best diving spots globally, is also a big draw. Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia are popular destinations for water sports enthusiasts.

Nature and Wildlife

Belize boasts diverse ecosystems, from lush jungles and mountains to rivers and waterfalls. Nature lovers can hike in the Maya Mountains, tube on rivers, explore caves, and discover an array of plant and animal species. The country is known for its birdlife, and wildlife sanctuaries like Monkey River and Cockscomb Basin offer opportunities to see howler monkeys, toucans, crocodiles, and other wildlife.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Belize was once central to the Mayan Empire, and ancient ruins can be found across the country. Sites like Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Xunantunich offer insights into the Mayan past. Smaller sites like Lubantuun and Nim Li Punit provide unique treasures and an ongoing excavation process. Belize is also home to various cultures, including the Kriol, Garifuna, and Mayan people, who share their traditional foods, crafts, and music with visitors.

Relaxation

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, Belize offers plenty of opportunities to unwind. Hammocks, beachside lounges, and thatch-roof bars provide the perfect setting to sip on a Belikin beer or rum cocktail while enjoying the Caribbean breeze. Placencia's 17 miles of golden sand beaches are ideal for leisurely strolls and sunbathing.

Accessibility

Belize's small size makes it easy to travel from one part of the country to another. The Philip Goldson International Airport offers direct flights to and from the US, Australia, and Europe, making it convenient for expats to travel home or for business.

Overall, Belize presents a diverse range of leisure opportunities that cater to various interests, from outdoor adventures to cultural explorations and pure relaxation.

Frequently asked questions