Belize: A Tropical Paradise For Expatriates?

Belize is a beautiful country in Central America, with a Caribbean climate and a culturally diverse and rich heritage. It is a popular destination for expats, particularly retirees, from the US, Canada, and Europe.

The climate is tropical, with a dry season from February to May, and a rainy season from June to November. The temperature rarely drops below 70°F, and the average is around 80°F.

Belize is an English-speaking nation, which makes the transition to expat life easier. The Belizean people are welcoming and friendly, with roots in Mayan, Kriol, East Indian, Garifuna, and Mestizo cultures. The country has a laid-back, island-style vibe, with palm trees, dense jungle, and a sizable reef-protected sea area.

The cost of living is generally lower than in the US or UK, with the exception of some food and fuel costs. The country has a stable currency, with a simple exchange rate of two Belize Dollars for one US Dollar.

There are some challenges to life in Belize, including a lack of advanced medical care, a high crime rate in some areas, and the occasional hurricane. The infrastructure is also less developed, with occasional power and water outages, and poor road conditions.

However, for those willing to embrace the rustic charm of Belize, it can be a wonderful place to live or retire.

Belize's climate and weather

Belize has a tropical climate, with a wet season lasting from May to October or November, and a dry season from November or February to May. The country has an average annual temperature of 84°F (29°C), with the hottest temperatures found on the coast. The temperature rarely falls below 60°F (16°C) in winter, while in summer the mercury sits at around 86°F (30°C). The climate is cooled by coastal sea breezes and the large areas of jungle and rainforest. Evenings are also mild, with temperatures rarely falling below 70°F (21°C) in January.

The wet season sees parts of the country receive up to 150 inches of rain, with heavy storms associated with the Caribbean. The wet season is also hurricane season, and Belize lies in the direct path of the majority of Atlantic storms. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) heavily influences Belize’s climate, with the El Niño phenomenon generally producing warmer conditions from June to August, and La Niña producing wetter conditions.

Belize's climate is changing. Mean annual temperatures have increased by 0.45°C since 1960, and the frequency of hot days and nights has increased by 67 days per year. The frequency of cold days and nights has decreased by 21 days per year over the same period.

The pros and cons of Belize's healthcare system

Pros

• Belize has both public and private healthcare systems, overseen by the Ministry of Health, which aim to provide affordable care to the majority of Belizeans.
• Public healthcare is free for all residents and citizens of Belize, including expats with a residency visa.
• Private healthcare is more affordable than in the US and Europe.
• Doctors are dedicated and caring, offering personal attention to their patients.
• The country has been working to improve its healthcare system, with a focus on increasing access, improving quality, and ensuring efficient and equitable delivery of care.
• Belize has a strong cultural diversity, with English as the official language, making it easier for English-speaking expats to settle in.
• The cost of living in Belize is generally lower than in the US or UK, including the cost of medical services.

Cons

• The healthcare system in Belize does not meet the standards of North America or the European Union.
• The country lacks adequate funding to support a large number of public hospitals, resulting in understaffing, lack of specialised physicians, and insufficient equipment.
• There is a shortage of medical professionals, with many doctors being foreign nationals working as volunteers.
• Medical supplies and equipment are limited, especially in rural areas, impacting the quality of healthcare services.
• The public healthcare system often results in long waiting times due to high demand and limited resources.
• The quality of care varies across the country, with some hospitals offering more advanced services than others.
• For severe or specific medical conditions, the treatment options may be limited.
• Cancer treatment is basic, and there is no resident oncologist or facility for radiation therapy in Belize.
• The system falls short in the area of reproductive health, fulfilling only 63.2% of what is expected based on the country's income.

Belize's visa and residency options

Belize offers a range of visa and residency options, making it an attractive prospect for those looking to visit, escape cold winters, or settle permanently.

Tourist Visa

The most common temporary visa is the 30-day tourist visa, which can be extended indefinitely at any local immigration office for up to three months at a cost of $100 per month. This visa is ideal for those looking to test out Belize as a potential new home or for those escaping cold winters for a few months.

Temporary Employment Permit (Work Permit)

If you plan to work or start a business in Belize, you must apply for a Temporary Employment Permit. This visa is valid for up to one year and allows you to work for a specific employer. The application process is done online and requires a long list of documents, including a police report from your local law enforcement agency. The fee for this permit is usually $1,500.

Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)

The QRP is a residency option for those over 45 who can demonstrate a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000. This program offers easy entry and exit from Belize, duty-free importation of personal items, vehicles, boats, and light aircraft, and a requirement to spend at least 30 days in Belize annually. The fees for this program include a $150 application fee, $1,000 for the applicant, $750 for each dependent, and $200 per person for ID cards. The annual renewal fee is $25 per person.

Permanent Residency

Permanent residency is for those who have made Belize their home. This option allows you to work for yourself or any employer in Belize. To apply, you must show proof of living in Belize for 365 days with no more than 14 days spent out of the country. You must also demonstrate financial stability and a clean criminal record. The application process is paperwork-intensive and can take over a year to complete. The cost for US citizens is $1,000 per person.

Citizenship

After being a permanent resident for at least five years, you may qualify for Belizean citizenship. During those five years, you cannot have spent more than 30 consecutive days or three months out of the country in any given year. The application process involves submitting the required documents, attending an interview, and paying a $150 citizenship fee.

Belize offers a range of visa and residency options to suit different needs, whether you're looking for a temporary stay or a permanent home. Each option has its own eligibility requirements and benefits, so it's important to choose the one that best fits your situation.

The cost of living in Belize

Belize is often described as an affordable place to live, with a low cost of living compared to other countries in the region and further afield. However, the cost of living in Belize varies depending on your lifestyle and location.

Housing

The type of property and its location will have a significant impact on the cost of living in Belize. A basic, traditional Belizean-style wooden home is the most economical option, while concrete homes are becoming increasingly popular and tend to be larger and include air conditioning.

Monthly rental prices vary depending on proximity to the beach or the town centre. For example, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach in San Pedro costs $1,200 to $1,500, while a one-bedroom apartment on the water in Cayo is $1,000 per month.

It is also possible to purchase a home in Belize. A two- or three-bedroom home with a garden in the Cayo District can cost less than $150,000.

Utilities

Utilities are a significant cost of living in Belize, particularly electricity, which is charged at a residential rate of $0.45 per kWh. A couple living in a two-bedroom home without air conditioning can expect to pay around $50 per month, while running air conditioning units in both bedrooms can increase this to $150 per month.

Internet costs range from $25 to $80 for speeds sufficient for emailing, streaming, and Netflix. Cable TV is available for $30 per month, and city water is inexpensive, with some areas offering rainwater catchment as an alternative.

Transport

Belize has high fuel prices, with gasoline costing between $5 and $7 per gallon. Vehicle insurance, licenses, and fuel can add up, with third-party insurance costing around $250 per year, vehicle licenses costing $100 per year, and driver's licenses costing $30 per year.

Public transportation is the cheapest way to cover longer distances, with bus travel costing between $1 and $15 depending on the distance travelled.

Food

The cost of food in Belize varies depending on the type of food and where it is purchased. Local shops and markets offer more affordable options than imported brands, and eating out in tourist areas can be expensive. A meal at a roadside stand costs around $6 to $8, while dinner at a local restaurant is approximately $15 to $25.

Healthcare

Healthcare costs in Belize are generally lower than in the United States, and many expats choose to pay out of pocket rather than purchasing insurance. A visit to an "urgent care" clinic might cost $25, while more advanced lab work can cost around $200. For more advanced medical treatment, many people travel to Mexico, where the standard of care is higher and costs are still lower than in the US.

Other Costs

Other costs to consider when living in Belize include phone plans, which range from $28 for unlimited talk and text with 8 GB of data to $78 for 66 GB of data.

Socialising is a popular activity among expats, and a meal at a local restaurant costs around $15 to $25. There are also plenty of opportunities for activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, and fishing, which can cost between $65 and $100 per person.

Overall

Overall, the cost of living in Belize is significantly lower than in the United States, with some expats reporting living comfortably on a fraction of their previous budget. However, the cost of living can vary depending on lifestyle choices and the location within the country.

Belize's culture and people

Belize is a melting pot of different cultures, including Mestizo, Creole, Maya, Garifuna, and Spanish, resulting in a rich and diverse way of life. The official language is English, a legacy of its British colonial past, while Spanish is a close second.

Belizeans are known for their warm-hearted and friendly nature. It's easy to strike up a conversation with the locals, who are always ready to help. Their laid-back lifestyle is contagious and may make you feel more relaxed from the day you arrive.

Belizeans love to celebrate, and the calendar is filled with festivities, from the vibrant Carnival in September to the Lobster Fest in June and July. Many of these celebrations highlight the country's diverse cultural heritage.

Belize's cultural diversity shines through in its cuisine. Try the traditional Rice and Beans or the Mayan-influenced Pibil (pork marinated in citrus and achiote, then slow-cooked in banana leaves).

Belize also has a rich tradition of music and arts, heavily influenced by the Garifuna culture. Punta Rock, a fusion of traditional Punta music with modern influences, is especially popular.

However, it's important to remember that cultural practices can vary between different parts of Belize.

Family life is an important aspect of the culture, and children are raised in extended family groups. Belize is predominantly a Christian nation, with a large number of ethnic groups, including Mayans, Creoles, and Garifuna. Europeans have also made the country their home, and the nation is very welcoming to immigrants.

The nation is multi-ethnic and is populated with a mix of European, African, Asian, and Amerindian people. As a result, the culture is an eclectic mix where diversity is celebrated. There are plenty of public holidays to celebrate the nation's heritage, including Baron Bliss Day, Independence Day, and Carnival time.

The vibrant daily life in Belize includes a wide and ranging mix of leisure activities such as cycling, football, and basketball. Music is also a big part of Belizean culture, with traditional and modern blends of music to enjoy across the country.

The cuisine is largely a result of the amalgamation of the country's mix of ethnic backgrounds and is similar to Mexican and Caribbean food but with a distinctly European style.

Frequently asked questions