Expats' Favorite Belizean Havens

Belize is a small country in Central America, with a population of around 400,000. It is a popular destination for expats, thanks to its laid-back lifestyle, friendly locals, and natural beauty. The country has a diverse population, with many ethnicities living together in harmony. English is the official language, making it easy for expats to transition.

The Cayo region is a popular choice for homesteading expats, offering productive farms and a chance to experience an authentic Belizean lifestyle. Ambergris Caye, a buzzing place full of foreigners, is another favourite among adventurous souls looking for leisure activities like snorkelling, fishing, and diving. For those seeking a more quaint and tranquil lifestyle, Caye Caulker, a laid-back, smaller version of Ambergris Caye, is a great option. Placencia, a peninsula in southern Belize, offers the best of both worlds—a laid-back, island-like feel, with the convenience of being connected to the mainland.

Corozal, situated on Chetumal Bay in northern Belize, is another expat destination that provides affordable living options and the convenience of being just a short drive from Chetumal, Mexico, where modern shopping options like Walmart and Costco are available. Spanish Lookout, a Mennonite community in western Belize, is also gaining popularity among expats due to its local amenities and small-town feel.

Pros and cons of expat life in Belize

Pros

Belize is a small country with a population of around 400,000. It has a lot to offer expats, including:

• Beautiful beaches
• A laid-back lifestyle
• English as the official language
• Friendly people
• Low cost of living
• Adventure

Belize is a beautiful country that offers a laid-back lifestyle, with plenty of beaches and a range of activities, from diving and snorkelling to hiking and bird-watching. As a former British colony, English is the official language, making it easy for expats to transition. Belize is also known for its friendly and diverse locals and expats, with a mix of cultures, including Spanish, Mayan, and Garifuna. The cost of living is generally low, and many expats enjoy the sense of adventure that comes with living in Belize.

Cons

However, there are also some challenges to consider before moving to Belize. Some of the main cons include:

• Crime
• Limited healthcare
• Poor road conditions
• Extreme humidity
• Lack of amenities

Belize has a high crime rate, including a high per capita murder rate, and tourists are often targeted. Access to quality healthcare is limited, especially in rural and remote areas. The roads in Belize are in poor condition, and driving can be difficult. The humidity can be oppressive, and there is a lack of amenities that expats may be used to, such as large supermarkets and reliable cell signal and internet.

The best expat spots in Belize

Belize is a small country with a population of around 400,000. Its official language is English, and it has a low cost of living, making it an attractive destination for expats. Here are some of the best spots for expats in Belize:

Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and world-class fishing, diving, and snorkelling spots. It is easily accessible from Belize City, with a 15-minute flight or a 1.5-hour ferry ride. It is one of the more expensive places to live in Belize, but it offers a wide range of leisure activities and a vibrant community of like-minded expats.

Caye Caulker

Caye Caulker is a smaller, more laid-back version of Ambergris Caye, located just a 30-minute ferry ride away. The island is car-free, and residents get around on foot or by golf cart. Caye Caulker offers a quaint lifestyle with some modern frills and easy access to the famed Blue Hole. While real estate options are limited, it is still an affordable destination for digital nomads and entrepreneurs.

Placencia

Placencia is a 16-mile-long peninsula in southern Belize, known for its laid-back charm and beautiful beaches. It has grown in popularity as a tourist destination but has retained its small-town feel. Placencia offers a mix of beach and island living, with the convenience of being connected to the mainland. While property costs have increased in recent years, there are still great bargains to be found.

Corozal

Corozal is located in northern Belize, just a 2-hour drive from Belize City. It is less of a tourist hotspot than other areas, making it a more affordable living space. One of the biggest advantages of Corozal is its proximity to Chetumal, Mexico, where residents can easily access modern shopping options and amenities.

Cayo

The Cayo District offers an authentic Belizean lifestyle and the opportunity to connect with locals. It has a lower cost of living than some of the more touristy areas, and the town of San Ignacio is a particularly popular spot for expats. Cayo has high-speed internet and cell phone coverage, making it a good choice for those who need to stay connected for work.

The cost of living in Belize

Belize offers a wide range of housing options, and the cost depends on style and location. A basic, Belizean-style wooden home without air conditioning is the most economical option, while concrete homes are more expensive but offer more conveniences.

For example, in popular expat communities like San Pedro, Placencia, or Caye Caulker, rental prices vary based on proximity to the beach or the town centre. In San Pedro, a two-bedroom apartment near the beach with air conditioning located a few miles from town costs $1,200 to $1,500. In Placencia, a similar apartment costs $1,200 to $1,500 per month. In Cayo, a one-bedroom apartment on the water with air conditioning located within walking distance to town is $1,000 per month.

Alternatively, you can purchase a home in the Cayo District for less than $150,000 for a 2 or 3-bedroom home with a garden.

Utilities are also a significant expense. Electricity is expensive, at a residential rate of $0.45 per kWh. A couple running air conditioning in both bedrooms at night may pay around $150 per month. Internet costs between $25 and $80, while cable TV is $30 per month.

Vehicle fuel is also relatively 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.

Food costs vary depending on location, but it is possible to save money by shopping like a local and relying on local produce. Belize's national meal, stewed chicken with rice and beans, is cheap to prepare and filling. It can be found for $6 to $8 at roadside stands. Eating out in touristy areas can be expensive, but there are cheaper options available by asking locals for recommendations.

Public transportation is the cheapest way to cover longer distances, with bus fares ranging from $1 to $15 depending on the distance travelled.

Healthcare in Belize is rapidly improving, but specialty healthcare is mostly available in Belmopan and Belize City. An "urgent care" visit might cost $25, while more advanced lab work costs around $200. Many people choose to travel to Mexico for more advanced medical treatment.

Overall, Belize offers a low cost of living, especially compared to North American countries, and it is possible to live well on a fraction of the budget required in the USA.

Healthcare in Belize

Belize's healthcare system is a mix of public and private providers. The Ministry of Health (MoH) is the government body responsible for overseeing the health sector and is also the largest provider of public health services. The MoH offers affordable care to the majority of Belizeans, with a focus on quality. The private sector provides care to a smaller portion of the population but at a relatively low cost and with a similar emphasis on quality.

The country has been working to improve its healthcare system over the years, and while it still has a way to go, there have been notable improvements. Most expats say Belize needs more healthcare facilities, specialised doctors and staff, and better equipment. However, the country does have dedicated doctors who offer personal attention to their patients.

Belize has a mix of public and private hospitals and clinics. The public hospitals and clinics are very low cost or free, but this often results in long waiting times. The private hospitals offer better and more comprehensive care but are more expensive. The majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located in Belize City, including the Karl Heusner public hospital and two excellent private hospitals: Belize Medical Associates and Healthcare Partners. Other towns with 24-hour care hospitals include San Ignacio, Corozal, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda.

There are currently no hospitals on the cayes or in Placencia or Hopkins, but the public polyclinic on Ambergris Caye offers 24-hour care and has a doctor on call. In addition, a rescue response team and ambulance called Rickilee Response and Rescue (RRR) were established in 2019, making the island much safer for residents. There is also a state-of-the-art clinic north of the bridge at Grand Caribe, which offers specialised services and advanced medical care.

Despite these improvements, many expats still leave Belize for more complicated medical treatments. American retirees, for example, often return to the US to take advantage of Medicare. Some expats go to neighbouring countries like Mexico or Guatemala for medical procedures.

Expats can also rely on evacuation coverage provided by an international health insurance policy, as an ambulance flight can cost around $15,000. Dozens of companies offer international health insurance that covers the cost of overseas medical care and emergency treatment. The most popular companies among expats in Belize include Cigna Global, Bupa/IHI, and International Medical Group.

Some expats choose to self-insure because the cost of common medical surgeries and services in Belize and Mexico is reasonable, and they seldom exceed their health insurance deductibles. For example, hernia surgery typically costs under $2,500, and cataract surgery can run up to $2,500 per eye.

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

Foreigners have long been coming to Belize for dental services, as the quality of dental care is excellent and reasonably priced.

Common Health Issues in Belize

Belize has a number of prevalent health conditions, including malaria, dengue fever, gastroenteritis, cholera, and HIV/AIDS. These conditions are often related to issues surrounding infrastructure and sanitation and a lack of education and awareness about how they are transmitted. There are also concerns about future outbreaks of malaria, dengue fever, cholera, and HIV/AIDS due to the country's fragile infrastructure and low population.

Belize has also been working to improve child health, and with the collaboration of UNICEF and PAHO, the child mortality rate fell from 11% in 1967 to 1.23% in 2019. However, in 2019, the annual report of UNICEF Belize reported that 49% of Belizean children lived in multidimensional poverty, directly affecting their health status.

Another issue is the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children, with nearly 19% of children aged 2-4 falling into this category. This trend is attributed to a lack of knowledge about nutrition and the importance of a diverse diet, as well as the influence of media and advertising promoting high-fat and high-sugar products. Insufficient physical activity also contributes to the problem.

Recommendations for Expats

If you are an expat considering a move to Belize, it is recommended that you get a comprehensive international health insurance plan before arriving. The policy should include repatriation costs and the cost of air ambulance services. It is also important to ensure that your vaccinations are up to date and to take precautions to protect yourself from potential diseases like malaria, which is common in Belize.

Leisure activities in Belize

Belize is a tropical paradise, offering a plethora of leisure activities for expats to enjoy. From its natural wonders and outdoor pursuits to its cultural experiences and historical sites, there is something for everyone. Here is a detailed look at some of the leisure activities on offer in Belize:

Natural Wonders and Outdoor Activities

Belize boasts the second largest barrier reef in the world, providing an incredible opportunity for snorkelling and scuba diving. The Great Blue Hole, a giant marine sinkhole, is a must-visit for serious divers, offering a unique underwater experience.

For those who prefer to stay on land, Belize's jungles are home to a diverse array of wildlife and exotic plants. Popular activities include hiking, zip-lining, and cave tubing. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, known for its jaguar preservation program, offers guided tours that educate visitors about the local flora and fauna.

Cultural Experiences and Historical Sites

Belize's rich history is reflected in the many Mayan ruins scattered throughout the country. Sites like Altun Ha, Lamanai, and Xunantunich offer a glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilisation. These sites also provide spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.

Belize is home to a melting pot of cultures, including Mestizo, Creole, and Garifuna. Visitors can experience this cultural diversity through the country's food, music, and festivals. The annual Lobster Festivals in Caye Caulker and Placencia, for example, celebrate local seafood cuisine and vibrant street dances.

Relaxation and Beach Life

For those seeking relaxation, Belize's islands and beaches offer the perfect setting. Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker are popular choices, known for their laid-back atmosphere and beautiful sandy beaches. Visitors can unwind under the sun, enjoy cocktails at beachside bars, or participate in water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

Belize also offers a range of accommodations to enhance your stay, from luxury resorts to cosy beachfront cottages. Many of these places offer spa services, yoga classes, and wellness retreats, ensuring your vacation is as relaxing as it is exciting.

Leisure Activities in Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda, a small town in the southernmost part of Belize, offers a robust Maya influence and a laid-back lifestyle. Expats in Punta Gorda often congregate at the local market and small cafes, and engage in leisure activities such as birding, kayaking, and fishing. As Punta Gorda is quite a quiet place, many expats also involve themselves in volunteer work within the community.

Frequently asked questions