Americans In Belize: Where They Live

Belize is a small country in Central America, slightly bigger than the US state of Massachusetts, with a population of around 400,000. It is a popular destination for US expats, retirees, and digital nomads, due to its laid-back lifestyle, stunning natural scenery, friendly people, and low cost of living. The official language of Belize is English, making it easy for Americans to transition to life in the country.

Belize has a diverse ecosystem, with beaches, savannahs, rainforests, and mountains all within a 60-mile radius. The larger expat communities are mostly found along the coasts, where the year-round temperatures are typically in the 80s during the day and 70s at night. The Belize Dollar is the official currency, and it exchanges at two Belize Dollars for one US Dollar, making it convenient for Americans to use their currency in the country without worrying about fluctuating exchange rates.

There are several areas in Belize that are popular among Americans and other expats. Ambergris Caye, the largest of the Belize islands, is a hot tourist destination known for its world-class fishing, diving, and snorkelling spots. Caye Caulker, a smaller and more laid-back version of Ambergris Caye, is just a 30-minute ferry ride away. Placencia, a 16-mile-long peninsula in southern Belize, offers the charm of a fishing village along with modern amenities. Corozal, located on Chetumal Bay in northern Belize, is less touristy and more affordable, with the added convenience of being just a 30-minute drive to Chetumal, Mexico, for shopping at stores like Walmart and Home Depot.

Belize's English-speaking status

Belize is the only Central American country with English as its official language. This is due to its former status as a British colony. While English is the primary language of public education, government, and most media outlets, it is natively spoken by a minority of people as a first language. Belize is also home to several other languages, including Spanish, Kriol, Mayan dialects, and German.

English is the most common language in the densely populated Belize District. However, Spanish is the dominant language in the frontier districts of Cayo, Orange Walk, and Corozal, where a large proportion of the population speaks Spanish. The Kriol language, based on English with West African influences, is the primary language of the Stann Creek area. In the southern area of Toledo, Mayan languages are predominantly spoken.

Belize has a very high bilingualism rate, with a large segment of the population being multilingual. This is due to its small size, multiethnic population, and proximity to Spanish-speaking nations. Bilingualism is common even in more remote areas, with most Maya speakers being bilingual in either English or Spanish.

The country's English-speaking status, along with its stunning natural scenery, friendly people, and relaxed way of life, have made Belize a popular destination for American expats. The ease of transitioning to an English-speaking country and the open-arms attitude towards expats have also contributed to its appeal.

In summary, Belize's English-speaking status, combined with its diverse linguistic landscape, creates a unique and vibrant cultural environment that attracts expats from around the world.

Belize's climate

Belize has a tropical climate, with a well-marked dry season from late February to May and a wet season from June to November. The dry season, falling between February and May, sees significantly less rainfall than the rest of the year, and when rain does come it is usually in mild, short bursts. The wet season, from June to December, sees parts of the country receive up to 150 inches of rain, and the heavy, sometimes wild storms associated with the Caribbean occur, usually in the late afternoons. The wet season is also hurricane season, and while Belize does not attract many major direct hits, it does experience its share of severe tropical weather with high winds and rain.

The mean annual temperature in Belize ranges from 23–27°C, with the coast generally exhibiting hotter temperatures than the interior. The mean temperature in Belize City is about 23°C in December and 29°C in July. The average yearly temperature is 29°C, with the temperature rarely falling below 16°C in winter and sitting at around 30°C throughout summer. Humidity is also fairly consistent at around 85%.

Belize's wet season occurs during the months of May to October, and its dry season occurs during the months of November to April. The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) heavily influences Belize’s climate, with the El Niño phenomenon generally producing warmer conditions during the months of June to August, whereas La Niña produces wetter conditions typically associated with tropical Atlantic cyclones. During the wet season, Belize usually receives mean monthly rainfall of 150–400 mm in the south of the country. The rest of the country receives less than 100 mm of rainfall per month, where precipitation is limited.

Belize's culture

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. With a population of around 400,000, it is a small country that attracts expats from all over the world, particularly the USA, Canada, Britain, and other European countries.

Languages

Belize is an English-speaking country, which makes it easy for expats to transition. However, many other languages are also used, including Spanish, Creole, Mayan dialects, Plautdietsch or Low German, Pennsylvania German, Chinese, Lebanese, Arabic, and German.

Traditions and Belief Systems

Belize is a Roman Catholic majority country with a large Protestant community. The Maya and Garifuna people practice a mixture of traditional shamanism and Christianity. The Mestizo people, descended from a mix of Spanish and Mayan cultures, follow mainstream Christianism and practice most Catholic traditions such as daily masses, Easter, Day of the Dead, and Christmas. The Garifuna people, descended from West African, Central African, Island Carib, and Arawak cultures, celebrate Garifuna Settlement Day every year on November 19th, with traditional singing, dancing, and drumming.

Food

Belizean food is diverse and influenced by its history of Mayan inhabitants, British colonisation, and African refugees. The food of the Creole people, a mix of African and European cultures, is iconic in Belize, with Rice & Beans being a staple dish, often accompanied by plantains, salads, coleslaw, and meat. Mestizo food is a mix of Spanish and Mayan cuisines, including dishes such as escabeche, Relleno soup, tortillas, corn porridge, cochinita pibil, and tamales.

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 private health sector, on the other hand, provides care to a smaller portion of the population, albeit at a relatively low cost and with a similar emphasis on quality.

Belize has a network of approximately 60 public health clinics and eight major public hospitals, with a total of 700 public hospital beds. These facilities are generally underfunded, understaffed, and undersupplied, and patients often face long waiting times. The highest level of care is offered in Belize City, where the majority of the country's 24/7 hospitals are located, including the premier public healthcare provider, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH). Outside of Belize City, there are seven additional hospitals located within the capitals of each of the seven other districts, providing public healthcare services.

While public healthcare in Belize is available to all citizens and residents at no direct cost, patients are required to bear the fees for diagnoses, such as laboratory tests and X-rays. The private health sector has grown in recent years, especially in urban areas, offering comprehensive coverage and a range of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities at a higher cost.

There is a shortage of medical professionals in Belize, with many doctors and medical staff being foreign nationals, including volunteers. This shortage, along with a lack of medical supplies and equipment, hinders the delivery of quality health services, particularly in rural areas. Emergency medical services are limited, with a scarcity of ambulances in remote regions.

The country has been working to improve its healthcare system, with initiatives such as the National Health Insurance (NHI) program and the Belize Health Information System (BHIS). The NHI program aims to provide affordable and accessible quality care, while the BHIS is an integrated health information system that collects and disseminates population-based and record-based health data to improve health outcomes and performance.

Belize also faces challenges in fully assessing the standard of healthcare due to the tendency for individuals in rural areas to utilize non-Western medicine rather than seeking publicly available health services. Additionally, the country has a high prevalence of communicable diseases, such as malaria, respiratory illnesses, and intestinal issues, as well as a high mortality rate from non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular issues.

Belize's visa and residency process

Belize offers a range of visa and residency options, making it an attractive prospect for US citizens looking to relocate. The process is relatively straightforward, with various options available depending on individual circumstances. Here is a detailed overview of the visa and residency process for Americans considering a move to Belize.

Tourist Visa

US citizens can enter Belize without a visa and are granted a 30-day tourist visa upon arrival. This can be extended for an additional 30, 60, or 90 days for an indefinite period, at a cost of $100 per month. To extend a tourist visa, individuals must visit a local immigration office and provide documentation, including a completed visa extension form, proof of a return ticket or local accommodation, and a bank statement demonstrating sufficient funds.

Temporary Employment Permit

The Temporary Employment Permit, also known as a "Work Permit," allows individuals to stay in Belize for up to one year and work for a specific employer. The application process involves three steps: applying online, submitting the required documents, and obtaining approval from the local immigration office. The work permit fee is typically $1,500, and it is only valid for the employer stated on the application.

Qualified Retirement Program (QRP)

The QRP is a popular option for retirees, offering residency to those over 45 (soon to be 40) who can demonstrate a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000. The program includes duty exemptions on vehicles and personal items during the first year. Applicants must spend at least 30 days in Belize annually to maintain their status. The QRP fee structure includes an application fee, a fee per applicant and dependent, and an annual renewal fee.

Permanent Residency

Permanent residency is an option for those who have made Belize their home. Applicants must demonstrate that they have resided in Belize for the past 365 days, with no more than 14 days spent outside the country. Additional requirements include proof of financial stability and a clear criminal record. The application process involves submitting the necessary documentation, interviews with immigration and the police department, and payment of fees. The permanent residency process can take up to a year or longer.

Citizenship

After being a permanent resident for at least five years, individuals may apply for Belizean citizenship. Belize allows dual citizenship, so applicants do not need to renounce their original citizenship. The process involves submitting the required documents, attending an interview, and paying the citizenship fee.

Frequently asked questions