SusanBelize
Canadian expat in Mexico
Forum posts
45
About me
Canadian
Lives in M茅rida, Yucat谩n
Registration: 29 August 2017
Moving a young family to Belize by Tambennett
My husband, myself and my two kids (2 and 4 years old) are looking to move to Belize. I鈥檇 like to get in touch with another young family who are living in Belize to find out about their experiences. What are the schools like? I work in ...
This is a recipe for disaster. Belize is a questionable retirement destination except for eccentric expats let alone for young families. It is expensive, inefficient, with poor infrastructure, lack of amenities and commodities one might be used to, ... Read More
Negotiating salary and benefits in Belize by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Better job prospects in Belize can most certainly be an incentive to leave your country of origin. Securing a contract with the right salary and benefits for you can be crucial to make your move successful. Is salary and ...
Back in the day I was offered a post with the Belize nursing council to consult around ER/ICU/Trauma care which at the time (2014) was pretty dismal.There were grim scenes at KHMH with the results of serious MVAs with really poor quality advanced ... Read More
Just for fun: Food culture in Belize
Well Belize is not known as foodie central. The local diet is rice and beans with stew chicken, deep fried dough and Fanta. However, there are delicacies such as hudut which has a fish eyeballing you while soaking in coconut broth, cowfoot soup and ... Read More
Why Belize for you? by Yourmama
I live in the Boston area, and thinking about living for a while somewhere warm and much less expensive in 1-2 years when my daughter is in college. My husband passed away this year. So my questions to you good people who are living in Belize: 1. ...
Belize is indeed the most expensive location in the region of C.A. and Mex. This is easy to verify.It is particularly true for utilities,fuel and internet. Commodities are not cheap either unless you buy strictly local products. Medical is very good ... Read More
Just for fun: How well do you know Belize? by Diksha
Hello everyone, We would like to invite you to take part in a knowledge test based on Belize. Find a few questions below: 1. What is the capital city or administrative capital of Belize? 2. What currency is used in Belize? 3. List the ...
Well I don鈥檛 live in Belize anymore ( thank the hypothetical supreme being) but i will take a shot at this. 1. Belmopan is the capital. It used to be Belize City but many complained about dodging bullets and it will be under water soon ... Read More
Safety? in 2019?? by EliseLouise
Hello everyone :-) I need your help please, your honest unreserved opinions. I would so appreciate it. We鈥檙e a farming family of four, from Alberta Canada. Our two boys have always been homeschooled and they鈥檙e 8 and 10 yrs old. ...
GM EliseLouise, I try not to post here too often as it stresses Will. Because I lived in Northern Belize learning basic Spanish was easy as the locals don鈥檛 speak English day to day. Because I know French, Spanish was not hard. You can get by ... Read More
Safety? in 2019?? by EliseLouise
Hello everyone :-) I need your help please, your honest unreserved opinions. I would so appreciate it. We鈥檙e a farming family of four, from Alberta Canada. Our two boys have always been homeschooled and they鈥檙e 8 and 10 yrs old. ...
The stats for Los Cabos, Acapulco, and Tijuana are in excess of 100/100k. They are very low for Quintana Roo in general. This kind of regional variation in Belize used to centre on BzE with gang-gang drug violence. Not so much now. Home invasions ... Read More
Safety? in 2019?? by EliseLouise
Hello everyone :-) I need your help please, your honest unreserved opinions. I would so appreciate it. We鈥檙e a farming family of four, from Alberta Canada. Our two boys have always been homeschooled and they鈥檙e 8 and 10 yrs old. ...
Comparing Belize to Canada is invalid. The homicide rate there 1.7/100k vs Belize at 45/100k. Mexico is 22/100k with Merida at only 2/100k. As for crime resolution in general it is 70% in Canada vs 5% in Belize. In any event I didn鈥檛 leave ... Read More
Safety? in 2019?? by EliseLouise
Hello everyone :-) I need your help please, your honest unreserved opinions. I would so appreciate it. We鈥檙e a farming family of four, from Alberta Canada. Our two boys have always been homeschooled and they鈥檙e 8 and 10 yrs old. ...
My friends down thataway told me about this just the other day 鈥淎n American national and his wife were at home when 4 masked men entered their home. The American national and his wife were attacked.The culprits demanded money and jewelry and ... Read More
Anyone else affected by Atlantic International Bank shutdown by GuestPoster597
Got news this morning that Atlantic International Bank has been ordered shut down by Central Bank of Belize. I have an off-shore account at the bank, and tried to make contact to the headquarters office this morning and no one was answering the ...
There is nothing that Joe says that is inaccurate. Its a poor, badly run country. Home invasions ( aggravated burglary) are popular pastimes Mexico is poor but I have not had the money siphoning, permanent borrowing, and petty theft experiences here Read More
Botfly by hockaday
Is there a botfly problem in Belize?
In Belize, people are the main entree in an insectivora cafeteria. Its not called mosquito coast for nothing. So indeed there are botflies. Plus sandfleas, and mosquitos that carry Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. There are so called doctor flies and ... Read More
What to do in Belize? by ExPatfromNYC
I'm not talking about for a tourist, but for a retired ex-pat. What do you actually do all day long? I am from NYC and used to good food and a great deal of variety in food. Is that available? How is the internet?
Belize is not known for food variety. It is one of the many reasons I left and settled in Mexico. I lived in Corozal and made many trips over the border to acquire edible steak, and all sorts of goodies hard to get or overpriced in Belize. There is ... Read More
Belize airport or Cancun by theBodeuxs
If our destination is Corozal area, which airport is recommended to land at. BZE or CUN. I could then determine if we fly to Corozal, take a bus, or rent a car.
Back in the day, I tried several options : flying to Bze and then a 2 hr 150$ taxi ride to Czl or my preference which was flying to Mexico City and then Chetumal via Interjet and being met at the airport by my regular Belizean taxi guy, or the ... Read More
Some bad news by karenjoe
There has been a recent attack and murder in Consejo - http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/180460 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwVdCmIHykM Very unfortunate situation, and very sad for the husband. There seems to have been an increase in ...
Nope In 2016 there were 34 murders in Cayo, The population then was 94,500 So thats a rate of 36/100k The fact that Belize is a murderous country is not news That expats are now apparently being targeted, is. Read More
Some bad news by karenjoe
There has been a recent attack and murder in Consejo - http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/180460 or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pwVdCmIHykM Very unfortunate situation, and very sad for the husband. There seems to have been an increase in ...
So this demonstrates that life in paradise where expats are increasingly targeted for violent crime involves living inside a fortress Only thing missing here is a moat with crocodiles. Very interesting. Dangerous country with a 43/100k homcide ... Read More
Belize airport or Cancun by theBodeuxs
If our destination is Corozal area, which airport is recommended to land at. BZE or CUN. I could then determine if we fly to Corozal, take a bus, or rent a car.
Here鈥檚 the thing Firefox, with a true Belizer like Will opinions are met with condemnation..eg 鈥淚 prefer Modelo over Belikin because the latter resembles horse urine鈥� reply..鈥� hater,trasher,naysayer鈥� etc The same ... Read More
Belize airport or Cancun by theBodeuxs
If our destination is Corozal area, which airport is recommended to land at. BZE or CUN. I could then determine if we fly to Corozal, take a bus, or rent a car.
Dont know as I rent. 450 usd$ per month for a furnished 2 bdr house with central ac and a pool. Electricity is 40% less than Belize and is more reliable. Read More
Belize airport or Cancun by theBodeuxs
If our destination is Corozal area, which airport is recommended to land at. BZE or CUN. I could then determine if we fly to Corozal, take a bus, or rent a car.
I agree. No comparison. After a couple years in Belize, Mexico is a breath of fresh air. Better food, better roads,cheaper fuel and more efficient utilities, superior health care, and better amenities. It is what it is. Read More
Question about Healthcare Field in Belize by tennyjaylyn
I have a question. I am currently a nurse practitioner. I will not have to work in Belize, but wanted to know if I got bored or wanted to work, do they have nurse or nurse practitioner jobs in Belize? Are they more available than other jobs? Thanks.
I am a retired ICU/ER nurse. When I lived in Corozal ( now in Merida) I did a consulting gig at a private clinic in Orange Walk. I found that the local MDs are as good as any but hampered by poor infrastructure, shortages of equipment and ... Read More
Wishing to relocate from Ontario to Corozal by PolCan
Hello All, Happy, health and peaceful New 2019 Year to All !!! I'm 65 years young woman, recently retired, divorced and empty nested, looking for a nice, warm and sunny place to live. Canadian winter is not my favourite season at all. At this ...
Good points. I do visit Belize now and then to visit friends as its just a few hours down the coastal highway. The best part of these excursions is knowing I can leave. The problem with you Belizers is that you dont dispute the facts and ... Read More
Wishing to relocate from Ontario to Corozal by PolCan
Hello All, Happy, health and peaceful New 2019 Year to All !!! I'm 65 years young woman, recently retired, divorced and empty nested, looking for a nice, warm and sunny place to live. Canadian winter is not my favourite season at all. At this ...
I lived in Corozal for a couple of years before relocating to Merida Mex. What Stan says is correct but my issue with Belize was a relative lack of beyond first aid health care, and that the cost of living is 30% more than where I am now. Plus ... Read More
Suggested route to drive from Brownsville Texas to Consejo Belize. by rayonthebay
I'm looking for suggestions on the best route to take travelling from Texas to Consejo Belize. Most convenient, decent places to stay overnight and safety for my wife. Any assistance would be appreciated.
1. I drove from Canada to Belize without incident. I dont know about driving to Merida other than moving there from Corozal follwing the coast road towards Cancun without issue 2. I found Belize to be lacking in commodities and amenities I was used ... Read More
Re: Breaking Belize News ( NOT Good News) by BunnieMarie
My husband and I were seriously thinking of moving to Belize until we read about all the corruption which involves politicians, police etc. When the very people that are there to protect us have fingers pointed at them as being corrupt and involved ...
For one thing its a question of criminology: the school shooters are mentally ill perhaps psychotic. The criiminals in Belize, the ones caught and who target expats, are just thugs. So school kids in the USA seem to be at risk and expats in Belize ... Read More
Corozal in November 2018 by barthandsam
We will be traveling from South Dakota to Corozal in early November of this year and are looking at Belize as a possible snow bird/retirement location. We like the easy going way of life in this area as well as the access to Chetumal Mexico for ...
Well a few folks I knew there simply boated over (15 min) and back bypassing customs all together. Others worked out a 鈥渄eal鈥� with the agent of no or reduced duty in exchange for hard to get goods or contraband. There was also a ... Read More
Corozal in November 2018 by barthandsam
We will be traveling from South Dakota to Corozal in early November of this year and are looking at Belize as a possible snow bird/retirement location. We like the easy going way of life in this area as well as the access to Chetumal Mexico for ...
I found Corozal to be peaceful and safe. The proximity of Corozal to Chetumal is a huge plus to both locals and expats for shopping and medical. However there is an exit fee 32$bz as I recall and of course duty unless u live in Consejo or Cerros and ... Read More
Life as a female expat in Belize by Priscilla
Hello, While moving to a new country and discovering new cultures is definitely an exciting adventure, everybody experiences it differently. It can be particularly different for women, in both positive and negative ways. What are some positive ...
I did not leave Belize because of fear but for better amenities and health care. I never felt unsafe there though others complained about petty theft and fleecing. I am concerned that my friends there are telling me that there is a nationwide ... Read More
Life as a female expat in Belize by Priscilla
Hello, While moving to a new country and discovering new cultures is definitely an exciting adventure, everybody experiences it differently. It can be particularly different for women, in both positive and negative ways. What are some positive ...
Pithy retorts are not helpful. My friend in Bz posted this elsewhere.. 鈥淛ust another murder in Belize - just another day. The victim will be forgotten in a week - looking for the criminals has already been forgotten. The police are totally ... Read More
Life as a female expat in Belize by Priscilla
Hello, While moving to a new country and discovering new cultures is definitely an exciting adventure, everybody experiences it differently. It can be particularly different for women, in both positive and negative ways. What are some positive ...
As a retired single female professional I lived in Bz for 1.5 y before relocating to Merida. Belize was not my cup of tea. It was very limiting for me as I enjoy conveniences and variety of food and amenities and modern advanced medical services. I ... Read More
looking to move to Ambergris Caye end of 2019.
Merida. I enjoy the cosmoplitan feel and colonial architecture. I am not a beach person. Its hard to spend more than 1200$/month including rent on a 900 sq ft home with ac and pool. This includes a lot of eating out. I found that overall its 35% ... Read More
looking to move to Ambergris Caye end of 2019.
Though I now live in Mexico, when I first checked out Belize I explored each district as they are distinct. I settled on Corozal ultimately. Ambergris I found was too expensive, crowded and touristy for my taste. Read More
Where to live in Belize? by Jcronin1964
My fiance and I are wanting to move to Belize. We have done quite a bit of research. I wanted to get some opinions though. We want clear that clear blue water, nice beaches, we are going to be living on a budget so about $1800/month. We like to meet ...
I used to live in Belize but now in Merida. On that income you would do fine along the Costa Maya in Mexico, anywhere from Tulum to Xcalak. The beaches are better than any in Belize and the cost of living 30% less overall. You dont need a lot of ... Read More
Moving cats to Belize from Canada by afedave
Does anyone have any experience at moving cats to Belize from the Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal Airport ? I have three indoor cats that I would like to bring with me when I move to Belize and currently live in Ontario. West Jet seems to be the only ...
Couple years ago I flew from Toronto to Belize with an old cat in the cabin with a soft sided carrier. But it was American Airlines to Miami and then Belize City. BAHA was fine other than losing my original faxed health cert. He got used to the heat ... Read More
Mosquitos, sand flies, doctor flies... oh my by KeriMeHome314
If it bites, it鈥檚 gonna get me and I know that slathering myself in deet several times a day can鈥檛 be good for me. My amazing community has pointed out several plants growing around my home that I can use to relieve the itching or ...
I found this article helpful...... https://www.sanpedroscoop.com/2017/07/bugs-bite-belize.html When I lived there the fire ants were most unpleasant. Sandfleas were mostly around Hopkins. My waitress friend at Tonys in Corozal acquired Dengue ... Read More
Re: Breaking Belize News ( NOT Good News) by BunnieMarie
My husband and I were seriously thinking of moving to Belize until we read about all the corruption which involves politicians, police etc. When the very people that are there to protect us have fingers pointed at them as being corrupt and involved ...
Breaking news! The GSU ( guacamole suppression unit) arrested an avocado vendor in BZE market. Guys if unu haven't register your avocado trees please do so at the nearest police station! Just ask for the Guacamole Suppression Unit. ( GSU) ... Read More
Suggested route to drive from Brownsville Texas to Consejo Belize. by rayonthebay
I'm looking for suggestions on the best route to take travelling from Texas to Consejo Belize. Most convenient, decent places to stay overnight and safety for my wife. Any assistance would be appreciated.
This is a bit ( actually a lot) exaggerated. When I first moved to Corozal ( I relocated to Merida last year because Belize was not really working for me), I drove with a trailer with houshold goods from Brownsville to Chetumal-Corozal following ... Read More
Newbie Londoner relocating to Belize '18 by antheas
Hi All I'm a new member to 大咖福利影院 and I have to say... in the few days I have been reading blogs, posts, forums on this site I have learnt so much already about Belize... so thank you 大咖福利影院. I'm from London England, I'm married ...
If you have concern for health care in Belize esp with children living in the north offsets that a bit with Mexico next door. Terrific is correct in that there are very capable pediatricians in Belize esp at the Northern Clinic in Orange Walk ... Read More
Belize and children. by lcaldwell1622
My husband and I are looking to leave the US in the next 5 years. We have at 2.5 yr old daughter. We are curious about experiences in Belize with kids or any other South American countries. Thanks so much! I am thrilled to know such a ...
I used to live in Belize but now I am in Merida Mx. I an a retired ICU nurse. I did some volunteer work at a rural school in Belize. I am not impressed with the education system. The curriculum is very dated. There are errors in tense. Sexist ... Read More
Online shopping in Belize by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Shopping online can be far more convenient and offer greater choice than going into shops, be it grocery shopping or retail. Are there options for online shopping in Belize? Which sites or apps do you use most frequently and ...
I bought an electric motorized treadmill at Walmart in Merida. But they have them in Chetumal also. Was 300$. I dont know what the duty would be. Read More
Farming in belize by ska8er47499
Hi, We are thinking to start farming in Belize. Does anyone know how to get started, is there minimum size of land required or any information would be helpful. Many thanks!
I moved to Merida from Belize some months ago. In Belize what I found was that many newcomers reveal expectations of "fresh fruit and vegetables and a "healthier life style" Truly fresh produce is available only if you grow your own. ... Read More
Belize vs. Playa del Carmen by steveh2112
just curious if anyone with experience of both places and has any thoughts about pro and cons of one vs. the other. i notice airfares to Cancun are very cheap, $280 from LA vs. $550 to Belize. it looks like food and entertainment may be a bit ...
It was last April. Heart attack in his sleep. He was 58 and diabetic. He had vague chest discomfort for awhile but ignored it.He was buried in South Carolina. Read More
October Rains by Will The Old
I see the October rainy season has returned. http://lovefm.com/2017/10/23/hopkins-village-underwater/ I will be back in Placencia the end of November, and was wondering how other parts of Belize are doing.
They never compensate for runoff of rainwater on new roadbeds. Belize City is low-lying anyway because it's in the delta of a couple of rivers, complicated by the substrate being unstable. There have been substantial buildings sink due to soft ... Read More
Belize vs. Playa del Carmen by steveh2112
just curious if anyone with experience of both places and has any thoughts about pro and cons of one vs. the other. i notice airfares to Cancun are very cheap, $280 from LA vs. $550 to Belize. it looks like food and entertainment may be a bit ...
Sorry the link doesnt show up but its Yucatan Times. The other source of information for me was an 8 part series written by the late Stewart Rogers called Belize vs Mahahual part one from Costa Maya life. I am not a beach person but that was his ... Read More
Belize vs. Playa del Carmen by steveh2112
just curious if anyone with experience of both places and has any thoughts about pro and cons of one vs. the other. i notice airfares to Cancun are very cheap, $280 from LA vs. $550 to Belize. it looks like food and entertainment may be a bit ...
As per social life and so on...http://www.theyucatantimes.com/ As for crime etc Belize's homicide rate is actually higher than Mex though I never felt unsafe there but I got tired of petty theft and people always trying to extort money for one thing ... Read More
Belize vs. Playa del Carmen by steveh2112
just curious if anyone with experience of both places and has any thoughts about pro and cons of one vs. the other. i notice airfares to Cancun are very cheap, $280 from LA vs. $550 to Belize. it looks like food and entertainment may be a bit ...
I recently relocated to Merida from Belize. My Spanish is limited but the locals are polite and accomodating. Its definitely less expensive overall across the board ( electricity and internet) with a greater selection and choice of amenities and ... Read More