DnBR
American looking for information about Belize
Forum posts
39
About me
American
Registration: 10 November 2022
Bank Accounts in Belize by travelbeat
Just tried this morning to open a bank account with the Belize Bank in SP and was informed that there are some criteria that need to be fulfilled to open one:Valid PassportSecond ID - Valid Driver's License Utility bill not older than three months ...
Just so you know, it is going to take a lot of back and forth before a bank will open an account for a non-Belizean. It can be done. Atlantic said they wouldn't even let me apply for an account until my work permit was completed. After I had it and ... Read More
Mennonite homes by Alextiluna
Hello,I am looking to buy a simple 1 - 2 bedroom pre-fab home from one of the Mennonite builders in Spanish Lookout. First, I know that some of the builders offer options of metal siding. Is this a good option or should I stick with wood? I know ...
We toured Linda Vista. It's owned by Pletts, I believe. I was impressed by the quality, and also the beauty of the woods they use. We decided to go with a concrete home instead, nothing against the Mennonite homes, except they're necessarily limited ... Read More
Building a tiny home by Mysail2yours
Looking to purchase property and secret beach wanting to know if there鈥檚 anyone on island who does tiny homes if so, can they pass along an email or a phone number thank you
@travelbeatI do see the point you're making. I would add that there's a lot of tiny homes in Belize, just not "Tiny Homes鈩�" like you see on youtube. We're in a Cayo village and there's plenty of 200 sq ft or smaller dwellings. A cost-savings ... Read More
Amish or Belizean Sawmills near Dangriga? by travelbeat
HiI am about to budget my own-built house near Dangriga and looking for some recommendations of nearby Sawmills or Lumber Stores for building lumber. I guess there are some in Belmopan and Spanish Lookout, but I don't want to miss a close-by sawmill ...
Wo said you cant build a concrete buildin on stilts? LOL -@TexItalianYeah. Drive around and you'll see plenty of examples. Our home is concrete and a full floor elevated so the ground floor has normal ceiling height. Read More
process to get an internet provider and cell phone provider by Hero0947
Hello everyone, My name is Helene - Canadian who would llike to move to Placiencia.聽 what is the process to get an聽 internet provider and cell phone聽 provider once I聽 land at the airport
We went with Smart. Both they and Digi (possibly others) sell tourist SIM cards for pretty cheap. You get a SIM and a temporary local number so you can use navigation, make calls, etc. I used to live in the north west of the USA, pretty rural. The ... Read More
Teaching in Belize by lisajmy
Are Special Education teachers needed in Belize?
I don't know specifically. In ge neral, it is possible but not easy to get permission to work in a foreign country. Belize is like every other country in that respect. They want to be sure good jobs go to Belizeans.I have an employment visa. It was ... Read More
Platform for apartment rentals in San Pedro by travelbeat
Hi all.Just planning my November 2024 to March 2025 winter stay in San Pedro this year. Despite my search I couldn't find a online platform where I can look for a 1-2 bedroom apartment to rent (at locals houses not luxury expat homes) in the ...
We had better luck using Facebook and found a "normal" rental not intended for tourists. We're near Belmopan. I don't know Ambergris Caye, but suspect there's similar. There's no way locals would pay the kinds of prices you see for tourist/expat ... Read More
Pets in Belize by dragonlore2767
We are planning on traveling to Belize in the next few months with our 3 small dogs. We have tried getting information but are confused as to what is necessary and when. Does anyone have any insight on this matter? Is it safe for small dogs in the ...
That's good to know. I was told by a BAHA agent it didn't matter what shot you get, it's gotta be a new one every 12 months. It's not the first time finding different answers from different gov't experts. Read More
Renewal of monthly visa for residency purposes by mcforte
For those familiar with the process of renewing your 1-month visa, for 11 months, before applying for residency, I had a couple of questions--I am trying to almost visualize the process.When you go to renew your visa, is it a simple, ...
I think most of the Qs have answers.As far as date, if you go for a stamp early, you will "lose" credit for those dates. So for efficiency, you want it to be right on time. If you go a day over, you'll be scolded but not deported or anything.For us, ... Read More
Internet and cel phone provider by Hero0947
Which provider do you use
We're with Smart for both cell and home internet. Really good up-time, considering. I wish the power and water were as reliable.We also have a Tello phone with a US number. It only works over WiFi, but was our solution to have a US phone when we ... Read More
Considering moving to Belize by lannerath
Hello,My husband and I are Americans currently living in the US. We are considering moving to Belize depending on the results of the November election. If we do this, it wouldn't be until next year. We would like accurate information about living ...
@travelbeatI think you're mistaking what I meant. Belize is awesome. I would not cheer to see big chains come in from north America. My point was the government is heavily wrapped in red-tape and corrupt self-servers, to the point even big corps ... Read More
Small overseas shipping by mistercouldbe
I see lots of information concerning shipping large containers of goods from the USA to Belize. Is there a company who specializes in shipping small amounts? By small I mean the contents of a 5'X5' storage unit in the US. I'm sure UPS and others ...
Joseph Freight, Arrow Freight. There's a few choices and levels of service. I'd suggest go with one that has a location near you. Read More
Considering moving to Belize by lannerath
Hello,My husband and I are Americans currently living in the US. We are considering moving to Belize depending on the results of the November election. If we do this, it wouldn't be until next year. We would like accurate information about living ...
Jobs are tough for immigrants anywhere. Belize is no exception, unless you're from one of the Caricom group of nations. If you have extraordinary credentials, there may be a spot for you, but in general you either need to create your own job (as a ... Read More
Pets in Belize by dragonlore2767
We are planning on traveling to Belize in the next few months with our 3 small dogs. We have tried getting information but are confused as to what is necessary and when. Does anyone have any insight on this matter? Is it safe for small dogs in the ...
If you hope to return the pets to the US, please check into the reqs and regs to import a dog from Belize. The US has a reputation of being defensive about its border.I live in Cayo, but have spent a few days with my dogs in/around Corozal. It was ... Read More
Can we buy a golf cart without residency? by elizabethinafrica
We own a condo on Ambergris Caye and have been coming to Belize for over ten years. The QRP program and residency requirements require that we live in Belize a full year (minus 14 days) which seems challenging. However, we want to buy a golf cart ...
I'm not on la Isla bonita, but I've heard they were restricting golf cart imports bc there's so many already.For Visa, you should be able to do a few months at a time. Still expensive.My own experience was once I got out of tourist visa status, ... Read More
Government lease land by travelbeat
Hi allJust a general question. Does the Belize government occasionally allows certain government/public land as leasable or open for purchase (beside those lots, properties that are on the real estate markets)? I find very limited lots for sale on ...
@travelbeatI do see a lot on FB marketplace, fsbo and agent's listings.It's interesting to hear that a MLS is being worked on. I hope it flourishes. Read More
Government lease land by travelbeat
Hi allJust a general question. Does the Belize government occasionally allows certain government/public land as leasable or open for purchase (beside those lots, properties that are on the real estate markets)? I find very limited lots for sale on ...
I believe point 2 has the most complete set of listings. If you know where you want the property to be, it'll help to get in contact with a good agent. Since there's no MLS, they can only show property listed by their agency.We bought and had a good ... Read More
Wages for American carpenters coming to Belize or mainland coast. by Bleau
My long term lover and I have farm in Lampasas, TX, were semi retired, hes master carpenter, I assist. We crave the slower beach life, warm year round weather, gentle people. I make $2500. US/mo but we like to work besides. I'm wanting to know ...
@BleauOfficially, there are building codes to follow. The plans need to be stamped by an engineer or architect in Belize, and submitted to the CBA, unless it's a small 1 story home. The PUC needs to sign off on the electrical plans, too, assuming ... Read More
Driving to Belize through Mexico Suggestions? Advise? by bylsma carol
Hello Folks, Has anyone done this and would you have recommendations. I am an older single woman with two dogs. I'd drive there so I have a car and can transport some household items. The plan is a permanent move. Thanks, Carol B Dolores, ...
I drove pickup and trailer from Laredo last summer. The state police took all our pesos at a roadblock. I suggest carry little cash, use credit card instead.Note that customs at Corozal are only open for banker's hours M-F. Read More
I'm curious if I can work in Belize ? by mistercouldbe
I'm curious if I can work in Belize, nothing major, just play music in some places occasionally or help out here and there with side gigs. From what I'm reading the QRP doesn't allow any work. Is it possible to get a permit for things like I ...
Entertainment has its own category, and lower fee. A solo application is only $600 but is limited to 1 week. I don't have any experience with that. As the original "gig economy" you'd hope entertainment would have expedited procedures. Read More
Permanent residency in Belize by zedtalos
Hello,We are US citizens living with residency in Mexico. Our next planned stop is in Belize. Within three years from that time we should be off sailing. Some information is rather difficult to obtain for Belize so I decided to join here, namely ...
The article is very good! Do be prepared that even if your ducks are all in a row, it may not go as planned and you'll have to try again. Read More
settle in belize by anisketata
settle in belizeI am of Tunisian nationality, As an engineer in electrical engineering and advanced technologies with more than 10 years of experience in project management, production optimization and strategic planning,Tunisian Cityens are allowed ...
@anisketata An employment visa is required to work. As with all countries, work permits aren't simple. I'm working for a government entity and it's still been a hassle and a half. A 1 yr employment visa costs $3000, plus there's a fee to arrange ... Read More
The importance of local language in Belize by Cheryl
Hey everyone, As an expat, language questions often arise due to the need to communicate effectively in a new country. We鈥檙e curious to read your experiences with learning and using the local language in Belize. Here are some questions to get ...
I'm going to follow up on this. If you don't speak English, you'll need to have a translation app. You can download the whole dictionary of Google Translate, so it'll work even if you don't have data/cell. I'm a native English speaker, so I never ... Read More
Convoy/caravan from Vancouver, BC to Belize around June/July by africassie
Hi Guys!Looking for folks to convoy/caravan with. We plan to be driving from Vancouver, BC to Belize around June/July of this year, and can also meet up along the way. My wife & I will be traveling with two small dogs. We would like to meet new ...
I did the drive recently. Laredo to Monterrey to Tampico to someplace in Tabasco to Chetumal. Border crossings took unreasonably long. We only drove during daylight and took toll roads every chance we could. The roads are rough compared to USA, but ... Read More
Building info/contacts and a question about QRP finances by Krwheeler47
HiI'm Kim. I currently live in California. I will be retiring soon. Lots of friends and family either live or vacation in Belize. I went in February for a month and absolutely loved it!!! I have bought 2 lots near Secret Beach last year. The ...
I've only been in country a short time so far, but I'm gaining appreciation for the local obsession with concrete construction. The home can be hurricane, earthquake, and bug resistant. I would really like a more natural sustainable approach, such ... Read More
Could i live off of $5000 a month ? by Dorothy Wooden
Hello everyone,My name is Renni and I am very interested in visiting Belize.聽Within the next 3 years, I would like to call Belize home if all works out in my favor.聽Can you tell me a few things about Belize?聽I am a teacher.聽Could ...
Belize per capita GPD is less than that per year, and Belizeans are happy people. FWIW the government rate in Belize for a person with a doctorate is $5-5.5k BZD per month. As you'll see, many things are very affordable, but many others are actually ... Read More
Moving to Belize by abnharper
I would like to use this site; but the answers are not specific enough for action. The previous gentlemen asked about fences and while there were a couple of comments, none had contact information or cost information they experienced etc. just to ...
@abnharper I get what you mean. This site is strict about personally-identifying information, which limits the specificity. I'll echo that Facebook (love it or hate it) is the commonly used platform.I'd refer you also to the subreddit r/belize on ... Read More
easy to make friends? by cjoymccalla
I am a single woman that may be living in Belize City for 3-6 months, maybe longer. I am concerned about leaving my family and friends in the States. How would you advise I go about meeting people, especially other Americans? I want to develop a ...
I started in Jan, still don't have the final paperwork for an employment contract and visa with a gov't entity in Belize. It takes some time to get all the paperwork in order for an employment visa. We flourish in the shade and move slow, doncha ... Read More
The importance of local language in Belize by Cheryl
Hey everyone, As an expat, language questions often arise due to the need to communicate effectively in a new country. We鈥檙e curious to read your experiences with learning and using the local language in Belize. Here are some questions to get ...
My experience so far has been if I attempt to speak Spanish to a Belizean Mestizo person, they answer with "Good Morning Sir" and we stick to English from then on. In Spain and in Mexico I got along en Espanol, but Belizean Spanish speakers ... Read More
New members of the Belize forum, introduce yourselves here - 2023 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Belize forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
@Al DAoust That sounds like a wonderful plan. Send a DM when you get to Cayo (or before). I'm an educator making the move this summer, and we are planning a little homestead. Read More
We need our truck but can not afford to buy a new one by followthespiritministry
@Julien Greetings from Follow the Spirit Ministry. We have a traveling ministry of the word and music. We plan to move to Belize to continue this journey. We pull a trailer with music equipment. It is set up so we can play music from the trailer, ...
@Brigitte B First welcome to FollowthespiritSecondly, Brigitte B, can you elaborate? My wife and I are moving in the next couple of months. I'll be on an employment visa. I need to drive, because we have a dog that cannot fly, so I'll be coming with ... Read More
Are expats happy in Belize? by dsparks
Hi all. I'm new to this forum. Yesterday, I posted the following under the "new members" category: "Married American man (mid 60s) and Colombian woman (mid 50s) live near Washington, DC. Plan on retiring/selling home/relocating in 2024. Both love ...
Welcome to you both. It seems like your likes and Belize match up pretty well! I'm guessing you'll be choosing to locate on a Caye or the coast. Have you selected where? Read More
New members of the Belize forum, introduce yourselves here - 2023 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Belize forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Hi DavidWe looked around Corozal and considered it for ourselves. The people are wonderful, kind and welcoming. The landscape isn't the most beautiful part of the country, so there's fewer tourists. When it comes time to buy, your real estate dollar ... Read More
I have a 2018 Nissan Rogue, should we bring that? by albertovera007
Senior citizens looking at the border town close to Mexico due to healthcare issues. Looking to rent close to sandy beach or in town with a pool. Bringing 2 little dogs, which can fly on n airplane. Will need golf cart or car to get around town ...
@albertovera007 We decided to go a different area (Cayo), but initially my wife and I entertained Corozal area for a new home. There are some settlements that seem very appropriate for expats (US-style homes), and for prices that seem very cheap ... Read More
The work culture in Belize by Mickael
Hello everyone, As an expatriate, [b]working in Belize[/b] can present unique opportunities but also challenges. Discovering new communication styles, adapting to new cultural norms... [b]working in Belize[/b] can be both exciting and ...
I haven't actually started work yet. What I've seen so far is Belizeans are hard workers. As you meet them, I find people who work 6X12 work weeks and don't even fuss about it.The most difficult thing so far is Belize time. I've never had a meeting ... Read More
Think about this? Just sold a home we had for sale 21 years by jonestom747
We built a home in Belize in 1983 and lived in Belize for 12 years. It was time to move back home when our child wanted to go to college. We put our home and land up for sale in 2002 and just closed on the deal. Now to be fair, we did own 4400ac. We ...
@jonestom747 Congrats on your sale! Read More
New members of the Belize forum, introduce yourselves here - 2023 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Belize forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
@kenbrando Welcome! My wife and I have a similar plan as yours. I have a job in Belmopan starting Aug, and will be moving from the US to Cayo. We decided it would be better to build, so we can pick the land and specify the house. Using search here, ... Read More
job in belize by irewolede
am moving to belize next month,how can i get a job,and how long can i get my working permit?
My situation is at least an existence-proof that work permits can happen. Obviously, good jobs in Belize should go to Belizeans; however, in some cases a foreign applicant can be justified. My soon-to-be employer is sponsoring a work permit for me. ... Read More
New members of the Belize forum, introduce yourselves here - 2022 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Belize forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi all!My wife and I are expat want-to-be at this stage. Part of my attraction is the research on happiness (I'm a behavioral scientist). By at least some measures, Belize is the happiest country that speaks English. I want to be part of that! I do ... Read More