susan
@sittee4
English expat in Belize
Forum posts
53
About me
English
Lives in Sittee Point
Registration: 04 December 2013
Hopkins Rd
The road through the village is one way (South), at least that's what the signs say. However this is Belize and a lot of drivers (including many of the delivery trucks, taxis, motor bikes, local police) take no notice. Approaching the village ... Read More
QRP Renewals
Yes, same here. BTB say they are waiting for Immigration!! Same as they said last year. Read More
Medical Evacuation Insurance / Health Insurance by GuestPoster8975
Anyone have particularly good experience or bad with a company providing this coverage? I've read it's recommended to have it. I'd need to go to Houston which is the closest VA hospital. As for health insurance I figure if it's ...
A recent experience of a neighbour has highlighted the potential cost and complications of medical treatment and evacuation from Belize. He became ill, was flown to Belize City, was taken into ICU and the lack of diagnostic facilities here made ... Read More
Retirement or Residency Visas by Zeus.wmo
Does anyone know if Belize has a retirement visa for older people or is it just called a residence visa for persons of any age? Also, does anyone know the approximate cost of obtaining a retirement/residency visa and if an attorney is required for ...
Belize isn't the ideal base for travelling in the region by air as you are limited by where you can fly to. Flights in and out of Belize City International aren't the cheapest. Read More
Just bought some land on the Sittee River by dbrodie
Hi All, Just bought a small plot of land on the Sitter River and I am looking for a reputable builder to build a couple of Canada's, any suggestions would be appreciated.
Is that Royale? Contact Evan or Sandra. 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 ...
As a Brit, you aren't automatically entitled to NHS treatment unless you've been living in the UK for six months. (Emergencies that arise in UK may be different) When we have visited the UK from Belize we've had to pay for occasional GP ... Read More
Furnishing a Caye Caulker Cabin by cwodtke
I have a little bit of land on the north side of the Caye, across from the koko king, and it has a small cabin on it I'll live in while planning to build out a bit. I bought a fridge, but I need almost everything else. Some questions (esp ...
No idea of your age, But some of the bigger hardware shops in BC and Belmopan give discount to 'old people' for cash. It's always worth asking as they can only say no. Read More
Traffic in Belize by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Belize, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people to ...
It currently takes about twenty minutes to drive three miles from Sittee Point to Hopkins. Read More
Regarding personal travel by ValdyDreimanis
I have been looking into options on how to get around down there. I am dealing with some health issues and I have a dog qho likes to travel with me. I came accross a 150cc 7150 Carbide Kart. It appears to work from here. My question is would it ...
Have you ever been to Belize? Remember that there aren't roads everywhere; Hopkins is not the only area where roads have really broken up again after the rains. Also if you leave an open vehicle, how will you secure your belongings in the ... 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.
Roads around Hopkins and Sittee under water. Mostly passable in vehicles with ground clearance, with care. What will be left when the waters recede? Read More
TUSK's Belize itinerary... Suggestions and Advice is appreciated by TUSK
Here are my Parameters: Destinations: My intention is to focus primarily on the Coast... AC, CC, Hopkins, and Placencia... And while I'm interested in both Northern and Southern Belize, I'm uncertain how much time a thorough recon will ...
He or she's a wild crocodile, and now associates people with food, so will eventually become too dangerous to have around. Read More
Pets in Belize by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Many of us in Belize have four-legged friends. What about you? Do you have one or more pets? Share your experience with us! What are the formalities to import pets in Belize? What about pet adoption procedures in the country? ...
Humane societies here can find you great pets. Hopkins (Hopkins Belize Humane Society) has a very active society with free neuter and spay clinics and vets visiting from overseas. Just think about who will look after your animals when you go ... Read More
I am an American That knows nothing about Belize. by Rkenehan
Hi All I am interested in visiting Belize to get a feel of the Country. My wife and I want to buy a travel trailer and possibly RV it down through Mexico. I am tired of being an American wage slave. We do own a house in Denver and both work full ...
Does the southern road to Guatemala continue on the other side of the border? It didn't, last time we looked. Read More
Medical issues by Sharlyn828
I am looking into Medical in Belize. I have not yet been there but will be there next year. I am an insulin dependent diabetic and Also on a gluten free diet. Now here in the US its not a problem finding these products, I was wondering if I will ...
Not meaning to sound negative BUT you really need to visit and take a look for yourself. Gluten free is possible, but you will have to shop around and maybe bake for yourself. There is nothing like the choice you are probably used to. Read More
Trash collection by TheIvies
I am looking for information about trash collection in Belize. Is there a regular collection service? 馃槉Thanks
Weekly collection by cheerful Hopkins Sanitation Department. We pay them directly, in advance. Read More
What shall I bring? by margewest
My husband and I are moving from Wisconsin to Ambergris Caye hopefully within the next few months. We are selling things and doing our homework. We qualify for QRP. We will have a container. I have been doing some reading and have learned that ...
Although you don't need a lot of clothes, suggest you bring comfortable (I prefer cotton) underwear. Also bring swimsuits, bras, as many of your kitchen toys as you can (remembering that some will rust here, especially by the sea). QRP lets you ... Read More
Moving to Belize with one 9th grade and one 11th grade girls by Ainyah
Greetings Belize Community, My husband and I have fallen in love with all that we have seen, read, or heard about gorgeous Belize and truly feel it might be perfect for our forever home. My husband is retired US Navy, but retired early and is in his ...
But there are no secondary schools in Hopkins. Very mixed reports of other schools in Belize!! Read More
Property in Hopkins by cutiepie23
We are looking for a lot in Hopkins close to the ocean. It can be vacant or have an existing structure on it. We are going to be snow birds within the next 3 years or less. If anyone has any information we would love to hear from you. ...
The Reserve (Sanctuary Bay's new name) Home Owners' web site is worth looking at. independentownerssanctuarybelize.com Read More
Cost of living in Belize - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Belize, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices in ...
Priscilla, have you ever been to Belize? Bill has politely answered your questions, but several of them just aren't relevant in Belize. BTW, electricity and fuel costs here are lower than in the UK! Read More
Hopkins Realtors a Little Sketchy by CarlTate
Be careful working with realtors in Hopkins Village. You may get duped into buying less for more. Speak to more than one agency and ask the same exact questions to see who's telling it straight. Realtors from one of the major agencies will ...
The road along the coast south of the marina is unmade, and of variable quality!! Ditto through phases 1 and 2. Lots in phase 4 are 75' wide with access to beach and canal. Beyond that is phase 5 with different sized lots. That's the end of ... Read More
Hopkins Realtors a Little Sketchy by CarlTate
Be careful working with realtors in Hopkins Village. You may get duped into buying less for more. Speak to more than one agency and ask the same exact questions to see who's telling it straight. Realtors from one of the major agencies will ...
Interesting comments. We thought Placencia was strung out with no real heart, and opted for Sittee Point. Everyone has different tastes and thoughts, visiting is essential. Read More
Banks in Belize by Bsimpson
We bank with Scotia Bank in Canada, are they also located in Belize and if so, can you transfer Canadian Currency via the local Scotia Bank and or ATM. What other banks are currently in the country?
As Brits, it's easier for us to open an account than the US citizens. As I understand it, the banks here have to report back to the US about their citizens, and, as they aren't paid for this, they aren't very keen. We opened a B$ ... Read More
Vehicle by Imdone
Is it better to buy a vehicle in belize or should I bring with me when we move there? If I do bring one, which one? Newer model or older beater? Jeep Cherokee? Vw toureg? Or other recommendations? Thanks Ed
Depends where you will be living and driving regularly; by the sea the corrosion is horrendous, even if the vehicle is kept in a garage. Here, in and around Hopkins and Sittee River, the dirt roads are often under water during the rainy season, so ... Read More
Considering to move to Placencia with a 3-year old girl by YleniaRizzoliVossen
Good morning to all of you! My husband got a job offer in Belize and we are now considering all the pros and cons of moving to Placencia. We have a 3-year old daughter and have been already living abroad for many years. We spent many years in Asia ...
It would be much better if you could make a short visit to Placencia to judge some of these things for yourselves. Read More
Cellular Carriers in Belize by Bsimpson
Do you have a cellular carrier(s) and how good is the service? I assume Belize is all hooked up for cell, text, email capability ect. Any idea on monthly service cost? Any responses would be much appreciated. Thank you so much.
Check with people where you plan to stay. We bought BTL pre paid when we arrived, and then found there wasn't much of a signal in Hopkins and everyone else used Smart! Read More
New to expat.com. by Regal Eagle
Hello all My name is George and I am new to the expat.com site. I am a retiree considering becoming a part year resident in Belize. I recently traveled to a local resort in Belize and had a positive experience. I will post on that later. I hope ...
The tastes of British and American chocolates aren't the same. Most people prefer the one they grew up with. British chocolate tends to have a higher fat and cocoa content. American-made chocolate typically contains a larger dose of sugar. Read More
Your new local habits in Belize by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Belize is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Belize? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate life ...
One surprise here is being greeted with "Goodnight". Here it's used to say hello and goodbye in the evening. Read More
South African relocating to Belize by Chris2Swan
Hi All, I am a 30 year old South African looking to relocate to Belize. If any of you have some advise regarding traveling, visa, jobs and so on your response will be greatly appreciated. Looking forward to hearing from you.
But non US citizens still need a visa or ESTA to 'transit' through the US. Even for two hours in the airport. Read More
Golf Carts
You can rent them in Hopkins too. Lots of tourists and some expats use them. Can rent from Diversity Cafe and elsewhere. Read More
How things are in the States is why many of us are here by mbarlow
How things are in the States is why many of us are here or Panama
Medjet only seems to be for people who's home country is USA, Canada or Mexico. It is not medical insurance. It seems that Belize is often seen through rose coloured glasses. Healthcare is a major issue, especially as we all get older. Before ... Read More
Need Assistance - How to keep connected with family in Texas? by msrmg7
I need the forum's help. I plan to be in Placencia, Belize next month and I would like for my family to be able to contact me from Texas and me to contact them during my stay. I was trying to research the Magic Jack but I'm not sure if that ...
Skype works well most of the time. As long as you are both on line, it's free. Read More
Golf courses by doc42
Looking into moving to Belize. How many golf courses are in Belize?
Roaring River is a nine hole course. Read More
Essentials to live in Belize by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Belize, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Belize? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
You can generally get what you need, not necessarily what you want. I'd recommend bringing bed sheets, cooking pots and pans, kitchen appliances, electronic goods, a sewing machine if you sew, your favourite personal cosmetics (you don't ... Read More
Batteries
I believe that one big problem here is that the batteries in the shops may have been hanging around in a warm damp environment for some time before you buy them. We bring in fresh batteries and keep them in the fridge. Read More
Opening a Bank Account - Be Aware - Information by 2flyaway
Opening a Bank Account in Belize is not as simple as in North America or Europe. As a non-resident or citizen you need to apply to the central bank for permission to open a bank account. In this application you must: 1. Provide a utility bill to ...
There are no banks in Hopkins, however there is one ATM (Belize Bank). Just be aware that it sometimes gets broke(n). There are banks in Dangriga (Scotia, Belize, Heritage) and in Placencia (Scotia, Atlantic) and maybe others. Read More
Mail situation
It's slow! Allow three weeks from UK to Dangriga. However, I received a couple of letters just addressed to my name, Dangriga, Belize. The people in the post office took the trouble to look up my box number and put the letters in the correct ... Read More
Places to buy property for vacation and future retirement home ? by Jackiesees1
Hi, all! My husband and I are looking at places to buy property for vacation and future retirement home. The more I learn about Belize, the more I think we will really love it there. We are both nature and beach lovers and prefer a low-key, ...
Our electricity in Belize averages about 19 US cents per kWh, depending on how much we use.Taking into account the standing charges and taxes in UK, it's probably cheaper here. BEL rates are here ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Belize by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Belize. What is ...
"Good night" is a greeting here; in UK it's said as we part or go to bed. Read More
Driving in Belize by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Belize? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess聟 what are the characteristics of the driving style ...
I thought the name was simply a policeman lying across the road to slow drivers down. We've used the term 'sleeping policemen' for many years in UK. Either way the Belizean ones can be a big surprise if you don't keep alert! Read More
Driving in Belize by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Belize? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess聟 what are the characteristics of the driving style ...
One to watch out for is turning left; the rules here say you should pull over to the right until it's safe to turn left. Not the way most countries do it. Read More
Sanctuary Belize by read_doglover
Would appreciate any information on this development. Thanks!
It's amazing that people still part with their hard earned cash for property that they've never seen! The international airport looked mighty quiet the other day when I passed by, and no further forward than a few months ago. It is far from ... Read More
Long term rental in the Dangriga/Hopkins Village area by kimincc
I'm trying to find a website for long term housing rentals in the Dangriga/Hopkins area, and I've come up with nothing. I would like to have a furnished 2 bedroom house, condo, or apartment at a reasonable price. If anyone out there knows of a ...
Have you tried travelbelize.org and keybelize.com? Read More
What car to buy? by mrthin2000
If you bought a car in the US, and planned to take it to Belize someday, what would you buy? I'd prefer a 4wd truck, but I'm not sure about how difficult it would be to get parts or service for it--say like a Jeep Cherokee (not the Grand ...
The Toyota Hilux is a good bet. Belize Diesel can get spares in BC. Have you seen the Top Gear "Killing a Toyota"? It's on Youtube. You need road clearance, better vision from a slightly higher vehicle, diesel more economic than ... Read More
moving to Belize's
Have you ever visited? I believe it's important that interested people take a look for themselves, everyone has different needs and tastes, so Belize (or anywhere else) isn't for everyone. We enjoy the laid back lifestyle, a simple life and ... Read More
Hopkins by mztoner
I am searching for as much information as I can get on Hopkins. Rentals? Are utilities expensive all over the country. I see a lot of people talking about Placencia, Corozal, Ambergris Caye , etc. But not much on Hopkins. Is it safe? Are there ...
Why not visit? The only way is to see for yourself. The outskirts of Hopkins are growing fast, lots of building especially to the south in Sittee Point area. Road to Hopkins under construction, roads within Hopkins and to the north and south are ... Read More
3 Main Concerns of Relocating to Belize by Wealthships
For those of you considering making a move to Belize, I'm just curious - what are your three biggest concerns about moving to Belize?
The road into Hopkins is about 4.5 miles long, and is not finished after 19 months! Paving the Coastal Road is a great idea and would help many existing businesses in the southern areas as well as opening up more of the country for development. But ... Read More
Cost Of Living For Small Family by gtatix
Hi - Where to begin!? I'm 48 and currently on disability living near Toronto, Canada. My income is payable anywhere in the world - $2200/month [CDN] My wife is my age and my children are 12 and 13 Considering moving to Belize - Corozal area - ...
If you've never been here, you need to visit Belize before you commit to moving and living here. Bring the family to see if they like it, or not. It's not for everyone. Living costs depend on how you live. Imported goods are generally quite ... Read More
Vacation by ddmann05
I am a female and i will be traveling from the states to Belize in April. I would love to visit Placenia . I was wondering if there are any water taxies from Belize City? I am not comfortable driving there as it will only be me and my adult daughter.
Why not fly? Tropic Air and Maya fly regularly from BC to Placencia. Read More
looking to move to Belize
Have you visited Belize yet? Suggest you try to see a few places before you get carried away. It's not paradise, nowhere is. However we enjoy living here. Setting up business in a foreign country has many challenges: permits, different rules and ... Read More
Seeking 3 mo. rental Ambergris, Caye Caulker, Placencia or Hopkins
You will need a vehicle to go and look at properties! Placencia peninsular is over 20 miles long, Hopkins and surrounding area will also need transport to explore. Good luck Read More
QRP required income increase? by cbmarch
Has anyone heard there is an increase in the 2k requirement for QRP? Was on realtor site and there was a blurb that it is in the works..so buy now...LOL. so not sure if sales tactic or this is actually in the works. If the is an increase and we ...
We saw Roshel this week, to renew our QRP status. Very quick, we had the new cards before we had completed the payment of the fee! Roshel said that changes are coming, and they are being discussed. No time scale available. Read More