bznorte
American expat in Belize
Forum posts
62
Contacts
7
About me
American
Lives in Corozal
Registration: 10 December 2013
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 ...
many expats do not live in a gated community, choosing instead to live independent of other expats. As to the departure fee...if you came to Belize under the QRP program it does not apply and if you have gained Residency status it does not apply. ... 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 ...
We use Marage Shipping in Corozal...but we ship to Reynolds Shipping in Los Angeles. Our packages go from Los Angeles via container to Houston, then shipped to Belize and Marage handles all the Customs details. We receive our packages in Corozal ... 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 ...
No modern conveniences? perhaps that is a good thing. I appreciate the open air market for fruits and vegetables...they are fresh ! not stored and shipped in like other countries. Yes, for meats one goes to the butcher shops...if you live here ... Read More
Nice apartments or hotels to rent under $100/night in corazal
is that $100 USD per night or $100 BZ per night? Read More
Car rental in Chetumal by Putwriter
Just saw a drastic difference in car rental rates in Chetumal, M茅xico vs Belize City. Serious savings I am arriving in Belize City around noon. I saw that there is a bus that goes from Belize City to Chetumal. Not sure of the schedule yet. ...
Just be sure to ask your MX rental company if they allow their vehicles to cross into Belize. Some do, some not. Read More
Consejo Shores vs. Corozal Town - Which one is better to own? by Suncrave
Hi, I would like your opinion, please. Regardless of the price or size, if there are two lots that are in the same category (oceanfront or non-oceanfront): one is in-town of Corozal and one is CS being 6 miles away from Corozal Town. Which one you ...
not in my opinion...predominantly expat communities ( ie Consejo Shores, Mayan Seaside, Consejo Landings) may be targeted more because expats are "believed" to be rich and mostly by Belize standards they are. IMHO I would stay away from ... Read More
Recent news,bad PR by karenjoe
"An American man and his Canadian girlfriend who went missing in Belize were found dead this afternoon, local police confirmed to ABC News". "Drew DeVoursney, 36, and his girlfriend Francesca Matus, 52, were reported missing by their ...
So Starling.5...you no longer reside in Belize? Read More
American-Canadian Couple Reportedly Found Strangled by laracuc
Does anyone know what happened? http://people.com/crime/missing-american-canadian-couple-dead-in-belize/
While this incident is truly sad and unfortunate it also has to be said that in a country of 350,000 ALL bad things that happen is news...not like the US or Canada where one would only get a portion of the bad things that happen. Apparently she has ... Read More
Old To Belize. by Evaluxurious
:one :heart: Hi everyone am not new at all, just decided to join out of boredom and to place a few ads and also see if I get some foreign friends . Im a legal permanent resident of Belize living here 15 yrs. The country is a very quiet one, ...
There are a few things about "up north" that I miss...but Walmart etc are certainly NOT among them. I miss a good fabric store in the North end of the country..Mikado in BC is a long drive for fabric...but Chetumal has really nice fabric ... Read More
Old To Belize. by Evaluxurious
:one :heart: Hi everyone am not new at all, just decided to join out of boredom and to place a few ads and also see if I get some foreign friends . Im a legal permanent resident of Belize living here 15 yrs. The country is a very quiet one, ...
I disagree with you somewhat....while I agree that more jobs are needed...I disagree that the country needs Walmart, KFC or anything else from the US....Belize is beautiful the way it is...please don't try to commercialize it to where it is no ... Read More
Internet Options in Corozal by smuselton
My wife and i are considering moving to Corozal, but it is entirely dependent on my ability to work from home via the internet. I have seen some options out there but was wondering if anyone could give us some "on the ground" opinions. I ...
we do a pre-paid program. 7 GB is $80 BZD ( $40 USD) and they add on so we get 7.7GB and it is good for 45 days or until you want to add more. We have both Smart and Digicel (BTL) cell phones and our reception with Smart is much better than with ... Read More
Just Plain Tired by Tx Hurricane
My wife and I are looking to relocate to Belize the Jan. of 2018. We will be traveling to Belize for a 30 day exploratory trip in Feb of 2017. We will be looking at the seaside locations as well as inland locations. We are in our late 60's and ...
we have lived in the Corozal area for over a decade....things have improved so much since we first arrived it is amazing. We have a GP doctor in Corozal Town that is excellent; our vet is US trained, has been here for many years and is excellent; ... Read More
Internet Options in Corozal by smuselton
My wife and i are considering moving to Corozal, but it is entirely dependent on my ability to work from home via the internet. I have seen some options out there but was wondering if anyone could give us some "on the ground" opinions. I ...
just did a speed test....21.14 Mbps down and 9.65 up...hope this helps Read More
Internet Options in Corozal by smuselton
My wife and i are considering moving to Corozal, but it is entirely dependent on my ability to work from home via the internet. I have seen some options out there but was wondering if anyone could give us some "on the ground" opinions. I ...
we use Smart Telephone Company Mi-Fi internet service. 4G....works well for us. Not sure about upload/download speeds but it is worth looking into. Read More
U.S. Social Security Payments
our SSA monies are electronically deposited into our US credit union account with no problems. Once a year SSA sends us a form to fill out to ascertain that we are still alive. No reduction in amount received. Hope this helps Read More
Relocating to Belize need info on provable income by Johndifuria
Hi I am wondering the following...I want to do the visa renewal every 30 days method, I heard a USA citizen does NOT have to do this? also the $50 a day sustenance requirement.. does that count for a MINOR child as well? In other words myself and my ...
There are many schools in Belize...both government schools and parochial schools, ie Catholic, Anglican, Nazarene, Methodist. Some better than others. There is also Escuela Mexico....a high school that is very good and if accepted there the ... Read More
Business lawyers by Monkey Town brew
So, we are starting our little microbrew down here in monkey river and we're looking for a lawyer to assist us with incorporation, trade license, etc. I know there's a list of lawyers on here, but I'd like personal recommendations. ...
Mikhail Arguelles in Belize City. 223-6798. email is info@attorneysinbelize.com We highly recommend him. Read More
Traveling from Corozal to Cayo Distrct by backthat
Please provide me feedback about traveling from Carozal to the Cayo District with luggage, what is the most economical and with less headaches. It will all be during the daylight. Is it best to take a bus or the Belize Tours van? Thank you
is Belize Tours a company? Have never heard of anyone renting a car in Corozal and leaving it anywhere else. It's not like the US and rental companies that have multiple outlets in multiple areas. Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Belize by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Belize? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
FYI, until you have Permanent Residency Status or QRP status it will cost you $37.50 each time you leave Belize to go to Chetumal (or anywhere in Mexico) and could , depending on how many days you are out of BZ that first year, if applying for ... Read More
Crime in Belize by suspend6
Hi All, I guess it is a common practice to sugar-coat all the material promoting the benefits of living in a certain place. But Google also revealed some ugly crime stories and statistics. What are the experiences of those who have made the move, ...
Where exactly in Corozal did you live? Read More
Retiring in Belize or Costa Rica and having HIV by dannpalmer6771
I am approaching retirement age, and have initiated a search for a residence overseas. I am quite eager to make this decision, but suddenly realize that my medical condition my prohibit me living in Belize or other Central American countries. I ...
one may want to check with a tax accountant ....it is my understanding that even if you have dual citizenship, as a US citizen all income worldwide is taxable by the IRS. And one must file a Federal Tax return yearly. Read More
Things to Bring by GuestPoster8975
Hey All I'm wondering about a few things to bring or not to. In the now group, is there a need for dress slacks, shirts, ties or jackets? Does anyone ever use them there? I'm thinking sheets, towels, pillows, and the like should be brought ...
mbarlow.....Villa's is truly not a "new" hardware store...it's been in the same location for a good many years now and other than Corozal Farmer's Supply ( since National Hardware closed last year) it is one of the oldest ... Read More
Duties & Tariffs
on vehicles....older vehicles carry less duty....and vehicles with 4 cylinders carry less duty....newer and 8 cylinders are going to cost more. Read More
How is your area fairing in the storms?
Corozal Town north to border with Mexico...no problems with flooding on the road. Best suggestion as to what type of house to build...it is personal preference but wood houses are a constant maintenance issue. Read More
Things to Bring by GuestPoster8975
Hey All I'm wondering about a few things to bring or not to. In the now group, is there a need for dress slacks, shirts, ties or jackets? Does anyone ever use them there? I'm thinking sheets, towels, pillows, and the like should be brought ...
just curious as to what the name of the "new" hardware store in Corozal is ( the one you say is owned by Mexicans) and where it is located? Thanks Read More
Visiting Corozal - would like to meet full-time expats in the area by Kuffie
I am new to this particular forum, but have lived in Belize for years. I will be visiting Corozal in November and would like to meet some expats who have lived there for a while, to get your take on what you love about the area. I am a writer and ...
and many ex-pats who have been here for many years do NOT hang out there. ....just saying.... Read More
Importing our belongins by monica&claude1234
Hello Expats! We are visiting in April and hope to move by the end of next summer. We are coming from Canada and we were wondering what the best (and least expensive) it would be to get our belongings there. Any advice?? Thanks in ...
Do not know much about QRP...but what I do know is that it is not regulated/administered by the BZ Immigration Dept. If you use the QRP system you are not charged duty unless you want to sell the items you brought in duty free. You can stay ... Read More
Wanting to retire to Belize, need information please. by Artena
I am retired in Canada and need information for moving to Belize. Do I have enough to move there and live? Are there places to move and rent year round that are not "vacation" priced? Is it really do able on what I have coming in? Artena
having been here over a decade I would not recommend coming in under the QRP system. Like said, it is regulated, and subject to change, by the BTB not Belize Immigration. Most expats can live on considerably less than the $2000 USD per month ... 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 ...
Yes, rental vehicles in Belize are expensive. Not all MX rental agencies allow their vehicles to be brought into Belize so you have to have a letter and authorization from them prior to arrival. MX auto insurance is not valid in Belize so you will ... Read More
Safety in Belize by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Belize? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
While Consejo Shores is mainly an ex-pat community it is not gated. Read More
Credit Card Usage. by John & Lois
Hi to all in Corozal John and Lois here we are planning on arriving there by the middle of Sept. and was wondering if Credit Cards are accepted in Corozal businesses? Any info on this will be much appreciated. God bless and have a wonderful weekend.
Not all places will accept credit cards so you need have cash also. Please do not rely on credit cards solely. Read More
Interested in retiring in Corozal and have a few questions by ronnraymore
I am interested in retiring in Corozal and have a few questions. Would you mind sharing your wisdom. I take it we "Nortes" live in a enclave style community. Basic housekeeping questions: Water safe to drink, bath, cook, clean with? ...
not all "nortes" live in conclave/gated style communities. Many many live among the locals. I guess my question is always "why move to Belize to live in a US style community"? Most people use pipe water to bath, brush teeth, ... 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 ...
it all depends on what one considers "ordinary". 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 ...
general rule is : Brits drive on the left side of the road, Americans drive on the right side of the road and Belizeans drive on the BEST side of the road. Chaos at best !! Need to always be a very defensive driver..watch out for other cars, ... Read More
Belize - can we bring $5,000 USD each without declaring? by larabeelady
Can my husband and I bring $5,000.00 USD each to Belize without having to declare when we land in Belize?
CURRENCY RESTRICTIONS FOR ENTRY: Currency in excess of $10,000 Belize/USD$5,000must be declared. Read More
ATM and use of plastic
The other issue with credit cards is we know of at least 1 restaurant here in Corozal that will take your credit card for payment but they require any tip for the wait staff to be in cash. Another reason to carry cash. Enjoy your trip to Belize. Read More
ATM and use of plastic
If you have a Visa or MasterCard it will work in some places. There are many shops, restaurants, etc where that is not an available option so cash must be carried also. Most places will accept USD but don't bring bills larger than $50 USD , ... Read More
Restaurants by kdv615
Hello everyone, my wife and are coming to Belize this weekend and will be touring the country for a month to see if retirement there would be possible for us. We would to ask for your suggestions on good restaurants in the different areas we will be ...
:) In Corozal, a good restaurant is Corozo Blues. Located on the south end of town on the bayside. If you are looking for a good place with good local style food try JoMel Inn ...located in the center of town, on 5th Ave about 1 block south of the ... Read More
Shopping Day Trip To Chetumal by canadianbcgirl
These are questions for the Corozal people who regularly cross into Chetumal for shopping. 1) What to expect at the border? 2) How and where do I exchange my BZ dollars for Peso? 3) Would it be safe for me to take my vehicle across the border? ...
to try and answer your questions: 1. what to expect at the border? that all depends on what time of day, what day of the week and if a holiday is in the near future. And that pertains to both sides of the border. I know that isn't a ... Read More
furniture shipping by heather n andy
Hi everyone, We are moving to belize in january from the UK and we need to find out how to get a licence to move wooden furniture to belize and how much it costs
Reynolds Shipping is located in Los Angeles. They have containers trucked from LA to Houston, then shipped to Belize City. Great people to work with. You can find more info at reynoldsshipping.com The Belize end is handled by Marage Shipping. ... Read More
New members of the Belize forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Belize forum? Don聮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 ...
mps1973, you are correct there are many opportunities to make money in Belize. If one comes with a skill that is needed, employs Belizeans, teachs them, and if one is respectful of the Belizean people and laws then one can make money...one ... Read More
Looking into Belize by TaoLee
Retired and single, 4 or 5 of us are looking into Belize retirement. I have a half dozen book outlines sitting untouched for a few years and need to get these off my bucket list. I do not like inactivity so "real" retirement, i.e. fun ...
In all due respects I must ask kristinanadreau why you decided to move to Corozal? It does appear that you are not pleased with life here. IMHO, what difference does it make what language people speak in their own home around their dinner table? ... Read More
Building a home in Belize by Lookie2011
Hi Folks, Just a few quick questions regarding the logistics of building a house in Belize (Corozal) need to know if there is a building code for new homes and how to obtain the details and do you need a permit? Are these documents registered with ...
There is a Building Code that covers all new construction, the advice to look at CBA's website is good information. This Building Code covers the entire country. Depending on whether you are in Corozal Town or Corozal District determines where ... Read More
Fed-Ex in Corozal by LostinBelize
I read a post where someone was explaining how well his mail delivery was. Well I had a bank card and important papers mailed to Corozal town that never arrived. I won't go into the problems this has caused me. I'm having another bank ...
FedEx does come in and go out of the Tropic Air Office at the Corozal Airstrip.....call them at 422-0248 or go up and talk to them. Guys are very helpful. Read More
Cable Vs Satellite Tv and Internet Service Very Pricey by CHSR53
Ok Everyone I need some direct feed back form those who are residing in the Belize Area. I was doing some research on the cable TV and Satellite TV and Internet services in the Belize area. I was seeing that the quality of service was not ...
it really depends where in Belize you are going to be living. Cities/towns have cable tv, villages and other areas do not, then one has to depend on satellite tv. Internet can be obtained ( again depending on where you are) from BTL ( Belize ... Read More
Panama or Belize by 7obra..
If you were going to retire on one or the other which one would you pick and why?
Belize is NOT the US....nor anywhere else...Belize is Belize. And I am thankful for that. Also thankful that there are no Taco Bells...didn't like them before I came to Belize and hope they never make it here. Yes, Belize has challenges to those ... Read More
Panama or Belize by 7obra..
If you were going to retire on one or the other which one would you pick and why?
While I agree that there is no substitution for on the ground, first hand knowledge good advice is always helpful. As to Belize charging $37.50 when leaving through the Northern Border there is some good news....if you come into Belize under the ... Read More
Looking for information about Belize by lorreann
I am new on here and am gaining so much wisdom and advice about Belize. My husband and I plan to retire in Belize in the next few years, but it will be a real change for us. To me a good change! I'm reading every book I can get my hands on and I'm ...
just a couple of observations...1) watchingtheweasals has stated in a different posting the he/she has never been to Belize, but researched it extensively, so NO personal experience. 2) Dr Al sounds like a person who posted on Belize Forums and has ... Read More
Belize Medical Costs by canadianbcgirl
From time to time people here ask questions to the cost of things and about medical here in Belize. So here is an update to a cost I have incurred (quoted in Belize dollars, for USD, cut half). two visits to the doctor, walk in type clinic $80 . A ...
depending on where you locate that can make a difference in where you look for your scripts. Here in Corozal there are several good options. Evergreen Pharmacy. Catherine is very good to work with. Dr. Rodas has a pharmacy as does 5 Rivers ... Read More
Belize Medical Costs by canadianbcgirl
From time to time people here ask questions to the cost of things and about medical here in Belize. So here is an update to a cost I have incurred (quoted in Belize dollars, for USD, cut half). two visits to the doctor, walk in type clinic $80 . A ...
While everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion, I find it most interesting that someone who has never been to Belize, let alone availed themselves to the health care here, says basically to beware. We, and many of our friends, have been in ... Read More
Weights and Measures
gallons for gasoline; miles for distance; feet, inches, ounces, pounds, Fahrenheit, but then we also use Centigrade on some cooking stoves, Read More
What are the safest gated communities in Belize?
I don't know how many gated communities there are....but IMHO if you are looking for a "safe gated community" then perhaps you should stay where you are. Why move to Belize to live in a gated community? We moved to Belize to enjoy Belize and her ... Read More
Iowa to Belize?! by libbby
Hi! I'm a freshman in college in Iowa and frankly, I'm bored. A friend and I have been looking at places to move (for short term, probably less than a year) that would be inexpensive as we are both just college kids. We just got back from a vacation ...
;) unless you have unlimited funds ( or have parents that are willing to fund your adventure ) moving to Belize for an extended period is not a wise option. Yes, you can open a business, but you said you had limited experience, again that would be ... Read More
Is there an exit tax leaving Mexico going to Belize by GarryH
I am flying into Cancun then up to Belize for a month or so .Does anyone know if the exit tax leaving Mexico to Belize is legal--- some say just drive on through that it is a border conn. Thanks.
The best advice is be prepared to pay. If they don't require payment, count yourself lucky. If they ask for payment, well, you were prepared to pay. Have a great trip. Read More
Is there an exit tax leaving Mexico going to Belize by GarryH
I am flying into Cancun then up to Belize for a month or so .Does anyone know if the exit tax leaving Mexico to Belize is legal--- some say just drive on through that it is a border conn. Thanks.
If you enter Mexico via air or sea and are using Mexico as a transition country to get to somewhere else, i.e. flying into Cancun and leaving to enter Belize, there is a fee. DO NOT just "run the border"....first because you will have to check out ... Read More
Relocation to Corozal
Your post is quite general in nature so here are a few questions for you. Have you ever visited Corozal Town? You said you wanted to perhaps start a small business or a cafe....have you ever ran a cafe before? Restaurant business anywhere is a ... Read More
Contractor from Corozal by kfung
Bought a lot at 4 mile lagoon and a Belize mennonite house. Looking for a contractor to: * Apply the building permit. * Install the septic tank. * Connect the water, electricity. (After the mennonite deliver the house). * More work after. I am in ...
Jack Collins is not only a builder but also a contractor, as is John Harris. IMHO I would be cautious of John Harris....have not had any personal experience with him, but have heard stories from those who have. That is free advice so take it for ... Read More
Contractor from Corozal by kfung
Bought a lot at 4 mile lagoon and a Belize mennonite house. Looking for a contractor to: * Apply the building permit. * Install the septic tank. * Connect the water, electricity. (After the mennonite deliver the house). * More work after. I am in ...
Give Jack Collins, Southern Hands Homes, a call. In belize his # is 501-661-2133. He is originally from Florida. We have seen a couple homes he has built in the Consejo area and they are quite nice. Read More
Retiring in Belize.
If you are talking about retiring on $1700 USD...that means $3400 BZD....you can certainly live on that amount of money....of course it all depends on what you spend your money on. We live comfortably on less than $3400 BZD monthly. We choose to ... Read More