Belize

Belize is a safe, welcoming and unassuming country where the population values personal privacy, self-determination, and freedom.

It was once at the heart of the Mayan Empire and has some of its oldest known sites such as Cahal Pech.

Belize was an important trading point for the empire and a major population center. The Mayan Empire eventually crumbled but its legacy remains, strewn into the living rock of their temples.

Later on, Belize became a major pirate base. The pirates used their knowledge of the shallow waters and reefs around the country to ambush and rob merchant ships. The mouth of the Belize river made the perfect place to hide their ships.

Since Survivor and Temptation Island put it on America’s radar, sleepy little Belize has been attracting attention for its white-sand beaches, coral reef, Mayan ruins, and virgin rainforest.

Historically, it was the country’s land, water, gold, timber, and oil that have been bringing people to Belizesince the Maya settledin the region more than 4,000 years ago. At one time, the forests, coastlines, and rivers of this country supported a Mayan population of nearly 500,000.

Life in Belize has always revolved around its rivers. Mother Nature rules here… and the iconic flora and fauna in modern-day Belize are not greatly changed from what was here in Maya times. Towering ceiba trees—the Maya Tree of Life—colorful toucans, even wild jaguars continue to thrive in this still very undeveloped country.

People sometimes wonder what happened to the Maya…

The Yucatec, Mopan, and K’iche’ Maya were the country’s first civilizations, and you’ll find their descendants living along this country’s coastline and in its interior jungles even now. The Mayan people, their culture, and their history are a big part of what defines modern Belize.

In addition to the Maya, you’ve got the Kriol people, descended from the British and Africans who settled the country’s coast in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. English is the official language of Belize, but Kriol is the lingua franca.

Belize is a melting pot, a bouillabaisse—or, as the Belizeans would say, a boil-up.

A “boil-up”?

“Boil up”—a Belizean stew

That’s a Belizean gumbo made with yams, cassava, tomatoes, onions, sweet potatoes, fish, pig’s tail, water, salt, pepper, dough, eggs, plantains, and bananas. An exotic mix of familiar ingredients.

Belize is famous for its white-sand Caribbean beaches and clear, unpolluted waters. The best weather here is between December and April, making it perfect for snowbirds.

Since the official language is English, it’s easy for expats to thrive. Belize offers one of the best residency programs you can find.

Living in Belize

While English is the official language of Belize, you may find minor language barriers due to the pidgin English spoken in the country. Belizeans will switch to an English you can understand, but don’t be surprised if you must pick up on the creole.

Asking for directions might be very confusing. There may be no streets named or left/right indications when you ask for directions which can be frustrating for many.

It is well known that infrastructure is not Belize’s strong suit, but it is improving: Still it is not like what you would find in the developed world.

Property tax is very cheap. This can be good, but it has a downside. The low property taxes mean that there are not a lot of resources allocated for infrastructure, health care, etc.

For non-Americans, Belize offers income tax-free living, with legal residency easy to obtain through the country’s Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) program. Foreign residents pay no tax in Belize on non-Belize income. Thus, if you are British, German, Australian, or Irish, for example, you could become a QRP and reduce your overall tax burden to virtually nothing.

The money needed to retire here is low, you can move here with only your social security check. If you want to live in Belize it’s close enough to the States that you can even drive down.

This country can be a wonderful sun-and-fun-filled place to live, but like any place, there are things to be aware of. Crime in Belize does not involve organized crime like in Mexico, Guatemala, and other countries in the region.

Through history, the economy of Belize has relied heavily on its primary industry of logging. Most importantly, Belize is also a banking haven, one of the few remaining in the world, a jurisdiction where every bank must always maintain a minimum of 24% liquidity and bankers respect bank secrecy. Belize is one of the easiest places in the world to open an offshore account.

For all of these reasons, Belize claims a spot every year at or near the top of our Best Places In The World To Retire List.

Cost Of Living In Belize

Belize is a schizophrenic little country, both Caribbean and Central American. Generally considered one of the best values in the Caribbean, it is relatively expensive by Central American standards. It can appear that way at first.

Like anywhere else in the world, the cost of living is highly dependent upon your lifestyle. The more time you spend here, the less expensive it can be. All too many expats fall into the trap of living overseas as if they are on vacation—living in a lavish resort-type setting and buying imported wine, food, and other products. After the first few months in their new home, they have blown their budgets and never get settled in.

The key to maintaining a low cost of living in Belize is to get to know the local vendors, farmers, and suppliers. Many Belizean enjoy higher standards of living than many ‘First World’ residents. They purchase locally grown foods, for example, which are far superior to the more expensive processed foods imported from abroad.

Will you be happy with a local diet of beans and rice, or do you prefer American staples? Local grocery items, like flour, rice, and sugar, are inexpensive. Local fruits and vegetables at the outdoor markets are inexpensive too.

Chicken is a staple in the Belizean diet and it’s low-cost. You’ll pay US$4 for 30 eggs. Go to a local butcher to get beef, pork, fish, shrimp, and even salmon. Pork chops cut to order cost US$4 a pound.

About US$100 should be enough for your weekly grocery bill. You can also find American products at grocery stores… but you will be spending between 25% to 50% more on groceries if that’s your preference.

Import duties are generally high in Belize. In this case, the Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) visa offers an advantage. With theQRP , you’re allowed to bring your household goods and a car duty-free. However, you need to remember that this is a one-time deal.

Having a car is expensive because the import duties and gas taxes are high. Also, a strong 4×4 car is best in Belize. Maintaining a car may be one of the most expensive things to include in your budget. It is possible to live without a car on the mainland, but if you want to go elsewhere, you should consider a car.

Healthcare In Belize

Belize is recognized for many advantages and attractions, but medical care is not one of them. Health care is not a strong suit for this country, but it is slowly improving.

Local health insurance companies have plans that cover you in Belize but also in Guatemala and Mexico. Many go to these countries to get treatment.

Also, you could opt to go to the United States if you need medical treatment since it’s so close.

Getting to Belize

For such a small country, Belize enjoys an abundance of international airline connections.

There are direct flights from Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Newark, Charlotte, Miami, and San Salvador on major airlines such as American, United, and Delta.

Try using Kayak to find and compare airfares. Belize is only a two-hour flight from Miami and three hours from Dallas.

Tropic Air, a local Belizean airline, also flies to neighboring Cancún, Roatán, San Pedro Sula, and Guatemala City.

Best Places To Live In Belize

The whole country has a small-town ambiance. It is easy to become a part of the community. Both locals and expats are welcoming and willing to lend a hand.

Belize also offers a lot of what many tourists, retirees, and investors are looking for: Sandy beachfront, both along its mainland coast and encircling its offshore cays. Prices for a bit of sand on quintessentially Caribbean Ambergris Caye, are very affordable by Caribbean standards, and there is an active and vibrant community, trendy restaurants, expat-run cafés, and lively beach bars among the places to live in Belize.

Alternatively, the Cayo region—which boasts Mayan archaeological sites, caves, streams, waterfalls, and forests—offers incredible opportunities for embracing a self-sufficient life. Off the grid options where you can live independently and grow your own food are available here.