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DISCOVER BELIZE
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Placencia, Belize, is a scenic, 17-mile Caribbean peninsula known for white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a diverse, welcoming expat community. Once a pirate hideout and Maya trade hub, it now offers relaxed luxury, tourism, investment opportunities, and affordable living. While healthcare is basic, infrastructure is improving, and the QRP program offers tax-free retirement for eligible expats.
When Spanish explorers came to the area hundreds of years ago, they saw pristine beaches lined with coconut palms. They named the peninsula Punta Placencia (“pleasant point” in English).
This description is equally suitable today.
Pirates holed up on the peninsula in 1629, using the shallow cuts through the barrier reef (the second largest in the world) to shelter from the Spanish and English navies’ reprisals for harrying their merchant ships.
In pre-Columbian times, there were more than 14 Maya settlements dotting the area around the peninsula, where the natives fished, traded, and produced salt for export across the Mayan world.
Today, Latino, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, Mennonite, East Indian, and Chinese people, plus gringos, spice up what was once a monocultural community.
This haven is somewhat of a secret in the Caribbean… Seventeen miles of the most beautiful, vacant, white sandy beaches… Dazzling turquoise blue water, teeming with fish…
Cooling trade winds gently caress the palm trees, and white beaches that offer perfect launching grounds for excursions to the myriad of cays that abound around this little peninsula of paradise…
Placencia is a 17-mile-long sand spit that is at most only a quarter-mile wide.
As a result, the one-time fishing village turned quiet tourist destination boasts high-quality developments, high-quality people, and little to no crime… just an abundance of deserted white beaches, turquoise waters, and relaxed luxury.
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
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Today, tourism is the mainstay of the peninsula. And, the natural richesBelizeenjoys makes scuba diving and snorkeling in the many marine reserves a spectacular experience.
Placencia, Belize, offers some of the best culinary options in all of Belize. From Indian, Italian, gelato, and pizza to fresh fish and authentic local cuisine, there is a surprising amount on offer for such an intimate location.
Also, Placencia has a casino and a golf course accessible by a short boat ride and a spa located in the village.
There is a small but significant expat group on the peninsula. In Placencia, Belize, you find all sorts of expats to meet and socialize with.
Most of all new developments are bought by newcomers, and social outlets available to expats have been increasing.
There are many foreign-owned businesses on the peninsula, both large and small.
Opportunities for real estate investment, small-scale development, and other service or supply opportunities still exist and will become more evident as the community grows.
The expat community gets involved in charitable fundraisers.
So, good causes and various festivals and celebrations are often hosted with expat involvement on the peninsula.
In short, there is genuine friendliness and appreciation of expats on the peninsula.
The cost of livingin Placencia is higher than in some other places on the mainland of Belize. However, this does not mean that life is exorbitantly expensive here.
Rent for a single unit can be as low as US$500 per month.
While one can find household help for prices all the way down to minimum wage of US$1.75 per hour, it’s highly recommended that you don’t underpay those who have access to your home.
Most importantly, when you’re looking for fresh seafood, go to the Fishermen’s Cooperative at the end of the main street. There you can shop around and buy a variety of foods and other items for very reasonable prices.
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mortgage | – | Not included here as too variable. |
| HOA Fees | US$247 | Only applies within development. |
| Property Taxes | US$20 | |
| Transportation | US$198 | Bus, taxi, etc. |
| Gas | US$25 | Cooking and hot water. |
| Electricity | US$198 | Half of this if you don’t use A/C. |
| Water | US$25 | |
| Cell Phone | US$15 | Plans start at US$15 but budget US$37 if you want 27 GB data. |
| Internet | US$64 | |
| Cable TV | – | Bundled with internet. |
| Household Help | US$158 | Twice a week. |
| Entertainment | US$395 | Placencia is more expensive than anywhere else in Belize. |
| Groceries | US$300 | |
| Gym Membership | US$50 | |
| Medical Appointment | US$25 | |
| TOTAL | US$1,720 |
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$1,235 | This would provide a good quality apartment. |
| Transportation | US$198 | Bus, taxi, etc. |
| Gas | US$25 | Cooking and heating. |
| Electricity | US$198 | Half of this if not using A/C. |
| Water | US$25 | |
| Cell Phone | US$15 | Plans start at US$15 but budget US$37 if you want 27 GB data. |
| Internet | US$64 | |
| Cable TV | – | Bundled with internet fee. |
| Household Help | US$158 | Twice a week. |
| Entertainment | US$395 | Placencia is more expensive than anywhere else in Belize. |
| Groceries | US$300 | |
| Gym Membership | US$50 | |
| Medical Appointment | US$25 | |
| TOTAL | US$2,688 |
| Expense | Monthly Costs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rent | US$494 | Most basic kind of rental. |
| Transportation | US$50 | Bus, taxi, etc. |
| Gas | US$13 | Cooking and heating. |
| Electricity | US$50 | |
| Water | US$15 | |
| Cell Phone | US$15 | Plans start at BZ$30 but budget BZ$75 if you want 27 GB data. |
| Internet | US$64 | |
| Cable TV | – | Bundled with internet. |
| Entertainment | US$200 | |
| Groceries | US$200 | |
| TOTAL | US$1,101 |
Click here for currency conversions at today’s exchange rates.
Placencia, Belize, is a popular tourist destination. Thanks to this popularity, infrastructure has gotten better throughout the years.
Placencia can be reached by road, sea, and air. It has a small airstrip, the Placencia Airport, which is where domestic flights come in.
Also, Placencia also has electricity, water, and sewage systems. Still, several residents and locals rely on alternative sources of power and water such as generators and rainwater harvesting systems.
Telecommunication services in Placencia, Belize, are available and fairly reliable. However, depending on where you’re located and on who your service provider is, you may encounter some trouble here and there with speed and reliability.
Belize isn’t known for top quality health care services. But, there are hospitals, clinics, and professionals that are more than capable of tending to locals’ and residents’ needs.
Placencia has a health care center called the Placencia Health Center that can provide basic medical services.
You can get checkups, vaccinations, and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses here. Plus, there are also private medical centers here. These centers have more flexible hours and may offer a broader range of medical services.
For more specialized care, though, you’re better off heading to Belize City. If you’re in Placencia, Belize and suffer a major injury, the Placencia Health Center is equipped to stabilize you before transferring you to a hospital in Belize City.
Before making any decisions, we recommend you plan a trip to Belize and spend at least two weeks in Placencia, Belize. This’ll give you the chance to get an idea of what life here can be like for you.
Keep in mind, every place has its pros and cons. There are things that you will love and there will be things that will get on your nerves.
Remember, you must keep an open mind and remind yourself constantly that Placencia, or any other place on the planet, has its own way of doing things and you will not change the system no matter how annoyed you get.
Plus, if you find that Placencia, Belize, might not be living up to your ideals, take the remaining time you have left to travel around Belize.
Scout different towns, cities, and districts and see if one of these other places resonates better with you.
If you do decide to retire to Placencia, Belize, and start getting a bit tired of life here after a few years, don’t fret. You’re free to pack up and move someplace else whenever you want.
Anyone from the United States can enter Belize without a visa and remain there as a tourist for up to 30 days. And, if you’re looking to retire or relocate here, however, you’ll need to apply for the necessary permits to stay.
For retirees, or anyone above the age of 45, will find that the Belize’s Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) residency program is a good choice.
The only requirements to qualify for Belize’s QRP program are that you or your spouse be 45 years of age or older, that you consider yourself to be retired. Also, proof that you have a minimum monthly income of at least US$2,000 per month to support yourself in Belize.
This residency program’s incentives include a permanent exemption from any Belizean taxes including income tax, capital gains tax, estate tax, and import tax on household goods, automobiles, boats, and even airplanes.
The climate of Belize is characterized by two seasons: rainy and dry. In Belize, most of the year’s rainfall occurs June to November.
Average annual rainfall across Belize ranges from 60 inches on Ambergris and in the north to 160 inches in the most southern parts of Belize.
The dry season is from November to May, with April being the driest month.
Temperatures in Placencia remain steady throughout the year. For example, average temperatures range from 75°F (24°C) to 80°F (27°C).
Reviewed By Kathleen Peddicord
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
Experience The World’s #1 Retirement Haven
Sept. 17-19, 2025
Valencia, Spain
Start Your New Overseas Life Today
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Placencia, Belize, is safe, laid-back, and easy to navigate. The locals and the expat community are extraordinarily harmonious in managing development in a responsible way.
Placencia, Belize, is small, so walking is a common way for people to get around. Some locals may also be seen riding bikes.
Technically, yes, the tap water is safe to drink in Placencia, Belize. However, we highly recommend you keep large water jugs at home and purchase bottled water at restaurants or when out and about.
Placencia, Belize, enjoys a relatively low crime rate. But, just like anywhere else in the world, there are pickpockets and petty thefts from time to time. And, if you follow standard safety practices, you should be fine.
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