Living in Belize: the ultimate expat guide

Les and Colette in Big Falls: "We love the tranquility of the small village"

Les and Colette come from Oregon, US, where they had their own business. They first traveled to Belize in 1986. Following their retirement, they moved permanently to Big Falls three years ago.

San Pedro Scoop!

Hi, my name is Rebecca Coutant and that's me in the blue headed out to swim with whale sharks. I've lived on the Caribbean island of Ambergris Caye, Belize for 6 years. SIX YEARS! I can hardly believe it. At the age of 32, I moved here (solo) leaving Manhattan.

An enthusiastic expat in Belize

Kristin (also known as the Solar Super Mama) is an American expat in Belize — a country that she fell in love with at first sight, back in her college days. Kristin speaks to Expat.com about expat life with four kids in the picturesque Belize village of Monkey River and her wide range of passions — from nature and food to entrepreneurship, alternative ways of educating your children, and positive attitude towards life!

Stricter immigration policies for foreign workers and students in Canada

Continuing with the restrictive immigration policy initiated in 2024, Canada has introduced several new measures in 2025, including the suspension of sponsorship application processes, delays in pathways to permanent residency, and restrictions on work permit eligibility for expatriate spouses. The most recent regulation now allows for the cancellation of work permits and student visas.

Author Melanie Cheng discusses the impact of a bicultural upbringing on identity

Join us as we explore the journey of Melanie Cheng, a writer profoundly influenced by her upbringing in Hong Kong and Australia. Her unique bicultural background has deeply shaped her perspective and voice as a storyteller. Today, Melanie shares insights into how navigating two distinct cultures has enriched her writing, offering a nuanced exploration of identity, belonging, and the complex interplay of language and tradition in her work.

How different countries approach midday breaks

Lunch breaks are more than just lunch. They can also be a cultural phenomenon, especially when you consider how different a lunch experience in a different country can be. Today, we are looking into what lunch breaks are like across the world and which countries take them most seriously.

Understanding inheritance law and taxes

The cross-border inheritance of assets presents a complex legal and financial terrain for expats with families in other countries. No two nations share identical inheritance laws, and the specifics of bilateral tax treaties vary as well. So, how can you navigate this minefield without losing access to your inherited assets, complicating the donation of your assets to your children, or facing excessive taxes? Here are some tips.

Expat women: Why setting boundaries is important

Launched in October 2017, the #Metoo movement has empowered women to speak out. Globally, women from all walks of life, both well-known and private, have come forward to expose violence against women. Central to these discussions is the concept of consent, which at first glance appears straightforward—voluntarily agreeing to engage in an activity. Yet, its application, particularly regarding women, often faces scrutiny. Common misunderstandings persist, such as interpreting a "no" as a "yes," or considering a coerced "yes" as consent. This raises a critical question: How do you, as a woman, establish personal boundaries while living abroad?