Wife and I are coming to Belize

Under QRP of course you can bring in alot of stuff duty free so it may be worth while for the larger and better quality stuff. If you are building here, you may want to consider bringing in such things as fixtures for plumbing etc. that you really won't get the selection that they have in the states for here. We shipped a container with alot of personal items from Alaska and I really don't think it was worth the cost, but it is nice to have comfort items and personal items that have sentimental value.
Good luck and you can certainly PM me and we'll exchange email addresses if you need more detailed info.
Thanks and good luck

Hi Robbi,
What a great thing that you are considering Belize for your retirement destination.  I retired here 6 years, and have never looked back.  I too bought down a 40foot container.  Now that I think of it, I could have bought locally.  You may want to consider the cost. If the cost is not too high, you may want your own things.  The quality would be better, but then does it matter in retirement?  If there is any help I can offer, please contact me at rayleeaust@yahoo.com
Lee

Hi Robby. I moved here in late 2010 with only 3 suitcases and a lap top. For the first year, I furnished a medium-sized, two bedroom home for about $3000 usd, something I could never do in the States.

After one year, I knew exactly which things I really needed that I couldn\'t find here, and then had them shipped here. The shipping costs will depend on how much stuff you want to bring. Shipping to Belmopan won\'t save you a lot of money, but the fact that you are in Texas will help.  I have a great shipper referral if you need one, just email me sharonhiebing@gmail.com

Also, I own Red Roof Property Management, so touch base with me when you get close to coming - I have rentals in all of Cayo. Good luck! Sharon Hiebing

Thanks, for the info Sharon, but I wasn't thinking that shipping to Belmopan would be cheaper; I was concerned that the transportation from the port, would make it more expensive. When I was in that area, back in the mid 80s, I didn't see any moving vans for rent. Has that changed?

Thanks for the response, Lee. The cost is part of the decision process. My thinking right now is to ship a small container of household goods, like dishes, flatware and cooking utensils. I'll probably include our bicycles fishing gear and some other leisure activity equipment (gaming systems, etc.). I'll probably be in touch with you and Sharon when we visit in May. Joyce, my lovely and very patient wife, will want to pick your brains from her perspective.

I think the small container will be enough, unless you have things you cannot live without (smile). It is costly to get started here, but once you are settled in, you will be amazed at the savings here.  Please do get in touch, and keep in touch when you get down. We here are family, and we would welcome you into ours. Keep me posted as to your plans.
Lee

Lee Austin said, "It is costly to get started here, but once you are settled in, you will be amazed at the savings here."

I agree with that Lee. It has always been my experience that the initial set up cost the most, but once you start living on the economy, it all settles down. Joyce and I have always enjoyed living with the locals and we try to avoid bringing the USA model to where we are. I guess that is why we have enjoyed living overseas so much.

Robby1949 wrote:

Thanks, for the info Sharon, but I wasn't thinking that shipping to Belmopan would be cheaper; I was concerned that the transportation from the port, would make it more expensive. When I was in that area, back in the mid 80s, I didn't see any moving vans for rent. Has that changed?

Sorry for the misunderstanding, Robby. Yes, there are moving vans for Rent in Cayo now, so that is an option for you.

Bobby, I do not think it will be cheaper to ship to Belmopan unless you will be living  in Belmopan.  It still has to come in country at Belize of Melchor.

Robby
Joseph Freight almost always brings their freight in through Guatamala and warehouse it in San Ignacio, then deliver to the rest of the country. I would check with them.

Surendra

Yes, that is correct. You would have to get your things to one of their departure cities. I think they are Houston, LA, Chicago. It would save a lot if that would work for you.
Lee

We shipped a 40' high boy into Big Creek 9 months ago and had it delivered and stored by a very reliable man.  He has security for the container and is SUPER reasonable on pricing.  We were not under the retiree program but even with shipping our Suburban in the container, our duties were very reasonable.  The port we shipped into was in Big Creek and the customs guys were a dream to deal with.  I will say that of the people who have signed up for the program, I have not yet met anyone who has been pleased with the program long term.  One man I know has been here 8 yrs. and says he wishes he'd just paid the duties so that he had freedom from the inquiries he receives.  We could have qualified but chose not to use the program.  We are quite happy with our decision.  If you'd like some phone numbers and prices, just message me.  Best wishes!

We are moving to Caulker Caye from seattle in Dec.2012 and we only want to bring in about 200cf...1 co. said they would only go to Belize City, and another offered us $3000!  I have other inquiries out there but no responses yet..any suggestions?  ty Cathy