New members of the Belize forum, introduce yourselves here - 2019

Replying to the Tenyjaylin

There is very little chance of getting work in Belize as an expat. If you are going on the QRP it is against the rules and  the positions you mention are HIGH end jobs and not going to be open to expats at all. Buying in Belize is easy, selling if you change your mind not so much.
The advice is always visit  and explore possibly a few times to get a feel for the place before you make the big move, and then still rent for a good while,  6 to 12 months to give you the options to find your ideal area, or change if your mind you can leave without taking a huge loss.

good day, i am Serge van Doorn. I am seriously considering moving to Belize in the very near futur however, although not required i would like to find employment in the Information Security domain, where i have been working in that field for the Canadian Military, government, and presently incorporating ISO27001 for a European Company.   Is there any such employment there?

thank you

Serge

All employment of expats in Belize is dependent on getting work permits. Either via an employer, or independently.  Both take time and $$$ to accomplish. I do not know, outside of possible government offices,  if you would find many  if any companies in Belize that would utilize your skills.

thank you for your reply. I shall continue my search

thank you Julien, how would someone with $4000 month make out in the Corozal are? 

Serge

With that income (presuming you are saying US$) you can live very well in most parts of Belize.
Why only Corozal? if there were any companies able to utilize your talents they would most likely be in Belmopan, Belize city or on the Cayes.

no it is Canadian, sorry. i ask because maybe i just dont want to work anymore and actually enjoy life

Serge

Well as that is  over $2kUS  and if you aged over 45 then you can qualify for the QRP. Main benefit you get to import your household stuff (up to $15kUS) and a  vehicle less than 5 years old, and a boat, and light aircraft so long as you have qualifying licenses all and you own them outright without liens on them, all tax and duty free.
You do need to pay into a Belize Bank account $2k per month. Some get confused with this, that cash is still your own money to do what you like with, it is  not some sort of tax. it is the amount that the GOB assess is sufficient for an expat to live in Belize, same figure for a single person as a married couple. i suggest you explore more of  Belize before you take any big leap. Each district has its own charms and its own faults and all are different.

again thank you for your reply. I am simply looking for a place i can retire mostly free of stress. yes the $4000 cad equates more than the 2k us. see i have PTSD from my military career and no longer can deal with work stresses. I will continue to view other places in belize as per your suggestion.

regards

Serge

I am new to this and have visited Belize. I plan on moving to a rental for a while to see if we are a good fit with one another. I am a retiring criminologist college professor (May19) and want to move to a nicer place. I am not a city person at all. I hope to live simply with a few things.Wherever I move I need at least one room to control humidity for some possessions. I need access to internet and am wondering if satellite tv/internet may be available in more remote areas. Not being rich (divorce is a cure for excess money) I cannot buy a new landcruiser so what kind of vehicle is good? I will stop here, too many questions. Anyone that will assist with knowledge is my new best friend!
David Camp

Welcome to the forum. There are many here who share your sentiment.
Internet access will depend on where you are. I have heard good and bad about satellite here, but don't have any experience with it. Most do well with SMART WiFi and cell phones.
I doubt you would be able to  afford a new Landcruiser in Belize - $150K (US), based on your statement above. There is a Toyota truck available (Hilux) that is about $40K (US), and about the same for a 4 Runner. If you come as QRP you can import a vehicle without paying an import duty. Or you could buy a used vehicle in Belize.
Good luck in your endeavors.

I am Charles King & my wife, Tana & I reside in Dallas Texas. I am a retired financial advisor & Tana a retired educator.
We have 5 children & 12 grandchildren.
My goal in moving to Belize is to improve my health & lifestyle, however she is hesitant to be away from our daughter & grandchildren. So, we are working on a plan to achieve both!
I need suggestions & information to help us accomplish this plan.
Thank you!

Hello and welcome to the forum. You can get a lot of good information and suggestions here, but you really need to visit to get an idea of the country and the possibilities for your situation.
It sounds as though your best option would be the QRP route, as it will allow you to come and go whenever you feel the need. You won't have to spend a continuous year in-country to achieve permanent resident status, plus you can import a lot of personal items duty-free.
Come see if it is a good fit for you, and happy travels.

My husband and I plan to build a home and retire in Belize.  He's originally from Belize, and we have two lots on Ambergris Caye, and his mother is giving him a plot near Benque as well. We'll be back in Belize in Jan to spend time with family and also check on the land. Not planning to start building for another 7-8 yrs, so lots of time to iron out details and watch developments there.  I most interested to see how the western part of Ambergris Caye develops.   A lot things are already in place for that area to take off...look at how Secret Beach is not such a secret anymore.

Thank you

Hi there. Thank you for the welcome.

I have said all this in setting up my account but basically I am 64 years old and a widow with grown independent children. I am looking to relocate from South Africa as racism here is very high and it is not safe at all with no future either for a white woman.
My brother, who lives in Canada, recommended Belize. I adapt very easily to change and I am sure I will be able to adjust and settle. I just want to spend the rest of my life feeling safer than I do here.
I am self employed and will continue to do that from there. I do web design and have clients in South Africa, USA and Canada.
I am looking at being able to relocate in about 2 years time, 3 max. I first want to ensure I have prepared and have all in place.
Thanks again. Looking forward to getting to know expats in Belize from South Africa and making friends before I leave here.
Yvonne

Welcome Niyija.

There are many areas of Belize that might suit you, but I would not suggest Belize city as one of them.

This forum has lots of good information (and some not so much) . Use the magnifying glass in the upper right to search keywords and phrases. Keep in mind the age of conversations here as things do change.

There are many informative sites and news outlets in Belize. Some of the government sites have been updated fairly recently, with more info than they used to, Many sites are aimed directly at tourists not long term residents, so take their glowing phrase with that in mind.

But most of all, do not wait until you are ready to move, to make you first of several visits to Belize. There is absolutely NO SUBSTITUTE for "your own sandals in the sand."

As a minimum I recommend at least three visits long enough to visit several areas for a couple of days each, at three different times of the year.

Thank you very much for your advice. I really appreciate it. I will go and explore more:)

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My husband and I are planning on spending 3 months in Belize starting this December to get a feel if it is where we would like to invest in our retirement ( 1st time in Belize).
I’ve heard that the best way to find accommodations is to go down there and meet the residents as many places are not advertised. I would prefer a bit more security in knowing my accommodations are reserved for us when we board the plane to come down (Canada). Any suggestions on the best way to find long term rentals?  Do real estate agents do that? 
Thanks in advance.

I think what most posters mean is to  pick and book inexpensive lodging in the area you wish to stay maybe for a week And start asking around in that time. the first place is probably the hotel staff, as they will live locally and know what and who have places available.
When you arrive you will be asked for an address where you will be staying,  as you come through Immigration, so you do need to have something booked for the first couple of nights.  It is not a good idea to book a long term rental you have not visited personally. You could be tied  to  paying for somewhere you dislike.
You did not say which district of Belize you wish to stay for 3 months.

My advice is to try some different locations for a couple of weeks at a time to see what you like. We did that year and chose to build in Aan Ignacio.

Good morning,

My partner and I have a lot in Benque that his mother gave him. We also have two lots in Ambergris Caye that we hope to build on one day too. With the land in Benque we thought of doing a small vacation/ rental in the near term.  We are going to be there is Jan, so we thought of setting up some appts w/ a contractor, and also take a drive to Spanish Lookout to check out Plett Builders Mennonite homes.   I noticed that you said you built a home.  May I ask who you went with for building/design.

Many thanks for any suggestions.

Michael

Hi, I'm interested in possibly retiring in Placencia, Belize. I only visited recently and felt Palcencia may be a good fit.  I don't know where to start my research.  So, I joined to get others perspective. Thanks, Michelle

Hi all,
I have already asked a couple of questions not realizing I had not properly introduced myself. An email led me to this page to do so. So I hope it is correct.

My Name is David A Camp. I am retired (as of May 18th 2019). Living on Social Security and Military disability. Cant move until late August though.

Hmm, brief history? Lifelong student. Criminologist / Professor of Criminology (last 30 years) specializing in interpersonal communications analysis. Tenured 2 X.  Undergrad degree ethnography/Sociology and Anthropology).

I apprenticed with Cherokee Shaman for 3 1/2 years - full immersion while an undergrad. Took 2 MS programs (education and Social Ecology/Deviant Behavior) finally earning Phd from OSU Oklahoma.
Will always continue learning.

Also ran home/ranch for at risk juveniles, elephant trainer in zoos (mostly Miami) and worked in Mental Health Agency.

Strong believer in ethics driven by 'hurt no one. help when able, share if what you have is needed. THe last part explains why I am poor. I plan on coming for a visit in a few weeks and if all is OK, moving at Sept. to Ambergris in long term rental.

Played with (not played) guitars since age 8.

Scuba, snorkel. sun and water lover .

Hope I did not put anyone to sleep. And I hope to meet and make friends, though I am also very much a private (but friendly) person.

Will be seeing you soon.

David

Welcome to the forum David

Thank you. I hope it will be a more permanent soon.

drdavidcamp wrote:

Thank you. I hope it will be a more permanent soon.

I hope I am wrong, but from the few posts you made, it sounds like your first time in Belize will be your permanent move to Belize.

If this is the case, I urge you to search this forum, as no one here recommends that. Rather several of us have numerous times posted a suggested course of action for discovering if Belize is really a place to move to, or just a great vacation place.

Often it seems, things that attract people to Belize, are the same things that drive others away, after they experience it for themselves. There is no substitute for your own "sandals in the sand". 

So please come, explore the different areas, the different cultures, the different opportunities for adventure, the different frustrations of Belize.   

I suggest a minimum of three trips, Each long enough to explore a few areas for a few days. Each trip at different times of the year to experience the variations in temperature and rain.  Once you have picked your area, rent for six months before making the decision to buy.

Greetings,  I am on the last leg of my preparation to move to Corazol Belize.  It is time for me to get acquainted with some other expats in that area.  So I am writing this overview of me:

I am a motivational speaker, author, singer, project manager, ordained minister who currently lives in AZ. 

I have been traveling to Belize for several years to survey the area and have finally decided on Corazol as of this year.  Now I just need to identify a space.

I will begin my life there by staying six months at a time then return to the states - and do it all over again.  I am a solo traveler and enjoy life.

Currently I am a Chaplain at a State Prison that houses 4,700+ male offenders.  I have two children: my daughter lives in Georgia with her husband; my son lives in the Dominican Republic for the past 12 years.

OK - so now I am introduced.  Tootles!

Welcome to the forum.  I unfortunately am not in Corozal area but many members here are I am sure some will be more than welcoming.

Hello all- My name is Kristina. I live in the US, but my husband and I have been seriously considering moving to Belize in the near future. We are also looking at Costa RIca. however, I have a friend that runs a business in Caye Caulker and has nothing but amazing things to say about the country.
I am a Registered Nurse and would be looking to continue working in my field. I have questions about licensing, work visa, etc. 

Thank you- I am happy to have found the site.

krissocalrn wrote:

I am a Registered Nurse and would be looking to continue working in my field. I have questions about licensing, work visa, etc. 

Thank you- I am happy to have found the site.

Welcome.
Questions on expat's working including the medical profession, has been asked and answered in this forum many times.  Along with many questions new folks commonly ask are already answered here. One would think for the medical profession they would make exceptions to government rules protecting jobs for locals.....but this is Belize. Please see my suggestion below, who knows you might come up with a win-win way to use your skills in a place that can really use them.

My suggestion is to use the search feature (magnifying glass in upper right corner) to do key word and short phrase searches. There is a ton of info already there.

Will

As Will has said chances of  getting employment in Belize is very low you, even in  a field perceived by most  as under serviced.You need work permits and licences, Obtaining these  are  not insurmountable problems, BUT will take plenty of time and fees and then  if you get employment the salaries in Belize are a fraction of what you would  expect to be paid in the US.
If you NEED to have decently  paid employment to enable living in Belize it is possibly not the right place to settle. If you are just hoping to help the local people with your knowledge and experience then there are charities who may be happy and able to use your skills. Again you will need a special work permits and licenses even for charitable work.
Belize IS a wonderful place in so many ways, but it is a VERY POOR country, has many of its own shortcomings,  and it is far keener on employing its own citizens than employing  Expats.  Not trying to dowse your enthusiasm for Belize in any way just  trying to say how it is.

Hello everyone.  My name is Carol and I now live in Caye Caulker.  After visiting San Pedro about 13 years ago, I fell in love (but not the San Pedro it has become) and hoped to move here someday.  I lived in Colorado, got divorced, moved to the Florida Keys and stayed there for 12 years.  Coming up on retirement, I knew that I would not be able to afford to live in the Keys and also, it has gotten out of control there.  To expensive, to much traffic, to many visitors 24/7 etc.

So April of last year, I decided to take a trip back here and look for places to rent.  As I said before, I was planning on Ambergris/San Pedro but that notion went right out the window when I got off of the water taxi.  My last day here, I came over to Caye Caulker and knew instantly this is where I wanted to be.

After I went home, I started looking for long term rentals.  The last place I contacted not only had long term but also accepted pets.  I put a deposit down, quit my job in July, sold my car and boat (I lived on), gave away most of my possessions (cause you really don't need much on an island) and told my friends I was moving.  Funny, they didn't believe me.  They did August 1 when I hugged them goodbye.

I have made so many great, caring friends both locals and ex-pats here.  We all look out for each other.  I am blessed to be able to sit on my 3rd floor balcony, drink a beer and look out over the water.  But as many have said on this forum, it's not for everyone.  Many of the things that you have come accustomed to you won't find here.  But you learn to adjust.  And as our motto on Caye Caulker says "Go Slow".  Everything goes slow here!!

Sorry for being long winded.

I enjoyed reading your post and hope to follow in your footsteps, except I found Placencia to be my place! Hoping to retire and move in 4 years! Thanks for sharing your experience.

Often happens once you gt to Belize the first area you thought you wanted to stay is not the place you eventually settle. One reason the advice is always RENT first before you really know you have found the right place just for you.
WE had two places in mind spent months looking for the right place around Outskirts of the twin towns Cayo, and  the Placencia peninsula. We found the perfect spot for us was just outside Belmopan. Who Knew.

Definitely will be renting!

Hello all. We are a retired Canadian military couple. We currently live on Vancouver Island but are planning our move to Belize (Likely Corozal) withing the next 6 to 10 months. I will be coming in under the QRP program and we will be looking to buy a home there.

I have been to Belize numerous times to help train the Belizian military BSAG unit. My wife has also spent a few weeks in Belize with me on vacations.

I look forward to interacting with you all and using the wealth of information on here.

Toby

Welcome to the forum! You can find a lot of good information here, as well as suggestions for where to get additional information.
It sounds as though you are familiar with the country, and comfortable with the relocation.
Hope you find the right location and the right property. Good luck in your search. Look forward to hearing about your experience.