What struck you about Belize?

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Cheryl Moderator

Member since 15 October 2018

CherylModerator24 March 2021 07:10:44

12524

Hello everybody,

When you first settled in Belize, you might have been struck by cultural aspects of life in Belize and you might even have anecdotes about your integration here.
We would like you to share with expats-to-be what you discovered once you arrived in Belize: customs, traditions, interesting or fun facts etc.

What were the things that surprised you the most after your arrival?

Are there any practices that are particularly out of step with your culture of origin? If so, what are they?

What do you think about them?

Did you get used to these and adopt some of these traditions or norms?

Do you think you would take some of the customs of Belize with you if you were to return to your home country or move to another country?

Thank you!

Cheryl,
Expat.com team

maddes Member

Member since 24 January 2021

maddesMember24 March 2021 12:24:50

1) Houses and buildings don't have street number on the islands, WHAT THE HELL. You can see how they struggle real hard to tell others where stuff is located at.

2) They don't speak Spanish nor English, they speak both at the same time. When they know both languages, they normally use Spanish grammar with English nouns and verbs, like: "Vino un friend de la church a la house para search un tool". For a Spanish native like me from Argentina, it's quite difficult to adjust to that at first.

3) They speak very quietly and are generally scarce with indications and details, specially frustrating when doing paperwork. Also, signs are not abundant so it's fairly easy to get lost about "where the heck is administration", "where do I pay for this stamp", "where's the entrance to...". Arm yourself with patience with dealing with paperwork.

4) Government is completely absent in terms of planning. There are little to no kids parks or they are destroyed for lack of maintenance. That was shocking for us, a family with 2 very young kids struggling to find recreational spaces other than the beach.

5) They seem to lack creativity on business models and UVPs. Example: the central market in Cayo or Coronal. You can find easily 5 to 10 stands one next to the other, selling exactly the same fruits at exactly the same price. It extend to other types of markets too, centralized private services like premium taxis, restaurant delivery app, marketplace app, etc, all missing. So, if you have the initiative, there are great business opportunities by simply offering currently available services but with a modernized structure or business model.

JudyStewart New member

Member since 25 January 2019

JudyStewartNew member03 May 2021 17:36:43

We have travelled all over Belize. But we have found our haven in Caye Caulker. We love the people there like they are family. We enjoy the community as well. We feel very safe and welcome there.

helenhmja Active member

Member since 05 March 2021

helenhmjaActive member05 May 2021 11:59:24

maddes......if you dislike belize so much THEN move to another country

helenhmja Active member

Member since 05 March 2021

helenhmjaActive member05 May 2021 12:02:46

judy stewart so glad that you like belize...i love belize hope to be living in the corozal area very soon love the people love the weather can't wait to move and have gardens of vegetables and flowers

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