Should i retire in belize

Instead, you deserve year-round warmth, tropical breezes, an absence of crowds and a nation eager to help you retire on a modest income. Further, Belize real estate is not only affordable, but diverse. Want a condo on the beach?

How about a villa off the beaten track? Breakfast with a view at Mambo, Matachica Resort. Photo courtesy Celia Spenard Ko. A fantastic, full, relaxing lifestyle awaits you in Belize.

Swim every day. Kiss your car goodbye and buy a bike. That means finding others with similar experiences transition to Belize. Although golf carts are the most popular form of getting around on Ambergris Caye, many choose to walk or bicycle without any problems at all.

Of course, the sea has much to offer this growing community too. Many first time visitors to Belize are curious to witness the mix of cultures that these expat groups are settling into as their new home. Belize has a long history of mixed cultures, and with the tourism industry having been embedded here for decades, the country is overwhelmingly welcoming to people from an array of origins around the globe, whether they are here for a short vacation or moving here permanently to live out their retirement.

Belize has a wide range of successful private and public sector healthcare options. There are several modern hospitals throughout the country, and local clinics similar to those increasingly found throughout the U. Most expats frequently choose to use the private centers when they do need care. Routine procedures are exceptionally affordable when compared with U.

Belize City, just a minute flight from Ambergris Caye, offers the highest level of medical care in the country. For routine check-ups, just as you would in the United States, take the time to find a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with to get the health care that you want.

It is a good idea to learn what to expect when you retire in Belize before you go, but you can continue to learn after you move. There is never a time when a person is too old to learn and experience new things and retiring to Belize is an opportunity to do that.

This one is important. Due diligence is basically doing your homework. For some, that can mean internet research or asking others about their experiences in Belize. It can mean making a checklist of questions and concerns with everything from financial management, lifestyle options, and goods and services available in Belize. One highly recommended strategy for conducting due diligence is to take a trip and visit Belize in person. Not only can you experience the taste of local cuisine, feel the sunshine on your shoulders, and get to know the community a bit, but you can also conduct important follow-up to questions you have concerning a Ambergris Caye Belize real estate you may be interested in buying.

This is an important step when venturing to Central America for the first time. Certain amenities, such as: hot and cold water lines, properly installed and placed electrical outlets, double pane windows, cable TV and internet connections, even towel racks, may be strangely missing from some developments upon close inspection!

The general quality of construction should be an important consideration too. Most locals are very friendly and welcoming of strangers," explained an expat living in Belize City. One expat wrote, "I've learned to accept the culture and pace here and even enjoy it. Around noon, for example, many businesses, banks and government offices close for a 'siesta' time. Keeping this in mind, I have learned to shop or do business in the morning or afternoon.

Oftentimes I take a siesta too! I appreciate being reminded that it's important to live as stress free as possible, and this includes appreciating the pace of the culture and not expecting North American precisene. Remembering not to be in a hurry! The day is plenty long and there is always tomorrow.

The day is as long as it is light, so there is generally no hurry," added another. We live modestly, eating out maybe times a month and do not have cable stream all tv.

Yes, the cayes are more 'expensive', however, that is in context to mainland costs, not to North American costs.

For what you have available, you will live very comfortably, no matter where you chose. The only way to know is to visit here, spend time as a tourist days , then spend time as a 'resident' and grocery shop, cook, stay home at night and see if it's something you can do, and afford long term. You'll get a good sense of 'expensive' for whatever region you choose to do this in.

The time researching in person is invaluable in comparison to what you get in here," advised another expat in a thread about the cost of living COL in Belize. Now we are debt free in Belize. Consequently, we are fully able to live off of our Social Security, and occasional deductions from IRA's, etc. We are very comfortable on the whole, and do not feel that any of the prices in Belize are too high," wrote on expat in Hopkins, Belize.

Our team of US tax professionals has decades of tax preparation experience helping expats just like you and our streamlined process means our fees are among the lowest in the industry.

Connect with USTG. Expats often recommend Placencia on the mainland for its beaches. Additionally, Hopkins is another spot with good beaches. In the US State Department's Belize Travel Advisory it states, "Belize is rated high for crime and has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world.

Gang members and other criminals use violent means to resolve disputes. Visitors should exercise caution throughout Belize, particularly in the south side of Belize City and remote areas along Belize's borders due to high crime. Crime may occur anywhere in Belize, and criminals frequently target tourists, including those at resorts and on the roads and river ways.

Crime, including sexual assault, armed robbery, and murder remains high and is distributed evenly throughout the country. Most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted. A lack of capacity, resources, and training impedes the ability of local police to effectively investigate crime and apprehend offenders. Thefts of cash and credit cards happen frequently in some areas of Belize.

It is believed several credit card fraud rings are currently active in Belize, particularly in San Pedro. Scams occur in Belize, especially in resort areas. Women traveling alone or in small groups are targets for sexual assault, even in tourist areas. When we asked a retiree in Belize City if there was a lot of crime in her area, she replied, "Supposedly Belize city is one of the most dangerous cities in the world But it only has 60, people in it, mostly during the weekdays.

The killings tend to be gang related, drug related. In a specific area, south side, We live on the north side, in a very safe area. Our home is surrounded by a tall concrete wall, and our windows do have burglar bars on them. We have three large dogs which act as any further deterrent. I live here very happily, and feel very safe.

When someone considering a move to Belize asked about touring the country along, one expat replied, "You shouldn't have any issue traveling alone if you use standard "good travel policy" not flashing a wad of cash, not being drunk and unruly and don;t bring undue attention to yourself, and be pleasant. According to the State Department, "Emergency services will be either unavailable or significantly delayed. Serious injuries or illnesses normally require evacuation to another country.

Medical care for minor ailments is generally available in urban areas. Advanced medical treatment is very limited in Belize City or Belmopan and is extremely limited or unavailable in rural and remote areas. Pharmacy services are generally acceptable in larger cities.