Furnished accommodation includes?

My suggestion is to always ask. It varies a lot. Sometimes it's just appliances and a couple beds and a couch, but others are much more thorough. It's probably wise to just make a list of all the things you really need to have and keep it in a place where you can copy and paste it easily.

Monkey Brew is 100% correct, there really is no other way to know.  In our case, we also got photos of the interior of the house and were able to bring material we could make "couch covers" out of, to bring the decor as close as possible to our tastes.  We also were able to bring kitchen utensils and small appliances with us, that we knew were not available at the house and likely not in a store.  Also we were able to bring knik-knaks, from our grandkids, with us cause we knew we had numerous bookshelves!

Asking and getting clarification, on ALL aspects of your rental agreement, is imperative.  If you are doing it from long distance, like we did*, definitely require current photos of the outside and inside of the property and get spelled out what is included (Cable, Internet, yard cleaning, etc.) and what are your responsibilities (gas/propane, electric, cable, garbage removal,etc.)  and request copies of bills from last couple of months, to see average costs.  If they are a legitimate rental/management company or landlord, they will easily be able to supply these documents and photos.

Don't assume anything....

* We had visited Caye Caulker and "real estate explored" the island, but had not found a long term rental property before we left.  We had a Property Manager whom we had met with and discussed what we were seeking, working for us,  It was about a month and a half after we got home that she contacted us about our current place.  As luck would have it, it was right next door to the AirBnB we stayed at while exploring the island!  We loved that particular area of the village/island...and after 7 months (and in the process of extending the lease another 1-2 years!!!) we LOVE IT EVEN MORE!!!

We're booked for four nights in Hopkins in May.  It will be our first venture to the mainland.  We've heard such good things about the area, we're looking forward to exploring the Sittee River region, and Placencia Peninsula.

Best Wishes for a successful transition!

Thank you Monkeytown!  Really appreciate the advice!  Looking forward to coming down and checking it out in late May or June!

CayeCaulker2017-Thank you so much for all the info!  We are planning to visit late May or June to get a better feel for areas/prices etc:  Even though Caye Caulker looks beautiful we are focusing on San Pedro, Hopkins, Placencia, or Corozol for our first year.  Thinking of staying a couple days each place during our visit.  It's tough at this point for us to figure out what to donate or get rid of in anticipation of the move.  Many of the decisions may have to wait until after we visit Belize or even find a place to rent!.  Your advice is fabulous!!!

Cindycat44 wrote:

CayeCaulker2017-Thank you so much for all the info!  We are planning to visit late May or June to get a better feel for areas/prices etc:  Even though Caye Caulker looks beautiful we are focusing on San Pedro, Hopkins, Placencia, or Corozol for our first year.  Thinking of staying a couple days each place during our visit.  It's tough at this point for us to figure out what to donate or get rid of in anticipation of the move.  Many of the decisions may have to wait until after we visit Belize or even find a place to rent!.  Your advice is fabulous!!!

Hey Cindycat44 - My hubby and I just went through this too. We opted to sell pretty much everything and only bring what we could fit in our suitcases. Our fully furnished casita includes most everything you'd want/need and includes all utilities, wifi, garbage, landscaping. But I will say that I miss my professional grade pots and pans that can go from stove top to oven. I brought a couple good quality knives but I've been able to find most other kitchen gadgets in the stores. I haven't found good quality sheets though so it might be something to consider bringing. I'd suggest going to the stores when you visit different communities so you get a feel for what's available. It is a far different experience than what you'll find in NA. Electronics are expensive down here though due to the duties so I'd suggest bringing your electronics on the plane. And you may find that you need to make shopping excursions into larger towns as smaller communities like Hopkins don't have many stores.

If you end up with a little extra time while in San Pedro, you can take a quick water taxi ride to Caye Caulker. (The airport in Caye Caulker is currently closed for renovations.) We knew we didn't really want to pay the higher prices to live on the cayes. But Caulker has a really nice vibe. It's the "Go Slow" island and after getting nearly run over by golf carts on San Pedro it has a certain appeal.

Ditto on the lack of quality sheets available here!  We had heard that prior to moving and definitely brought two sets with us...GLAD we did!!!

Keri, Thanks for the "props" to Caye Caulker!  We just did our Visa renewal in San Pedro today...our monthly reminder of why we chose Caye Caulker and not Ambergris! ;-P  For us, it is like the difference from NYC to suburban CT,,,which we knew very well, having moved here from suburban CT.

Hello,  my wife and I will be making our first visit in July. We are going to stay in a couple of areas to get a feel for Belize. I know we will start off renting. My question is buying property/ house. Can retired expats get a mortgage. This forum is proving to be very helpful.

One could in theory get a mortgage, but the bank terms are terrible  compared to US and Canada. Interest rates are high, terms 6 to 9 years plus a balloon at the end. with about 40% down. I don't know of any banks outside of Belize that will finance private sales.

That is the reason most property deals in Belize are cash. Occasionally I have heard of owner financed property sales, usually between North Americans.

Take a look Belize bank websites to get current info.

Thanks Will The Old, just about what I thought

You can only get a mortgage in Belize through an international bank such as the Atlantic international bank and it would  then be in a currency other than Belize Dollars.
The local Belize banks will not offer Mortgages or loans to Expats unless they have become permanent residents. If you can jump through all the hoops and get a local bank to open for you a  Personal  ( as opposed to a business) account allowed by the Central bank, the account is considered a non interest bearing savings account only. You can put money in and take it out but little other  "Normal" as we would expect in a western country, banking activities are allowed. For the most part Cash is king in property purchases in Belize.
Some sellers will do 'private mortgages' but  these tend to be over a short time and a high interest rate also. Some developers in the past have offered 10x10x10 . 10% deposit 10%interest over 10 years. Payments usually being made through US banks.

Keri,  We are set for a stay May 19-24 on Caye Caulker and May 24-30 in San Pedro!  We are really looking forward to our trip and hopefully making a final decision on where to locate.  It seems we want our cake and eat it too!  ie:  wanting many restaurants, nightlife, culture and the exuberant energy of a bustling community, but also wanting a quiet laid back atmosphere.  Ahhhh, decisions  ;>). 

You were very bold just moving with suitcases (I am impressed)!  Are there other items you wish you had?  We are going to apply for the QRP program, so we'll be bringing some things from home.  It's a daunting task to figure out the logistics of the move.  What to bring...photos, paintings (in frames?), art, art supplies, furniture (I love my highboy dresser---I think I can leave the rest behind!)...

Caye Caulker 2017  After researching the various communities of Corozal, Hopkins, Placencia, Caye Caulker and San Pedro.  We narrowed our potential new home to the latter two, and are set for a stay May 19-24 on Caye Caulker and May 24-30 in San Pedro!  We are really looking forward to our trip and hopefully making a final decision on where to locate.  It seems we want our cake and eat it too!  ie:  wanting many restaurants, nightlife, culture and the exuberant energy of a bustling community, but also wanting a quiet laid back atmosphere.  Ahhhh, decisions  ;>). 

Can you recommend a property manager or agency to begin the search for a long term rental?  Do you know if they work across the islands, or are they territorial (It's my island!  Back off!  lol!) 

Thank you for all your help!

CayeCaulker2017Maybe wrote:

Ditto on the lack of quality sheets available here!  We had heard that prior to moving and definitely brought two sets with us...GLAD we did!!!

Keri, Thanks for the "props" to Caye Caulker!  We just did our Visa renewal in San Pedro today...our monthly reminder of why we chose Caye Caulker and not Ambergris! ;-P  For us, it is like the difference from NYC to suburban CT,,,which we knew very well, having moved here from suburban CT.

My hubby did his Visa stamp in San Pedro last month. They have a much more efficient and less crowded set up than Corozal. In Corozal you have to wait in line to determine which Visa you want and get your invoice. Then you go several blocks to pay the bill and collect the receipt. Finally you go back to immigration to show you paid and then wait for the hand written transcription before finally getting your stamped passport. In San Pedro the two offices are in the same building and there were no lines.

Cindycat44 wrote:

Keri,  We are set for a stay May 19-24 on Caye Caulker and May 24-30 in San Pedro!  We are really looking forward to our trip and hopefully making a final decision on where to locate.  It seems we want our cake and eat it too!  ie:  wanting many restaurants, nightlife, culture and the exuberant energy of a bustling community, but also wanting a quiet laid back atmosphere.  Ahhhh, decisions  ;>). 

You were very bold just moving with suitcases (I am impressed)!  Are there other items you wish you had?  We are going to apply for the QRP program, so we'll be bringing some things from home.  It's a daunting task to figure out the logistics of the move.  What to bring...photos, paintings (in frames?), art, art supplies, furniture (I love my highboy dresser---I think I can leave the rest behind!)...

Hi Cindycat44,
Congrats on the trip. Both cayes have plenty of restaurants and entertainment. In Caulker I really liked Crepes & Dreams for breakfast, Bondi Bar has an outdoor movie night which was nice, and SouthSide Pizza had live music. In San Pedro, I like Estelle's or Flight Cafe/ Delices de France for breakfast, Elvi's Kitchen has good food and Finn and Martini is a good spot for a cocktail. But you might want to explore further North when you visit.

As for what to bring.... i used a high speed scanner for my photos so I have digital copies. I brought some photos along but they are stuffed in a drawer. I have yet to find good quality frames or a framer for artwork so if you have some artwork that is special or nice frames bring it. But you can get photos printed down here. I brought small art pieces that I could fit in my suitcase and after seeing my rental decided not to ship down other pieces due to the decor already in the rental and the available wall space. There are plenty of local painters of tropical themes, wood carvers, basket weavers and embroidery down here if you are interested.

The furniture in our rental is all Mennonite made which  is lovely and durable but not very comfortable. I do miss my comfy furniture.  I also miss my roomba. Between my dog shedding and sand that gets tracked in I could really use it down here but i've never seen one being sold. In fact I've only seen one upright vacuum for sale.

I did bring down art supplies. Depending on what you're making, it can be difficult to find materials or tools. I make jewelry and stained glass. So far, I haven't found any stained glass supplies or jewelry supplies and very few beads. I haven't come across anything more than basic school art supplies.

Electronics also carry a high duty so I'd bring what you can under the QRP. computers, TVs, game consoles, and camera equipment are all priced higher here.

Hope that helps a bit.

There is a Glass specialist place over in Santa Elena that deals in stained glass, they did a beautiful window for my friend, it could be worth asking if they would sell you some supplies. Cant remember the name of it but it is on the main road   AFTER the turn off to the low bridge by about 300  or 400 yards,  it is on the Left side of the road. 
It might be worth the trip if you are on the mainland at some point.  As it is for your  personal hobby and you are not going to compete for business They most likely will be helpful.  Hope this helps.

terrific wrote:

There is a Glass specialist place over in Santa Elena that deals in stained glass, they did a beautiful window for my friend, it could be worth asking if they would sell you some supplies. Cant remember the name of it but it is on the main road   AFTER the turn off to the low bridge by about 300  or 400 yards,  it is on the Left side of the road. 
It might be worth the trip if you are on the mainland at some point.  As it is for your  personal hobby and you are not going to compete for business They most likely will be helpful.  Hope this helps.

Thanks Terrific, really appreciate the info. I'm on the mainland in the north so I'll have to check them out when I head south. 

Keri, Thank you very much!  Your post is a wealth of information!  It's so helpful to know what to bring and what to possibly store for the short run in preparing to move---not donate just yet.  With your help and CayeCaulker2017maybe, I feel my list is forming!  I will definitely bring Rosie, our Roomba (lol)! 

Thank you for the restaurant recommendations also!  :-)      Can't wait to be there!