Quality of customer service in Belize

1) I find customer service in the private sector very friendly and helpful.  Government sector is a totally diffefrent thing.  From the GOB employees such as customs and immigration to the local village personnel I find people stern, unfriendly and officious.  Positions of power seem to  bring with them a very negative attitude.  Smiles are infrequent.

2) Private sector staff is generally friendly and helpful.  Government generally formal and direct.

3) Prices seem higher for expats.  It seems to be assued that expats have more money and can afford higher prices.

4) In all circumstances try to be friendly and agreeable.  Confrontation always produces neegative results.

@Cheryl

I have lived in Corozal, Belize for 13 years. I really like it here. There is a learning curve to navigate life here. I will limit my letter to customer service.  If you are expecting service like you get in the States, FORGET IT!

In a general department store, in a lot of cases, the sales person will follow you around. ( looking for something being stolen). If you go in wanting a specific item, a lot of time they will say they don't have it. Yet you walk a few feet and there it is! I guess it is much easier to say no they don't have it rather than saying, I'm not sure, let me check! When you live here you just get used to it! You take all answers at face value.

I think in restaurants the owner hires someone and just tells them to go help people. I question whether they get any training. I remember one instance where I ordered a hamburger. The server brought out a bun with a piece of ham lunch meat.  Another time we went into a pricier place. We sat there and sat there because the boss was gone and the football game was on. We finally got up and walked out. The staff did not care!

Though I may seem like I am putting them down, I am not! I am just speaking the truth. The wait staff in most instances are super friendly and helpful.

The big deference is the culture. In most cases the theory is that good enough is good enough.

Go with the flow, or be very disappointed.