Moving to Belize, in search of simplicity

Hello teamheisler.

Welcome to Expat.com!

Aurélie

There are some really helpful people here. But be aware that the advice will vary greatly. If you have never been to Belize, you should take the time and go (maybe without the children) and look around. Also, look at the things online that you would not initially consider. Things such as employment laws, moving pets and residency options, schools and hospital info, even the costs of living in different areas. I say this because the info you get may vary a lot--which means you will have to dig deeper just to get a fair idea. There is no substitute for talking to people there in person and going and checking out the place of interest yourself. What seems like a good neighborhood to some may not be the same for you.

Have you decided to home school your children? You may want to look around this forum (and others) regarding the education system there. It may be cost prohibitive depending on how old your children are and which school you choose.

We are planning to move there at the end of this year or the first of next for the same reasons you mentioned above. Our hopes is to find a small plot where we can raise a garden and some chickens. We are looking to move back to the early 1900's. Maybe start a small business after we have settled somewhere.

Good luck in your search and be safe in your travels.

You are giving advice and you don't even live here lmao

You're right, I don't live there. But I have friends that do and I have spoke to them about the issues they had when they moved there 10 years ago; with kids and pets. I am also repeating the things that have come up in conversations with other expats when we were there over the years asking for information about these same issues. Most of it is things we didn't think about until we asked those who do live there. Maybe you have something better to offer?

Then stop being nasty with strangers and answer the people's questions.

I have never been nasty with anyone...but I do question what you tell people?

Actually if you paid attention I have helped people book into hotels here. Plus I do live here and real people in real time can come talk with me.

"lmao" IS being nasty. Some of what I have posted is from others who have answered the same questions here (or on other forums) before. Much of it is from Lan Sluder's books or ebooks. And I have said before, I know people that lived in Belize for about ten years. What I posted regarding schools is their experiences and the questions they suggested I ask myself before bring my grandchildren to live there.

I would love to hear what you have to say on the subject of bringing kids to Belize or starting a business. We are no longer considering bringing the kids but may like to start a business around 2015. Thanks for your input.

Personally...I would never bring Children to belize...this is not the educational capital of the world.

You want to start a business...good luck...but I promise I'll be your first customer.

Come to live...that's fine...people here will give you good advice. I might mention people who actually live here, like myself.

But like all places you go in the world, sometimes you just do what you want to do....that's the way I live my life.

Hi, I moved here from Kansas City myself. I love it here, been here almost 8 years.  I stayed on this forum before I moved here, do your research, ask questions, none of them are dumb.  If I can help in any way, contact me at rayleeaust@yahoo.com
lee

Thanks for the advice you guys! We are planning on homeschooling our children wether we are here in the states, or down on Belize. We have been focusing of the Corozal area, not wanting to live too far out of our "comfort zone" I.e. not wanting to live deep in the jungle but also not the city or not out on the cayes. Removing ourselves from an American lifestyle is the main focus. As long as we have shelter, food and water, and a safe locale, we are good to go

I have traveled and spent time deep in the villages of northern Guatemala, I wonder if anybody knows how it compares to areas of Belize? Hawk, are there just too many people trying to keep businesses afloat down there thus making it difficult? Or is there economy falling apart like here in the states?

Doglady,why did you decide on not bringing children ?

teamheisler have you considered looking at puerto rico,that is an independant country same as belize but owned by the united states whereas belize is british.all the same taxes apply,you pay no capital gains,no inheiritance tax,you only have to be in the country for 183 days to be classified as a resident,theres world class healthcare,infrastructure,the same climate,you can live in the jungle or by the ocean,you have access to all the things you cannot get in belize.the schools are similar to back home and you dont have to live like the amish.check the electricity and water situation in belize,and its 20% more to live in san pedro than puerto rico.and puerto rico is also english speaking,and a tax haven,but the united states and canada are beginning to crack down on these places.for now there just hitting the wealthy,but soon if you have an account outside the country you will have to pay taxes on that money.and they are going after accounts in belize too.

Actually, Belize gained their independence from England in 1981---when under GBR rule, the country was known as British Honduras. Yes, San Pedro does seem expensive but there are many other places to live in Belize that are less costly. And, during my visit to Belize I never felt like I had to "live like the Amish".

I have my teenaged kids here with me. One of the reasons we chose Belize was to give them the opportunity to see how the rest of the world lives. I saw them turning into consumers and wanted to teach them to be contributors. We cyber school them, the district our home in the states is in allows for us to keep them enrolled in the cyber program for free as long as we are homeowners. (read taxpayers) With small children, I would be more worried about medical care. Kids are rambunctious! If you have one fall and break an arm, would you be comfortable taking them to the hospitals here?

I have not spent much time in the Corozal area, so perhaps it is different there...but one drive down the Placencia peninsula and it is obvious by the number of for sale B&B's that the market is saturated with them and can not support another one. I have some friends who have a large exclusive eco resort with LOTS of on site activities...they have trouble booking all their rooms. Maybe there is another business that would be more profitable for you? Plus...keep in mind that you will not even be able to apply for a work permit until you have been here 6 months. Then it will be subjective on the person's day as to weather or not you will be permitted to work at that time. If they are crabby, you could be looking at quite a while before you get permission to work.
I'm a geek. I downloaded the Belize laws PDF and read it. (I used to watch congress on TV in the states too...lol.)From what I read, the law doesn't even allow for you to do your own laundry in those first 6 months. I did mine...I just figured if questioned, I would tell the official what a joy it was for me to hang my clothes on the line! Not work! I'm doing the wash because it's FUN! lol
I think you're on the right track when you are looking to employ a few Belizeans. THAT definitely helps with the work permits. I would just recommend thinking outside the box as far as your business venture. Best of luck!

One thing I was very disappointed about, I found out through the grapevine here, expats were in a frenzy to find out my info and start running a background check on me.





What? For what reason would someone want to run a background check? To see if you're a felon? Find out what car insurance you prefer? I don't get it....

I'm usually a private person and don't infringe on others privacy. But some people are what is known as busy bodies and gossipers. You want the latest gossip on people just hang out at the Jam Rock.

I'm from Scottsdale Ariz. My Father passed away a few years ago. While moving a number of belongings to my Sisters in Ca. I took my Dads car there and had it restored. (I drove it to Belize.)

This took some time and I registered it in Ca. Well of course everybody wants to know where are you from in the States. So I told people I'm from Ariz. Immediately I was asked if I was from Ariz. then why the Ca. plates. That was my second day in Corozal, and I guess the investigation had already started.

That's pretty funny.  Ya have to remember that they are still the same nosey Americans and Canadians.  Just because they make a change in geography some habits are hard to leave behind! With that being said, I'm overly sarcastic sometimes (all in fun) and would have a ball with those inquiring minds.

Popeyes, we have not because it is too close to "America" for us. We are trying to get away from a lot of the ideology that we feel has polluted western civilization and want a more simple life, a solid place to raise our kids

Well Teamheisler, I think you are making a good move.  If I can help in any way, let me know. rayleeaust@yahoo.com

The circumstances here changed. We had put our plans on hold for a while while we researched things. So much of the Lan Sluder books and the Belize Forums say that the schools are not up to par. I probably would have made the move with my own child, but not with my grandchildren. Differences in age, aptitudes, personal characteristics may have made this a situation where my son would have thrived; but one or two of the grandkids probably wouldn't have done well with it. I think the teachers do an amazing job there with what they have to work with but this is one area where finances really are a determining factor in quality of output.

Isn't there a home school group there? We plan on homeschooling our kids, so I hope there is!
If all pans out, a visit/exploration trip should be under way possibly the end of summer!

I lived in Belize for a year and a half and now live near Hendersonville.  We moved back two years ago and go back every year on vacation. Would be glad to share our information on living in Belize. Schooling can be challenging, but that depends on where you are planning on locating.  We had an excellent situation.

Carolyn1, that would be amazing! Thank you! We are planning on visiting several areas of belize, but mostly looking at Corozal. Thanks!

You can contact me locally through my email: carolynatmaginc.org.

Teamheisler - I know that a new one-room school is being built at Orchid Bay (40 minutes from Corozal) I don't know all the details, but I believe it's scheduled to start this Sept.  There are 2 neighboring villages Copper Bank and Chunox where you could own your own small farm and you could definately have a simple lifestyle. Remember sometimes simple is harder. (Harder getting places, harder finding things ect)  I do not live there but have spent enough time there in the last 2 years to say I love Belize, but it isn't always easy.

Simple can for sure be harder ! But in my opinion, a harder simpler life is more conducive to our outlook than life in the states. We kind of take a buy less, spend less, don't feed into the system viewpoint. Not fully out there, but on our way

Basically we just want to live. As a young adult of 33, I can see that I would rather raise my children in a society where emphasis is not on owning so much "stuff"

Hello,
I read you message and I would love if you can give me some inputs. We're a canadian family of 4 and would like to move to Belize for a year. My childrens are 7 and 9 so I would need a school. We look at Corozal but not sure where we want to go exactly. We love the ocean so near by. Maybe you can help me to find the right place. Probably rent a condo in a gated community to be safe.  We want to find the right school and try to find a place near by. I have a lots of questions but let's start with that. Thank you for your time.
Karine

Hi
Good Luck with your plans.  Many people have made this move and made it work. Some had problems and have returned to US.
If you have any more questions (that I may be able to answer) I am only a phone call or e mail away or couple of hrs away in Hamptonville NC.
Mathew

A lot of what you can do in Belize is dependent on the amount you want to budget for your stay.  If this is a holiday break and you have a generous budget, that would suggest one approach; if the amount you care to allocate for this is much less, that would suggest a different approach.  You can find a very nice place on the Placencia peninsula for $1000 a month, with the cost of a/c running maybe $400-$500 US for constant use.  There is an excellent private Mennonite school in Maya Beach that any child would love...it is very small and right on the beach.  The cost is probably between $500 and $750/mo. Belize, which would be half that in US dollars.  A bargain by US/Canadian standards for private schooling. (Of course it is different...it is Belize, after all.)  The public schools are a very different matter. If you plan on returning and putting your children back in Canadian schools, you may have to dig in to find anything that is comparable.  There is a pretty good Belizean private elementary school in Belize City, but for a high standard of living, you will have to pay quite a bit more than you would living further out and closer to the beach. I also do not have any idea of the tuition. I am not familiar with Corozol and the schools there, so someone from that area needs to weigh in on that.   There are not too many condos in gated communities that I am aware of.  The one on the peninsula went into receivership, but it may be out by now.  Not sure.  I would strongly advise anyone wanting to move to Belize to rent before even thinking about buying.  We went for several years and then our circumstances with our child's health changed rather suddenly and we had to move back. If you buy in Belize, count on years to sell. Just saying...

carolyn 1,why did you have to move back regarding the health circumstances of your child.everyone i talk to and comment back to me keep telling me the health care there is great.

Our son needed specialized care that was not available in Belize.  Actually it is not so much available in the US either.  His doctor is in Germany.  Too far to go, and with the risk of the need for possible emergency surgery, we were too far from Belize City.  I have nothing but good to say about the health care in Belize.  We went to BMA for anything more than that which our local doctor could handle.  And our local doc in Placencia was excellent.  Accessibility to heath care there is very good.  Cost for a visit to a specialist was $60Bz (or $30US). Two good private hospitals in Belize City.  It is important to note that for anything serious, cancer or heart surgery, those that could afford it went to Miami.  We did not drop our US health insurance and with health care so very inexpensive in Belize, we just paid for it out of pocket.  Merida, which is not that far, is also a major medical center.  Guat City, which is a hike, also attracts medical tourism from around the world. Primary care is provided in Belize through the GOB.  We had to make a donation when we went to the official doc in Placencia as he was not set up to "bill". They used the money from expats for meds that might not be so available through the GOB. They put it in a jar in the back.  We did our son's braces through Dr. Usher in Belize City.  All excellent.

Dear Teamheisler:

I read with interest your letter to the folks at the Belize Blog, and I want to let you, and everyone else, who might be considering moving (visiting) Corozal in the near future, to take my experiences to heart.  The following is a letter written in response to an advertisement for O.B, about 25 miles north of Corozal:

                   MY  EXPERIENCE


Good Evening!

You have written several times explaining the virtues of buying in Belize.  My arrival into Corozal on May 6 was arranged by the owner of c.c, and she kindly told me to use Menzies Taxis for any transportation from the airport, and around town.
My driver was extraordinary, and we developed a relationship where he was the only one I would ride with trust.

Knowing I wanted to visit Corozal, especially to  check out OB, I started making arrangements in Nov, 2012.  Extremely interesting conversations developed over time, and I arranged to stay for 9 months.  The ads were splendid, and I was so excited to be a block away from the ocean where I could swim in  the warm water.  I do a lot of traveling, and enjoy it very much, but this time I was going to take  my dog with me.  The reason I mentioned this was because I have MS, but remain active and ambulatory.  The water, oh so close, was such a draw for me, I could hardly wait!

The owner mentioned that I had to pre-pay for half the visit prior to my arrival, as they are full most of the time.  With that in mind, I followed her directions, and sent her $4200.  When I arrived, the husband said she was in Europe caring for her father.  The husband wanted a $1000 deposit (it was supposed to be $500), and half of the monthly rental of $600.  Surprised me as I was not informed I would have to add more to the kitty.

The C C, as they were called, was about a 400 sq ft compact cottage, with the usual camping - sized fridge, small sink. and a cramped "living room". There was a small TV,  a small AC, and a full bed behind the pony wall separating  the living room from the bedroom.  Beside the upside down water bottle, was a "Rule Book" for the quests to read.  In it, was the rule if you were to leave the cottage for more than 15 minutes, the A/C must be turned off.  Of course, when you returned, it took about three hours to cool it down enough to be reasonably comfortable to sit at the small dining table.  The time I was out of the cottage was noted, and if longer than 15 minutes with the A/C running, you were sternly admonished to turn it off!

The advertisement for C C emphasized the fact that laundry would be done for you, and brought back.  This was done on Mondays, and the laundry bags had to be separated between personal clothes, and the household laundry.  Then a paper had to be filled out with the number of sheets, towels, etc., and the personal clothes, 7 underwear, 8 shirts, etc.  The first Monday I was there, I needed to include the bedspread as household laundry because I put my suitcase on the bed to empty it to take the clothes out.  Because it is so very dusty and dirty everywhere, I had not realized my suitcase was just as dirty and dusty as the outside.  When the laundry was returned, I was sternly told I had too much laundry, and maybe wear my clothes a little longer so as not to have that many dirty clothes! As stated, the laundry was for two people, and yet I had too much.

It was written that a housekeeper would come once a week to clean and mop the floor.  Never had  housekeeper services.

Drinking water was only half full when I arrived, which I used, and never received another bottle.

Propane was used for the stove, and I tried to use it one time, and the gas leaked out so badly, it almost could have blown the cottage up.  Never used it again.

The Internet ads state the beach is "5 minutes walk", whereas the C C is ten (10) blocks from the sea wall. There are two slimy boat launches about 1/2 miles apart, and one can swim off the launches.  There is an abundance of garbage floating next to the sea wall, and around the boat launches, but there are NO sand beaches anywhere near Corozol.  It takes about 10 minutes to walk the block where there are some stores, but the roads are potholed, dirty and dusty,  Very difficult to walk, much less drag any groceries back thru the pot holes.  Taxis cost about $7 US, one-way,  to travel the long block to the cottages.

The ads say WiFi   is available 24/7, and when the owner found I had to leave due to a major illness, he turned off the WiFi for three days so I could not use the email, or communicate with the airlines to make reservations. None of the neighbors had  WiFi outages, so I knew it was just the cottage which was purposely turned off.  Fortunately, I had met another American who was staying with friends down the street. Late at night I would quietly go through the gates, and hustle down to their house to use  their computer only to keep in touch with family, and make reservations. I was virtually a prisoner in the cottage because I was terribly ill, and my dog had lost most of its' hair, and was very sick also.

When I found the owners were not going to return my money, I called the American Embassy for advice.  The Embassy attorney called the District Police Chief, PO Phillips.  The owner saw the policeman, and wanted to join our meeting. There was no "contract" signed, so I felt they should have returned my money, less the one-month rent.  The $1000 USD deposit was returned only if I cleaned the cottage, and put my suitcases by the gate in front. The owner had to bring a witness to check the cottage before I could get my $1000 back . The policeman said this was a Civil matter, and I should take the owners to court.

Unfortunately, I had plans to buy a house in O B, and had spoken to Stephen Honeybill, the General Manager. After a trip to O. B, I really loved the ocean, the pool, the landscaping, and everything about it.  This is what the c C SHOULD have been, not fraudulently written, and promised, to make it seem like it was O.B.

If there was some way I could return to Corozal, and appear in Civil Court, I would not hesitate to do it.  But my doctor ordered me home, and warned me never to go back due to the heat, humidity, dirt and dust.

This is my story, and I am telling you this because I would not want anyone else to be bilked out of their savings by Internet fraud, and fast talking thieves. The owners were Europeans, not Belizians nor ex-pats, and I hope they were able to enjoy stealing $4800US from my meager savings!

Thank you for taking the time to listen to me, and whenever I hear of anyone planning a trip to Belize, I will tell them to go directly to O.B, and stay there for the length of their vacation.  Please give my best regards to Stephen.

Sincerely,

P. B. Arthur

P B    I am sorry you had this experience with O.b  Also not surprised.   O B has very little to do with Belize.  Those of us who love it here are willing to share our experiences and opinions with visitors and new comers, mostly in person.   these blogs are good for preliminary contacts but it is in the face to face sit downs that the greatest amount of useful information is exchanged.

Hi
I just finished reading Mr.Arthurs experiences. First of all I am very sorry this happened to you. There are crooks everywhere and they prey on innocent people and make them victims.
Fortunately the same internet they used to lure you can be used to expose them . Most of the time the stealing and lying catch up with them and they suffer the consequences.
Thanks for writing about your terrible experience. This may help another person. Too bad we dont have a rating system in Belize where prospective customers can look for info before spending their hard earned money

Where exactly are the CC  in Corozal, I haven't seen the place.

I'm also concerned why the dog was sick and losing its hair, seems like that would have caused a lot of problems when you got home.

http://www.vrbo.com/367959

The cottages look nice.......has anyone else stayed here?