paradisebelize
American expat in Belize
Forum posts
28
About me
American
Lives in Placencia
Registration: 15 August 2015
Building - what to do and what NOT to do by cutiepie23
We have purchased lots in Hopkins area and are starting to working on the building process. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Additional thoughts, depending on how remote or rural you may or may not be. If you start building your own house without a permit and you are in an area with any population, a local builder may report your project to the CBA because he ... Read More
Building - what to do and what NOT to do by cutiepie23
We have purchased lots in Hopkins area and are starting to working on the building process. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
There may be two things happening, the law vs real life. By law a building permit is required for any structure. Structures larger than certain sq ft limits must be designed by an Architect, or Engineer, or both. In real life, in the rural ... Read More
Building - what to do and what NOT to do by cutiepie23
We have purchased lots in Hopkins area and are starting to working on the building process. Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
A couple of comments. I am a builder in the U.S. and have just built my own house on the Placencia peninsula. First, there IS a building code, it is the same code as the U.S. and the Central Building Authority enforces it. They are great people ... Read More
Retiring to Belize - Any advice? Do we loose our canadian healthcare? by monica&claude1234
Hi everyone! Hubby and I plan to retire to Belize and visit this April. Any advice? Where do you recommend? How about healthcare? Do we lose our Canadian healthcare or can we get it back if we move back to Canada? Thanks in advance!
If you are going to be there in non tourist season, contact Beachfront Suites, should be on a google search or on VRBO. They have great studio suites on the beach and will accept long term rentals in off season. The neighbors on Caribbean Way, ... Read More
Relocating in 12 months: nursing jobs? by kellyjean7988
I am a 30 year old Registered Nurse. My family and I (husband, 5 year old girl, 6 year old boy) are planning to move to Belize in about a year. As soon as possible, we'd like to become citizens. We plan on driving down in a truck with enough money ...
I am not in Health Care, but have friends in the Placencia area who are. Specifically two Cardiologists. They have tried to volunteer with local groups and have been shut down by the government. Tried to get medical license just for volunteering ... Read More
Norwegian Cruise Lines in Stan Creek? by Gwenniem147
Hi in looking at the real estate in Belize I came across a statement that Norwegian Cruises bought up an area in independence. This may be good for businesses I imagine but what will it do to residential living and real estate costs!'? Any ...
The cruise line is building a port on Harvest Caye which is a small island off the coast of Independence. They have built shops and food service on the Caye so many if not most of the ship guests have no reason to ever come ashore. The facilities ... Read More
Conch Shell Inn by NYGuy
Hello everyone, I am a 57 year old male currently living in New York. I am thinking about a move to Belize within the next 1.5 - 2 years. I have never been to Belize, but based on my research I think Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker or Corozal Town ...
NY guy Welcome to Belize! Hope you love your trip. Come with an open mind, internet research is very misleading. When we first visited Belize in 2009 our internet research had us certain we would settle in Corozal. After visiting all areas of ... Read More
Retiring to Belize - Any advice? Do we loose our canadian healthcare? by monica&claude1234
Hi everyone! Hubby and I plan to retire to Belize and visit this April. Any advice? Where do you recommend? How about healthcare? Do we lose our Canadian healthcare or can we get it back if we move back to Canada? Thanks in advance!
When will you be visiting?? I am building a house at the very north end of Placencia peninsula, near Riversdale. Many Canadian and US ex pats on the peninsula and nearby. Good doctor and dentist in the village or some plan a two day trip to ... Read More
Is local bank account needed right away? by GuestPoster8975
I posted a [way too long I think newbie intro] and figured I should start posting some specific questions. I'm moving to Belize next month (Nov) and will get someplace temporary until I explore and find where I want to settle. I setup a US ...
The post by MartyP was good info. To open an account you will need Passport Utility Bill from a U.S. address with your name on it Letter of reference from at least one bank where you have had a banking ... Read More
Moving to Belize on a US Permanent Resident/Green Card? by bethb63
My husband has his Permanent Resident/Greed Card from the USA and I am a USA citizen. We are planning on moving to Belize soon. I am curious if anyone in this forum has done that? If so, what did they have to go through?
Madeline Check this website. Wonderful people and a wonderful house. BeachfrontinBelize.com Best Regards Read More
Moving to Belize on a US Permanent Resident/Green Card? by bethb63
My husband has his Permanent Resident/Greed Card from the USA and I am a USA citizen. We are planning on moving to Belize soon. I am curious if anyone in this forum has done that? If so, what did they have to go through?
Richintucson Belize is a very diverse country. You should spend some time in all of the regions before committing to a residence. Personal preference will be the key. Some love the mountains and jungles around San Ignacio. The agriculture and ... Read More
Moving to Belize on a US Permanent Resident/Green Card? by bethb63
My husband has his Permanent Resident/Greed Card from the USA and I am a USA citizen. We are planning on moving to Belize soon. I am curious if anyone in this forum has done that? If so, what did they have to go through?
Bethb63 Welcome to Belize, a wonderful place to live. The U.S. green card has some pitfalls to be aware of. I know a man in Maya Beach who is originally Australian. Married to an American, he has a U.S. green card but they now live in Belize. ... Read More
Single Retiring to Belize- area of expat community and facilities? by msrmg7
Hello all, I'm a single black female from Katy, Texas wanting to retire to Belize. I've been reading the blogs and other sites and I haven't read any blogs referring to single women moving to Belize. I've been researching Corozal, ...
If you are looking for expat community, including many single women, check out Maya Beach on the Placencia peninsula. Restaurants, groceries, social activities and a very strong community. Have dinner three nights at the Bistro to meet people and ... Read More
Places to buy property for vacation and future retirement home ? by Jackiesees1
Hi, all! My husband and I are looking at places to buy property for vacation and future retirement home. The more I learn about Belize, the more I think we will really love it there. We are both nature and beach lovers and prefer a low-key, ...
I see too many people come down with a week to devote and they are determined to buy and get building. They usually don't last and don't become long time residents. A week is not enough time to evaluate one specific area and certainly ... Read More
Car rentals by Cochise8933
We are flying into Cancun. American Car rental does allow it vehicles to go into Belize. Does anyone know of any other car rentals that let you go between countries?
Several of the Cancun (maybe most?) allow cars to go into Belize. For families it has been cheaper, in the past, to get the cheap airfare into Cancun on multiple passengers, then rent a car to go see Belize. The road is not great, but passable. ... Read More
South West Airlines by Cochise8933
10/15/15 Houston to Belize City. Tucson to Belize City 11/7/15 (Sat. only) no return flights. Next schedule to open 9/29/15 through 6/3/16 (Tucson to Belize City) South West will increase service with ridership. More info call 800-435-9792
U.S Border patrol http://www.cbp.gov/travel/trusted-traveler-programs/global-entry Read More
Finding work in Belize
Your first hurdle will be getting a work permit. Belize does not like to see outsiders compete against their own workers. Best bet is to find a company that wants you, and let them get your work permit. Are you prepared for the wages that get ... Read More
South West Airlines by Cochise8933
10/15/15 Houston to Belize City. Tucson to Belize City 11/7/15 (Sat. only) no return flights. Next schedule to open 9/29/15 through 6/3/16 (Tucson to Belize City) South West will increase service with ridership. More info call 800-435-9792
Not yearly. One time sign up fee. No cost after that. If you travel out of the U.S. very much at all, the re-entry process using Global Entry is a dream. Read More
Safety in Belize by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Belize? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
TacoGirl did a great summary! Her thoughts are accurate for most of Belize. In the Placencia area, I feel quite safe in almost all settings. The north end of the peninsula has a strong and active ex-pat community with neighborhood watch, a ... Read More
Places to buy property for vacation and future retirement home ? by Jackiesees1
Hi, all! My husband and I are looking at places to buy property for vacation and future retirement home. The more I learn about Belize, the more I think we will really love it there. We are both nature and beach lovers and prefer a low-key, ...
Jackie and Hubby Welcome to Belize. I hope your first exploration goes well. I am building a house on the very north end of the Placencia peninsula, near Riversdale and I love the area. After looking all over the country we found this area to be ... Read More
Travelling to Belize flown into Cancun and taken the bus to Corozol? by Ginny777
Has anyone travelling to Belize flown into Cancun and taken the bus to Corozol? I would appreciate any information as to bus location to airport and times. I am going the beginning of January 2016. Thank you Ginny
Not sure what the post about not going to the Belize border was saying. I rode the bus from Cancun to Belize City last fall. Stopped in Corozal to let passengers off. The dreaded border crossing is a two stage process that starts somewhere ... Read More
Every day life
I encourage you to not limit yourself to just San Pedro, if you are still looking. Placencia is growing at a very pleasant pace with both tourism and ex-pats. We would welcome an addition of French pastry to the area. Read More
QRP Retiree Program by patrickr1
I would like any and all information from people who have taken advantage of the QRP program. I've always have been told if it looks too good to be true.........Aw you know the rest.
Have to agree with Pat. Good program used by many expats living in Belize. You have to deposit $24k per year into a Belize account, it doesn't have to stay there. You can move the money through and out of the account in a matter of a few ... Read More
South West Airlines by Cochise8933
10/15/15 Houston to Belize City. Tucson to Belize City 11/7/15 (Sat. only) no return flights. Next schedule to open 9/29/15 through 6/3/16 (Tucson to Belize City) South West will increase service with ridership. More info call 800-435-9792
About customs, how often do you fly? For me the Global Entry program at U.S. Customs is more than worth the $100 sign up fee. I skate through customs every time in five minutes or less. Check out the Global Entry program at ... Read More
What area should consider ? by Dorarichie
Hi . My husband and I will be traveling to Belize in October for a month. Looking to move. What area should consider ?
Belize is an amazingly diverse population. Each area of the country is uniquely beautiful and attracts very different people. Beach life is typically in Ambergris Caye with nightclubs, restaurants and a laid back atmosphere. Placencia is the ... Read More
mennonite houses by donovaka
Anyone know about the house that the Mennonites build for people???! Any info most appreciated!
Greetings There are a few different builders who sell what are known as Mennonite houses. The term refers to pre-manufactured houses that are built in a shop and then trucked to your site. Typically they are 16 feet wide and come in varying ... Read More
Concrete Builders in Placencia Area by Ladytrougher
We have bought 2 lots in Placencia and are looking for a concrete Builder. Tried googling and cannot find any. We are not ready right now as we have a house to sell in Edmonton area and my sister a lot in Alaska. ( We may build first and not wait ...
Greetings This post is a few months old, are you still looking? I am nearing completion of our new home on the north end of the Placencia peninsula. As a former builder in the U.S. I have been watching all the construction in the area. I use ... Read More
Placencia Airport by blahblahblah
I am considering a move to Placencia. However, the development of the airport concerns me. I would appreciate input regarding noise; as you are aware, in addition to proximity to the airport, flight paths can also have an impact on noise.
We are nearing completion of a new home just four miles from the new Placencia airport. We have watched the construction of the airport for the past five years. I am also a pilot with good background knowledge of flight patterns and airport ... Read More