davidsbrenchley
American looking for information about Belize
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54
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About me
American
Registration: 09 September 2021
Shipping to Belize: Have you had this experience? by mcforte
Hello everyone,I am currently preparing to ship our personal effects from Canada to Belize. After getting estimates from several companies in Canada, a number of them reported the same unusual problem: they could not find any Belizean shipping ...
Highly recommend http://www.mbpariente.com/ Read More
Government lease land by travelbeat
Hi allJust a general question. Does the Belize government occasionally allows certain government/public land as leasable or open for purchase (beside those lots, properties that are on the real estate markets)? I find very limited lots for sale on ...
Purchasing land in Belize is an adventure. Forget anything you see online. it's all clickbait and unrealistic. Your best bet is to visit and engage locals in the area you intend to purchase, then an attorney to ensure clear title.Even reputable ... 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.
In a sense, your query is moot as one of the benefits of QRP is you do not pay duty or taxes on a vehicle and household goods you import for the 1st year you are in the program. Declared value is only of concern if you leave the program. For ... Read More
Pets to Belize from Europe by windsortm
Will be moving from Spain to Belize. 4 dogs & catDoes anyone have experience and/or advice re international pet transport?
We utilized AA cargo services. BAHA was VERY helpful and responsive. A BAHA agent needs to be present when the animal enters Country. Not sure about Germany/Europe but as far as US, due rabies concerns, the trip to Belize for dogs is one way. Read More
VISA/Mastercard Payments by davidsbrenchley
Curious how folks are making payments (other than utilization of US banks) on their US based credit cards. Seems this is a near impossibility with the Belize banking system.
TY. I believe I phrased the question poorly. My inquiry regards payments on US credit card debt w/o using US bankinging. Read More
VISA/Mastercard Payments
Curious how folks are making payments (other than utilization of US banks) on their US based credit cards. Seems this is a near impossibility with the Belize banking system. Read More
Are expats/retirees happy in Belize? by dsparks
Married American man (mid 60s) and Colombian woman (mid 50s) live near Washington, DC. Plan on retiring/selling home/relocating in 2024. Both love beaches, cultural diversity, friendly people, open air bars/restaurants, laid back Caribbean vibe. I ...
Don't mean to disappoint. Beach frontage is premium property, often private. I've yet to discover a drive on beach, but I've yet to explore the entirety of the coast. Also the Belize coast is reef bound, coastal waters are clear, relatively shallow. ... Read More
Are expats/retirees happy in Belize? by dsparks
Married American man (mid 60s) and Colombian woman (mid 50s) live near Washington, DC. Plan on retiring/selling home/relocating in 2024. Both love beaches, cultural diversity, friendly people, open air bars/restaurants, laid back Caribbean vibe. I ...
@dsparks Not a moderator, but direct messaging is likely best. Read More
Health question by chrlkomp
: Hi.. Me and wife wanting to move to Belieze have a question... Does anyone have copd, want to know if it better or worse there
@chrlkomp Though I do not suffer COPD, it is hot and humid here. The air is "thick" and at times I find myself gasping when exerting myself. If you take a specific drug, I'd seek out a pharmacy here and investigate as Belize is found wanting in the ... Read More
Are expats/retirees happy in Belize? by dsparks
Married American man (mid 60s) and Colombian woman (mid 50s) live near Washington, DC. Plan on retiring/selling home/relocating in 2024. Both love beaches, cultural diversity, friendly people, open air bars/restaurants, laid back Caribbean vibe. I ...
Married American man (mid 60s) and Colombian woman (mid 50s) live near Washington, DC. Plan on retiring/selling home/relocating in 2024. Both love beaches, cultural diversity, friendly people, open air bars/restaurants, laid back Caribbean ... Read More
Short term stay near Bullet Tree Falls? by Phillyman
April 17th to end of May. I'm traveling with a friend. I'd like a two bedroom w wifi close to Bullet Tree if possible. If you know someone there who has a home that could use a couple of old head tenants, we are respectful and are there to work at ...
@davidsbrenchley ... Read More
Short term stay near Bullet Tree Falls? by Phillyman
April 17th to end of May. I'm traveling with a friend. I'd like a two bedroom w wifi close to Bullet Tree if possible. If you know someone there who has a home that could use a couple of old head tenants, we are respectful and are there to work at ...
@Phillyman 3 Sister's Esperanza. Contact *** Read More
Belizean Drivers License by mitzrowland0821
If you’re thinking about getting a Belizean driver’s license, don’t apply right before your birthday, but apply after it (right after birthday may be better). When I applied, I had a little argument with an officer who was in ...
@mitzrowland0821 Thanks for the heads up. I will be visiting this next month. Query. Why did you not sign on as a dependent for QRP? Read More
Hiking / Camping? by Wanderer_Not_Lost
Was wondering if anybody could speak to the availability of hiking and tent styled camping areas? I've semi google searched it but not really coming up with anything specific that says if there's areas that are open to dispersed tent camping, ...
Get hammocks with insect screens. US Army surplus is a great source. Though I can't say it with authority, I believe you can camp most anywhere not private land as long as you follow fire advisories, register with reserve agents. Here in Belize ... Read More
friend lives in Belize, can he call U.S. free by peteman1972
My friend bought a phone in Belize. Is there a wifi app to call the United States for free
@peteman1972 What's App Read More
Best hospitals and medical care by allison4
Hi. My family and will be traveling in Belize for a bit, starting in February. Just in case we end up needing medical care while we are there, could someone please tell me the names/locations of the country’s best hospitals and health care ...
Where will you be visiting? Transport times between areas of Belize can be lengthy. There are two types of care here. Government sponsored and private. Private has more diagnostic equipment and is more expensive, but much lower cost than US. ... Read More
Shipping vehicle to Belize by Mangos & Mangroves
I’m trying to find the cheapest (reliable) method of shipping a vehicle from the USA to Belize City. So many companies online. I will most likely be shipping out of Texas or possibly Florida. Does anyone have any experience with ...
We paid $20,000 to have vehicle and goods shipped in a 40' container. Have a Belize Citizen meet you in Tx and have it driven. Be prepared to pay upto 70 percent of retail value and 12.5 percent GST Read More
Chainsaw by bwd61
Hello, I will be flying down in a couple weeks to clear a small area on some property we bought earlier this year. A guy I have met there will be doing the clearing and requested that I should bring a chainsaw with me from the states because they ...
How about shipping the saw FedEx to this person? I could use his services.Is he reputable? Is there a contact for your guy you discovered? Can you and I talk, via PM or phone? Hope my suggestion was useful.Thanks - @1LarryS Last I checked there is ... Read More
Container Shipping US to Belize by davidsbrenchley
Curious as to what recent experiences folks may have had shipping a container to Belize. Our experience thus far has been a nightmare. We're shipping a 40' container with auto and household goods. Cost went from initial estimate of $3K to ...
Sorry one last note .. we took advantage of the Belize Tourism Boards' Qualified Retirement Persons (QRP) program which allows you to bring qualifying goods into country duty free, so the figures I noted on the receiving end would be significantly ... Read More
Container Shipping US to Belize by davidsbrenchley
Curious as to what recent experiences folks may have had shipping a container to Belize. Our experience thus far has been a nightmare. We're shipping a 40' container with auto and household goods. Cost went from initial estimate of $3K to ...
One other note .. I'd highly recommend folks interested reach out to Miguel (see contact info above) before committing to anyone regarding shipping to Belize. He has 40 years experience and is well abreast of matters and well connected with those ... Read More
Container Shipping US to Belize by davidsbrenchley
Curious as to what recent experiences folks may have had shipping a container to Belize. Our experience thus far has been a nightmare. We're shipping a 40' container with auto and household goods. Cost went from initial estimate of $3K to ...
From discussions with folks here in Belize, the $20K I paid for door to door service was ridiculously high. My understanding the service we paid for included packing at our home ...shipping ... unpacking at our new home. We packed and will ... Read More
Container Shipping US to Belize by davidsbrenchley
Curious as to what recent experiences folks may have had shipping a container to Belize. Our experience thus far has been a nightmare. We're shipping a 40' container with auto and household goods. Cost went from initial estimate of $3K to ...
Well things finally made it. While I won't mention the company I had grief with at this time, I can most highly recommend the Belize receiver I dealt with. Miguel Pariente of MB PARIENTE. 501 223 7833 mpariente@gmail.com. He and his son Michael were ... Read More
Container Shipping US to Belize by davidsbrenchley
Curious as to what recent experiences folks may have had shipping a container to Belize. Our experience thus far has been a nightmare. We're shipping a 40' container with auto and household goods. Cost went from initial estimate of $3K to ...
@Aerodex I've expected as much and truthfully don't have issues with the logistics. It's the misinformation that has me riled. Don't give me a delivery date if the container has yet to be loaded. Read More
Best bank and procedures for retirement transfers by ElprofessorAleman
Can anyone suggest the best bank and/or procedure for opening an account? Have home and lot already on AC, and have averaged 3 months of stay continuous over the last 13 years. Finally ready to make the final year round move from the US Would like ...
@garysshaw Gary. No guide as such. When I went to a branch, they turned me away stating required docs. If you are attempting to do this remote I'll warn, it's a troublesome lengthy process, but you can get the ball rolling if you reach out to ... Read More
Container Shipping US to Belize by davidsbrenchley
Curious as to what recent experiences folks may have had shipping a container to Belize. Our experience thus far has been a nightmare. We're shipping a 40' container with auto and household goods. Cost went from initial estimate of $3K to ...
I was expecting goods to arrive 04/2 ... when I just queried the broker as to what vessel my goods were on I discovered the're still in Houston, with a new sailing date of 4/5 .. this is getting f'in ridiculous and I have no recourse but to ... Read More
Container Shipping US to Belize by davidsbrenchley
Curious as to what recent experiences folks may have had shipping a container to Belize. Our experience thus far has been a nightmare. We're shipping a 40' container with auto and household goods. Cost went from initial estimate of $3K to ...
Thank You for your kind offer. Unfortunately our goods are enroute. Least that's what we've been told for the fourth time and I've yet to have an issue with the Belizean broker this firm has engaged. Read More
Container Shipping US to Belize
Curious as to what recent experiences folks may have had shipping a container to Belize. Our experience thus far has been a nightmare. We're shipping a 40' container with auto and household goods. Cost went from initial estimate of $3K to ... Read More
Corozal rentals by chrlkomp
We are wanting to move to belieze in couple months..We have heard corozal is most affordablr..How can we find long term rental houses there
or tiffany@belizerealestateagent.com I have a 6 month rental in Esperonza / Santa Elena on landlords property. Simple, comfortable 2Br approx 600sq ft. With below market rates. The best part .. our hosts are the most gracious people I've ever ... Read More
Moving to Belize solo by Cheryl
Hello everybody, Moving to Belize is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also preparing for this ...
Locales are telling me about services where you contract a locale to drive your vehicle for you through Mexico. Read More
Moving to Belize solo by Cheryl
Hello everybody, Moving to Belize is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also preparing for this ...
per my experience thus far .. we've been here a month. With shipping what it is these days, having a vehicle transported via ship is quite expensive and timing leaves quite bit to be desired. My "quote" for vehicle and household goods ... Read More
Maybe Belize is not for me by moxie847
I have visited Belize 3 times this year. I love the people, the climate, the way of life in Belize. I am 55 years old and trying to make a plan for my next chapter. I have many business ideas that I think could work in Belize. I have experience ...
True .. Mosquito's haven't been a problem I've noted in Cayo ... no see'ms and ANTS!! Who has the magic remedy to repel ants!?!? Read More
Best bank and procedures for retirement transfers by ElprofessorAleman
Can anyone suggest the best bank and/or procedure for opening an account? Have home and lot already on AC, and have averaged 3 months of stay continuous over the last 13 years. Finally ready to make the final year round move from the US Would like ...
My experience at Belize Bank. Passport Proof of local address (utility bill or letter from landlord w/ Justice of Peace stamp) Letter stating where funds that you'll deposit originate from and what your deposit practices will be. Three months of ... Read More
Moving funds US / Belize by davidsbrenchley
How are US exPats moving funds between US and Belize?
TY .. We successfully opened an account with Heritage. It only took 4 months, but there are no provisions for linking accounts with US bank or utilizing any 3rd party internet services like PayPay or Google pay. Their ATM card it seems is a prepaid ... Read More
Moving funds US / Belize
How are US exPats moving funds between US and Belize? Read More
New members of the Belize forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Belize forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Ps Set up a Google alert for latest Belize news Read More
New members of the Belize forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Belize forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Can't speak to the COVID restrictions that may have changed due Delta but in July Gold Std, and masks in public were required but there were no restrictions of any kind regarding vehicle rentals. Read More
Construction/Planting visit Nov 4 thru 11th by ClarkForestryLLC
Heading down next week to check on our building progress and to make new decisions on doors/windows/utilities/furnishing. We are near Spanish Lookout and Blackman Eddy on the Belize River. Going to be staying at Banana Bank Lodge to get some ...
TY Sir .. we likely looked at it. We were all over Pine Ridge till we discovered most property is owned by a holding company. We inquired .. they chuckled. We also looked at upper Barton, leastwise as far up the road we were comfortable driving a ... Read More
Construction/Planting visit Nov 4 thru 11th by ClarkForestryLLC
Heading down next week to check on our building progress and to make new decisions on doors/windows/utilities/furnishing. We are near Spanish Lookout and Blackman Eddy on the Belize River. Going to be staying at Banana Bank Lodge to get some ...
THANK YOU Sir .. We were in Country in July and basically did that. Our heart is set on Cayo at this point. Ideally we'd like a couple of acres with frontage on the Siban/Stann Creek but will consider Barton Creek. My hope is to be off grid w/ ... Read More
Qualified Retirement Program by razorblade
My wife and would like to soon apply for the QRP. We are now in Washington, DC area. From what I have found out so far is the process can not be completed through the Embassy. Can anyone who has successfully completed the process share their ...
We were just accepted into QRP. Will be happy to address any question about our experience thus far. Read More
Construction/Planting visit Nov 4 thru 11th by ClarkForestryLLC
Heading down next week to check on our building progress and to make new decisions on doors/windows/utilities/furnishing. We are near Spanish Lookout and Blackman Eddy on the Belize River. Going to be staying at Banana Bank Lodge to get some ...
"My point is check out a lot of properties. Especially ones that have been on the market. The owners are willing to work with the price more." Exactly how did you do that .. realter? land agent? locales? Read More
New members of the Belize forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Belize forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Check out [link under review]. Just don't reserve the one I'm hoping to ;-) Read More
Heat Required by davidsbrenchley
After visiting in July, we are definitely moving to Belize. As we evaluate what household goods to bring along an AC unit is on the list. My question to those residing there. Do you ever find yourselves in need of heat?
Thank you so much for the reply. Our intent is to purchase a Mennonite home and have it fully insulated. @400sq a window unit should do but I'm not a HVAC person so please advise if you think otherwise. I can purchase a 20000 BTU unit here for ... Read More
Heat Required
After visiting in July, we are definitely moving to Belize. As we evaluate what household goods to bring along an AC unit is on the list. My question to those residing there. Do you ever find yourselves in need of heat? Read More