Beat
@travelbeat
Canadian and Swiss looking for information about Belize
Forum posts
54
About me
Canadian and Swiss
Lives in Belize
Speaks German, Swiss, English, Spanish, French
Registration: 20 December 2023
Recommendations for areas to live for retirees by kelley21063
Hi All,My wife and I are selling out and moving to Belize. I've read that there is a large expat community down there. I'd like to ask for some recommendations for areas to live. Both of us are retired and are looking for a laid back community. We ...
@mrfathersir I second that. I made my own choice by what I want, not what others find cool or good. Read More
Introducing myself and considering moving to Belize by Mary439
Hi everyone,My name is Mary, and I’m new here. I wanted to introduce myself and ask a few very practical questions about Belize.I’m currently living in Argentina, waiting for a residency decision that should be known within the next ...
Hi MaryI am from Canada and do what you're trying to do. Depending on your passport (nationality), you either need a formal visa to enter Belize or check the country list on Google which countries don't need such visa. As a Canadian I don't need to ... Read More
Most common scams in Belize by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Belize as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it’s immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or ...
About property titles; how long is usually the waiting time until the title has been issued. Read More
Road safety in Belize by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Navigating roads and experiencing traffic in Belize as an expat can be a learning experience. We invite you to share your insights in order to help other expats and soon-to-be expats stay safe on the road in Belize, whether ...
In the few months I stayed in Belize (and be back for good) I found that the driving is fluent, no ultra cautious drivers like in Canada. I am from Europe and driving is similar in Belize. Avoid driving at night; drunk, tired drivers with no lights ... Read More
Cell Phones in Belize by grannybunni
Hi, All,Bob and I will be spending 9 days in various parts of Belize in April. Will our T-Mobile android cell phones work or do we need to purchase a Belizean phone when we arrive?Linda Nicholson
@grannybunni Like any other country you can use roaming with your phone plan, but at a higher rate. Read More
Recent travel experiences from Canada to Belize via USA
It may have been discussed before but maybe have missed the current travel experiences from those who driving their own vehicle from Canada through the USA to Mexico/Belize. Any recommendations of routes and/or cautions when driving through the USA ... Read More
Rentals in northern Belize by billieoleary
How can one best find a reasonable small 2bedroom rental in northern Belize?
There are a few Facebook pages offering rentals throughout Belize. @billieoleary Read More
Importing multiple vehicles into Belize? by cvfd1120
My wife asked a question that I cannot find an answer to. She wanted to know if we came in under the QRP program, is that for the couple or both individuals? To get to the nitty gritty, do we each get to import a vehicle or is it one per family? We ...
As a QRP you can import whatever ever you possess as a couple application on a one-time base. That is the news I know but things change so fast you better contact the authorities in charge in Belize. Read More
Expat Limited Time Health Insurance
I am browsing the Internet for some Expat Health Insurance Plans. I am 68(9) old male and still partly under Canadian Health Plan if I stay 183 days in Canada, but want extended Insurance for the "un-expected" health issues. I am 100% healthy (now) ... Read More
Canadians in Belize by JayBruce
Hi We are interested in moving to Belize from Canada (Toronto). Since Belize is in the Commonwealth, does it make it a bit easier for Canadians for aquire land ect? We are fluent in Spanish. But since Belize was a British colony, perhaps English ...
@Aerodex It's not easier as a Canadian to open a bank account as a non resident. Main thing is that you have property there to open an account. I tried to open an account with a sales agreement with the property owner but couldn't open one (Belize ... Read More
Canadians in Belize by JayBruce
Hi We are interested in moving to Belize from Canada (Toronto). Since Belize is in the Commonwealth, does it make it a bit easier for Canadians for aquire land ect? We are fluent in Spanish. But since Belize was a British colony, perhaps English ...
As a Canadian or US you don't need a visa, you can stay up to a month on your first entry and apply additional 1 month after first 30 days at any customs offices in BZ. I assume you have a humorous sense in therms of DT and seeking asylum lol. Read More
Bank Accounts in Belize by travelbeat
Just tried this morning to open a bank account with the Belize Bank in SP and was informed that there are some criteria that need to be fulfilled to open one:Valid PassportSecond ID - Valid Driver's License Utility bill not older than three months ...
@Pamelaannkatz27 thanks, please do let me know your experience. Looks like each bank has their own rules but I like to stick with Belize Bank since I do all property purchase transactions through them. Maybe they can look into my consistent payments ... Read More
Bank Accounts in Belize by travelbeat
Just tried this morning to open a bank account with the Belize Bank in SP and was informed that there are some criteria that need to be fulfilled to open one:Valid PassportSecond ID - Valid Driver's License Utility bill not older than three months ...
@belizelandoffices thanks for your support. I'll be back in November for a few months (hoping) and figure out how to bypass that land title issue. Read More
Bank Accounts in Belize by travelbeat
Just tried this morning to open a bank account with the Belize Bank in SP and was informed that there are some criteria that need to be fulfilled to open one:Valid PassportSecond ID - Valid Driver's License Utility bill not older than three months ...
@belizelandoffices No, I didn't apply as a business, just a personal checking account. The only issue that didn't help was that I not having the full title of the property yet. Read More
Moving to Belize pending QRP determination. by belizeman
Hi AllI'm just looking for any feedback on my following thoughts for moving to Belize.I'm a retired UK citizen, currently living in the UK and soon to submit a QRP application. I understand however that it can take a few months to process the ...
@belizeman hard to tell, like any government it's sometimes a random thing. As long you can provide as much savings, income, pension, investments proof the more convinced they are to grant a renewal. Heard that in Belmopan you may get up to 3 months ... Read More
Bank Accounts in Belize by travelbeat
Just tried this morning to open a bank account with the Belize Bank in SP and was informed that there are some criteria that need to be fulfilled to open one:Valid PassportSecond ID - Valid Driver's License Utility bill not older than three months ...
@belizelandoffices it was a request to open a bank account while I was in San Pedro. The main hindering was that I didn't own the property in Belize yet since I agreed with the seller to pay it in monthly transactions. Read More
Moving to Belize pending QRP determination. by belizeman
Hi AllI'm just looking for any feedback on my following thoughts for moving to Belize.I'm a retired UK citizen, currently living in the UK and soon to submit a QRP application. I understand however that it can take a few months to process the ...
@belizeman it looks like a humble solution without guarantee that Belize will grant you a renewal every month. I am from Canada and will try the same way but won't qualify for QRB. You need to have suffient funds to live in BZ while waiting for your ... Read More
Bank Accounts in Belize by travelbeat
Just tried this morning to open a bank account with the Belize Bank in SP and was informed that there are some criteria that need to be fulfilled to open one:Valid PassportSecond ID - Valid Driver's License Utility bill not older than three months ...
@belizelandoffices relationships referring to my home (Canada) banks? Read More
Bank Accounts in Belize
Just tried this morning to open a bank account with the Belize Bank in SP and was informed that there are some criteria that need to be fulfilled to open one:Valid PassportSecond ID - Valid Driver's License Utility bill not older than three months ... Read More
QRP - Paying fees from UK by belizeman
I'm in the UK (London) and am currently putting together my application for the Belize QRP (run by the Belize Tourist Board). I've been sent firm instructions (underlined, capitalised, highlighted) by the BTB on how to pay the application fee. ...
Yes, each bank information you have they need to add in steps to the actual transfer documents, so your money goes first the Receiver's Correspondent Bank, then to The Intermediate Bank to make clear it's not short cutted and finally that bank will ... Read More
QRP - Paying fees from UK by belizeman
I'm in the UK (London) and am currently putting together my application for the Belize QRP (run by the Belize Tourist Board). I've been sent firm instructions (underlined, capitalised, highlighted) by the BTB on how to pay the application fee. ...
@belizeman I had the same issue with my property purchase but it's actually easier than it looks. You may need to go to your own bank and bring those papers along to make such payment the right way. Belize requires such steps to avoid money laundry ... Read More
Amish or Belizean Sawmills near Dangriga? by travelbeat
HiI am about to budget my own-built house near Dangriga and looking for some recommendations of nearby Sawmills or Lumber Stores for building lumber. I guess there are some in Belmopan and Spanish Lookout, but I don't want to miss a close-by sawmill ...
@belizelandoffices Thanks for your input. I know that Amish and Mennonites are talented wood craftsmen and carpenters. Myself have a degree in architecture and wood building experience too and mostlikely able to pass a building inspection and to ... Read More
Building a tiny home by Mysail2yours
Looking to purchase property and secret beach wanting to know if there’s anyone on island who does tiny homes if so, can they pass along an email or a phone number thank you
@Mysail2yours I would say, very unlikely on the island. Tiny homes are American, Canadian ideas because of housing crisis, but in Belize with affordable property prices and humble material prices a decent size home should be possible to purchase or ... Read More
Amish or Belizean Sawmills near Dangriga? by travelbeat
HiI am about to budget my own-built house near Dangriga and looking for some recommendations of nearby Sawmills or Lumber Stores for building lumber. I guess there are some in Belmopan and Spanish Lookout, but I don't want to miss a close-by sawmill ...
@belizelandoffices thanks for your input, I have over 25 years experience in construction, architectur and designing. I am aware of termites and woodworm infecion and will make myself familiar with the dos and donts in Belize. My property is way ... Read More
Mennonite homes by Alextiluna
Hello,I am looking to buy a simple 1 - 2 bedroom pre-fab home from one of the Mennonite builders in Spanish Lookout. First, I know that some of the builders offer options of metal siding. Is this a good option or should I stick with wood? I know ...
@Alextiluna Hi, I did find three home manufacturer in Spanish Lookout, the one that replied quickly was; Lindavista, PremierConstruction and PrettConstruction make transportable homes to your specs.Because of the the heat I wouldn't go for metal ... Read More
Amish or Belizean Sawmills near Dangriga? by travelbeat
HiI am about to budget my own-built house near Dangriga and looking for some recommendations of nearby Sawmills or Lumber Stores for building lumber. I guess there are some in Belmopan and Spanish Lookout, but I don't want to miss a close-by sawmill ...
Why is that? Cheaper? If I build on stilts a concrete building won't be possible. I don't like ground levelled houses there. Read More
Amish or Belizean Sawmills near Dangriga?
HiI am about to budget my own-built house near Dangriga and looking for some recommendations of nearby Sawmills or Lumber Stores for building lumber. I guess there are some in Belmopan and Spanish Lookout, but I don't want to miss a close-by sawmill ... Read More
Platform for apartment rentals in San Pedro by travelbeat
Hi all.Just planning my November 2024 to March 2025 winter stay in San Pedro this year. Despite my search I couldn't find a online platform where I can look for a 1-2 bedroom apartment to rent (at locals houses not luxury expat homes) in the ...
Awesome, yes I agree on the Expat rates. Which group did you sign up for local rentals? Thanks for your great info. Read More
Platform for apartment rentals in San Pedro by travelbeat
Hi all.Just planning my November 2024 to March 2025 winter stay in San Pedro this year. Despite my search I couldn't find a online platform where I can look for a 1-2 bedroom apartment to rent (at locals houses not luxury expat homes) in the ...
@Brigitte B Thanks, yes I am part of those FB groups that rent out Expat houses and apartments. Read More
Platform for apartment rentals in San Pedro by travelbeat
Hi all.Just planning my November 2024 to March 2025 winter stay in San Pedro this year. Despite my search I couldn't find a online platform where I can look for a 1-2 bedroom apartment to rent (at locals houses not luxury expat homes) in the ...
@matthewstromgren thank you, I look into that. Read More
Platform for apartment rentals in San Pedro
Hi all.Just planning my November 2024 to March 2025 winter stay in San Pedro this year. Despite my search I couldn't find a online platform where I can look for a 1-2 bedroom apartment to rent (at locals houses not luxury expat homes) in the ... Read More
Belize Tourist Statistics by Region by belizelandoffices
Some people like to be near tourist areas, while others don't. The Belize Tourism Board posts tourism statistics publicly: https://www.belizetourismboard.org/belize-tourism/statistics/You can scroll through the tables and find information like what ...
@belizelandoffices Thanks for those valuable statistics. Belize makes it really easier (than Canada) to access those statistics publicly. Great Job. Read More
Considering moving to Belize by lannerath
Hello,My husband and I are Americans currently living in the US. We are considering moving to Belize depending on the results of the November election. If we do this, it wouldn't be until next year. We would like accurate information about living ...
You seem to try to bring your US-attitude to Belize. Nobody questions that Belize isn't the US or Canada (although most of your listed issues here looks familiar to me in Canada lol). It's a country that is part of the Commonwealth and tries to ... Read More
Dangriga Town Pros & Cons by travelbeat
HiI am about to finalize a property purchase along Hummingbird Highway before Dangriga. Does any Expat or potential Retiree have some trustworthy info Good and Bad about that highway stretch, the villages along that highway and Dangriga itself? ...
@CocoHer Thank you very much, that's exactly what I was looking for. Learned also the culture in that community suits me. I am a musician and love strong Native music. I am sure I will be enjoying it. No party or beach bum. Read More
Driving to Belize through Mexico Suggestions? Advise? by bylsma carol
Hello Folks, Has anyone done this and would you have recommendations. I am an older single woman with two dogs. I'd drive there so I have a car and can transport some household items. The plan is a permanent move. Thanks, Carol B Dolores, ...
@bylsma carol Just watched this informative YouTube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ld_5E7JMrE about how to avoid being fined, suspended of driver license or even confiscation of vehicle when you travel thorugh Mex on your way to Belize. Cool ... Read More
Dangriga Town Pros & Cons by travelbeat
HiI am about to finalize a property purchase along Hummingbird Highway before Dangriga. Does any Expat or potential Retiree have some trustworthy info Good and Bad about that highway stretch, the villages along that highway and Dangriga itself? ...
That's very interesting facts, thanks. As a "musician" myself I am game for such culture. I was in Africa for a brief time, also some slave descent cultures on the ABC Islands reflected a lot of African culture. That's good news. Read More
Dangriga Town Pros & Cons
HiI am about to finalize a property purchase along Hummingbird Highway before Dangriga. Does any Expat or potential Retiree have some trustworthy info Good and Bad about that highway stretch, the villages along that highway and Dangriga itself? ... Read More
process to get an internet provider and cell phone provider by Hero0947
Hello everyone, My name is Helene - Canadian who would llike to move to Placiencia. what is the process to get an internet provider and cell phone provider once I land at the airport
Thanks for those valuable information. Do all these companies have a good signal coverage, like do I get decent phone recemption in the middle of the jungle miles away from towns? Read More
Renewal of monthly visa for residency purposes by mcforte
For those familiar with the process of renewing your 1-month visa, for 11 months, before applying for residency, I had a couple of questions--I am trying to almost visualize the process.When you go to renew your visa, is it a simple, ...
@winder549went I don't know. I find out next November. Read More
Renewal of monthly visa for residency purposes by mcforte
For those familiar with the process of renewing your 1-month visa, for 11 months, before applying for residency, I had a couple of questions--I am trying to almost visualize the process.When you go to renew your visa, is it a simple, ...
Hi, I got some info collected on extension of visas. You need to see an officer at any customs offices in your nearest village/town and apply for an extension of your visa stay. They ask for financial (bank) statements that proves that you have ... Read More
Progresso Properties, Corozal by travelbeat
HiThose anybody has some real info about the Progesso Properties? It looks like a gated property with an annual $250 HOA including some amenities I have no interest in. Any experiences with dealing with the property owner/manager? Thanks
@belizelandoffices Thanks for your updates. I will be in Belize this April/May to have a close look where I might put up my "tent". Have a few properties in mind. I don't need to hang around Expats (nothing personal) just try to blend in the ... Read More
Semi-Retirement in Belize by travelbeat
Thanks for your help! I planning to semi-retire in Belize, have a pension that covers 50% of the required minimum income for a QRP Qualification. On the other hand I like to start a business in Belize that doesn't include the mandatory 5 local ...
@CocoHer Thank you for your updates. I was kind aware of that. I planned to spend half a year in canada working and earning income through my other online business. So I should be okay to live a decent live in the remaining 6 months in Belize. Got ... Read More
Your neighbours in Belize by Cheryl
Hello everyone, When you move in Belize, relationships with your neighbours can play a vital role in your well-being and integration. Share your experiences of the interactions and routines that punctuate your daily life in Belize: Tell us ...
@Cindyslaptop Hi, I am with you in that conversation. i have no interest to hang around Canadians and Americans who have a lot of issues trying to integrate into the "locals" vibes of Belize and don't find their "North American" standard of live in ... Read More
Progresso Properties, Corozal
HiThose anybody has some real info about the Progesso Properties? It looks like a gated property with an annual $250 HOA including some amenities I have no interest in. Any experiences with dealing with the property owner/manager? Thanks 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 ...
@belizelandoffices Thanks for your informative input. Those websites really give me more options. Thanks. Read More
Government lease land
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 ... Read More
Wages for American carpenters coming to Belize or mainland coast. by Bleau
My long term lover and I have farm in Lampasas, TX, were semi retired, hes master carpenter, I assist. We crave the slower beach life, warm year round weather, gentle people. I make $2500. US/mo but we like to work besides. I'm wanting to know ...
I am leaving Canada because there too the wages are 2. World grade in comparison to the cost of housing and living. Belize doesn't need NA skilled craftsmen, that's a trade they can generate themselves. Read More
Semi-Retirement in Belize by travelbeat
Thanks for your help! I planning to semi-retire in Belize, have a pension that covers 50% of the required minimum income for a QRP Qualification. On the other hand I like to start a business in Belize that doesn't include the mandatory 5 local ...
Thanks for sharing the detailled incomes. I currently have 3 of those options already. let's get ready lol Read More
Semi-Retirement in Belize by travelbeat
Thanks for your help! I planning to semi-retire in Belize, have a pension that covers 50% of the required minimum income for a QRP Qualification. On the other hand I like to start a business in Belize that doesn't include the mandatory 5 local ...
@CocoHer I am in Canada, so IRA here would be income from employer or savings? Read More
Semi-Retirement in Belize by travelbeat
Thanks for your help! I planning to semi-retire in Belize, have a pension that covers 50% of the required minimum income for a QRP Qualification. On the other hand I like to start a business in Belize that doesn't include the mandatory 5 local ...
@elgordo42 Thanks for that info, I was thinking about that too. Kinda sucks when you have more than the minimum required as extra income while still working in Canada. Read More
Semi-Retirement in Belize
Thanks for your help! I planning to semi-retire in Belize, have a pension that covers 50% of the required minimum income for a QRP Qualification. On the other hand I like to start a business in Belize that doesn't include the mandatory 5 local ... Read More
Moving from Canada to Belize by Cliffbbj
happy new year to all …Im planing to move to belize from cold country canada….was there Nov.2023 and liked consejo shores ,corozal
HeloaAfter 30 years in Canada I feel like finding a place of peace. Been to Belize a few years back and planning to settle there, semi-retired but keen to find my other passion, enjoying live. Read More
Driving to Belize through Mexico Suggestions? Advise? by bylsma carol
Hello Folks, Has anyone done this and would you have recommendations. I am an older single woman with two dogs. I'd drive there so I have a car and can transport some household items. The plan is a permanent move. Thanks, Carol B Dolores, ...
Hi guys, thank you all for your valuable advises. I will keep that in mind and make my choice once I get closer to move my stuff to Belize. Read More
Driving to Belize through Mexico Suggestions? Advise? by bylsma carol
Hello Folks, Has anyone done this and would you have recommendations. I am an older single woman with two dogs. I'd drive there so I have a car and can transport some household items. The plan is a permanent move. Thanks, Carol B Dolores, ...
@Brigitte B Hi, I am planning to drive from BC, Canada to Belize with a boat/trailer. Can you share your best/safest route through Mexico? Thanks Read More