Tricia Nichi

As Prestonia and Dave noted - and for those who do not know - the link that Gary (TravelWriterGary) uses to connect with the SB site uses a web tool called Agent Shield - you click the url that says Agent shield - it takes you to the SB site. What ... Read More

Yes Gary- I actually do know what a gated community is. I have homes in other countries that are in gated communities. My point was that people like you (ie the paid minions of the SB PR dept.) keep mentioning that people who haven't been to SB ... Read More

Interesting - Buildings. " There are a total of 13 being lived in now and 8 under construction". Yet, they only have building permits for 10. (Ten). (One was for a bridge and 9 other for residential structures) The last permit on went through in ... Read More

Thank you for answering the question about the number of buildings. 5 years, 5-6 buildings. I know that many of the PR staff posting here have all complained about ( attempt to discredit) people posting - those who 'have not visited the SB site'. ... Read More

Question for Halleb. How many buildings are there currently standing or under construction at SB right now? Read More

Smuggler's Den is a nice place, but you have to be staying at the hotel to use the beach . Rates are reasonable rooms starting at US$35.00 a night - up to US$125.00 for a cabin. But you need a car to get there. Or taxi - I think the taxi ride is ... Read More

Tulum, Mexico has some great beaches - it's about a 3 hour drive from Corozal - and approx 5 hours on the bus. Placencia is about 5 hours by car from Corozal. They have a really nice beach. Corozal to Hopkins is about 4 hours by car - and they ... Read More

MEUGENIAHUCKSTADT Just to let you know - there are no actual beaches in Corozal. Just a retaining wall that separates the bay from the town. There are a few nice parks along the water, but its grass and not sand. The kids jump off the wall to ... Read More

The internet is a good place to rely on if you want gringo pricing. At those high advertised prices you are expected to negotiate - if you pay the advertised real estate rates, you know that you are being taken for a ride. The cost of living in ... Read More

Dealing with the USA is the last thing I want to do. The US government did me a favour - after so many issues with transiting and visiting the US, it made me look for other places to vacation and ultimately retire. There was no bad attitude on my ... Read More

NO this is not same sex relationship - the last time I check I was definitely heterosexual. And our friends that are in Belize with the same issues - male/female as well. I also don't believe or expect that I am "owed entry" into any other ... Read More

George had an easy time - as he is an US citizen travelling alone. Philippines to Belize is just a long trip, he shouldn't have any border issues. The problems will occur when trying to travel to the US with a Foreign spouse - where you have to ... Read More

Not always, in my case, as I have an US partner (not even married), I would have trouble just transiting into the USA for flights back home to Canada. It's easier for me to go via Cancun and fly directly to Canada, as I am held and interrogated at ... Read More

There are some restrictions for traveling (or transiting) into Canada - as under any other circumstances a Visa is required for a Philippine National. Nationals from the following countries qualify for the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) ... Read More

You might want to phone the Belize Consulate in the Philippines for questions about your wife. Belize Consulate , Philippines 501 Don Alfonso Condominium UN Avenue, Corner Guerrero ... Read More

http://cbabelize.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/UPDATE20AUG209-1320PlanLog1.227102833.pdf Here is a list of all building permits issues in Belize since 2009. Ten have been issued for buildings in SB. (One was for a bridge and 9 other for ... Read More

Dr. Megan Ryan, on Bullet Tree Road in San Ignacio - I have not used her, but her name came up on the Facebook expat page, and others have recommended her and seemed to like her. Maybe Prestonia could help with this one. Read More

CavsGuy, I don't think the fact that no one answered your post was anything personal. Your question was very specific: "So my question. Can those of you that know and have experienced both countries". It could be that not too many people here have ... Read More

http://www.quepasacorozal.com/consejo-road-disaster-discussion/ For those who own property in Consejo Shores or Mayan Seaside or Serenity Road Road Update link - at Que Pasa Corozal - Town Meeting Planned Read More

sharonarfmann "The rent is $160.00 per month" Is this a typo?????? Read More

This is a little different than a Canadian mail forwarder. The problem is when the mail arrives in Belize, where do they send it? Forwarding mail to a Belize PO box is often not an option, many buildings don't even have addresses. This way, your ... Read More

Hawk, If you need a secure way to have mail or packages sent from the USA to Belize, there is a private mail service on 4th Ave in Corozal, near A&R. It's called You Have Mail. http://www.youhavemail.bz/ You sign in to the service on-line and ... Read More

Hi Jerry, You might also want to try looking at century21belize.com/ Eleanor Williams is the Corozal agent. They have some rentals on the books. You won't necessarily get the best deals, but it will give you an idea of the rental market, that ... Read More

Hi Ned, One caution, until you have been here for 6 months, you cannot apply for a work permit. You will need a work permit to do any volunteer work and you have to apply through the Dept of Labour in your local town. They can sometimes take a ... Read More

Shipping containers are are great idea, in that if you get creative they can also be converted into guest cabins. kottagerv.com This is not the best example in that I've seen others with better outside designs. I noticed that 2 of the homes that ... Read More

http://www.quepasacorozal.com/consejo-residents-still-suffering-from-the-flood/ Local News Read More

Hey Mcagun, With all of your vast knowledge of the area, why didn't you think to mention that there is a second route - a ring road (a secondary road) through the cane fields that exits through Paraiso. That info would have been really ... Read More

I think I'm going to switch to withdrawing from the Atlantic Bank's ATM- I didn't realize that the bank fees varied so much. I'd rather pay $2 than $4. If you do need US cash, without the bank costs - an option is to go to the money changers at ... Read More

This only applies if you are entering under the QRP program. QRP has restrictions for the duty free aspects of the program. The model/year number is what is used on the import documentation. The Belize Tourism Board administers the program and it ... Read More

Prestonia We could arrange an exodus by boat, there are enough people here co-ordinate that - and we still have communication, power, internet. Most people went through last week when the road was somewhat passable, and stocked up with food and ... Read More

http://edition.channel5belize.com/archives/90627 Not just my opinion this time :| Read More

Nice story Mcagun, except that the Coke Truck hasn't been here since September 11. ( and Jorge, who is friendly to everyone, doesn't actually own the Millennium, but he is a great bar man) Jorge is a good resource to anyone when they first arrive, ... Read More

Thanks for the update about the water. It didn't sound plausible, that was why I put it out there. But this person is considered knowledgeable by many. Easy to see how rumours get started. I'm finding that so many people here have their own agendas ... Read More

mcagun Thank you for so eloquently illustrating and solidifying my initial point in this thread. I think that the opinions you expressed are probably allot closer to the general consensus to those who live in Consejo/Mayan Seaside, than mine are. ... Read More

Prestonia Thanks for posting this - it's an excellent article for anyone who even has a passing interest in SB. And It is a must read for anyone considering purchasing property in this and /or any other development. From a legal standpoint, you ... Read More

Mcagun, Like I've said, I personally am not really having any problems with the roads, though they have deteriorated quickly over the past few days. The topic was about the good and bad of Consejo for those who have purchased land, but as yet, ... Read More

mststp - I hope you are not sorry that you opened this topic - More Consejo Road news from a wonderful gentleman who has a Belizean point of view. ABout half way down he addresses the specific issue of the Consejo Road. Quote from Lincoln ... Read More

[IMG]http://i929.photobucket.com/albums/ad132/nichi_photos1/P9111682_zps95f4c4ea.jpg[/img] These were taken Day 1 of the flooding - it really is much worse now. So much so that I can't get out to photograph it. But this will give you an idea of ... Read More

Update on Consejo Roads - Day 8 Includes the area around Oasis, starting well before Serenity Rd, the garbage dump and a few miles past Looks like we are going to be marooned for a few more days - especially if it rains again today. Everybody who ... Read More

Thanks Prestonia for the information and the link to the blog. Very interesting to read about his arrival in San Ignacio and then his return to the USA. I have to agree with you - that not every Expat community is the same as Consejo - while ... Read More

Jody For the first year you can get travel insurance, with a medical emergency evacuation plan. Your Canadian Health care is still valid for 6-7 months after you leave ( check the provincial website, each province is different). In BC for example, ... Read More

Sunnybrook, I am in no way saying that you are "at fault" for any reason that you may want to live in Consejo Shores. If you feel that it is right for you, then who am I to challenge or even question your choices? It is just my personal ... Read More

Prestonia Absolutely beautiful home. You really look like you have got it all together and made some smart choices. I don't doubt for one second that your furniture will last a lifetime. Thank you for sharing the pictures. Kris - it sounds like you ... Read More

One other thing to note. Any furniture made from the Ikea type pressboard (I'm not singling out Ikea - as I actually like most of their stuff) but between our high humidity and the termites and mold, any of these items may not last long. It would ... Read More

Brigitte - I notice that you are from Cayo. When I was scouting the SI area, I did find that the choice and availability of household items was much better there than in Corozal. I think that when you live in Corozal, most people go across the ... Read More

I'm not moving out of Consejo because of the flood waters. I've posted some photo's of the roads here on the Facebook Belize Expat page. That is another issue for the 'reason homes don't sell' discussion - on another thread. I've been in Consejo ... Read More

Well - if you're looking for experiences - the road is flooded again. Read More

It is interesting to note, that when you review the comments about SB, Orchard Bay and the long list of others, on this and the other Belize blogs, you can't help noticing that it is the people who actually live here in Belize, that are the ones ... Read More

What would you like to know about? They have a website that gives layout/maps - prices on available rentals and homes and land for sale. consejo.bz/consejo/lots.html There are so many homes for sale here - so much to choose from. But is there ... Read More

RICK & LINDA, I just drove by Royal Colony about 20 minutes ago. The first part of the Consejo Road was not in the best shape - and the road can and does flood. Just because you are not in Orchard Bay, doesn't mean that you are going to be totally ... Read More

Hi mststp, If you are in Corozal tonight - there is an evening gathering of Consejo and Mayan Seaside residents at the Millennium Restaurant every Wednesday night from about 5-7pm. The restaurant is on the main Consejo Road on the left side in ... Read More

teamheisler Every Wednesday at lunch time - from 11:30 - 3pm many of the expats meet up at the JamRock . Some play darts, others sit and chat, but its a good change to meet people. The Jam Rock is on the bay towards the south end of town. They have ... Read More

I tried to get out to see Progresso, Copper Bank, Cerros and Orchard Bay to see the progress in the area about 2 weeks ago, but with the ferries being down, the road to San Estavan was so bad. Just make sure that you budget for a really good truck ... Read More

Mcagun First, I did state right up front that my "dream" for a small house here was perhaps different from the women who was trying to sell her property and acreage. I only stated that homes of the size that I am looking for are scarce here, yet ... Read More

I too have heard of some 'very reputable' real estate agents putting up prices. But I though it was an isolated or local Corozal issue. I saw a piece of land that I was very interested in. It was advertised for an asking price of $10,000 FSBO. I ... Read More

I agree with Prestonia about the availability of good quality rentals, at least in the Corozal area. Unless you get lucky - renting is not a good long term option. When you do a head count of the number of people on the various Expat.coms that are ... Read More

I saw this post on the other blog and I had a look at their website and I must say it is a beautiful place. The author seemed to focus on two main issues. That realtors are not selling her house that building a house in Belize is not easy I ... Read More

I might get shot down in flames here - but one word DON'T. There are experienced owner/builders here in Consejo that were on site every single day and have had endless - expensive problems. Everything from tiles and cement floors being ripped up ... Read More

teamheisler, Most of the people who come to Belize are retirees, or semi-retired. They use this opportunity to take up hobbies like painting etc. and are not too worried about keeping busy. I have a Canadian business that I run from here. Others ... Read More

baha@btl.net animalhealth.baha@gmail.com To get your pet into Belize, you have to advise the BAHA when you are arriving here. You need to scan the health certificate stating that your pet/s is in good health - from your local vet -plus rabies ... Read More

http://www.belizeretirement.org/application.shtml 501-223-1913 or 1-800-624-0686 for more information Read More

Prestonia What is the road like going out to Bullet Tree? Is it as bad as going to Cristo Rey? Read More

I think that you would need some high off the ground pick-up truck or an SUV, not necessarily a 4x4, but a front wheel drive of some kind, unless you plan to go off-road. The roads are filled with pot holes. During our last visit, part of the ... Read More

If you are looking for seaside and sand Hopkins might be a good area to start out. The reason I'm suggesting this over the other more popular areas is that places like Placencia and Ambergris Cay are already more developed. Plenty of B&B's there, ... Read More

I just saw this posted on another blog site. The author is a Belize City attorney. His advice seems sound: When purchasing property in Belize always ensure that you first request a copy of the Vendor's title. Once you receive a copy of the ... Read More

Mcagun - fair comment all the way around. NO paranoia though - I took my medication. :) My only counter opinion- I would find living in Consejo without a car to be difficult for me. Maybe b/c I'm a woman, and wouldn't want to rely on having to ... Read More

You may be surprised just how much gov't intervention there is in Belize. Monthly visits to immigration to renew visitor's permits, car renewal permits( If you have a bond), work permits, import permits on some items and duty on most items which ... Read More

"hi there send me a PM and I can fill you in on all things about Corozal" Sounds so mysterious - what are the rest of us missing about Corozal?????? Read More

What area will you be visiting for your 6 day trip? Read More

HI Kathy You might want to check out the Yucatan Living website. There are very good step-by-step articles on driving routes. (ie which turn-offs to take and what to avoid) Brownsville to Veracruz is a very slow route and notorious for problems and ... Read More

Hi Yoga Girl - so many questions for one short post. You might want to read through some of the information about bringing dogs into Belize. Other posts have gone into detail about the steps you need to take. Mexico has its own set of rules, you ... Read More

SInce April 2013, you are able to use all of the various VoIP systems for phone calls. Belize's BTL no longer blocks those devices. I am using a Vonage system for international calls - people phone me on a Canadian number and it rings here in ... Read More

Royal Colony Estates is a nice place, in a semi-remote area, just off Consejo Rd, but there are only 2 houses there so far and I believe that both houses are either rented or sold. One of the houses in RCE that did have an ad for rental a few ... Read More

"no water heater, air conditioning, dish washer, maid service" - well, that would describe most places in Corozal. You would have a hard time finding any place with those luxuries. Also add no TV and no internet to your list. Even getting internet ... Read More

Hi Ned Although you can get most things if you look around and are willing to travel and stock pile when you do find something, you may find that your local shops generally don't always have what you need or want. It does depend on the area you ... Read More

If you are looking for property to buy - you can get an idea of pricing etc by looking at the various realtor's websites. Remax and Century21BTL both have updated listings. They also post rental properties on line. This would be a good place to ... Read More

You can stay as a visitor, with a month to month visitor's permit -and after 12 months you can apply for permanent residence. Read More

Actually, I'm considered single as well. :) D and I have separate forms etc. They didn't even ask D for proof of funds. Yet, they asked me - so the only thing that can be guaranteed is that its inconsistent. Read More

The official statement is: 'To renew your tourist card, you’ll need to visit a government immigration office in Belize City or Belmopan, or a police station in a district town. You are expected to show that you have sufficient resources to maintain ... Read More

Hi Nature 101, Getting an extension on a visitors permit is not difficult. You initially get 30 days when you enter. Then, every month ( one day before the permit expires) you go to the immigration office to get a 30 day extension. You have to do ... Read More

Samg and A&D - kristinanadreau has made some extremely valid points. It's a very realistic perspective on life here. Other issues to consider in your immigration is the cost of life here - the import duties and taxes - import of your vehicle can ... Read More

Example of the fees for a work permit: Work Permit Processing fee for single applicant in Belize City Only US $ 900.00 Administrative & Miscellaneous Expenses (Courier, Telephone, Fax, Photocopy, Stamp, Labour Dept. Fee) US $ 200.00 ... Read More

attorneybelize.com/corporate-services-work-permit.php You can apply for a work permit after 6 months in the country as a visitor. It has to go through the local Labour Dept. for approval. Some people claim to have got their permit a few weeks ... Read More

Most of the homes on Consejo Shores use Shaw/Canada for TV. They keep a Canadian billing address and pay via canadian credit card. If you are going to bring in a satellite dish, you need to apply for a permit for it before it arrives in the country. ... Read More