Belize-Surviving the City

Belize City

If you are traveling to Belize, you will most likely encounter a brief or maybe longer stay in Belize City before you get to your final destination. A few months ago I wrote a blog post about "Crime and Personal Safety in Belize". I find that no matter where you live or travel there will always be areas of crime and you should always take certain precautions for your safety.

I recently read a great blog post on "How to Survive in Belize City" which gave some great safety tips if you plan on traveling through Belize City.

Belize City is the largest city in the country of Belize and had about 70.000 citizens at the time of the last census. It is the former capital and home to most companies. From a tourism point of view there is not much to do in Belize City and it is a launchpad to the safer areas in the country or on the Caye's.

If you’re an expat, or a volunteer, you may live here. If you arrive on a cruise ship you will disembark here.

You may have heard rumors or surfed websites that made a violent death seem like the inevitable result of a day spent here.

We’ve been here for almost 2 months now. We haven’t been killed, though a newbie carelessness quickly resulted in a snatched mobile phone.

Your trip to Belize city can be pleasant and uneventful. If you follow some basic rules:

To read more: "How to Survive in Belize City"

Questions about Belize

I am always receiving emails from my readers with questions about Belize, so I thought I would try to answer some of them. 

Can I afford to live in Belize on Social Security?
The answer is yes, especially for couples receiving two Social Security checks.  Belize in general has an affordable cost of living.  A couple interested in simple living can budget and live comfortably on US$1500 or less per month.  That would be living in Belizean housing and eating local foods. 

How is the health care in Belize? 
Belize is a mixed medical system.  Most Belizeans get free or low-cost medical care at a government run hospital or clinic.  Doctors with private practices charge a fee.  Most doctors in Belize are foreign born and trained. 

A visit to a doctor will cost about US$15-US$25 dollars, plus any medicines. A hospital stay could cost you about US$20 to US$50 per day.

Chetumal, Mexico just across the border of Belize has private physicians and clinics which can provide high quality care at a much lower price than care in the U.S. or in Belize.  Many doctors speak English.

You can't use Medicare abroad.  Expat organizations are lobbying for the use of Medicare in Mexico, but it is not expected to happen anytime soon.  Many expats makes regular "Medicare Run's back to the U.S.

It may be difficult to find a U.S. insurance policy that covers you abroad, but you can get reasonably priced international insurance that will cover you for serious illnesses.  BUPA, a European based insurance company is the most common.

Will I owe taxes?
Expats receive a $91,400 exemption from IRS for all income earned while living abroad.  Interest from your savings, pensions or annuities are not exempt, it must be earned income.

The U.S. is one of the few countries that taxes its citizens anywhere they live on worldwide income.  However, the U.S. government has agreements with many countries that prevent expats from paying income taxes in both countries.

Can I have my Social Security Benefits sent to Belize?
Yes, if you are a U.S. citizen, you may receive your benefits by check or direct deposit.  If you are not a U.S. citizen, it can be a little more complicated.  See:  "Your Payments While You Are Outside the United States."

Can I buy my favorite American foods in Belize?
Yes, many foods that you are accustomed to in the US are also available in Belize.  But everything has to be shipped in, so the prices can be very costly.  If you don't like the food in Belize, it could cost you some bucks to eat.

The Do's and Dont's of Expat Life in Belize

Before you get all caught up in the idea of moving to your tropical paradise, you may want to consider a few things first. 

1.  Go to Belize for a long visit, live like a local, rent for at least 6-12 months before you decide to buy something.
2.  Do not try to duplicate your lifestyle back home, you will not stay in Belize if you do.
3.  Be prepared for a little "culture shock".  You may first think Belize is like home, but it really is not. Belize time is slow and easy going.
4.  Don't limit yourself to the local expat community.  Be open and friendly to everyone, get to know the    locals.  They are an interesting group of people.
5.  Belize is an English speaking country, but they still have local lingo.  Get to know some of the local lingo and have some knowledge of Spanish or Creole.
6.  Volunteer and become involved in the daily life of your new community.
7.  Remember you are considered a wealthy foreigner and may be targeted for scams and theft.  Be alert to these type things.
8.  Enjoy your new retirement home in Belize and all that it has to offer.