Grocery Shopping and Waiting on the Gas Man

I purchased this beautiful conch shell down by the beach yesterday.

I spent most of the day grocery shopping and waiting for the gas man to show up.  In Belize you have to shop around.  It is nothing like at home in the US.  Here you will American products next to Belize products.  The American products are going to be much more expensive since they have to be shipped in to Belize.  On some items the name will be written in Spanish, so with what little Spanish I know, I am trying to guess what it is or look at pictures on the packaging.  Shopping for day to day items in Belize is a completely difference experience and I have a lot to learn.

Stocking up on groceries.

You can get pretty much anything you want in Belize, you just have a limited selection.  Prices will vary from store to store, so you have to go to several stores to get everything you need and for the best prices.  Then you may need to go to other places to get your fruits and vegetables.  It is definitely a learning experience.

I finally found a diet Pepsi today.

I  love this Goss dark chocolate made here in Belize.

My new gas stove.

We have a nice new gas stove in the house.  I have never cooked on gas before.  I know lots of people say they won't cook on nothing but a gas stove.  We use butane in Belize, and they come and pick up tank, fill it up and then bring it back.  The tank was just filled and returned late today, so we haven't been able to cook since we have been here.  We have pretty much lived off chips and salsa for the last two days, but I never get tired of chips and good salsa. 

Caramba!!

Caribbean jerk chicken.

Hanging out on Middle Street.

Belizean kids loving on Alina.

Alina peeping through the staircase.  She smells food.

We decided to go downtown on our bikes this evening and take Alina.  We stopped in at Carabma on Middle Street since we could sit outside and have Alina there too.  As always Alina got all of the attention.  Everyone wants to hug and have their picture taken with her.

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"

10 Reasons Why You Will Love Retiring in Belize

1. Sub-tropical climate - Belize has a sub-tropical year round climate where frosts and freezes are unknown.
2. Hol Chan Marine Reserve - Hol Chan is a national park that includes part of the barrier reef.
3. Shark Ray Alley - Belize is one of the best places to get up close and personal with sharks and stingrays.
4. The Barrier Reef - The Belize Barrier Reef is the largest in the western hemisphere and is 190 miles long.
5. The Howler Monkey – Belize has a rare breed of howler monkey that is known as one of the top ten loudest animals in the world.
6. Mayan Ruins - Belize has a rich Mayan history with over 900 historic locations.
7. The People – Belize is home to some of the most interesting and friendliest people who are very accepting of other cultures.
8. The Jungles – 60% of Belize is forested, hiking through the jungles is an amazing experience.
9. The Caribbean Sea – The waters off of Belize are known to inhabit more than 400 species of sub tropical fish.
10.  BELIKIN BEER – “The Only Beer Worth Drinking”

Photo:  AJ Baxter, Picture Belize

Photo of the Week - Belizean Ride

Our new Belizean Ride.  It looks like the pups are already loving it. 

Moving With Your Pets Abroad

Alina, our Nervous Nellie

Last year I blogged that we would be moving with our furbabies to Belize. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to make plans for moving your pets abroad with you. It takes time and careful planning. First, find out whether your dog or cat will be subject to quarantine. Belize falls under live animal importation rules and these rules are regulated by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA). Dogs and cats can be brought into Belize without quarantine. Pet owners must have a valid import permit, and an international vet certificate within 48 hours before shipment. The vet certificate should state that the animal is free from infectious diseases and has been vaccinated for rabies not less than one month and no more than six months prior to departure.

Restrictrions or Acceptance Exceptions

You will also want to check with your airlines to make sure that they will carry your breed of cat or dog. I found that American Airlines will no longer accept brachycephalic, snub-nosed or mixed breeds of snub-nosed animals of certain dogs and cats. Also, check for any other restrictions or acceptance exceptions the airline may have.

Kennel Guidelines

Kennels must meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Live Animal Regulations. We have some really large doggies. Two of our dogs are between 75 and 100 pounds. The kennel must be specific to the height and weight of your pet. I told my husband this morning that we were putting our pets on a diet. NO more treats. Make sure you follow international guidelines when purchasing your kennels. 

Helpful Tips

1. Bring your leash and collar so that your pet can be walked if necessary.

2. Make sure you have attached ID tags with your name and phone number.

3. Never transport an animal with a choke collar or muzzle.

4. You may need to sedate your pet for travel. Our dog Alina we call a "Nervous Nellie", she gets very upset with change. So we plan on asking our vet for something to give her during the flight

5. Purchase the kennel in advance to allow your pet to become familiar with it. Hopefully this will ease some of the stress of travel.

6. Airlines will  not transport warm-blooded animals if the actual or forcasted temperature exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any city on the the routing.

You may also want to check out this Live Warm-Blooded Animal Acceptance Checklist.

Belize Travel Information

Getting to Belize
Belize City is approximately a 2 hour flight to Houston, Texas. Many international airlines service Belize on a daily basis and fly into Phillip SW Goldson International Airport (BZE) located 9 miles outside of the city. Most airlines in the United States connect through Miami, Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles.
Tropic Air and Maya Air are the main local carriers and offer connecting flights almost every hour to most of Belize's major towns and resorts. Keep in mind that they do not fly at night.

Entry Requirements to Belize
Adults and children require a valid passport for at least 3 months after the date of arrival and a return ticket to enter Belize. US citizens do not require visas if they have a passport and return ticket. You can stay in Belize as a visitor up to one month and must get an extension after 30 days.

Time in Belize
Belize is in the Central Standard time zone the same as the United States. Belize does not observe Daylight Savings time.

Belize Currency
The Belizean dollar is the country's official currency but most US visitors use US dollars which are fixed to the Belizean dollar at a rate of approximately BZ$2 to US$1. Most tourist areas accept major credit cards, just note that the transactions fees can be expensive. You will find ATM's throughout the city but most are for the local banks. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize.

Departure Taxes and Fees
Departure taxes that use to be collected at the airport are now included in the cost of most airline tickets. 
If you are departing the country through land borders you will be required to pay a border exit fee of US$18 per person. There is a standard 9% hotel tax. A 9% sales tax is charged on most goods and services in the country.

Belize Weather
The hurricane season normally runs from June to November.

Prohibited ExportsPre-Columbian articles, marine products, unprocessed coral or turtle shells.

Safety Tips
According to TravelBelize.org you should follow certain basic safety tips.

• Keep your travel plans, including accommodation details, to yourself.
• Only make reservations with tour operators who are licensed. Ask them for a direct contact in cases of emergency.
• Don't hitch hike.
• Try not to travel at night.
• Avoid quieter areas of the cities you visit, especially at night.
• Ask your hotel manager for advice on 'safe' versus 'unsafe' local areas.
• As a general rule, city streets that include children and women suggest the area is safe for families.
• Carry with you at all times the contact details of your home country embassy click here for embassy listing in Belize. If your country doesn't have local embassy, find out which other country's embassy is available to help you, such as the British or US embassy.
• Keep a photocopy of your passport and all other important documents in a safe place.
• Use ATMs during the day, when there are people around.
• Try to rely more on credit cards and travelers checks than cash.
• If you are mugged, don't fight back. It is better to lose a few dollars and a wristwatch than get injured.
• Avoid incidents such as fights, riots or civil disturbances at all times.
• Report all incidents to the Belize police department nearest to you.

Photo of the Week - "For Sale"

Well after many many months of cleaning out the closets and going through everything...well most everything, we put our house up for sale today. It feels kind of strange because we really love our house, especially now since everything is nice and clean and painted. But we are ready to move on to the next stage of our life.

Where to Live in Belize? Dangriga and Hopkins Area

Dangriga

Dangriga is off the coast approximately 36 miles from Belize City and is the hub of this area.  Shopping and medical facilities are located in Dangriga, Hopkins has only a few small shops. 

Dangriga is not as popular with the expats as the Hopkins area which is slowly attracting more expats seeking beachfront property.

Hopkins does not have an airstrip, but you can fly into Dangriga.  There is also bus service available between Dangriga and Hopkins.  Dangriga is about 15 miles from the Hopkins area down the Southern Highway.  Expats will probably want to have a car living in this area.

Reasons to live in the Dangriga/Hopkins Area

1.  Friendly, funky, small village
2.  You still have close access to the barrier reef.  It is only about 12 to 15 miles off the shore.
3.  Water sports available such as fishing, boating, snorkeling and diving.
4.  Hopkins has real beaches.
5.  Considered the most exotic area of Belize.
6.  Lower prices for beachfront property.
7.  Fascinating history of the Garifuna (pronounced Gah-RIF-oo-na) people.
8.  Easy access to Cockscomb Jaguar Preserve and other natural areas of Belize.
9.  Only a short drive to the Maya ruins at Mayflower.
10. Cockscomb Basin Reserve, a real rain forest jungle.

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.

Your International Moving Checklist

There are so many things to do and think about before moving to a foreign country to live.  I keep a growing list of things to remember to do and things to ask about.  Here is a list of a few things to get you started.

Investigate Your New Country's Rules
Regulations and laws vary widely among different countries, so it is important to research these before moving abroad. Contact the appropriate embassy or consulate for information relevant to expatriates relocating to the country, including:

• Visas and permits
• Vaccines for family members
• Restrictions or taxes on shipped household items
• Taxes involved in shipping your car
• Vaccines and quarantines for pets
• Insurance

File Applications for Passports, Visas and Permits
Do this early, as this process takes time to complete. It is also wise to renew early if any of these documents is set to expire in the near future.

Gather Important Documents
Be sure to request official copies of important personal documents and allow at least several weeks to receive them. Suggested items include:

• Birth and Marriage Certificates
• Naturalization, Green Card, Proof of Citizenship, etc.
• Social Security Cards
• Vaccination, Medical and Dental Records
• Insurance Policies
• Academic Records and Diplomas
• Employment Records
• Proof of Residency (utility bill, statement, etc.)
• Living Will and Testament

International Moving and Shipping Companies
Contact international moving and shipping companies to obtain quotes for transporting your belongings overseas. Since it could take over a month for your items to arrive, plan ahead when scheduling your shipment.

Insurance
It is critical to determine the exact insurance requirements and availability at your new destination as limits vary widely throughout the world.

Auto Insurance
Anyone planning to operate an automobile internationally will need to purchase an International Auto Insurance policy. Requirements vary among countries, so select an insurance provider with the expertise and resources to ensure the policy meets your needs.

Property Insurance

International personal property insurance, which can include transit and destination coverage, protects items damaged during the relocation process, while in your foreign residence or during shipping and transit. Contact an insurance provider specializing in expatriates for more information.

Health Insurance
Even if your destination country has a socialized health care system, you may not be eligible for coverage. If you are not covered under a group medical insurance program, individual policies can be purchased to protect you in a foreign country. These policies include worldwide medical protection and also can include evacuation services. Costs are reasonable and, in many cases, less expensive than stateside coverage.

Bank and Credit Card Accounts
Review your accounts and notify your banks that you will be overseas. Also consider online international banking, which makes it easier to transfer and manage funds between countries.

Prescription Drugs
If you or a family member takes prescription drugs, purchase additional quantities and obtain a copy of the medical file related to the condition. Keep them in your carry-on luggage in the event any bags are lost in transit.

International Driving Permit
Renew your driver's license if it is set to expire soon. Acquire an international driving permit (IDP) and take extra forms to renew it annually by mail. You can obtain an IDP at a local office of the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (through the National Auto Club). Remember to carry both your IDP and your U.S. state driver's license with you at all times.

Tax Obligations
Each country has distinct tax rules for foreign earned income. Determine your obligations and gather the necessary paperwork.

Pets
If your pet is moving with you, ensure it receives proper vaccinations and identify a pet carrier. If you have decided not to bring a pet, allow enough time to find it a new home.

Flight and Hotel Reservations
Make any necessary travel arrangements as soon as your travel dates are set.

VOIP Phone Service
Consider using VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone service, otherwise known as broadband phone service. This is an affordable way for expatriates to make local, long-distance and international calls, all for a monthly fee.

Cancel Subscriptions and Forward Mail
Cancel all publication subscriptions and complete the appropriate forms at the post office to ensure your mail is forwarded to your new address.

Do Your Research
Learn about the country's history and culture before you move, so you are prepared with the necessary knowledge to adapt quickly to your new home.

Source:  ExpatExchange

Where to Live in Belize? San Pedro, Ambergris Caye

Ambergris Caye, Belize

We have been to Belize several times and have stayed on both the mainland and on the islands.  Belize was not our first choice of where to retire, it was originally Key West, Florida.  But I was just never sold on the idea of retiring to Key West and we had never really considered the option that we could move to another country and retire.

Last year we starting reading and looking into Belize and after making another trip to Belize, this time just staying mainly on the island of Ambergris Caye in the town of San Pedro, Bill and I decided Belize is where we wanted to be.  We felt like Belize had the best of everything to offer, it has the islands, jungles, Mayan ruins, they spoke English, easy access to the US and we could afford to live there.  We thought, what more could we ask for?

Ambergris Caye is Belize's largest island in the Cayes and is the most popular destination in Belize, for expats and tourist.  It has the largest expat community with a resort island atmosphere.  Belize has the second largest coral reef system in the world.  The reef lies 1/2 mile east of the Ambergris Caye shoreline and runs the entire 25 miles length of the island.  This has made San Pedro Town the dive and water sports capital of Belize and Central America.  The Great Blue Hole, Turneffe Islands, Shark Ray Alley, Hol Chan, Marine Reserve, Mexico Rocks, and Lighthouse Reef are only a short boat ride away. 

San Pedro reminds you of the Caribbean of 30 or 40 years ago, before the boom of international travel.  There are just three main north-south streets which are lined with wood houses and shops painted in bright tropical colors.  Most people get around town on foot, bike or golf cart.

Ambergris Caye has the sun and heat of the tropics, but is cooled by the trade winds off the Caribbean Sea.  Temperatures range from about 75-95 degrees during the day year round.  The rainy season is May to February, with most of the rain following in the late afternoon and evening.  Southern Belize may get up to 140 inches of rain a year, Ambergris Caye only gets about 40 inches per year.  The water temperature stays pretty much around 82 degrees year round.

Other post you may be interested in:
Where to Live in Belize?  Caye Caulker
Where to Live in Belize?  San Ignacio

Scorpions in Belize

If you are scared of Scorpions, Belize may not be the place for you.  Scorpions are found in 16 states of the US and are found through out all of Belize with 4 known species.  Scorpions actually do not bite, but they sting and are usually not life threatening.  The stinger is in the tail and the sting can be very painful. 

Scorpions are nocturnal and come out when the sun sets.  They love to find little corners or hidden away places to hide. 


We found one on the shower floor one morning when we were staying at the Maruba Jungle Spa in Belize.

Maruba Jungle Spa

Belize weather is characterized by two seasons: a rainy and a dry season

Belize is situated on the Caribbean coast of Central America with Mexico to the North and Guatemala to the west and south. It lies between 15º45´ and 18º30´N and 87º30´ and 89º15´W. The terrain is low and flat along coastal areas and in some northern regions of the country while in the central and southern regions low mountains rise gradually to a height of 3,685 feet.


Belize is hot and humid and the weather is characterized by two seasons: a rainy and a dry season. Belize annual rainfall: most of the year's rainfall occurs during the period June to November, that is, the rainy season. The transition from dry to the rainy is very sharp. Belize annual rainfall ranges from 60 inches in the north to 160 inches in the south. Except for the southern regions, the rainfall is variable from year to year.

The onset of the rainy season begins in the early May in Toledo, (where the Belize annual rainfall is highest) progressing north to the Stann Creek, Belize, Cayo and Orange Walk District in late May, followed by Corozal District in early June. The mean temperature varies from 81°F/ 27°C along the coast to 69°F/21°C in the hills. The coldest month is January while the highest temperatures are experienced during the month of May.

For more information about the weather in Belize, check out The Belize government National Meteorological Service site.

Picking up Your Entire Life and Moving it Across the Sea - Part I

Bill and I have moved 8 different times in the last 26 years.  Once we moved 3 times in 18 months.  I would say we have the hang of it when it comes to moving.  But retiring and moving to a foreign country is not an easy thing to do, especially when you know that you cannot take all of your current personal things with you.  You think, "WOW" that should be so much easier with less things to move.  But taking a trip down memory lane and purging these memories is not always an easy thing to do. 

But now that the holidays have past and the most special of holidays the Superbowl, we decided to start doing some cleaning out this weekend and we started in the attic.  It is pretty overwhelming going through 26 years of papers and personal things that belonged to your children, siblings, parents and grand parents.  What do you do with all of these things?  Who do you give it to?  Who wants it?  What do you throw away?  What do we take with us to Belize?  Anyone have a bulldozer we can borrow?

We started with cleaning out one corner of the attic, which held many boxes with years of tax returns and these are our least sentimental items.  I thought I should shred all of our tax information and bank statements before I trashed them, so I pulled out our handy dandy shredder and let it rip.  It says right on the top of  the shredder 6 pages max, but don't believe everything you read, that was not true and it over heated many times.  So I would have to wait and let the shredder cool down and then I would start again.  7 extra large trash bags later and many hours, we were done.

Before

After, wow it looks pretty empty there in that space.

Oops, looks like we missed one box stuck back there in the back, oh well back to the shredder.

Where to Live in Belize? Belmopan

Belmopan is situated between Belize City and San Ignacio and with only a population of about 8,100+ makes it the smallest capital in the world.  Belmopan became the capital of Belize in 1970 after the devastation of the former capital, Belize City, by Hurricane Hattie in 1961. 

Next to the Plaza in Market Square is where most the activity takes place with vendors selling tropical fruits, tamales and Mennonite watermelons. 

Across the street from Market Square is the bus terminal.  If you plan on staying for more than 30 days in Belmopan, you can renew your passport at the immigration office which is directly across the street from the market.

The climate in Belmopan can be described as sub-tropical with trade winds that sometime blow across the city.  The temperature in the coastal districts of Belmopan stay around 10 to 35.6 degrees Celsius.  The average annual temperature of Belmopan is 79 degrees Fahrenheit.  The annual rainfall varies from 50 to 180 inches and the dry season generally starts from about the month of February and continues up until the month of May.

Things to do in Belmopan:
Belize Zoo - Houses over 100 animals indigenous to Belize
Cave Exploring
Heris Nature Walk and Trails
Inland Blue Hole
Guanacaste Park

40 Best Blogs for Your Retirement Planning

Ambergris Caye, Belize

Great news this morning, our Taking Belize Blog was featured by "Bschool.com" as one of the 40 Best Blogs for Your Retirement Planning on their web site.  Check them out.

Grocery Shopping on an Island in Belize

Super Buy Grocery

During our stay on Ambergris Caye, we decided to visit some of the grocery stores to check out the prices and things that would be available to us there.  The island has many grocery stores to choose from located throughout the island, most of which are very small and cater to the specific area on the island.

We found most of the stores carried similar items that we were familiar with back in the U.S.  There was Oscar Mayer Luncheon Meat, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Nabisco Chocolate Chip cookies, Del Monte canned vegetables, Charmin Tissue, Criso Oil, Jif Peanut Butter, Pedigree dogfood and Patron Tequila.  However, these items can be quite expensive due to having to be shipped into the country. 

We checked out prices and talked to people in the stores...all of the comments that we got were.."You Gotta Shop Around".  The prices vary from store to store, sometimes maybe going to as many as 5 different stores to get everything that you need.  But, hey we figure we are going to be retired, so we will have lots of time to shop and compare prices and I really like going and looking around in grocery stores just to see what they have. 

Rou Rou Supermarket

Check out the price on the Patron Tequila - $184.95BZD/$92.50US

Of course if you eat like the "Belizeans" and buy authentic Belizean groceries, you can really eat pretty cheap.  There were many open markets that we visited and we were able to buy fresh produce, homemade sweets and tamales, all at the same place.  The only thing that I would definitely advise, would be to just buy a small amount and try it first to see if you like the item.  We found that even though it may be called the same, it may not taste the same.  We learned this lesson when we bought several dozen hot tamales.  Bill loves hot tamales, but the Belizean hot tamales we got were very very sweet tasting and they were full of chicken bones, yuck.  So to say the least, we did not eat them.  We gave them to some starving backpackers at our hotel and warned them about the bones. 

The other thing that we found, you really had to check the expiration dates on food items such as milk, cheese and the sandwich meat, many had already expired by about a month. 

Local Grocery Store

There are several bakeries on the island and I found all of them to have wonderful looking breads, cookies, cakes and sweet rolls.  They tasted yummy too.