Belize: English-speaking Caribbean With a Tiny Price Tag
From its Caribbean shores to its jungle interior, Belize has great natural beauty—blue water, deserted beaches, and inland retreats where you can explore Mayan ruins, tall waterfalls, rainforests, and rivers.
Learn more about Belize and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter.
Simply enter your email address below and we'll send you a FREE report -Belize: The Top English Speaking Retirement Haven in the Caribbean.
This special guide covers covers real estate, retirement and more in Belize and is yours free when you sign up for our postcards below. (We value your privacy. You can unsubscribe at any time).
Enter your email address below
View Belize in a larger map Fast Facts about Belize
View Belize in a larger map
Population: 314,522
Capital City: Belmopan
Climate: Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)
Time Zone: GMT-6
Language: English, Spanish, Creole, Mayan dialects
Country Code: 501
Coastline: 386 km
Read more articles about Belize below
Belize Articles
“Why We Moved to Belize”Posted on May 12, 2012 by Domini Hedderman
Ever since settling in the Toledo district of the country in 2005, Chris and his wife Sue have been surrounded by a tropical wonderland of flowers, trees and animals. Life is simpler in Belize. Unobtrusive government, healthy food, a friendly, laid-back population, and a cheap standard of living make life easier all-around, says Chris.
Belize: Happy Locals and Diverse CulturesPosted on May 3, 2012 by Suzan Haskins
Walk down any street or narrow village lane in tiny Belize (only about the size of the U.S. state of Rhode Island) and you’ll hear any one of a half dozen or more languages—pretty remarkable in a country that’s less-populated than many U.S. cities (320,000 inhabitants).
Placencia, Belize: The Beach Town That’s Easier Than Ever To Get ToPosted on April 27, 2012 by Suzan Haskins
On this, my second trip to Belize, in 1980, I’d come to dive the world’s second largest barrier reef, just offshore the small towns of Seine Bight and Placencia in southern Belize. Flying by tiny sea plane was the easiest and fastest way to get here…as the dirt road from Belize City was perilously rutted and would take an entire day (if you were lucky and popped only one tire).
Belize Video Reveals AllPosted on April 27, 2012 by Len Galvin
Whatever you’re looking for in a tropical paradise: diving…real estate…connecting with top attorneys…Caribbean beaches…the retiree program that sweetens the deal for anyone over 45-years-old…rich mountain pastures…offshore wealth protection strategies…and much, much more…this video has it all.
- What We Really Want is a Better Quality of Life
Posted on April 25, 2012 by Jennifer Stevens
Thinking about retirement, we usually focus on money. Are we saving enough? With the cost of living ticking up and interest rates near zero, it’s a reasonable question. But preoccupied with funds, we often forget to reflect on why we save to begin with.
What Does Your Dream Retirement Look Like?Posted on April 25, 2012 by International Living
201 1 Live and Invest Overseas Conference Package
Las Vegas, NV – October 2011In the Live and Invest Overseas Conference Package, we’ll show you how you can make that dream your reality… for as little as $697 a month. Maybe you long for your own cottage on a quiet beach… a grand apartment in a city vibrant with concerts and cafes… a mountain villa where the air is crisp… or even your own vineyard amid gently rolling hills. Whatever you fantasize about… come with that idea in mind. We’ll show you the places in the world today where you can live your dream, for a small fraction of what you’d pay for a comparable life at home.
Five Places to Live in Belize; Two to AvoidPosted on April 25, 2012 by Suzan Haskins
Belize has a lot going for it. For a tiny country, it packs a big wallop when it comes to charm and scenery. For the would-be expat—especially if you’re looking for real value—there are many places deserving of your attention. Places where you can live the laid-back, Caribbean lifestyle of your dreams.
Everything You Need to Know About BelizePosted on April 24, 2012 by Len Galvin
Of course, cost of living alone does not make a well-rounded retirement. In fact, affordable beach is only a small part of the real Belize story. It’s easy to fit in…everyone speaks English…they don’t levy taxes…and consistently defend their asset protection laws in international courts.
Belize: Like Florida in the 1940′sPosted on March 21, 2012 by Chuck Bilbe
Times were good until the economy began its downturn, crashing the real estate market. We were concerned that our retirement savings wouldn’t see us through, so we began looking overseas for a place where our ever-shrinking nest egg might last longer.
Belize: No Taxes in This Caribbean ParadisePosted on March 9, 2012 by Robert Bauman
In Belize, more than 40% of the country is protected as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves. But this lush ecological paradise is not just a haven for wildlife. Belize encourages offshore business and welcomes foreigners as local residents, too. In fact, if you’re looking into your residency options, Belize should be high on your list.
A Guide to the Cost of Living in BelizePosted on February 27, 2012 by Suzan Haskins
People are like shoes. They come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and styles. And one size never fits all. The more research I do about living, working, retiring, and doing business overseas…the more apparent it becomes that this is not a “one size fits all” idea. Everyone has different dreams, perceptions, and lifestyle requirements.
Belize, a Country That Will Grow on You!Posted on February 20, 2012 by International Living
Chill at Orchid Bay
It’s not surprising that Belize is a top choice for retirees and second-home buyers. It’s English-speaking…with lush landscapes and beautiful beaches…easy to get to…and it’s very affordable. And one location is fast becoming Belize’s new hot spot…where right now, you can buy a lot in a private waterfront community for $44,000.
If you’d like to see if the serene Belize lifestyle is one that suits you, try a Belize chill weekend. These three day trips are set in Corozal, voted a top retirement spot by the AARP. You’ll explore this tranquil location…see Mayan ruins…and enjoy a seafood grill on the beach.
Find out more and register here.
Happy and Healthy in Caribbean BelizePosted on January 8, 2012 by Caren Abdela
In 2004—the day after returning from a sailing adventure in Placencia, Belize—Lucky made a routine trip to the doctor’s office. “His blood pressure was normal. The doctor was shocked,” says Erin. Belize was the reason. That helped focus the couple on a permanent move. They sat down and made out a five-year plan, developed a strict budget, and began downsizing.
- How to Escape The Undertow
Posted on December 20, 2011 by anon
Old beliefs die hard—but we’re doing our best here at International Living to speed them on their way. From Penang, Malaysia to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico… Dublin, Ireland to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua… from Bilbao, Spain to Bangkok, Thailand, … this month’s issue is packed with boots-on-the-ground revelations about destinations you may think you know…
- Relaxed, Happy and Healthy in Caribbean Belize
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Caren Abdela
For years, Lucky and Erin Ivy say, they were living proof of the phrase …
- Easiest Places to Integrate
Posted on December 20, 2011 by Robert Carry
Ireland 99/100 While small pockets of Irish people still speak the native Gaelic as …
A New Life in Belize on $60/day (Per Couple)Posted on November 7, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
Grab your bathing suit and flip flops (that’s all you’ll need) and head for Belize—the only country in Central America where English is the official language. Expats here report that the monthly cost of living in Belize, on average, is about $1,800 (about $60/day). In Belize you don’t need much…
- Rolodex: Contacts in Belize
Posted on November 4, 2011 by Laura Doyle
Embassies and Consulates in Belize: Belize Embassy in the U.S., 2535 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., …
Caribbean Life on a Belize BudgetPosted on October 28, 2011 by Suzan Haskins
Fresh air makes you hungry, of course. Just an hour south of Belmopan we stop for lunch. Beneath a giant open-air palapa we’re served more food than we can possibly eat…grilled shrimp and heaping mounds of the coconut rice and beans Belize is famous for. All this for $5 each—and washed down with deliciously cold Belikin beer.
Where to Start a Business Abroad: Our 7 Top Picks for the Year AheadPosted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
It might be a palapa bar on a white-sand beach, deep-sea fishing tours, a restaurant, a surf shop, importing t-bone steaks, teaching English, making cheese, exporting art work…Whatever your idea, there’s a place overseas where you can make it a profitable reality. But readers ask us all the time: Where is best? That’s why we’ve put together International Living’s first-ever Business Index.
IL’s Calendar of Events – November IssuePosted on October 27, 2011 by International Living
Here’s a round-up of events, trips and excursions to some of the most exotic parts of the world – which you can book a place on.
A New Life and Business in BelizePosted on October 26, 2011 by Eoin Bassett
“I was a California business owner and completely stressed out by all the laws, regulations, and the failing economy. Plus, I had a dream of living in a different country that was culturally stimulating. Overall, I just didn’t feel in control of my destiny in the States, and I felt there must be a better way.” There was a better way, and Sharon found it in Belize.
Belize RumorsPosted on October 25, 2011 by Len Galvin
Belize is the Caribbean’s last secret. The country should be heaving with North American tourists and residents. But the rich and famous seem to have the place mostly to themselves. When you realize how low the prices are here, you can see that almost anyone can afford a Caribbean beach house.
Business Index 2011…What Our Experts Say…Posted on October 21, 2011 by Robert Carry
To evaluate our seven countries for our Business Index 2011 we consulted seasoned entrepreneurs who’ve made the move and learned the ropes, as well as worked through in-country attorneys. We asked them about visa requirements, financing, and how easy it was to set up a bank account. They told us about local taxes, business expenses, infrastructure and the local culture for doing business, Here is what they had to say…
Thinking of a Business Overseas? Here’s What the World NeedsPosted on October 21, 2011 by Robert Carry
For International Living’s first ever Business Index we asked our in-country correspondents and a host of expat entrepreneurs what opportunities they see around them in their new homes. These gaps in the market include everything from small guesthouses to dog grooming services… read on to spot your opportunity.
That Easy Island Feeling on Ambergris Caye, BelizePosted on September 30, 2011 by Dan Prescher
Ambergris Caye is by far the biggest tourist draw in Belize, with white sandy beaches, clear Caribbean waters, and a magnificent living reef just offshore that makes the island a fishing, snorkeling, and diving paradise.
Visit Belize: It’s Quirky, Diverse and FunPosted on September 19, 2011 by Margaret Summerfield
Once you stroll Belize’s unspoiled beaches and explore the flora and fauna of its rainforests, you may become afflicted with what’s known as the “Belize Factor.” Simply put: you find that once you return home, you have an uncontrollable compulsion to return. Time and again …Perhaps even to stay.
IL’s Seven Favorite Road TripsPosted on September 16, 2011 by International Living
For many folks, the drive down California’s Highway One epitomizes the road trip. The views are glorious. But it’s hardly the only stretch of road that’ll make you stop and stare. That’s why we asked our International Living editors to tell us about their favorite road trips. Here’s the list below, in no particular order of preference.
First Impressions—New Expats Find their FeetPosted on September 16, 2011 by International Living
These new expatse have made the big move—now they call Belize, Mexico and Nicaragua home.
Culture in Venice and Oysters in IrelandPosted on August 22, 2011 by Darius Fisher
Here’s a round-up of some of the weird and wonderful events taking place across the globe this September.
Part-Time Living in BelizePosted on August 18, 2011 by International Living
Yvette Dalton was already looking for a new direction in life when a visit to her aunt in Belize set her on a new course. She liked Belize so much that she took a second vacation there later that year. “I met many new friends, experienced much of the country and decided this was where I should spend some of my lifetime.” Now she lives part-time in the Cayo district of Belize.
Video: The Old Main Street in Placencia, BelizePosted on August 11, 2011 by Dan Prescher
Once upon a time, Placencia, Belize was accessible only by boat, and the village was organized around what The Guinness Book of World Records hailed as the narrowest main street in the world.
Video: Where to Eat in Ambergris Caye, BelizePosted on August 9, 2011 by Dan Prescher
International Living editors Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins recently found this little gem of a restaurant on Ambergris Caye in Belize. Ambergris Caye is Belize’s most popular island and the restaurant is located south of San Pedro Town.
Belize Uncensored: The VideoPosted on August 4, 2011 by Len Galvin
International Living editors Dan Prescher and Suzan Haskins have just returned from a two-week, in-depth exploration of Belize. They covered every inch of this English-speaking Caribbean playground, from the mountains to the mainland to the islands. From popular cayes to beautiful, low-cost alternatives. In fact, they’ve been coming to Belize for almost 20 years.
The Surprising Side of BelizePosted on August 3, 2011 by Dan Prescher
My wife Suzan and I had a chance to see more of Belize than we ever had before during our assignment there recently. One of the places we were especially impressed with was the Cayo district.
Belize – Best For DivingPosted on July 30, 2011 by Patti Morrow
The graceful beauty of stingrays, multi-colored tropical fish, swaying sea grass, dawdling giant sea turtles…and yes, even the sand-papery skin of nurse sharks…are all part of the dive experience of Belize.
Video Postcard: Beautiful Views in One of the Cheapest Places to Live in BelizePosted on July 28, 2011 by Dan Prescher
In this video, you’ll see the beautiful views from up in the hills in the Cayo district. Dan and Suzan are about to go and look at a property there and the video shows the view you’d have if you lived there.
Running a Successful B&B in BelizePosted on July 28, 2011 by Lynn Armstrong
My husband Bob and I were looking for a change. We wanted a slower pace of life, a cheaper cost of living. And we wanted to meet new people who shared our same sense of adventure. We found it all in Belize.
IL Radio Episode 21: From New York to Belize—Big Business in a Small VillagePosted on July 13, 2011 by Dan Prescher
John and Pamela Solomon almost opened a restaurant in upstate New York…until they found a place that called their hearts…Placencia, Belize. Now their restaurant, Rumfish, is one of the most popular on the peninsula.
My Kind of Belize – Like Ohio in the 50sPosted on July 13, 2011 by Don Skiver
I hesitate to reveal how wonderful the little village of Placencia in southern Belize really is. If the secret gets out, then that may spoil what makes it so unique—its small town atmosphere.
Upcoming Event
-
If Money Were No Object, What Would Your Dream Retirement Look Like?Event Date: Sep 28, 2012
Fast-Track Your Retirement Overseas Conference
September 28-30, 2012 - Las Vegas,NV
Whatever you fantasize about…come with that idea in mind. We’ll show you the places in the world today where you can live your dream, for a small fraction of what you’d pay at home.
Find out more and register here.
More About Belize
- Retire in Belize
- Belize Fast Facts
- Move to Belize
- Belize Fact File
- Beachfront Property in Belize
- Invest in Belize
- Live in Belize
- Travel in Belize
- Belize Visa and Residency Information
- Rolodex: Contacts in Belize
- Second Home Tax Benefits in Belize
- Health Care in Belize
- Economy in Belize
- Working in Belize
- Cost of Living in Belize
