Expats | A community for immigrants, emigrants and people living abroad

🇺🇲->🇧🇿

I am from the US Northeast, and moved to Belize last October. I researched the move to Belize for three years, got a job that supported international travel.

I chose Belize because I wanted a Caribbean tropical climate, English speaking nation with proximity to beautiful coral reefs and jungles that is statistically less likely to be a hurricane target. I wanted mainland instead of an island so that available drinking water was less of a concern. I also specifically wanted a nation without US megachain stores and restaurants. Visa requirements are low, and residency qualification in about a year (though approval after application can take 1+yrs).

Being here has its pros and cons compared to back in the US.

Pros

• Most everyone here is mostly very friendly
• COL is reasonable for what I am used to
• Gorgeous scenery
• Terrific weather
• Delicious food
• Very laid back atmosphere
• Affordable/fast internet (FTTH)
• Remote work not taxed
• Anyone can buy property

Cons

• Unreliable infrastructure
• Trash on the ground and in the waterways
• Stray dogs sometimes a nuisance
• Unregulated rental market (unfair lease terms, etc.)
• Sizeable import fees on electronics

I'm sure I'm forgetting things, but that's it in a nutshell.