Moving To Belize As A Foreigner: From Chaos To Calm

Are you considering moving to Belize? With its relaxed lifestyle, natural beauty, friendly people, affordable cost of living, & growing expat community, Belize is the perfect place to call home.

By Tiffany Swift
on
December 19, 2024

Moving to a new country can be a chaotic and overwhelming experience, especially if you’re relocating as an expat. However, the transition can also bring a sense of calm and adventure as you explore a new culture, meet new people, and start a new chapter in your life. Belize is a fantastic destination for expats seeking a relaxed lifestyle and breathtaking natural beauty. In this post, we’ll explore some of the reasons why moving to Belize as a foreigner can be the perfect escape from the chaos of daily life.

Why is moving to Belize as a foreigner a great idea?

mennonites in belize on horse and carriage transportation mode

Belize is a small country located in Central America, bordering Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. This tropical paradise is known for its stunning beaches, tropical forests, and diverse wildlife. Belize is also a melting pot of cultures, with a mix of Caribbean, Latin American, East Indian, German, African, and Mayan influences.

But it’s not just the natural beauty that makes Belize a great place to live. The country has a relatively low cost of living compared to the region, a growing expat community, and a laid-back lifestyle that’s hard to find anywhere else. Whether you’re looking to retire, start a business, or simply enjoy a slower pace of life, Belize has something to offer. It is no wonder that so many people make the choice of moving to Belize as a foreigner.

Making the Move to Belize

Moving to Belize as an expat can be a daunting process, but with a little preparation, it can also be a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Research: Before making the move, research the different regions of Belize to determine which one is the best fit for you. Take into consideration factors like cost of living in Belize, crime rates, and proximity to the amenities you need.

Secure a job: If you’re moving to Belize for work, it’s essential to secure a job before making the move. This will give you a steady source of income and help you adjust to your new life in Belize more quickly.

Obtain necessary documents: Before moving to Belize, you’ll need to obtain a work permit and a residency visa. This process can take several months, so it’s best to start early.

belize work permit photo example
photo courtesy of belizefaqs.com

Find a place to live: Finding a place to live can be one of the biggest challenges of moving to Belize. Consider working with a Belize real estate agent or rental company to find the perfect home for you and your family.

Make connections: Finally, it’s important to make connections with the local community. Join expat groups, attend cultural events, and get involved in local activities to help you feel at home in your new home.

Living in Belize

market day in belize laid back fresh organic produce

Once you’ve made the move to Belize, you’ll soon discover that life in this tropical paradise is like no other. Here are some of the highlights of living in Belize:

Relaxed Lifestyle: Belize is known for its relaxed and laid-back lifestyle, which is perfect for those looking to escape the stress of daily life. Whether you’re exploring the beaches, trying local cuisine, or simply relaxing in a hammock, you’ll find that life in Belize is slow and easy.

Natural Beauty: With stunning beaches, tropical forests, and diverse wildlife, Belize is a nature lover’s paradise. Whether you’re hiking through the jungle, snorkeling in the Caribbean, or exploring ancient Mayan ruins, you’ll never run out of things to see and do.

The stunning Boat-Billed Heron – photo by dustinmurrayphotography.com

Friendly People: Belizeans are known for their hospitality and friendliness, and you’ll find that the local community is always happy to welcome newcomers. Whether you’re attending a local festival, shopping at the market, or simply striking up a conversation with a stranger, you’ll quickly feel at home in Belize.

Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to other countries in the region, the cost of living in Belize is very affordable. This is especially true if you’re living outside of the major cities, where the cost of living can be even lower. Whether you’re renting an apartment, eating at local restaurants, or shopping for groceries, you’ll find that your dollars go further in Belize.

Growing Expat Community: Belize has a growing expat community, with people from all over the world relocating to this tropical paradise. Whether you’re looking to make new friends, network with other expats, or simply share your experiences, you’ll find that the expat community in Belize is very welcoming and supportive.

Retiring in Belize

Belize is becoming an increasingly popular destination for retirees, and it’s not hard to see why. With its warm weather, stunning natural beauty, and low cost of living, Belize is the perfect place to spend your golden years. Here are some of the reasons why retirees are choosing Belize:

Affordable Housing: Housing in Belize is very affordable, especially compared to other countries in the region. Whether you’re looking to rent a cozy apartment, buy a home, or build your dream home, you’ll find that the cost of housing in Belize is very reasonable.

Health Care: Although Belize does not have a comprehensive public health care system, the country does have a growing number of private hospitals and clinics that offer high-quality medical services. Additionally, many expats choose to purchase international health insurance, which provides coverage both in Belize and abroad.

Activities and Amenities: Belize is full of activities and amenities to keep retirees busy and entertained. Whether you’re fishing, exploring the beaches, trying new cuisines, or simply enjoying a good book, you’ll never run out of things to do in Belize.

In conclusion, living in Belize as an expat can be a truly magical experience. With its relaxed lifestyle, natural beauty, friendly people, affordable cost of living, and growing expat community, Belize is the perfect place to call home. So, if you’re looking for a change of pace and a chance to experience a new culture, consider moving to Belize today! Check out our long-term rental properties in Belize for quality, affordable listings.

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Written by Tiffany Swift

Hey there! I'm Tiffany Swift, a proud Belizean who feels lucky to wake up in this paradise every day. If you're thinking about making Belize your new home, I’d love to help you turn that dream into reality. Let’s explore this beautiful journey together!

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