Belize is a tropical country with the perfect adventure, natural beauty, and relaxation mix. Whether you enjoy history, weather, white sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise water, Maya ruins, snorkeling, or scuba diving, Belize has it all for expats looking to move abroad. You should consider moving to this tropical paradise as an expat, as there are many benefits to being one there. If you want to work and live in a warm and tropical destination as an expat, make sure Belize is your location to work and live, as there is so much to do and see in this beautiful country. Here are 16 reasons you should move to Belize as an expat.
1. Affordable Cost of Living
Belize is a relatively affordable destination compared to other expat locations, as housing, groceries, and services are well-priced. Rent and property prices are lower than in many Western countries; whether you are planning to buy a home, rent an apartment, or purchase land, all of this is affordable. Essential utilities and services are also cheap, such as water, internet, and electricity, which will reduce your cost of living. Food and groceries are also reasonably priced, especially from local markets, but imported goods may be more expensive. To save money, purchase inexpensive local produce, meat, or seafood that will keep your grocery bills low.
2. The Weather
Belize has a warm climate all year, making it the perfect tropical vacation destination all year round, since the average temperature is 26°C. The warmest months are from May to September, while the coolest are from November to January. You will have plenty of sunny days while vacationing in this country, perfect for tanning and relaxing on the beach or in the water. Due to the warm climate, the Caribbean water remains warm and is ideal for various water activities, like snorkeling or scuba diving. This great weather allows you to explore Belize’s beaches, caves, jungles, and mountains.
3. English is the National Language
If English is your first language, then you will not have to learn another one, as the national language in Belize is English. Since this is the only English-speaking country in Central America, this allows English-speaking expats to be able to communicate better with essential services, government officials, businesses, and the locals. Since the legal system is similar to British common law, it is easier for expats to understand the legal matters related to businesses, properties, and contracts. Any contracts or documents will also be in English, making them easier to understand. Socially integrating is also easier with this language being the official language of this country, as it can help you build relationships with locals and the expat community. This will help you make a great social life where it is easy to communicate and attend local events and engage in the culture.
4. The Education
If you have children, Belize’s education system is mainly English-based, making it easier for your children to transition into this school system without learning a new language. There are many private and international schools for English speakers, helping your children have a smooth educational transition. These schools are in urbanized areas and are popular among expat communities. These schools also follow different curriculums, such as the British or American and will help cater to expat’s children who want an international education.
5. Low Taxes
Belize has a very low tax rate, with no capital gains, inheritance, or estate taxes. If you decide to retire in this country after you are done with your expat work, there are no property taxes for retirees for their first 10 years, which can help you save money. Belize’s low taxes and many benefits related to the tax system make this country suitable for those who want to do business and work there. By not worrying about paying large amounts of taxes, you can enjoy financial efficiency and a high-quality life working and living there.
6. The Caves
Caves can be found all around Belize and are part of the country’s long history. Beneath the surface, many extensive cave networks are formed from lime rock formations. These caves are significant to the history of Belize, as they were important sites for the Mayan people, such as the cave Actun Tunichil Muknal. These caves were used for rituals and offerings to the gods, and many remnants from this ancient past can be seen in these caves today. When adventuring to these caves, try activities like cave tubing and snorkeling or scuba diving. These caves have an ecosystem of their own, with bats, fish, and other wildlife.
7. The Culture
Belize has a very diverse culture and has been known as having a mix of different cultures from many influences worldwide. Many ethnic groups inhabit the country, such as Mayan, Creole, Mestizo, Garifuna, Chinese, East Indian, and more. Each of these cultures has offered something incredible to form Belize’s culture and add cultural traditions, including food, music, festivals, languages, and dances. Many cultural festivals and celebrations include Garifuna Settlement
Day, International Costa Maya Festival, Belize Carnival, Plancenia Lobsterfest, and more. There are also many unique handicrafts and art pieces, such as Maya jade carvings, Creole baskets, Garifuna drums, and Mennonite woodwork. Visiting these workshops allows you to see how they are made up close.
8. The Food
Due to the very diverse culture in Belize, various types of foods that are really good, such as Belizean rice and beans, tamales, stew chicken, johnny cakes, conch fritters, conch soup, ceviche, and more. Since Belize is a mix of many different cultures, this helps make the food a unique twist, which is why Belizean food is one of the most delicious and diverse food you will taste. Many tasty tropical fruits, such as soursop, papayas, and mangoes, are locally grown. If you’re into street food, Belize has affordable and delicious street food, such as johnny cakes, parades, BBQ Mutton, and tacos.
9. Maya Ruins
If you are into Maya history, Belize is rich with it and was a significant part of Maya civilization, since there are hundreds of Maya archaeological sites. Going to this country to see this rich history gives you a chance to see remnants of the past that date back thousands of years ago. Some famous Maya Sites that are a must-see are Caracol, Lamanai, Xunantunich, Altun Ha, and Cahel Pech. Many of these ruins are found in the jungles, giving you the chance to go on a unique adventure. These Maya sites are also less crowded than the ones found in neighbouring countries, giving you a more peaceful and quiet experience. If you decide to visit these sites, hire a knowledgeable guide who can teach you more about the history and significance of these magnificent archaeological structures.
10. Remote Islands
Belize has hundreds of islands that are perfect for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and more. Some remote islands to visit are Tobacco Caye, South Water Caye, Half Moon Caye, Goff’s Caye, and Glover’s Reef. With so many cayes and islands, it is understandable it is tempting to see them all. If you are living in Belize as an expat, you should have enough time to see just about every island if you wish. However, many of these cayes and islands are close together, making
island hopping easier. These remote caves are great for having more peace and quietness, making them ideal getaways for relaxation. These islands have white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for suntanning and swimming.
11. Belize Barrier Reef
If you are a nature lover and adventurer, visit the Belize Barrier Reef. This reef is the second largest barrier reef in the world, spanning more than 185 miles throughout Belize’s gorgeous waters. There are many species of coral, fish, sharks, rays, and other marine life to see. The Belize Barrier Reef being a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-see designation for those who want to know the world’s natural wonders, as there is a lot of biodiversity and ecological importance. Visiting this great reef and natural wonder of the world will not disappoint and will be an incredible experience.
12. The Incredible Wildlife
With its warm climate, fresh air, and crystal-clear turquoise water, Belize has fantastic wildlife to see. For example, Belize is home to the first wildlife sanctuary dedicated to jaguars. The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary/Jaguar Preserve has over 128,000 acres of jungle, vast wildlife, and waterfalls, including Indigenous Central American jaguars. There are many great places to go hiking, where you will encounter the Tiger Fern Double Waterfall, mountains, and plane wrecks. Other animals in Belize are scarlet macaws, ocelots, keel-billed toucans, harpy eagles, howler monkeys, and more.
13. White Sand Beaches
These white sand beaches and crystal-clear water are perfect for suntanning and swimming. A white sand beach is ideal and much better than those volcanic sand or rocky beaches. Many beaches are close to the Belize Barrier Reef, allowing you to go snorkeling, scuba diving, paddleboarding, kayaking, and more. The beaches in Belize are also not very crowded and more peaceful, as this country is not a tourist-heavy location.
14. A Reputation for the Best Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in the World
Belize has some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling spots in the world, as there are three atolls, the Belize Barrier Reef, and many islands to visit. Some excellent snorkeling and scuba diving spots are the Great Blue Hole, Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Shark Ray Alley, Lighthouse Reef Atoll, Turneffe Atoll, Glover’s Reef Atoll, Tobacco Caye, and more. I can’t think of many other countries in the region that have better snorkeling for expats and tourists.
15. The Waterfalls
Jungles surround the waterfalls of Belize, which are beautiful destinations to see and swim in. The mix of waterfalls and tropical flora make this a fantastic experience you will not forget. Some waterfalls to check out are Big Rock Falls, Antelope Falls, Thousand-foot Falls, Tiger Fern Falls, Rio Blanco Falls, and more. Many of these waterfalls form natural pools that are great for swimming and cooling off from the heat, making a refreshing experience. Reaching these waterfalls will require hiking through the jungle, adding a fun adventure opponent to the journey. It does not matter if you are a beginner or an advanced hiker, as Belize’s waterfalls have different levels of difficulty for all, with some being accessible by car, a short walk, or a long hike. These waterfalls are perfect for relaxing and incredible sights to see and get a photo of, so check them out if you go here.
16. Chocolate-making
Belize has an ancient history with cacao, as it was used as far back as the ancient Mayan civilization, which used cacao for its food and rituals. Going here will allow you to see one of the few countries where traditional chocolate-making methods happen in person. The rainforests of Belize and its warm climate make this country an ideal location to grow good-quality cocoa. The cacao here is almost always organic, and three farms use sustainable practices to properly
cultivate these beans, showing a rich and traditional way of making chocolate. Go on a chocolate-making tour that will allow you to visit cacao farms and learn how chocolate is made. Some of these tours will even show you how the Maya people made chocolate, giving you a look into the history of this food. There are workshops where you can make your chocolate bar, making this an enjoyable and memorable place.
Some Final Thoughts Before You Move to Belize
Moving to Belize is a great choice and will leave lasting memories. With affordable living costs, access to healthcare, a large expat community, snorkeling or scuba diving, the Maya ruins, crystal-clear water, white sand beaches, wildlife, and weather, every component of your Belize trip will be an incredible adventure. Belize is a country you must explore and should be your next destination if you want to go on a tropical vacation. Before travelling, it is best to purchase health coverage to avoid getting substantial medical bills. Purchasing this coverage will ensure access to essential medical services, such as emergency care, treatment of illnesses or injuries, hospital stays, and doctor visits, without hurting your income. Purchasing global health coverage is the right step before moving to a new country like Belize. If you are just going there for a short time period, then most will buy travel medical insurance coverage instead. It will give you suitable healthcare access that will make you less concerned about having a medical emergency on your next trip.
Written by Mark T
