If you do a quick internet search, you'll find a lot of contradictory information about prices in Belize. The truth is that living in Belize can cost about 60% of what it costs to live in the U.S.—or it can be more expensive than back home, if you don't get the right information.
As more and more expats call Belize home—and the tourism numbers continue to climb—North Americans are finding that these tourists and expats are hungry for some of the comforts of home, to supplement their exotic experiences. This has led to more expats deciding to set up businesses here—to take advantage of Belize's growth.
After years of 16-hour days as owners and operators of a Victorian B&B and cupcake shop in Richmond, Virginia, the easygoing lifestyle of San Pedro, on the island of Ambergris Caye, Belize, is just what Dawn Schick and her husband, Albert, were looking for.
Belize is a small country—about the size of New Jersey. There are fewer than 400,000 people, and vast stretches of undeveloped land. One of the reasons it has remained a popular expat destination, however, is that it offers such variety within a small space.
Since getting married in Montego Bay, Jamaica, vacation has almost always meant a Caribbean destination for me and my wife Annette. And one year, while on the island of Cozumel, I looked at Annette and said, “It’s costing us less to stay in this all-inclusive resort than it costs to live at home.”
So, you're moving to Belize. Now you just have to pack! Personally, I've found that packing for an international move is one of the biggest challenges you can take on.
We recently made our first visit to a popular new restaurant on Ambergris Caye. The French Touch, a small bistro in downtown San Pedro, is a welcome addition to the Belize culinary scene.
After 28 years in the military, it was time to do something else. I had had enough of the high pressure, busy, constantly changing lifestyle. It was time to relax a bit.
Ambergris Caye has evolved rapidly in recent times. In 1999, my husband and I bought our first property there. In 2000, we began to spend significant time on Ambergris Caye. In those days, there was no bridge to connect the main island with the north side. You could take a boat north to visit the remote, exotic resorts and restaurants.
Belize is well known for its spicy habanero pepper sauces. In every fresh produce market, you'll spot brightly colored habanero peppers. But there's another enticing spice that's common in Belize—fresh ginger.