This small country is barely the size of a US state but thanks to its beautiful natural environment and welcoming culture more and more Brits are choosing to retire to this surprising destination.
And the fact that English is the official language makes the transition much easier for those seeking international living than moving to traditional Brit enclaves in Spain, Greece or France.
One adventurous retired ex-pat told internationalliving.com “I can be Jacques Cousteau in the morning—diving in the blue hole, and Indiana Jones in the afternoon—exploring a Maya cave in the jungles…”
For more British retirees though life in this tiny country is more about lazing in beach hammocks and gentle strolls along pristine white sands.
They are drawn to its laid-back Caribbean lifestyle, to a country where there is no need for a car and with an excellent and afforsable pay as you go health care and dental system.
We are talking about Belize. According to internationalliving.com “Belize offers other advantages too.
“As a British Commonwealth country, English is the primary language, making it easy for expats to transition. This little country is also well known for its open-arms attitude toward expats who wish to become residents, or to open a business.
“Talk to expats who live in Belize and you’ll hear a common theme…Belizean people are warm, helpful, and made them feel welcome.”
Most expats who live in Belize today moved there from the USA, Canada, Britain, and other European countries attracted by it its relatively easy residency programs, English language, and attractive climate.
Belize offers a Qualified Retirement Program (QRP) that allows retirees to live in Belize with tax-free entry of household goods and vehicles, and the ability to enter and exit the country freely.
There are no official statistics on the number of British retirees relocating to Belize annually but there are an estimated 3,000 British people living in Belize.
Ex-Pat Laura Diffendal writes in the magazine: “Belize offers distinct and varied ways to live. You can choose a tranquil, laidback beach lifestyle in Placencia, a Jimmy Buffet-style, non-stop party life on the island of Ambergris Caye, or an off-the-grid life out in the wild west of Cayo.
Typically, Belize attracts those who are looking to get away from materialism, free-spirited adventurers, or entrepreneurs. So if you are looking for a comfortable, fun, warm, welcoming, tropical place to live, Belize might be right for you.”
The Caribbean seascape you can see from the mainland is stunning too. Over 200 pristine cayes (islands) are scattered along Belize’s coastlin, each surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise seawater that teems with brilliant fish, coral, and sponges.
Laura adds: “A favourite pastime on the cayes is to relax in a hammock, under a gently swaying coconut palm, while sipping an icy Belikin beer, or a pina colada… It’s the perfect spot to relax and watch the frothy white waves wash against the Mesoamerican barrier reef. Diving, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, sailing, and surfing are pleasant activities in the shallow waters inside the protection of the reef.”
Placencia’s 17 miles of golden sand beaches are perfect for long, leisurely strolls and days spent sunning or picnicking near the sea. Sailboats, cruisers, and catamarans come and go from the deeper water docks, or idle in the calm, protected waters at the tip of Placencia Village.
Laura adds: “Weather wise Belize is summer all year round. For me, and lots of other expats, the tropical, sunny, weather is perfect. You get great breezes off the Caribbean Sea year round.”
She says that retirees to Belize save money in a number of ways. Because the country is so small most people get around on bikes and golf carts.
Belize property taxes are extremely low here. Most expats do their shopping at the vast array of farmer’s markets throughout the country, which is less expensive than produce in the UK. Although imported foods are expensive, if you learn to eat like a local, everything is fresh and made from scratch.
There isn’t much to buy here and people live a relatively simple life. Property is more expensive than other Central American countries, but cheaper than the UK, Spain or Greece.
However the infrastructure here requires expats to learn to adapt with the occasional water and power outages
Most expats enjoy not having to have health insurance accroding to Laura and paying as they go for doctor visits which can cost between $25 to $50. (£18 to £36). In some places doctors even make house calls.
Expats tend to find the dental care in Belize to be very satisfactory, and much cheaper than the UK. For more extensive medical treatment, expats go across the border to Mexico. However, there is a major hospital in Belize City. There are also 24/7 polyclinics in Ambergris Caye and Placencia, and in Ambergris Caye they are building a brand new clinic that will have more substantial services.
But Belize is a relatively young country so disability rights and regulations, special needs diets and emergency services are not available everywhere.
However there is a substantial expat population in Belize where you can find a wealth of information to help you decide if Belize would work for you.