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Ambergris Caye, Belize 🇧🇿
#1647 ,

Nomad Score: 58%

Essentials

🏙️ City Ambergris Caye is the largest island in Belize, located in the Caribbean Sea, known for its stunning beaches and vibrant marine life.
👥 Population Approx. 23,000 residents
💻 Internet Speed Average download speed of 20-30 Mbps
💸 Currency & Banking 1 BZD ≈ 0.50 USD; the local currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD)
🚰 Tap Water Generally not drinkable, bottled water is recommended
🔌 Power 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets
📶 SIM Card Providers include Smart and Digi, offering prepaid options with good coverage
💳 Banking for Expats Popular options include ATM access to international cards, and some local banks accept accounts for expats
🛌 Accommodation Options range from beachfront resorts to budget hostels and vacation rentals on platforms like Airbnb
💳 Cashless Friendly Yes, many establishments accept credit and debit cards, but cash is still widely used
🏠 Short Term Rentals Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term stays
🛏️ Budget Accommodation Hostel options like 'Isla Bonita Yacht Club' or budget ranges within hotels
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists Central San Pedro, close to shops, restaurants, and beaches
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads North Ambergris Caye for quieter areas and local cafes to work

Working and Networking

🏢 Best Coworking Space The Truck Stop – includes a co-working area and meeting spaces
Best Cafe for Work Coffee & Gelato - known for its good Wi-Fi and ambiance
💼 Networking Events Occasional digital nomad meetups organized via local community groups on social media
🥂 Social Events for Expats Regular 'Expat Meet and Greet' events at various bars around the island

Transportation

🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App There is no specific ride-hailing app, use local taxis or golf carts for transportation
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental Various local shops offer bike and golf cart rentals throughout San Pedro
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby Secret Beach - a popular spot approximately 30 minutes from San Pedro by taxi
✈️ Top Regional Airline Tropic Air - connects Ambergris Caye to the mainland and other islands
✈️ Top International Airline American Airlines & United Airlines - offer flights to Belize City
🛣️ Highway Access Only accessible by air or boat; no road connections to the mainland
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub No train services; local taxis and cycling are the primary modes of transport
🚍 Public Transport Passes No formal public transport system like buses; taxis and golf carts are the main options
✈️ Regional Travel Boat or flight services to cities like Belize City for further travel

Health and Wellness

🏥 Best Hospital Ambergris Caye Emerald Hospital - provides basic medical care
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers Yoga Center Belize - offers various classes for all levels
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers San Pedro Fitness - offers gym facilities for residents and tourists
🧺 Laundry Services Palapa Laundry - a laundromat service available in San Pedro

Food and Drink

📱 Best Food Delivery App Helping Hands deliver - delivers food from local restaurants
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try Ceviche - fresh fish marinated in lime juice and spices
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options Wild Mangos - offers a variety of vegetarian dishes
🍫 Best Dessert Spots Sweet Life - known for their delicious desserts and pastries
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots Local food markets like San Pedro Food Market for fresh produce
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store Amazon ships to Belize; however, expect longer delivery times
🛒 Grocery Delivery Some local grocery stores offer delivery services on request
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area Barrier Reef Sports Bar & Grill - popular for nightlife and local brews
🍻 Local Brewery Belikin Brewery - local beer brand you must try
🍷 Wine Bars The Wine Bar - offers a selection of wines from around the world
🍲 Street Food Stalls Various vendors around San Pedro offer delicious street food like tacos and pupusas
🍕 Popular International Cuisine Elvi's Kitchen - known for a blend of Belizean and international dishes

Culture and Attractions

🎟️ Must-See Landmarks The Belize Barrier Reef - a UNESCO World Heritage Site perfect for snorkelling
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues Ambergris Caye Historical Museum - offers insights into local history
🏰 Historical Sites Marco Gonzalez Mayan Site - an archaeological site near the island
🕍 Religious Sites Holy Cross Anglican Church - a beautiful local church in San Pedro
🎉 Annual Events San Pedro Lobsterfest - celebrated every July with food and festivities
🎨 Cultural Districts San Pedro Town - the heart of cultural activities and local events
🎭 Theater Venues Not a major theater hub; however, some bars host live performances
🛍️ Local Markets San Pedro Market - a vibrant spot for local crafts and goods
🎼 Music Scene Various bars feature live local music, particularly reggae and calypso genres
🎨 Street Art Occasional murals and art installations found around San Pedro
🧑‍🍳 Cooking Classes Cooking With Lillian - offers classes on traditional Belizean dishes
👩‍🎨 Art Galleries Sunset Grill - showcases local art and artists
🕰️ Historic Buildings The old Post Office - a testament to the island's colonial history
🏴 Local Heritage Mayan and Garifuna influences shape the local culture and food

Nature and Outdoor Activities

🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes Hol Chan Marine Reserve - popular for snorkeling and diving.
🏞️ National Parks Nearby Bacalar Chico National Park - a natural wonderland for exploration
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths Coastal paths around San Pedro town perfect for cycling and walking
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints The view from the Boca del Rio area, especially at sunset
🦉 Birdwatching Locations Caye Caulker and nearby mangroves are excellent for birdwatching
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots Designated spots at Secret Beach are popular for bonfires

Other Services and Amenities

📦 Parcel Delivery Service Local courier services and some international options available
🛠️ Tech Repair Services Local shops in San Pedro offer phone and gadget repairs
🏓 Table Tennis Spots Not commonly available; check local community centers for games
🧑‍🏫 Language Classes Various language schools offer Spanish language classes
📚 Libraries & Study Spots Limited public libraries; cafes such as Coffee & Gelato serve as study spots
🏘️ Community Centers San Pedro Town has community centers for local events and gatherings
🕹️ Gaming Lounges Not common, but several cafes offer a relaxed vibe for online gaming.
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls Limited options; small gaming establishments exist on the island

Business

🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. BZD 350,000 per m² (40 m² = BZD 14,000,000)
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. BZD 280,000 per m² (40 m² = BZD 11,200,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. BZD 320,000 per m² (60 m² = BZD 19,200,000)
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. BZD 250,000 per m² (60 m² = BZD 15,000,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) Approx. BZD 300,000 per m² (80 m² = BZD 24,000,000)
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) Approx. BZD 230,000 per m² (80 m² = BZD 18,400,000)
💼 Corporate Tax 1.75% for international businesses based in Belize
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax 1% for individuals and 1.75% for companies
🏦 Tax System Territorial tax system; taxes apply only to income generated within Belize
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket 25% on incomes exceeding BZD 25,000 annually
🧾 VAT 12.5% on goods and services
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules No strict rules; encouraging for digital nomads
🏠 Property Tax Varying rates based on values and locations, generally low
🏠 Property Transaction Tax 5% on property sales
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads No tax on foreign income for non-residents

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