Essentials
- City
- San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
- Population
- Approximately 20,000
- Internet Speed
- Average 20-50 Mbps; Fiber is available via BTL Digi in San Pedro Town
- Currency & Banking
- Fixed rate: 1 USD = 2 BZD. USD is accepted everywhere.
- Tap Water
- Not drinkable; 5-gallon purified water jugs (Crystal) cost approx. $2.50 USD
- Power
- 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B (Same as USA/Canada)
- SIM Card
- DigiCell or Smart; $10 USD for SIM, $25 USD for 10GB data
- Banking for Expats
- Belize Bank, Atlantic Bank; Revolut/Wise work for ATMs but with high fees ($5-$10 USD)
- Accommodation
- Airbnb, VRBO, or local Facebook groups (Ambergris Caye Rentals); Monthly $1,200 - $3,500 USD
- Cashless Friendly
- Partial; major resorts and upscale restaurants accept card, but cash is king for street food and golf carts
- Short Term Rentals
- Sandbar Beachfront Hostel ($30+ USD/night), Mahogany Bay Village ($200+ USD/night)
- Budget Accommodation
- Sandbar Beachfront Hostel (Dorms from $25 USD); Drift Inn ($50 USD)
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- San Pedro Town (Central) for walkability and nightlife
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Boca del Rio (Vibrant, beach cafes) or South Ambergris (Quieter, better residential fiber)
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- The Ocean Tides Coworking (San Pedro) - Day pass approx. $20 USD
- Best Cafe for Work
- Belize Chocolate Company (AC, high speed), Lavish Habit (San Pedro town)
- Networking Events
- San Pedro Business Association meetings; Rotary Club of Ambergris Caye
- Social Events for Expats
- Sunday BBQ at Caribbean Villas; Trivia nights at Truck Stop
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No apps; Licensed Taxis (Green plates) - $5-$10 USD flat rates within town
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Golf Carts are standard; Moncho's Golf Cart Rentals ($40-$60 USD/day)
- Best Beach Nearby
- Secret Beach (West side of island) - free access, 45 min golf cart ride
- Top Regional Airline
- Tropic Air, Maya Island Air (Flights to BZE International approx. $90 USD)
- Top International Airline
- United, American Airlines, Delta (Flying into BZE)
- Highway Access
- No highways; unpaved sand roads North of the bridge
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- San Pedro Water Jet International Ferry Terminal
- Public Transport Passes
- N/A; Public water taxi to Caye Caulker ($25 USD round trip)
- Regional Travel
- San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi to Belize City or Chetumal, Mexico
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Ambergris Hope Clinic (San Pedro); Dr. Otto Rodriguez San Pedro Polyclinic II
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Ak'bol Yoga Retreat (North of bridge) - $15 USD per class; Science Sport & Wellness
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- San Pedro Fitness Club (South side) - Weekly pass $35 USD
- Laundry Services
- Nell's Laundry (San Pedro) - Approx. $10 USD per load washed/dried/folded
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- No major apps; direct WhatsApp ordering with Caribbean Queen or local drivers
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Fry Jacks for breakfast; Grilled Spiny Lobster (seasonal)
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Origin (Plant-based menu); Tuga Coffee
- Best Dessert Spots
- Belize Chocolate Company (San Pedro frontline); Manelly’s Ice Cream
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Super Buy South; Greenhouse (Fresh produce)
- E-commerce/Online Store
- No Amazon; Local Facebook 'Buy/Sell Ambergris Caye' groups
- Grocery Delivery
- Lagniappe Provisioning (Pre-arrival delivery)
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Boca Del Rio beach strip (Sandy Toes, Wayo’s Beach Bar)
- Local Brewery
- Island Academy (Belikin Beer is the national staple; $3 USD at bars)
- Wine Bars
- Wine de Vine (Personalized tastings and imported cheeses)
- Street Food Stalls
- San Pedro Town Square (Central Park) - Pupusas and Tacos for $1-$5 USD
- Popular International Cuisine
- Elvi's Kitchen (Mayan/Fusion); Jyoto Japanese Restaurant (Sushi)
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Hol Chan Marine Reserve; Shark Ray Alley
- Museums & Art Venues
- Belizean Arts (Inside Fido's Courtyard); San Pedro House of Culture
- Historical Sites
- Marco Gonzalez Maya Site (South Ambergris Caye)
- Religious Sites
- San Pedro Roman Catholic Church (Town Square)
- Annual Events
- International Costa Maya Festival (August); San Pedro Lobster Fest (July)
- Cultural Districts
- San Pedro Town Core
- Theater Venues
- Paradise Theater (Cinema)
- Local Markets
- San Pedro Artisan Market (Beachfront)
- Music Scene
- Live Garifuna drumming at various beach bars on weekends
- Street Art
- Murals along the Boca Del Rio seaside walk
- Cooking Classes
- Black Orchid Restaurant Cooking Classes
- Art Galleries
- The Gallery of San Pedro (Large collection of Belizean paintings)
- Historic Buildings
- Old San Pedro Town Hall
- Local Heritage
- Mestizo and Garifuna culture; San Pedro Day celebrations
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Bacalar Chico National Park (North end of the island)
- National Parks Nearby
- Blue Hole Natural Monument (Accessible via 2hr boat ride)
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Beachfront path from town to Boca Del Rio
- Scenic Viewpoints
- The Palapa Bar (Overwater views of the Barrier Reef)
- Birdwatching Locations
- Caye Caulker Forest Reserve (Nearby island)
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Secret Beach (Designated sunset bonfire areas)
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- BPMS (Belize Post & Managed Services); DHL San Pedro
- Tech Repair Services
- Geek Squad Belize (San Pedro branch)
- Table Tennis Spots
- The Truck Stop (Entertainment hub)
- Language Classes
- Spanish is widely spoken; private tutors available via San Pedro High School contacts
- Libraries & Study Spots
- San Pedro Public Library
- Community Centers
- Lions Club San Pedro
- Gaming Lounges
- Small internet cafes in town center
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Princess Casino at San Pedro (Free Drinks while playing)
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $220,000 USD)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $3,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $152,000 USD)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $5,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $312,000 USD)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $3,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $210,000 USD)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $4,800 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $384,000 USD)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $256,000 USD)
- Corporate Tax
- 1.75% to 19% business tax based on gross revenue, not net profit
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 15%
- Tax System
- Territorial tax system (Only income earned within Belize is taxed)
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 25% (On income earned within Belize over $14,500 USD)
- VAT
- GST (General Sales Tax) is 12.5%
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No
- Property Tax
- Very low; based on 1% of the value of the land
- Property Transaction Tax
- Stamp Duty: 5% for citizens, 8% for foreigners
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Belize Work From Here Program (0% tax on foreign earned income)