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Guide
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 |