Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Belize City is the largest city in Belize, known for its rich history and diverse culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 57,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average of 15-25 Mbps, with some places offering up to 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2 BZD (Belize Dollar). Major banks include Belize Bank and Atlantic Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but it's advised to use filtered water. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Smart, Digi, or Belize Telemedia; prepaid options are common. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards accepted widely; local banking options are limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include hotels, hostels, Airbnb, and serviced apartments. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; credit and debit cards accepted in many places but cash is still preferred for smaller vendors. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are popular for short-term accommodation. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like The Red Hut Inn offer budget options starting from $20 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Fort George area is popular for its waterfront views and proximity to attractions. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The downtown area offers cafes with Wi-Fi and co-working spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Jade Lounge, a popular spot among remote workers. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | LGBT (Little Guatemalan Belizean Takeout) offers a quiet atmosphere with Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups often hosted by the Belize Chamber of Commerce for entrepreneurs. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat groups on Facebook provide information on local events and gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabbie Belize is a widely used app for taxis in Belize City. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; some local shops offer bicycles for rent. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Caye Caulker Beach, accessible by ferry, is a popular destination. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tropic Air operates regional flights to neighboring countries. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines connect Belize City internationally. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Western Highway connects to other regions of Belize. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Belize City does not have a train system; bus terminal is located downtown. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets for local buses cost around $1. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Belize City to other major towns and the airport. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is the largest medical facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Living Soul Yoga offers classes throughout the week. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Zone Belize provides gym amenities and fitness programs. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Coin-operated laundromats are available in various neighborhoods. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery services are limited; you can use local encourages for pickup. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rice and beans with stewed chicken is a must-try local dish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Vegan-friendly options can be found at eateries like The Greenhouse. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Maya Island Bakery is known for its delicious pastries. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Belize City Market on Queen Street offers fresh produce at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon delivers to Belize, but expect longer shipping times. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local grocery stores may offer delivery; check with specific vendors. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Swing Bridge area has various bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Belikin Brewery is the most famous local beer producer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Wine Room Belize provides local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Try local street tacos sold around the downtown area. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like The Piers serve a variety of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Belize Museum and Fort George are essential visits. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Belize showcases the country’s history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Swing Bridge is an iconic historical landmark in the city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. John's Cathedral is the oldest Anglican church in Central America. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Carnival season brings lively parades and festivities each year. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Old Capital district retains colonial architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Bliss Center for the Performing Arts hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The bustling produce market at the corner of Central American Boulevard. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common in the numerous bars throughout the city. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found along Albert Street showcasing Belizean culture. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Belizean Cooking School offers hands-on cooking experiences. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galleries like Image Factory showcase local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Government House is a notable historic site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Garifuna culture is a significant part of Belize’s heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Belize Zoo and the Cayo District have natural attractions. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Belize National Park is a short drive away for hiking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The waterfront walk is a scenic path for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Fort Street Tourism Village offers beautiful views of the Caribbean Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Placencia Beach offers designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services operate in Belize City. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops near the city center offer minor electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers often have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Lengua offers Spanish language classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Belize City Library serves as a quiet study place. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Belize City Center offers recreational and cultural activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Cyber cafes provide gaming and computer access throughout the city. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Princess Casino offers gaming options and entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $40,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,300 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $78,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $120,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 1.75% for companies with international income. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for dividends paid to foreign shareholders. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | 12.5% on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Belize has CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% of market value for real estate. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Average tax of 5% on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No capital gains tax; favorable tax rates for income generated abroad. |