Essentials
- City
- Belize City, Belize District, Belize
- Population
- Approximately 68,000
- Internet Speed
- Average 40-60 Mbps via DigiNet fiber optics
- Currency & Banking
- Belize Dollar (BZD) pegged at 2 BZD = 1 USD. USD is widely accepted.
- Tap Water
- Not recommended for drinking; use bottled or purified water (approx. $3 BZD per gallon).
- Power
- 110V/220V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A and B sockets (same as USA/Canada).
- SIM Card
- DigiCell or Smart; $20 BZD for SIM + $50 BZD for 15GB data plan.
- Banking for Expats
- Belize Bank, Atlantic Bank; most accept international cards (Visa/Mastercard).
- Accommodation
- Radisson Fort George, Best Western Plus, or Airbnb rentals in King's Park.
- Cashless Friendly
- Moderate; cards accepted at major hotels and supermarkets (Brodies), but cash is essential for street food and taxis.
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb options in the Fort George area; average $80 - $150 USD per night.
- Budget Accommodation
- The Red Hut Inn ($40 USD/night) or Bakadeer Inn ($65 USD/night).
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Fort George District; safe, walkable, and near the water taxi terminal.
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- King's Park or Belama Phase 1-2 for a quieter, residential feel with better infrastructure.
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Toco Coworking (Check availability, often requires private arrangement) or the business center at Radisson Fort George ($25 USD day pass).
- Best Cafe for Work
- BakeD on 4th Street ($5-10 USD for coffee/pastry) or Martha’s Cafe overlooking the harbor.
- Networking Events
- Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) mixers held at the Ramada by Wyndham.
- Social Events for Expats
- Expats in Belize Facebook Group; regular meetups at the Hour Bar & Grill.
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No Uber/Bolt; use Green License Plate Taxis. Local rides $10-$15 BZD. Negotiate before entry.
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- V-Go Rentals near the Water Taxi terminal; approx. $20 USD per day.
- Best Beach Nearby
- Kukumba Beach at Old Belize ($10 BZD entry) or 45-minute ferry to Caye Caulker.
- Top Regional Airline
- Tropic Air or Maya Island Air for internal hops to Caye Caulker or San Pedro.
- Top International Airline
- United, American Airlines, Delta, or Alaska Airlines via Philip S.W. Goldson International (BZE).
- Highway Access
- George Price Highway (West to San Ignacio) and Philip Goldson Highway (North to Mexico border).
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- Belize City Bus Terminal (Novelo's) on West Collet Canal Street.
- Public Transport Passes
- No passes; pay conductors in cash (approx. $2 - $10 BZD depending on distance).
- Regional Travel
- San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi to the islands ($35 USD round trip).
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Belize Medical Associates ($75 USD consultation fee) or Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH).
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Om Shanti Belize / Harbinger of Peace Center (Fort George area).
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Body 2000 on Coney Drive or Burn Box Belize ($15 BZD drop-in fee).
- Laundry Services
- The Laundry Basket on Freetown Road (Approx. $10 BZD per load).
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- V-Delivery or Foodie Belize (available via Facebook/WhatsApp).
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Rice and Beans with Stew Chicken and Potato Salad ($10 - $15 BZD).
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Vegan Bites on Orchid Garden St or Sumathi Indian Restaurant (Vegetarian Thali $25 BZD).
- Best Dessert Spots
- Ice Cream Shoppe on Eve Street (Soursop or Coconut flavors, $6 BZD).
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Brodies Supermarket (Regent St) or Public's Supermarket.
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Amazon (via freight forwarders like Gomez Logistics or Belize On Shipping).
- Grocery Delivery
- Brodies Online or individual supermarket WhatsApp services.
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Newton Barracks / The Strip (Hour Bar & Grill, Sit & Sip).
- Local Brewery
- Belikin (Belize Brewing Company); available at all bars (approx. $5 BZD per bottle).
- Wine Bars
- The Wine Cellar on Southern Foreshore.
- Street Food Stalls
- Michael Finnegan Market for meat pies and fresh fruit; street corners for garnaches ($1 BZD each).
- Popular International Cuisine
- Chon Saan Palace (Chinese) or Riverside Tavern (Gourmet Burgers $30 BZD).
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Baron Bliss Lighthouse and the Belize Sign Monument.
- Museums & Art Venues
- Museum of Belize in a former colonial prison ($10 BZD entry).
- Historical Sites
- St. John’s Anglican Cathedral (Oldest in Central America).
- Religious Sites
- St. John’s Cathedral; Holy Redeemer Cathedral.
- Annual Events
- September Celebrations (Carnival) and the Baron Bliss Day Regatta (March).
- Cultural Districts
- Downtown/Albert Street for colonial architecture and commerce.
- Theater Venues
- Bliss Center for the Performing Arts.
- Local Markets
- Michael Finnegan Market (best on Saturdays for fresh tropical produce).
- Music Scene
- Live Punta music at local festivals or Thirsty Thursday’s on the strip.
- Street Art
- Murals along the Northern Highway and near the Swing Bridge.
- Cooking Classes
- Available via private arrangement at local guesthouses like The Great House.
- Art Galleries
- Image Factory Art Foundation on North Front Street.
- Historic Buildings
- Government House (House of Culture) on Regent Street.
- Local Heritage
- Kriol and Mestizo culture, reflected in the 'Sub Umbra Floreo' motto.
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Belize Zoo (29 miles away on Western Hwy); approx. $15 USD entry.
- National Parks Nearby
- Guanacaste National Park (near Belmopan) or Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- The Seawall at Marine Parade for morning runs/walks.
- Scenic Viewpoints
- Fort George Point for sunset views over the Caribbean Sea.
- Birdwatching Locations
- Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary (1 hour north).
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Not permitted in the city; travel to Caye Caulker beaches for bonfire events.
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- DHL Belize on North Front Street or FedEx at the airport.
- Tech Repair Services
- Cellular World on Albert Street or Fultec Systems for PC repair.
- Table Tennis Spots
- Belize Elementary Auditorium (occasional community events).
- Language Classes
- University of Belize (UB) English/Spanish courses.
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Leo Bradley Memorial Library on Princess Margaret Drive.
- Community Centers
- YMCA Belize on Faber’s Road.
- Gaming Lounges
- Mainly found in private internet cafes or some larger hotels.
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Princess Casino ($20 USD minimum suggested) near the waterfront.
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,200 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $88,000 USD).
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,400 USD per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $56,000 USD).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $2,000 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $120,000 USD).
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,200 USD per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $72,000 USD).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. $1,800 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $144,000 USD).
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. $1,100 USD per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $88,000 USD).
- Corporate Tax
- Business tax varies by industry; typically between 1.75% and 19% on gross receipts.
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 15%
- Tax System
- Territorial; generally taxes income earned within Belize.
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- 25% on income over $29,000 BZD.
- VAT
- 12.5% (General Sales Tax - GST).
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- No specific CFC rules, but focus on Belize-sourced income.
- Property Tax
- Very low; based on land value (often under $200 USD/year for city lots).
- Property Transaction Tax
- Stamp duty of 5% for citizens, 8% for foreigners on value over $10,000 USD.
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Work from Paradise Program: 0% tax on foreign-sourced income for participants.