Belize City, Belize 🇧🇿
#1027
17.500276, -88.198873
Nomad Score:
54%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Belize City is the largest city in Belize and serves as an important cultural and economic center. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 60,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed of 10-15 Mbps |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BZD ≈ 0.5 USD; both Belize Dollar (BZD) and US Dollar (USD) are widely accepted. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable in urban areas, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 110V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Digicel and SMART with good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common options include local banks like Belize Bank and international services such as PayPal and Revolut. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to guesthouses and short-term rentals on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless, though many places prefer cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local apartment listings are popular for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options include the Hostel Hopping and several budget hotels around King Street. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Business Hub Belize City offers a collaborative workspace. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Dazzle Cafe provides a relaxed atmosphere and free Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Belize City Tech Meetups occur regularly, check local groups on social media. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in Belize City' host meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis and the BzTn taxi service operate in the area, but no major ride-sharing apps are established. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycles can be rented at local shops for a low daily fee. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Fort Street Tourism Village Beach is approximately 2 miles from downtown. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Maya Island Air and Tropic Air provide connections to other cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines have flights to and from Belize City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The Northern Highway provides access to major regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Belize City has no rail transport; bus terminals are the main transit hubs. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Buses operate on set routes, but monthly passes are generally not available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect Belize City to most other major towns, such as San Ignacio and Orange Walk. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital is the largest public facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Rejuvenate Spa and Yoga Studio offers classes and wellness services. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Belize Health and Fitness Club is popular for fitness enthusiasts. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Wash and Go offers reliable laundry services in the city. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | The Foodie Belize delivers popular local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Rice and Beans with Stewed Chicken is a must-have. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Wild Mangoes offers a variety of vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Maya Chocolates serves local artisanal chocolates and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | The Market Square is great for budget-friendly options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local businesses often use Facebook Marketplace for sales. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Belize Grocery Delivery Services provide local groceries and products. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Princess Street is known for its nightlife with various bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Belikin Brewery offers tours and tastings of its local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Naked Fish offers a selection of wines and seafood. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors at the Market Square serve popular Belizean snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Sushi from Sushi Belize is well-rated among locals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Belize Sign and the Baron Bliss Lighthouse are iconic. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Belize showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | St. John's Cathedral is one of the oldest structures in Belize City. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The All Saints Anglican Cathedral is a notable site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Belize Carnival in September is a vibrant local festival. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The Fort George area is rich in heritage and architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Bliss Center for the Performing Arts hosts cultural events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Belize City Market is great for fresh produce and local products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music with Creole and Garifuna influences. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists have beautified walls around the city with murals. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Sandy's Culinary Classes offer traditional Belizean cooking experience. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | The Image Factory showcases contemporary Belizean art. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Government House is an architectural landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Creole Heritage is a significant part of the local culture. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Caye Caulker is a beautiful nearby island for relaxation and snorkeling. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Belize Zoo offers an educational experience about local wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The promenade along the waterfront is ideal for walking or biking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Fort Street offers views of the Caribbean Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The Belize River is known for diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Some beaches, like Caye Caulker, have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services provide parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Electronics repair services are available in the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Belize City Sports Complex may have table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language classes are offered through local schools. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Bliss Institute of Social Studies has a small library. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Belize City Center serves as a hub for local events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Online gaming cafes are available in urban areas. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The Princess Casino offers gaming options within the city. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BZD 200,000 for 50 m² |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BZD 150,000 for 50 m² |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BZD 300,000 for 60 m² |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BZD 230,000 for 60 m² |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. BZD 450,000 for 80 m² |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. BZD 350,000 for 80 m² |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 1.75% flat corporate tax for local companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Tax system is territorial; only Belizean-sourced income is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% on income over BZD 60,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Belize has CFC rules for local companies. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax rates typically are around 1% of assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically 5% on property transactions. |