Belmopan, Belize 🇧🇿
#1646
17.250199, -88.770018
Nomad Score:
56%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Belmopan is the capital city of Belize, founded in 1970 as a planned city to replace Belize City after Hurricane Hattie. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 20,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 50 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2 BZD. Local banks include Belize Bank and Atlantic Bank. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally drinkable, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers: Smart, Digicell, and Belize Telemedia. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Familiarise yourself with the local banking options. Services like TransferWise are popular for easy international transfers. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from budget hostels to serviced apartments. Airbnb is available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still commonly used, especially in local markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer a variety of short-term accommodations. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Options like Bella Sombra Guest House and The Inn at 2020 are affordable. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking spaces are limited, but The Office Belize is a good option. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Riverside Cafe offers a cozy working environment with good Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups or community notice boards for meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the 'Belize Expats' Facebook group for social gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | The local taxi service is prevalent, but no major ride-hailing apps operate in the city. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bikes can be rented from local shops, like Wok n Roll. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The closest beach is Placencia, approximately 2 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tropic Air offers local flights to various destinations. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Southwest Airlines fly into Belize City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The George Price Highway connects Belmopan to Belize City and the western border. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Public transportation mainly consists of buses and taxis; no train service available. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No specific transport passes; pay per ride on local buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses from Belmopan operate to major destinations in Belize. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Belmopan Hospital provides basic healthcare services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Lotus Wellness Center offers yoga classes and workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | D-MAX Fitness is popular among locals and expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Various laundromats available; you can ask around for recommendations. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Use Munchies Belize for local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try rice and beans with stewed chicken, a staple in Belize. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Happy Cow Café offers vegetarian and vegan dishes in town. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Visit Cayo Chocolate for delightful local chocolates. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Belmopan Farmers Market is a great place for fresh and affordable produce. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local e-commerce is limited; consider international shipping options. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery services are limited; local supermarkets like Brodie's are popular. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Check out the local bars on the Boulevard; the nightlife is quite subdued. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Belikin Beer is the most famous local brand. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Local options are limited; consider a visit to the nearest wine shop. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various local vendors sell tasty street food around the city; try the tacos. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Cocina Sabor offers a mix of international dishes, especially Mexican cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Belize House of Culture and the National Police Museum. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Museum of Belize is located nearby in Belize City. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Explore the nearby ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. John's Cathedral is an important location in the city. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Belmopan Fair is an annual event celebrated each October. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Visit the local markets and side streets to experience daily life. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | While there are not many theater venues, local schools often host performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Farmers Market is a hub for fresh produce and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars occasionally host live music on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Belmopan does not have a significant street art scene. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Look for opportunities at local community centers or cooking schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited options; occasionally, exhibits are hosted at local cultural centers. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Belmopan has various colonial-style buildings that reflect its history. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Garifuna culture is an integral part of Belize's heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit the Belize Botanical Gardens for a beautiful retreat. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Barton Creek Cave National Park is a nearby attraction. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | There are several bike paths and walking trails available in the city. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The bridges overlooking rivers provide picturesque views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is famous for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Check with local parks for designated areas for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local post service are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Smart Belize provide basic tech repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Recreation centers may have ping pong tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Consider private tutors or language schools in the area. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The public library in Belmopan offers study areas and resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community centers host various events and activities for locals. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming options are very limited; consider home gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos in Belmopan; the nearest are in Belize City. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $108,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $90,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $2,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $160,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $136,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 1.75% for International Business Companies (IBCs) |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 0% for IBCs |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial tax system, taxing only income earned within Belize. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% on income exceeding $15,000. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Limited CFC rules exist under Belizean law. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, property tax is applied based on market value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transfer tax is generally around 5%. |