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Guide
Essentials
🏙️ City | Caye Caulker is a small island located off the coast of Belize, famous for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning barrier reef. |
👥 Population | Approx. 1,500 residents. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is approximately 10-20 Mbps, with some cafes and hotels offering higher speeds. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Belize Dollar (BZD); 1 BZD ≈ 0.50 USD. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended for drinking. Bottled water is widely available. |
🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type A/B sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Local providers include Digicel and Smart; prepaid options are available. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. ATMs are available but may charge higher fees. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses, hostels, Airbnb rentals, and beachfront hotels. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Some establishments accept cards, but cash is recommended for small purchases. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies offer various short-term rental options. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Caye Caulker is a popular budget option starting around $15 USD per night. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Front Street area is popular among tourists, with proximity to restaurants and beaches. |
🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Areas near the Split are recommended for digital nomads, with cafes and coworking options. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Caye Caulker Co-Work Space is a popular spot for remote workers. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Iyada Grill is known for good coffee and a relaxed atmosphere for working. |
💼 Networking Events | Informal meetups often occur at local bars and cafes aimed at the digital nomad community. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Caye Caulker Facebook group is a great resource for finding local events and networking opportunities. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxis are available, but there's no ride-share app; local golf cart taxis are commonly used. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops provide bike and scooter rentals for exploring the island. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The Split is the most popular beach area for sunbathing and swimming. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tropic Air and Maya Island Air serve regional flights. |
✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines provide flights from the US to Belize City. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Accessible via boat transport from Belize City. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Belize City serves as the main transit hub; from there, water taxis or planes can reach Caye Caulker. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited to water taxis; no passes available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Water taxi services connect Caye Caulker to Belize City and Ambergris Caye. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | The nearest hospital is in Belize City; on-island basic medical facilities are limited. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Caye Caulker Yoga offers classes and wellness activities. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness options are limited; outdoor activities and yoga are common. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Several local laundromats offer laundry services; prices vary. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | There are limited delivery options, but some local restaurants may offer direct delivery. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Conch fritters and lobster ceviche are local favorites. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many local restaurants offer vegetarian options, such as Avocado Restaurant. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Frozen treats from Ice Cream Shoppe are a must-try. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and snacks at budget prices. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce presence; most shopping is done locally. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery delivery is not common; local markets are recommended. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Split has several bars and is the main nightlife hub. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Belikin Beer is the popular local brew available everywhere. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Limited wine bars; most local establishments serve beer and cocktails. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer various local dishes and snacks around the island. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Happy Lobster serve a mix of international and local seafood cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Split, a famous spot for swimming and lounging. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Caye Caulker has limited cultural venues; local art can be found in shops. |
🏰 Historical Sites | The island's history can be explored through local anecdotes and storytelling. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The island has a small church that serves the local community. |
🎉 Annual Events | La Isla Carinosa is an annual festival held to celebrate local culture and heritage. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The main areas around Front Street and the Split showcase local life. |
🎭 Theater Venues | No dedicated theaters; local events are often held in community spaces. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Regular craft and food markets occur along Front Street. |
🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common in various bars and restaurants, especially on weekends. |
🎨 Street Art | All around the island, you'll find colorful murals and local artwork. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking classes focusing on traditional Belizean cuisine. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Limited galleries; local craftsmanship can often be purchased directly from artisans. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The architecture is mostly wooden and reflects traditional Caribbean styles. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Caye Caulker maintains a strong Garifuna heritage, evident in local customs and music. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Hol Chan Marine Reserve offers incredible snorkeling opportunities. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Belize Barrier Reef is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is nearby. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Most paths are sandy; cycling is popular around the island. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The Split offers beautiful sunset views. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The island's mangroves are great for spotting local bird species. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The beach areas around the Split are perfect for sunset bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Limited; local courier options are available for small parcels. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Most repairs have to be done in Belize City; limited local services. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers may have table tennis available. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Informal language exchanges and local classes can be found. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Limited study spots; cafes serve as the primary reading areas. |
🏘️ Community Centers | The local community center hosts events and gatherings. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Very limited; mostly casual gaming available at local cafes. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos on Caye Caulker; nearby gambling may be available in Belize City. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $100,000 USD for a studio apartment. |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $70,000 USD for a studio apartment in less popular areas. |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $150,000 USD for a 1-bedroom apartment. |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $90,000 USD for a 1-bedroom apartment. |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $250,000 USD for a 2-bedroom apartment. |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $140,000 USD for a 2-bedroom apartment. |
💼 Corporate Tax | Standard corporate tax rate is 1.75% for all companies in Belize. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 10% withholding tax on dividends. |
🏦 Tax System | Residents are taxed on income earned within Belize; non-residents are not taxed on foreign income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% maximum personal income tax rate. |
🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12.5%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules exist for foreign income. |
🏠 Property Tax | Property is taxed based on assessed value; generally low rates. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 5% on property transactions. |
💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No capital gains tax and no inheritance tax. |