Hopkins, Belize 🇧🇿
#1034
16.863632, -88.284935
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | A small, picturesque village on the Caribbean coast known for its Garifuna culture and stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,300 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 25 Mbps, varying based on location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 2 BZD; cash is common, but credit cards are accepted at many establishments. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is at 110V, 60Hz; Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Available from Smart and Digicell; pay-as-you-go options are common. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Common services include credit/debit cards and PayPal; local banking is limited. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include beach cabanas, guesthouses, and local Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Moderately cashless; many vendors prefer cash, but some accept cards. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local guesthouses offer various short-term rental options from approximately $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Prices start at around $30 per night at local hostels. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coconut Coworking, offering reliable WiFi and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Pastry Shop, known for its good coffee and serene environment. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly community meetups at local venues, check local Facebook groups for details. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Regular yoga sessions on the beach and art workshops bring the community together. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxi services; Uber not available, but recommendations can be found in community groups. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Hopkins Village offers scooter rentals at about $25 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Hopkins Beach, right in the village, is the primary spot for relaxation and water activities. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tropic Air offers flights to other parts of Belize. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines operate flights to Belize City. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Accessibility via the Southern Highway connects Hopkins to major destinations. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no trains; buses from Belize City stop in Hopkins. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not applicable, but local buses are affordable, typically $5 USD to travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Local buses and shuttles connect to other towns like Dangriga and Placencia. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Sandhill Pharmacy & Clinic, providing basic health services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga on the Beach offers classes in a scenic setting. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Limited options; outdoor activities are popular but some hotels offer gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and laundry services are available, typically $10 per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Use local options like Belize Food Delivery, although offerings are limited. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Gari-funa dishes like Hudut (fish in coconut milk) are a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Many local restaurants offer vegetarian options; Sweet Spice may have the best selections. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sugarfix Bakery known for its pastries and baked goods. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and local crafts at budget-friendly prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Limited e-commerce; some local crafts available on platforms like Etsy. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Limited options; most residents shop at local markets or grocery stores. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Various beach bars offer a laid-back nightlife experience. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Belikin Beer is the local brewery; check local shops for availability. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Limited options; some restaurants may offer a small wine selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local vendors sell traditional meals on the street, especially near the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Some establishments offer Mexican and Italian cuisines in town. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Garifuna Cultural Center; local art and music events often take place here. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Hopkins Cultural Center highlights local arts and crafts. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | No major historical sites, but local carvings and artifacts provide cultural context. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary's Anglican Church offers insight into local heritage. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Garifuna Settlement Day celebrated on November 19th features music, dance, and art. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The village itself acts as a cultural hub with local artisan shops. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Typically local plays are performed at community centers. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Weekly market days provide a taste of local life and products. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is common at bars and cultural events, with a focus on Garifuna music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Local artists often display their art in public spaces. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Some local chefs offer cooking classes focused on Garifuna cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local craft shops showcase Garifuna arts and crafts. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Traditional Garifuna houses reflect the local architectural style. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The community maintains strong ties to Garifuna culture and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Nearby waterfalls and hiking trails in the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary for hiking and birdwatching. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Beaches and coastal paths are popular for walks and bike rides. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Viewing points along the coast offer stunning sunset views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Cockscomb Basin is ideal for birdwatching, known for its rich biodiversity. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on the beach for evening gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office offers basic mailing services, but international shipping can be slow. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited options; locals recommend reaching out to service shops in nearby towns. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Limited recreational areas; however, local community centers may have facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | English is widely spoken; local classes in Spanish or Garifuna available. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | No formal libraries; cafes and community centers are common study spots. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Garifuna Cultural Center serves as a community gathering spot. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited gaming options; some cafes may have video games available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos in Hopkins; nearby towns may have limited gaming options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $135,000 for a small studio; properties vary significantly by location. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $100,000 for a studio outside the main area. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $180,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment in the center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $150,000 for a 1-bedroom located in quieter areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $250,000 for a 2-bedroom apartment in central Hopkins. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $220,000 for a 2-bedroom property in suburban locations. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 1.75% for local companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No withholding tax on dividends in Belize. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Territorial basis; tax is applied to income generated within Belize. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Income tax caps out at 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 12.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No specific CFC legislation. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% of the value of the property on an annual basis. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Stamp duty of 5% for real estate transactions. |