Placencia, Belize 🇧🇿
#1029
16.515611, -88.367178
Nomad Score:
59%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Placencia is a picturesque coastal village located on the southern tip of the Placencia Peninsula in Belize, known for its vibrant community and stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 2,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 15-25 Mbps; some locations may offer higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Belize Dollar (BZD); 1 USD ≈ 2 BZD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally safe to drink, but bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity in Placencia operates at 110V, 60Hz; Type A/B sockets common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Smart and Digicel; prepaid options are available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Atlantic Bank, Scotiabank; some accept international cards. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include beachside cabanas, hotels, and vacation rentals available on platforms like Airbnb. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Cashless payments are becoming more common, especially at larger establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo have numerous options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels and guesthouses like 'The Squirrel Inn' offer affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Café La Isla offers a relaxed atmosphere for remote workers with Wi-Fi and great coffee. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Coffee Bar is popular for its steady Wi-Fi and comfortable seating. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Regular meetups at local cafés and social events organized by Expats in Placencia. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Placencia Expats' frequently post about gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are available; ridesharing isn't prevalent, but you can use local taxi services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local shops like 'Robert's Grove' offer bike rentals for beach exploring. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Placencia Beach is renowned for its beauty, easily accessible from the village. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tropic Air and Maya Island Air serve regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and United Airlines offer flights into Belize City, followed by a local flight to Placencia. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Placencia is connected via the Southern Highway for travel to Belize City and other regions. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; local buses and shuttles operate within Belize. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | No formal transit passes, but local buses are economical for travel to nearby towns. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operated by Belize Bus Service connect Placencia with major destinations. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | The Placencia Health Center is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | The Placencia Yoga Center offers classes and wellness activities. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The Placencia Beach Club has basic gym facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundry services are available at various guesthouses and laundromats in Placencia. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Local options like 'Food Delivery Belize' serve a variety of cuisines. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ceviche and fried fish from local restaurants are must-tries. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Places like 'The Greenhouse' offer vegetarian and vegan menu options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | 'Yummy's Gelato' and 'Lovely's Banana Bread' are local favorites. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and goods, such as the Placencia Village Market. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon can deliver to Belize; local e-commerce sites offer limited goods. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Grocery stores like 'Maya Walk' have options for pickup and delivery. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Placencia has a vibrant nightlife scene along the village's beachfront bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | 'Belikin Beer' is a popular local brew, available at most bars. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | 'The Wine Bar' in Placencia offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer local snacks, especially during festivals and events. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants feature diverse cuisines, including Italian at 'Dawn's Grill.' |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | 'The Placencia Sidewalk' is the world's narrowest main street with vibrant art and sculptures. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Belizean Arts Center showcases local artisans and cultural exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The nearby Mayan ruins at 'Lubaantun' offer a glimpse into Belize's ancient history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. John the Methodist Church is a significant community landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | 'The Placencia Lobster Fest' is a celebrated event attracting locals and tourists. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The village showcases a blend of Garifuna and Creole cultures. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local events are held in community centers throughout the village. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The Placencia Village Market offers local produce and handmade goods every Friday. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music at bars showcases local bands and Caribbean tunes. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals depicting local life can be seen along the village pathways. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | 'Cooking with Julie' offers classes featuring local cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | 'Art and Soul' features local artists' works. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Historical wooden houses reflect the architectural styles of the region. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Placencia is rich in Garifuna and Maya heritage, celebrated through festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary offers lush trails and wildlife viewing. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The Laughing Bird Caye National Park is great for snorkeling and kayaking. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The scenic beach path is perfect for biking and evening strolls. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The view from the cliffs at 'Placencia Split' offers stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Kayak tours in the lagoon are popular for spotting local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beach allow small bonfires at night. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local postal services provide reliable parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Limited tech repair options; some services available in nearby towns. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some community centers offer table tennis for residents and visitors. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language classes for Spanish and Creole are available through local community centers. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The Placencia Library provides a quiet space to read or study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Community events and gatherings take place at the Placencia Village Community Center. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some local cafés offer gaming setups for casual play. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Gaming options are limited; some beachfront bars offer casual gaming experiences. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $140,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,200 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $192,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $150,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $3,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $240,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $2,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $184,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 1.75% for international businesses. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% for non-residents. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Belize has a territorial tax system; only income generated in Belize is taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for personal income. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate is 12.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Belize has a light touch on CFC rules, allowing for some flexibility. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | 1% of the assessed value of properties. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% of property value at time of transfer. |