Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Pedro is a charming town located on Ambergris Caye, known for its vibrant culture and stunning beaches. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 15,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 25 Mbps, but can vary greatly depending on location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Belize Dollar (BZD) is pegged to the US Dollar at approximately 2 BZD ≈ 1 USD. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, using Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include DigiCell and Smart; prepaid SIM cards are widely available. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Major banks include Belize Bank and Scotia Bank; credit/debit cards are accepted in many places. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, beachfront resorts, and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still widely used; smaller vendors may only accept cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vrbo have numerous listings for short stays in San Pedro. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like 'The Backpacker' or budget hotels like 'Coconut Hotel' offer affordable lodging. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Beachfront area is most popular for tourists due to easy access to activities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | North Ambergris Caye has more quiet spots and coworking spaces for longer stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Mokah Coffee offers a nice coworking space with reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Wild Mango's serves good coffee and has Wi-Fi, ideal for working remotely. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local expat groups often meet at 'The Boat Yard' for networking and socializing. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | San Pedro has a Facebook group called 'Ambergris Caye Expats' for community meetups and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services are readily available, but there are no major ride-sharing apps like Uber. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Many shops offer bicycle and scooter rentals, such as 'Rent A Bike'. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest public beach is just a short walk from central San Pedro. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tropic Air and Maya Island Air provide domestic flights to and from the mainland. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines and Southwest fly into Belize City Airport, connecting to San Pedro via a short flight. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Ambergris Caye is connected by ferry services for easy travel from the mainland. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | San Pedro does not have a train station; local transport is mainly by boat and taxi. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is limited; a taxi or water taxi is typically used for travel. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Seasonal ferries connect San Pedro with Caye Caulker and mainland Belize. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | San Pedro PolyClinic II is the primary healthcare facility on the island. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Holistic Yoga, located near the beach, offers a variety of classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | The San Pedro Fitness Club offers gym services and group classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats such as 'Maya Laundromat' provide laundry services. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Food delivery is typically arranged directly with local restaurants or through WhatsApp. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Conch Fritters are a local delicacy that shouldn't be missed. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Elvi's Kitchen offers a range of vegetarian and vegan-friendly dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Toothy Bakery offers delicious pastries and cakes. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like the 'San Pedro Farmers Market' offer fresh produce at reasonable prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local stores may have limited online presence; larger purchases can be made through Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local grocers provide delivery services, check with 'La Popular' for availability. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Central Park area features multiple bars, including 'Fido's' which is popular for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Belize Brewing Company produces local beers; check local bars for availability. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Although limited, some restaurants serve a small selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors offer traditional snacks like tacos and burritos near the beach. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like 'Pasta Per Caso' serve Italian food and are popular among locals. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The San Pedro Town Square and the barrier reef are must-visit locations. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Belizean Arts Centre showcases local artists and cultural exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The original church of San Pedro is an important historical landmark. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | San Pedro Roman Catholic Church is a notable site in the town. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The San Pedro Lobster Fest every June is a highlight for locals and visitors. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The town center is filled with local shops, art vendors, and cultural experiences. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Community Center hosts local performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | The San Pedro Town Market is a great place to experience local culture and buy crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars often feature live music, particularly reggae and calypso styles. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Murals can be found throughout town, depicting the local culture and landscapes. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer classes; check with 'Cooking with Gaby'. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Several local galleries exhibit works from Belizean artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old Belizean traditional wooden houses are historic landmarks. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The culture of San Pedro is deeply rooted in Garifuna and Mestizo traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The nearby Hol Chan Marine Reserve is a popular site for snorkeling and diving. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bocchit National Park is accessible by boat and is ideal for wildlife viewing. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paved paths along the shoreline provide scenic views for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The beach-side pier in San Pedro provides beautiful views of the sunset. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The mangrove areas are great for birdwatching; bring your binoculars! |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beach areas near the central park are sometimes used for bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local post office services can handle parcel deliveries; DHL operates in Belize. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech repair shops are limited; 'Smart Tech' offers some electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers sometimes have table tennis available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer English and Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The San Pedro Library offers resources and a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The San Pedro Community Center organizes events and offers resources. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Limited; social gaming can be found at some local cafes. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | San Pedro does not have casinos; local gaming is mainly in bars with poker nights. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $150,000 for a 1-bedroom oceanfront studio. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Around $80,000 for a studio in residential areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Around $200,000 for a 1-bedroom beachfront apartment. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $120,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment in quieter areas. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | $300,000 for ocean-view 2-bedroom apartments. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Around $180,000 outside principal areas. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 1.75% in Belize. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Financial income is usually subject to 0% withholding tax. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Belize has a territorial tax system. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 25% for individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | The Value Added Tax rate is 12.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No strict CFC rules impacting expats. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | A nominal property tax exists at 1% of the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally, 5% for property purchases. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No income tax on income earned outside Belize, making it favorable for remote workers. |