San Pedro, Belize 🇧🇿
#1028
18.338553, -88.495252
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | San Pedro is the largest town on Ambergris Caye, known for its laid-back Caribbean atmosphere and vibrant expat community. |
| 👥 Population | Approx. 20,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 20-30 Mbps, but may vary |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Belize Dollar (BZD), Approximately 1 BZD = 0.50 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable but recommended to use filtered water |
| 🔌 Power | 110V, 60Hz, ⚡ Type A/B sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Smart and DigiCell, with good coverage on the island. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Foreign cards accepted widely at ATMs; local banks include Belize Bank and Scotiabank. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from beachfront hotels to rental apartments; Airbnb is popular. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, but cash is still preferred in smaller shops and markets. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely used, with prices ranging from $50 to $150 per night depending on location and amenities. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostels like Pedro's Inn offer dorm beds from $15 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Office, offering good internet and a relaxed atmosphere. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Estel's Dine by the Sea – known for its great coffee and beach views. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for remote worker meetups and social gatherings. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Ambergris Caye Expats Facebook group hosts regular events and discussions. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Local taxis are common, but price negotiation is required as there is no app. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Several shops like 'Manny’s’ rent bikes and scooters, typically $10-$20 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Secret Beach, known for its stunning turquoise waters and sandy shores. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Tropic Air and Maya Island Air provide regular flights to Belize City. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | American Airlines, United, and Southwest Airlines serve Belize. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Limited to local roads as the island has no highways. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | San Pedro does not have a train system; local transportation consists of taxis and boats. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Not applicable; transportation is primarily through taxis and golf carts. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Water taxis connect San Pedro to Caye Caulker, Belize City, and other Cayes. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Ambergris Caye Emergency Room offers local medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | San Pedro Yoga offers classes targeting both locals and expats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Barefoot Beach Yoga and various local gyms available. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats and pickup/drop-off laundry services are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Eatz Belize is popular for delivering food from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the traditional 'Rice and Beans' with freshly caught fish. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Rain Restaurant offers various vegetarian and vegan dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sweet Tooth Bakery serves a variety of fresh pastries and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets are known for fresh produce and crafts. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Online shopping is available via Amazon and local stores' websites. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery services like 'Maya's Grocery' provide options for staple foods. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The town center has several bars like Fido's and football bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Belikin Brewery produces famous Belizean beer available locally. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Coconut Cafe & Wine Bar offers a selection of wines and tapas. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Local food vendors serve delicious pupusas and tamales. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | The Reef offers diverse choices from Caribbean to Mexican cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Belize Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a top attraction. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Ambergris Museum showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | San Pedro Town's historic district features quaint buildings and churches. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | San Pedro Roman Catholic Church is a local landmark. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Costa Maya Festival, held each August, celebrating Mayan culture. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Downtown San Pedro features restaurants, shops, and local art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Local cultural shows occur at the Belizean Arts Theatre occasionally. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | San Pedro Market sells handmade crafts and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at many bars, especially during the weekend. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals and artworks can be found throughout San Pedro. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes available at local culinary schools teaching Belizean dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries showcase work by Belizean artists, often in local shops. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The historic Swallow Caye site offers a glimpse into local heritage. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural influences from the Maya, Mestizo, and Garifuna peoples enrich San Pedro. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Mexico Rocks offers snorkeling in vibrant coral gardens. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Bacalar Chico National Park is accessible via boat tours. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The beachfront path is ideal for walking and biking along the coast. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Secreto offers stunning sunset views over the Caribbean Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Hol Chan Marine Reserve is great for spotting local wildlife. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas near the town for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local mail services and DHL offer parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech shops in town provide smartphone and laptop repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Some local community centers offer table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Local community centers also offer English and Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The local library in San Pedro provides a quiet study area. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | San Pedro Lions Club hosts various community events and gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Some cafes have gaming setups available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | San Pedro has no casinos, but some bars offer electronic gaming machines. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $100,000 for a 40 m² studio in prime locations. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $70,000 for a 40 m² studio in suburban areas. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $150,000 for a 60 m² one-bedroom apartment. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $110,000 for a 60 m² one-bedroom apartment. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $200,000 for an 80 m² two-bedroom apartment. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $150,000 for an 80 m² two-bedroom apartment. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 1.75% for companies in Belize. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% on dividend payments for foreign companies. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Local income tax system based on residency and income levels. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum rate is 25%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT rate of 12.5%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Belize has lenient CFC rules and does not impose strict foreign controls. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is generally low, averaging around 1% of value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Real estate transactions are subject to a 5% transfer tax. |