Belize is a much-loved haven among expats, offering a choice of lifestyle options to suit all manner of tastes and budgets.
This year we’ve named Ambergris Caye as Belize’s number one haven in our Overseas Retirement Index.
Ambergris Caye is a slice of Caribbean heaven—perfect for retirees who seek a relaxing tropical lifestyle in the sun.
Here, shorts and flip-flops are the standard attire, neighbors wave hello to each other as they walk down the street, and people wake up to the sound of waves gently lapping white-sand beaches every day.
The stress and worries of the rest of the world feel far away and unimportant. Instead, a laid-back atmosphere pervades…
At 26 miles long and 1 mile wide, Ambergris is Belize’s biggest island, found just offshore from the mainland. It’s surrounded by clean turquoise waters that invite you in for long swims and water sports—snorkeling, diving, boating, fishing, and more.
The island’s eastern side is flanked by the Belize Barrier Reef—the longest reef in the Western Hemisphere. It protects Ambergris from rough waters and provides a safe haven for countless marine species.
On land, San Pedro is the main settlement and hub of activity on the island. This colorful, quirky little town combines local charm with modern conveniences. It boasts open-air bars and restaurants, art galleries, wine shops, and bakeries.
It’s also where the majority of Ambergris’ expat community is based. The island is a mini melting pot, home to people from Latin America, the States and Canada, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. This diversity is reflected in the variety of dining and entertainment options available in San Pedro.
Ambergris has a Key West kind of appeal that’s hard to resist… But Belize also draws people in for practical reasons. It’s an English-speaking country for starters. It also uses common law, it has a stable government, and it’s part of both the British Commonwealth and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Its visa options are some of the most user-friendly in the world, including its retiree-specific visa that comes with special perks and incentives (like the ability to import your household effects without paying duty fees).
Belize is also a tax haven, with extremely tax-friendly policies for retirees and other residents whose income is sourced from outside the country.
On top of all this, Ambergris is an affordable place to live. It’s more expensive than other areas of Belize, but it’s a bargain relative to other Caribbean islands. A monthly budget of $3,320 would see a couple living well here.
Rents start around $1,000 per month. Utility bills are impacted by how often you use your air conditioning. Groceries can be expensive if you shop for imported goods rather than local ones. To get around the island, most expats opt to rent a golf cart on a long-term basis, which costs about $500 per month.
If your retirement daydream involves warm weather year-round, a welcoming expat community and English-speaking environment, plus sun, sand, and sea, Ambergris Caye should be on your list.
Sincerely,
Sophia Titley
Editor, Overseas Living Letter
