This is a continuation of the previous post. Here it is if you didn't read Part One. If you did, let's jump back in.
Geography, Politics, and Demographics
Belize is a small (geographically and population-wise) but beautiful country. It is a nature lover's paradise, with innumerable national parks, nature preserves, and protected areas. The diverse landscape includes jungles, limestone mountains, savanna, beaches, islands, and the barrier reef (second largest in the world and largest on this side of the world). The country borders Mexico to the North, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. There is a longstanding border dispute with Guatemala over the sovereignty of Belize, which currently represents itself in the tensions over Sarstoon Island. This does not threaten the safety of Belizean nationals or expatriates and only occasionally pops up in the media.
Multiculturalism in Belize
Despite its population of about 416,000, Belize is a very multicultural country. Local culture includes indigenous Maya, Garifuna, Central and South American immigrants, Spanish, British, Taiwanese, East Indian, Mennonite, Amish, and expats from all over the world.
Being Canadian, I'm used to multiculturalism, but Belize has an authenticity unlike anywhere else in the world. Back home, different cultural groups are segregated into specific areas and neighbourhoods, but there is a lot more intermingling due to the small land mass. It's common to find Garifuna, Maya, Mestizo, Taiwanese, expats, and others in one town or area. However, some groups, the Mennonite and Amish in particular, separate their communities from others.
Languages
Belize is an English-speaking country and the only one of its kind in Central America. Spanish is very common, as is K'iche’, Kriol, Taiwanese, and Plautdietsch. Many Belizean nationals are bi- or trilingual.
Politricks
Once part of British Honduras, Belize gained independence in 1981. Like other commonwealth countries, it retains ties to the English monarchy and recognizes King Charles III as the head of state. It is a stable constitutional parliamentary democracy
with regular elections. The last election was held in 2020, with Johnny Briceño as elected Prime Minister and head of government. As in most places, political corruption is present. It is institutionalized, and little is done to curb it, but it's not something expats regularly experience. Nevertheless, the country is stable, and the civil liberties of citizens and expats are generally respected.
Personal Safety, Crime, Scams & the Gringo Tax
Anecdotally, Belize is a safe place to live. My wife and I have never felt unsafe during our time in the country. There is crime in isolated areas, but if you avoid shady activities, like- no, not hanging out sippin’ a Belikin under palm trees- involvement in gangs and drugs, you'll be fine. Due to the small population, Belize has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, but that is generally kept to specific communities and people.
Petty crimes of opportunity are more common but rare in many expat areas with higher security. They are also easy to avoid with a little common sense and local awareness, i.e., don't leave your bike unlocked and unattended.
Most expats experience regular requests for money, and it's up to the individual to give or not. If you decline to give, the requests will reduce over time as the asker realizes you aren't a tourist. If you give, don't be surprised if that person returns to ask again. For the giving type, it's best to do so through a recognized organization (add link).
Scams
Scammers are everywhere, and Belize is no exception. Most scams here are unsophisticated, so there is no need to worry about getting your identity stolen. However, you may get suckered for $25 Belize bucks by the local “soccer team coach” or similar schtick. Proceed with caution, follow your instinct, and if you discover you've been had, just let it go. Chalk it up to a learning experience and take solace in knowing that it's a right of passage for the expat in Belize, along with scorpion stings and noseeum bites.
Every Expat Should Know This About Belize: the Gringo Tax
This may seem controversial to speak about, but the Gringo Tax is a real thing. Whether you are wealthy or not, as a person from a developed nation, you will be viewed as such. If you are Caucasian, even more so. The Gringo Tax is subtle, or minimal at most, in Belize, and many expats don't even notice. It's important to recognize that, as expats, we are privileged. Most of us have the financial means to retire abroad or relocate our families and live off savings while we reestablish our lives in a new country. That's not a thing for the majority of Belizean nationals. Many locals I chat with haven't been far outside their village or district, let alone the country.
While I don't like it in principle, I understand it is a part of life in Belize for the expatriate. Everyone needs to make a living; some do it by not-so-honest means. Yet, the Gringo Tax can be avoided: if you don't like the cost of something, negotiate, try another vendor, or just don't buy it. As they say, it takes two to tango, and you can leave the dance floor and return another day. When you adopt a slow living attitude, buying that ‘thing’ isn't as pressing as it once was.
Weather in Belize
The temperature and weather in Belize are stable but hot and humid. Humidity levels can reach close to 100% at certain times of the year and hover in the mid-to-high seventies at a minimum. The best temperatures are from November to February, with daytime highs in the upper-middle to high twenties (degrees Celsius; here’s a conversion calculator for all American readers). Depending on where you are in the country, nighttime temperatures can fall as low as ten degrees, but typically, this is for only a brief period. The hottest time is May through September when temps can hit over forty degrees with the humidity.
Belize has two main seasons: rainy from June through the end of November and Dry the rest of the year. Other seasons exist, too, like mango and lobster, but those aren't typically considered weather-related, although highly anticipated.
In the rainy season, Belize is at risk of hurricanes, but not nearly to the extent of the outer Caribbean and Florida. Its geographical location protects it and reduces the chances of experiencing a hurricane compared to its neighbours.
Flooding
During the rainy season, flooding is common. Many low-lying areas in the country flood and rivers rise and overtake bridges. It's common for residential lots to have several inches of water over them for days after heavy rains. Thankfully, the Green House by the Sea is unaffected by this. While under construction, rocky fill was used to raise the grade of the lot, providing great drainage.
We are going to put a pin in this here. There is so much to know about expat life in Belize, so keep an eye out or subscribe for Part Three.
If you need a change, an investment property, or are ready to move away, The Green House by the Sea is a stunning turnkey property in the heart of the fast-growing Maya Beach community in Placencia, Belize. Contact us today for more information or to book a showing.
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