Belmopan, Belize Report of what it's like to live there - 08/18/26
Personal Experiences from Belmopan, Belize
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
USA: Alabama. Door to door would be about six hours with one connection. Very easy to fly to Belize from the US and Canada. Dozens of flights a day.
3. What years did you live here?
2023-2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing is 90% stand-alone houses with lots and lots of green space. Some even have large fenced in/walled in yards. The other housing is six townhomes that are also really nice. 90% of housing is on two gated compounds that are within a 10-minute walk to the Embassy. All housing have screened in porches and open air balconies that can fit large entertainment tables. All housing but the townhomes have covered parking and driveways.
The main compound has a paved road where kids can easily ride bikes around and a large pool; other compound is gravel but has a swing set and a large gazebo for parties. Townhouses have the BEST view of the amazing sunsets Belize offers. All housing has three or more bedrooms and 2 1/2 bathrooms. Lots of light in most housing. The townhomes don't have a lot of storage (a little bit in a closet outside and a decent attic) but the houses have a ton of storage in and outside. Townhouses are 2 stories, houses are 1 and 2-story. A few lucky yards are huge and even fenced.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are expensive and often expired. You can get local things like eggs, carrots, potatoes, chicken meat, mutton meat, rice, and sugar for decent prices, but anything other than that things are limited. Shipped in cold items sit unattended in aisles waiting for a staffer to eventually put it in a freezer or fridge. Milk and cheese and whatnot often are expired even if the date says it is alright, but cold items that are already date expired are often put on the shelves anyway and sold at discount prices. Eat at your own risk.
Veggies need to be bleached or vinegar washed if consuming raw. Food and restaurants in general were the biggest issue for me in Belize as a whole. Sure there are coffee shops and restaurants, but I almost always got sick from them. I cannot think of a single time I didn’t get sick from a coffee I bought in town. The lack of food diversity and availability is my #1 complaint about daily living and just quality of life as a whole.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing because you can get it if you want it bad enough. Believe it or not, lots of people did food/beer runs to Mexico (4 hours 1 way) and Guatemala (2 hours 1 way) and even Miami (short flight) on weekends.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Very few options when it comes to restaurants and food delivery, but I would say The 822 Tavern (Western), Cocogardens (Belizean and Western), GoodView Restaurant (excellent pasta), Simple Life (dumplings), and Wings and Feathers (coffee and Western).
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
You will have ants and geckos in your house. No stopping it. Your yard will have snakes, scorpions, and tarantulas. No stopping it. I even came home to an adolescent garden snake in my living room once, and my neighbor had a 10-foot huge rat snake on her porch once. You are one with the wildlife here.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO runs really well here. Can get Amazon deliveries as quickly as a few days sometimes and the condition of packages are almost always 90%.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
$5 an hour is the going rate for housekeepers and finding a competent one is difficult but possible. Nannies and cooks are harder to come by if you want English speaking and if you want one with any sort of training. Rates are around $7 an hour.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
As a single woman I often hiked alone. I was more worried about the wildlife than being accosted by a man on the trail. I know several women who ran alone early morning or evenings and had no issue (besides the wildlife). Bike riding is possible but not super popular during my time there. Most people hiked and snorkeled/scuba’ed on the weekends alone or in small groups.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are two CrossFit / warehouse type gyms in town that are decently priced as far as unairconditioned gyms in the Caribbean go. Personally, I would use the Embassy gym as it was well maintained and had lots of equipment. There is a running group too that was very popular. Strangely enough, there was a pole dancing fitness class that was fun to try as well in town once a week. No yoga or Pilates in town and not really a thing in the country at all.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Cash is king, but yes credit cards are accepted and typically safe. There is not an ATM at the Embassy but the cashier will cash personal checks, which I would recommend over using a local ATM.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are several churches/temples in town.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Belize’s national language is English. Spanish can be useful but not needed. Belizean Kriol is fun to learn and would be more useful than Spanish honestly.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Very difficult. If you have any sort of movement restriction, then you will have a VERY hard time in Belmopan and the region in general. It is not disability or other mobility friendly in the slightest.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
RSO does not allow the use of public buses or taxis. There are no trains in country, although one to the Mexican border to Belize City is in the works. Everyone drives themselves or hires the local guards to drive them to the airport or beaches.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
Large SUVs and Jeeps are your friend here. Do not bring an electric vehicle here. Roads are 70% dirt and gravel. Even the roads from the Embassy to housing are gravel and dirt, although they will pave them any day now. You need a high clearance vehicle that can easily drive in adverse conditions. You live in the jungle; you need a jungle vehicle. Motorcycles are also a favorite. If you have a motorcycle, bring it to Belize, there are some amazing (paved) mountain and beach roads that are gorgeous!
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet is fast, cheap and reliable. Your sponsor can have in installed on your behalf before you arrive if you ask nicely.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I would keep an international American phone plan as the local providers are not the best, but I do know people who use it. You will likely get a local work phone you can use, so I wouldn’t stress about getting a local personal phone.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
In my opinion there is only one qualified vet in country and that is Vet Mia. She is about an hour from Belmopan. Belmopan vets work in unsafe and unclean conditions that most Americans would see as unfit to their standards. There is no quarantine for dogs or cats.
It is very easy to get your pet into and out of country, pretty cheap too. If you have a sickly or elderly pet, it will be difficult to get care here as medications/x-rays/ultrasounds are difficult if possible at all in country for pets. Might be worth taking a flight to Miami or Houston for serious pet care, or a drive to Mexico.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
A few EFM jobs are available, but because of the size of post they can go fast. Internet is good for telecommuting. Local jobs pay very poorly and are almost non-existent.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There is a local vet that always needs volunteers for their monthly free clinic for spay and neutering. Other than that, I am not really sure on an individual basis.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Khakis and collared shirts are the daily dress typically besides the Ambo/CDA and DCM. Although the occasional suit and tie will be spotted, it is a casual post. No stuffy suits unless it is a special occasion. Public places shorts and t-shirts. Bikinis and swimsuits of all shapes and sizes welcome in country pools and beaches.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Women will be cat called in towns and on the Cayes. It is the culture here. You will likely be followed on the street on the Cayes and lightly harassed, but a stiff stare and a colorful word in Kriol will get them to back off and leave you alone. You have to stand up for yourself or otherwise they won’t back down. If you are in a group of ladies, this will also happen from time to time. Just have thick skin and you will be alright.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Not that I can remember, there are not particular health besides typical mosquito born illness. You can get some cheap medical care, but I would go to the States or Mexico for dental care.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Burning season will cause problems for people with asthma or if you are outside a decent amount, but if you have an air purifier or two in the house it shouldn’t be too bad.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Seasonal pollen is a thing so be aware and there is no concept of gluten free here. Vegetarians and vegans can survive but it won’t be the best time.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Its typical central America weather. You have wet and dry season, burning season and the occasional hurricane to deal with. Mostly in the upper 80s and low 90s year round. It was in the upper 70s one morning and we all lost our minds :D but it didn't last long.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There is only one international school in Belmopan and it is all grades. I didn’t have kids, but most parents complained about the school because it wasn’t exactly up to American standards.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I don’t think there are any, as school here is very basic.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very small. America, Taiwan, and Mexico have the largest footprint. All other dips are 1–2-man shops or are in Belize City. It is a VERY small community.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Belizeans are friendly people and you can easily make friends if you make the first step. Socializing in Belmopan is hard because there are not many opportunities to do things. There are a few pool tables at 1-2 bars and there is 1 “club” in town, but it closes at midnight usually and is only open Fri-Sat.
Running clubs are popular at the Embassy and there is a local motorcycle club. Live music and dancing (salsa, tango, etc) are nonexistent in country. This is a make your own adventure post where what weekend hobbies/activities you are into will define your social network.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is absolutely not good for single people who are looking to date. Unless you want to fly to Miami, you will not find a dating pool in Belize. Dating apps are not a thing here and there is no place to meet in the wild really to mingle. It is good for single people to decompress and find themselves and make friends at the Embassy– absolutely.
Good for couples – perfect for couples! Absolutely perfect for couples of all ages. Families: it depends. Teenagers will be bored to tears here. It is hard for the teens to make friends at the school because there are not many teenagers and there are no activities for teenagers. There is no mall, no movie theater, no shopping, no bowling alley, etc in the COUNTRY, not town, the country. If teenagers just like to stay in and play video games alone, then sure, they won’t have issues. Little kids will have a blast because they can run around all the playgrounds, play in green areas, swim in the pool, ride bikes around the housing complex, etc.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes, Belizeans are friendly and welcoming, but you have to make the first move to be friends. Knowing and being open to learn some kriol will go a long way. Belize is a mix of all shades of people and languages, so that is not an issue.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Although it is not widely accepted for Belizeans, they are used to LGBT expats and I did not hear any bad things from my LGBT friends having specific problems. I think women have more issues with safety than LGBT folks. As for local LGBT community or businesses here, it is non-existent.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
No and no. There is even a large Amish community in the countryside you will bump into occasionally.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
It is a nature lover paradise. Again, you HAVE to love nature and be alright with making the best of what the country has to offer. Kitesurfing, scuba, snorkeling, hiking, ziplines, canoeing, kayaking, cave spelunking, bouldering, fishing, and stargazing is what is going to keep you busy. Caves Branch has several really fun day excursions I suggest that are a decent price when you use your local discount. If you are not claustrophobic, then do not miss the Waterfall Cave Expedition if you are fit and want an adventure! In my opinion, something like this excursion would be illegal in the States.
Do not miss Big Rock Falls and the hike to/from. I don’t want to spoil it, just trust me! Of course you can’t miss Actun Tunichil Muknal cave where the skeletons and remains of hundreds of people from ancient times have it as their final and dramatic resting place. Take the time to drive to Flores Guatemala and Bacalar Mexico. Cancun is a short flight away, but not cheap though. Big Blue Hole is kinda a hit or miss. You feel like you have to do it…. but honestly…. you can skip it. Feels wrong to skip it, but honestly don’t and just say you did, visit I mean. There are so many more awesome and cheaper things to do than the Blue Hole.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Man, so so many. The treehouse rooms at Caves Branch are worth the off-season rates, and Caves Branch has the best pool around. Go hiking or biking in the Pine Ridge mountains for amazing vistas. Hike to the top of the Upper Antelope Falls with a picnic in Mayflower Bocawina National Park. Don’t stop at the base of the falls, there is an intense trail to the very top with a crazy lookout of rocks and have your picnic here, but wait... You think you have gotten to the top of the trail, but if you follow the small trail up even more, you will find a deep pool of crystal-clear water and medium sized secondary falls. The trail was almost always deserted, and I never had to share the upper falls and pool with anyone. It was always magical. Def a best kept secret.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Shopping? What’s that?
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Ummm you are in the middle of the country, so you can travel two hours west and be in Guatemala and two hours east and be at the beach. The city is very small and isolated.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Do not think you can easily catch a flight to the rest of central America or the Caribbean. There are very limited and expensive flights to a few select cities. You will likely have to layover in Miami or Houston to get to anywhere decent in the region. It is not a very well-connected airport in that respect, but there are a million flights to Canada and the US daily. This post is what you make of it, really, and you really need to be happy either staying home 24/7 watching TV/playing video games, or out in nature, otherwise you will be miserable.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, I would.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
fancy car
4. But don't forget your:
reef safe sunscreen and hiking boots
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
No, but Google “John McAfee Belize raids drugs and murder”.
6. Do you have any other comments?
I got super fit while in Belize because of the lack of activities in Belmopan that were accessible after work. There are practically no real nightlife or activities. We all looked forward to “Driveway Friday” where a different family ‘hosted’ – meaning people parked their lawn chairs in the driveway, drank their choice of beverage, and we ordered pizza or cheeseburgers and the hosting family picked it up (because there is very little delivery in Belmopan). I went to the embassy gym every day, snorkeled or hiked most weekends, and ate mostly rice and grilled chicken because of the lack of food options. So, the lifestyle is very outdoors focused, can’t say that enough.
