When we left Ambergris Caye via the water taxi to Chetumal, we were very hungover after drinking lots of overpriced Belikin and cheap local coconut rum. We had planned to travel up to Cancun for a flight back to the US, but decided to spend a couple of days in Chetumal. Never thought I would have ever considered Mexico a civilised country, however, compared to San Pedro and Ambergris Caye, its in another world.

As for costs, the top hotels are around $60 US a night, you can have a fantastic meal at the best restaurant in the area, Bariloche, where the food is fantastic and the prices make you wonder, what you have been thinking about in Belize. And you can drink wine at NORMAL prices and you have a choice of several different beers.

The internet works and there is no block on Skype.

The local Sams Club seems to have been put in Chetumal just for local Belizians, who seem to make up 90% of all the customers there. A bottle of Bacardi Rum is $8.00 US, a case of Beer from $10.00 and Red Wine from $2.50 a bottle. And this place is 8 miles from Belize.

Local Belizians know the score, but most of the Americans, Canadians and Brits are living in some kind of strange trip-like world, where they all of a sudden think that the "Sausage Factory" and the late Barry Bowen's "Belinkin Beer" are giving them all they need. Wake up people, you are being screwed "Big Time". Belize is a 3rd world country with 1st world prices and a complete lack of choice.

A few older guys are living in Belize because they can get a young local girl, even if they are fat, over-weight and in their late 50/60's.

Least favorite places, The Road Kill Bar(what an absolute dive) and Pedro's Hotel (good web site, you certainly had us fooled, you arrogant sod, Peter).

Nice place, shame about all the foreigners living and taking over your lovely island and country.

So you're moving to Chetumal then?

Your comparing apples to oranges theres no way you can compare Chetumal to Ambergris Caye other than prices.

You have a point as far as the limitation on choices of beer but as far as rum I can buy a bottle of local rum cheaper than your $8 bottle of Bacardi and Belize rum in particular dark caribbean is way better than Bacardi in my opinion.

Chetumal is no where near as picturesque as Ambergris its a big smoggy ugly city for petes sake, its also not a tourist destination and your comparison actually stinks of another problem you may of had while on the island.

As for Pedro being an arrogant sod Ok you got us on that one LOL

Ambergris certainly is not the cheapest place in central america but it is one of the best places.

Just checked your past posts and you left the island in january did it take you all that time to think this post up ??? I thought you just left a few days ago.

Gaz

Dang Winston - I guess you didn't enjoy your trip then! The thing about Belize is that it is all those things you say to a point, but it is also a lot of very great things as well. It certainly is a unique place that simply doesn't grab everyone.

I don't know who his comments hurt more, Pedro or me. And, I wish I was only in my late 50's.

you can't compare Mexico to Belize. I realize that there are monopolies in Belize that, IMHO, hurt the country, but it is an apples to oranges comparison. Mexico is a HUGE country, with a GDP that is 13th out of 180 on the IMF and World Bank charts, ranking just behind Canada and few down from the US. Their GDP is 1.473 trillion whereas Belize is only 2.5 billion. Mexico's infrastructure because they have a large population, many of which are middle-class to wealthy, to draw a good tax base from. Mexico enjoys many natural resources, therefore having a good trade economy. Belize on the other hand has a population of only approx. 280,000 in the WHOLE COUNTRY, few commodity resources, and little trading power.
People love Belize for other things, not cheapness. To love Belize like many of us do, you overlook the pricey things, satisfying yourself with local fare and simple pleasures. We love the unspoiled (so far), natural environment, and the lack of concrete and "Disney-like" attractions.
I like Mexico too, and vacation there on occasion, but I love Belize, own property there, and will one day live there permenantly. I could never see doing that in Mexico with their complex legal system and my lack of Spanish.

Winston, I would suggest you take your next vacation to Chetumal. Go see the water at the Naval Base there, and see if you can find a spot to park on the beach and eat your lunch.

Thankfully, AC is not for everyone, hence, "please tell people not to tell people about Ambergris Caye".

It's too bad that all of your posts on this board lean toward the negative. Most of us give up a lot of things to live here, and those that aren't willing to do that, go back to where they came from. Like everything else in life, it's a trade off to be here.

I hope you enjoy your next vacation more than you seemed to enjoy this one.

This guy sounds like some other guys who used to post under various names. Bottom line, it seems like more people like to go to AC than those who don't like it.

Here we go again,,, another ignorant a**hole. Comes to AC for a few days and thinks he has it all figured out. For your information, the reason we have limited choices for food and beer is that the government will not allow free enterprise and restricts the importation of certain items. We (who live here) are not stupid, we do know about a country north of us called Mexico, and also the town of Chetumal, Which was built on Belize money, it was a little village before Belizeans started going there for shopping.

Things are going to change, we will have more choice of items to buy, and we will become part of a new organization of Central American and Caribbean countries, which will hopefully allow free trade between the member countries. It will be a lot better than it is now. Also, in case you did not realize it AC is an island and everything has to be barged in raising the cost of items brought here.

Hopefully this will be soon, and AC will more affordable and then more tourist will visit the island, with the exception of one, Winston1984. Bon voyage and good riddance

sure gripes about everything. fun guy.

The girls or the guys?!?!?!?!?!

Something fishy here as his perceptions get worse the longer he's been gone.

PS How much is a beer in your home town Winston.

LOL, doesn't this happen everywhere?

1984, too much competition for ya? This is not Spring Break Cancun, 20 something. It's a wonderful place filled with wonderful people. Why don't you try it again, oh say, in 20 or 30 years!

Fishing has been good this morning...

"Is cheaper better" Island Life good luck with that ,check link . !

Winston,
If you liked Chetumal, you’ll love these inexpensive exotic tropical destinations!

San Vito, Costa Rica
Brownsville, Texas
La Ceiba, Honduras
Batangas, Philippines
Melchor, Guatemala
Mexicali, Mexico

Interesting points. I thought this forum and the other started by the poster really generated some discussion, and wrote a blog post about it:

http://investtheworld.blogspot.com/2010/03/cheap-versus-value-for-money.html

Wes, well said and reasoned. It gets tiring to read the ad nauseum (and sometimes nasty) retorts to a visitor who doesn't like the island. For every one that doesn't, there are 20 more that do... and therein lies some of the problem.

The growth of all the condos, resorts, etc. is a double edged sword, but something that ultimately happens in any desirable place to go/live. In my opinion, there is far too much building and ultimately encroachment on the natural beauty of the island.

Winston, you should give the mainland a look see, there are many fabulous, stunningly gorgeous places to see and things to do, with costs not so prohibitive. Going to just one place in a country is hardley a basis to judge it.

So other than being hungover, by paying for overpriced beer, not being able to Skype, and all of those fat and overweight older men running around how did you like Belize?

Thats the type of person I have dumped off my "who to vacation with" list! Great, go somewhere else, pleeeezze!

Belizelaw, you have some excellent points.

Isn't there a saying that Belize is the most expensive place in Central America but the cheapest place in the Caribbean? That in itself should tell you that you can't compare many areas with the country. I think too many people just assume that there will be Mexican prices, service, and overall experience rather than Belizian prices, services etc.

Your right Canam

In my many years experience servicing guests many said that they expected it to be a lot cheaper because its in central America, and just the thought of central america rings inexpensive.

I always said if you thought you were going to the caribbean what would you think then

All said they thought it was cheap compared to other caribbean islands they had visited,

Apparently, "Road Kill" means something a little more high brow in Winston's hood...Were you expecting finger bowls and warm towels?

I think the Roadkill bar needs to name a drink after this guy. Then, in 10 days from this very night, I will drink it.

It's funny. I get to BZ (actually AC) quite often, in a comparative sense, and it's almost always a pleasant, comfortable but yet changing place. Many (most) of the old places we remember, a host of new ones and spots we discover on each trip keep us going back.

If I were to shop for cheap beer, a Sam's club and wild nightlife, I'd probably go elsewhere; but I don't.

I will, however, ceaselessly complain about the thickness and weight of a Belikin bottle. I always (after what must be thousands of them) think I have one last drink left based on heft. One day, I'll learn. Until then, I'll just keep practicing.

BTW, why is it the most fun I seem to have there with non-Belizians is with Oklahomans? I just don't get it...

I keep going back because I know people like Winston don't like it there.

Pedro's Hotel is only US$ 50 per night! You are contradicting yourself, Winston!

If AC is so overpriced, how did I manage to spend a week here last fall & spend only $400 on expenses (hotel, food, water-taxi(RT), taxi to/fr airport in BC AND a trip to Blue Hole)??? Did I mention I had the best trip ever???

Met alot of new friends, spent time walking the beach, walking around SP & hanging out with my new friends.

I can't wait to return in September and this time I am staying for 10 days as well as returning for many years to come.

I'm sorry Phish, seems impossible.

A whole week?? You must drink and eat a whole lot less than I do, which is very easily done. With diving I could do $400 in an afternoon lol.

Stayed @ Ruby's - $25US/night
Taxi's - $50US
Food - $20US/day some days I spent next to nothing for food as I was with friends and they generously made sure I had food & drink)
Blue Hole trip - got a sweet deal on this one...not what you know, but who you know.

I had a $400 budget for the week. I knew that I didn't need to spend alot of money to enjoy myself.

It was truely the friends I made on my last visit that made the trip worthwhile.

The Blue Hole trip for snorkeling (not diving) & it helps to make friends @ the dive shops...

As far as eating and drinking...I have a tendency to eat much lighter when I am in Belize. From the Great White North, I am, so the humidity has a tendency to take its toll on me and eating less food & lighter foods helps me handle the humidity better--plus drinking tons of water helps too.

Don't get me wrong, I drank my fair share of Belikin as well as One Barrel during my stay.

See...you were living off others, for a portion of your vacation.

All that matters is that you enjoyed yourself.

I agree with everyone's comments here. You can't compare Belize (and certianly not AC) to Mexico. I'm visiting Cuernavaca, Mex this weekend and even expect that to be quite a bit different than Cancun.

phishhippiegirl, i'm glad you had a great visit and did it at a cost that was in your budget, nothing wrong with that girl!

Having lived in SP and having hosted many friends and family as visitors during that time, I would not characterize anyone who is a guest or friend as 'living off of others' while attending local dinner parties or being guests of locals at bars or restaurants as the case may be. One of the great things about AC and San Pedro is all of the wonderful people you meet who live there and who visit frequently, who become life long friends. It is truly a community of folks who share in having a good time in paradise.

While it is all true that it is nice to have friends that host us from time to time and that there's nothing wrong with that, such a happy circumstance,should not be used as an argument for the relative "cheapness" of a stay in San Pedro. The majority of visitors to San Pedro, expect to pay their own way and budget for that. The majority of tourists that go to the Blue Hole, have to pay for it, no sweetheart deals.

And phishippiegirl, for the future, you could save even more money by taking a few more walks . . .seems like you spent a lot on taxis. :^)

SS i simply stated that I would not characterize being a guest of friends as "living off of others" while visiting. SP is one of THE best bargains as far as lodging, fishing, diving, etc. go in the Caribbean! It is not cheap in cost like visiting many places in Mexico is, but it ain't Mexico either.

Interesting that you would suggest that someone you don't know take more walks in lieu of taxi rides. Maybe she could also skip a few meals to save a few bucks LOL.

iluvbelize, I wasn't addressing your post, in fact was probably supporting your position.

As for your last comment, it is apparent to me that you have no sense of humor at all. My last line was supposed to be a joke based on the percentage of dollars phish spent on taxi's vs all other items. Maybe I should have suggested she make friends with someone that has a golf cart.

Okay ladies, let's keep the "claws" retracted

SS, I have a sense of humor alright, as well as a sense of bullsh*t. It is tiring to see the same handful of know-it-alls backhandedly badger a happy young newbie about her travel budget expenditures or lack thereof when she is clearly excited about the great trip she enjoyed, perks and all. Maybe you should refrain from suggesting anything to someone who has not requested your suggestions in the first place.

After spending the last 15 minutes reading all of these posts I was sure everyone wanted my opinion so here it is:
1. Yes, Mexico is cheaper.
2. No, Chetumal cannot be compared to Ambergris Caye.
3. Yes, the Roadkill is a dive. So?
4. Yes, Belekin bottles are heavy and can give you a false since of security about the amount of beer you still have left, which is okay with me because the bottles are reused and I can always order another.
5. Yes, there is a monoply on beer choices. So?
6. No, I don't love paying the higher prices but my major price complaint has to do with flights not food or drink.
7. Yes, visiting other parts on Belize is definitly something a person should do. Try Dangriga, cheaper than AC, but not an island.
8.And finally; No, I didn't care when NASCAR got rid of the Winston cup.

NASCAR, Bing thats unamerican !

If Winston aimed to stir things up...he surely did that!

Like I said... Fishing was good.

"Maybe you should refrain from suggesting anything to someone who has not requested your suggestions in the first place"

Very good point!

Just to clarify...the amount I paid for "taxi's" was $25US to take a water taxi from BC to AC & $25US to go from the water taxi terminal to the airport.

I was fortunate enough to have someone pick me up at the airport upon my arrival (otherwise, my taxi's would have been $75US total).

During my stay on the island, I walked everywhere. Just like I did on my last trip and just like I will do on my future visits.

I never said I didn't pay for the trip to Blue Hole, I simply negotiated a good price for it.

.

No worries. It is all good.

phish, sorry, I honestly have no problem with how you spent your holiday, (no pun intended). I'm happy for you that you had a great time, and that's for real. You don't have to defend yourself to me in any way shape or form. I also apologize for my lame attempt at humor with regard to the taxi comment. My earlier reply in that regard was also sincere.

All I meant to say to the thread readers at large (and perhaps to you in particular) was that the OP started started this thread with a complaint about how expensive it is to vacation in Belize, ergo, IMNSHO using expenses that were minimal due to being hosted and/or getting sweetheart deals on trips/tours, is not a good defense to his complaint. The 'majority' of tourists coming to San Pedro will be planning their budgets to include restaurant and tour expenses.

Seashell's last paragraph was my point also.

I was simply adding my 2 cents to the conversation. That is all.

Me, too! No offense Phish, just clarifying expenses on AC.

Phishie, I've got no problem with you simply adding your 2 cents to the conversation. You've got as much right to say what you want, as anyone else does and these conversations go off in all directions all the time. It also doesn't pay to be too sensitive when it comes to internet chatter. This is a pretty flat medium, no one can see anyone else's facial expressions and from time to time some people have a tendency to incorrectly interpret what was written and/or intended to be written, because of their own perspectives and/or prejudices.

And Jesse, takes one to know one.

.

Thanks Jesse!!

good grief ...

.

I can't believe you're all taking this a$$h*l* so seriously. Ignore him - that's more than he's worth.

...except I get more useful info from "him" than everyone else on this thread combined.

Thanks for some great comments on my original post. I was NOT attempting to compare AC with Mexico, merely stating a fact, that Mexico is way cheaper for food and drink than AC. The fact that Sams Club is full of Belizians only goes to prove this.

If money is of no issue to you (which seems to be the common consenus on this forum) then who cares about paying way over the odds? Who cares if 1 company have a total monopoly on beer, soft drinks, drinking water and shrimp? And who cares if the corrupt Belizian government have the monopoly on phone and internet usage, and choose to continue where Lord Ashcroft left off. Who cares about ludicrous import taxes or even complete bans on Mexican beer? Sounds more like communism to me, total and utter control in the hands of a few.

As the saying goes "Power Corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely". In the end, without competition, prices go through the roof, and everyone has to just accept it.

Winston? You express yourself well and I may actually agree with some of your points. That said, to my mind, you are speaking more like a disenchanted resident of Belize, rather than a tourist just recently back home from vacation in San Pedro.

I'm not disagreeing with your position that some things are expensive. It is the reasoning you have chosen in support of that position that leaves me a bit perplexed.

I'm curious as to how your mind works and so I ask: When it comes to your home country (may I assume USA?), do you approve and admire every policy, practice and governmental action? Do you berate people in your home country that chose to live up in the hills or out in the suburbs instead of in the more poor neighborhoods? When choosing a vacation spot, what criteria do you use prior to picking a location? If you were to learn that someone, for example, had chosen Cuba or Venezuela for vacation, and loved the experience, would you then take them to task for their choice because of the government and/or policies of those countries? Do you always advise that people spend their vacation dollars as parsimoniously as possible and thus their vacation time in places that potentially deliver less ambiance than they might actually seek?

And, what is it that you would have *tourists* do about the government and that Belize itself is a small country that still experiences growing pains?

Though I really hate to have this be my first post on this forum, I confess my girlfriend and I are having a difficult time stomaching Winston1984's continued spewing of uninformed drivel.

First, he has no grasp of economics nor history. He utterly fails to comprehend that the Belizean government (in its infancy, compared to the US or the UK) has granted certain monopolies to protect Belizean jobs. Every country has resorted to that tactic from time to time, though maybe Winston1984 is from Mars, where everything is apparently to his own personal liking. I first thought perhaps he was from unGreat Britain because he used the word "sod", but ultimately he sounds more like an ugly American due to his complete lack of logical thinking. His choice of Wal Mart as an example of the better way of doing things further reinforces his personal, selfish prejudices. Wal Mart may be great for its shareholders and perhaps even for its customers, but is lethal to neighboring established businesses and even its own employees, who have won multi-million dollar unfair labor practice lawsuits against the company in the US.

But this isn't about Wal Mart or history or economics. It's about an unhappy vacationer who chose poorly, and has decided to whine about his experiences publicly, and to place the blame everywhere but in his own lap. However, lack of planning or education on his part does not by default make this a problem on our part!

We made our first vacation trip to Ambergris Caye in April of 2008, and I daresay we've never had a better time or been to a place that made us more happy in our lives. We made the decision only after months of exhaustive research. We were well aware that most everything, and especially airfare, was going to cost somewhat more than for nearly any other (third-world) vacation destination. What we discovered was that in reality, the cost of food and lodging was honestly no more than most locations here in the US. That is not a bad thing. We hope and believe it means that someone in Belize is benefiting from our vacation money, which is good for the local economy. We don't expect to come to Belize to screw anyone out of our hard earned money, just because those conditions may exist in other (especially third-world) vacation destinations.

Aside from all the typical things there are to enjoy on Ambergris Caye and Belize in general, our passion is sailing a Hobie catamaran inside the barrier reef, and I can tell you we had more fun than ought to even be legal in that regard. But more importunely, we have never, anywhere, encountered more friendly people -- people who sincerely greeted us cheerfully before we even had a chance to see them coming. And we mean people from every single walk of life; not just merchants expecting us to drop dollars on their counters. It was humbling, and heart-warming beyond belief! And knowing what ordinary wages are for natives on Ambergris Caye, we made a point of tipping lavishly (by US standards).

Winston1984 is actually doing most of us a favor, by scaring away people who think like he does. Why would anyone want more visitors like him around spoiling it for the locals and visitors who actually want to be there? Continued dialog in this thread seems pretty pointless to me. Anyone with half a brain can pretty quickly decide which side of this fence to sit on. We're vacationing on Ambergris Caye again this April, and cannot wait to get there. Thankfully, Winston1984 will not be there to spoil our enjoyment!

Colin & Rhonda

Amen Cosmic Cats. You expressed my sentiments exactly.

Colin and Rhonda, you nailed it. Is the reward (tangible or non) worth the cost? For those of us who enjoy the sea, the reef, and most of all the people, we are more than willing to pay a little more. If you want a cheaper vacation you can definitely find it, but you get what you pay for (if you are very lucky). I could spend a week in my car, at a rest stop on the freeway for virtually nothing, but I wouldn't call it a vacation.

AMEN! Colin & Rhonda.
Hopefully your post will conclude this topic and no longer continue to give Winston the spotlight!

Colin and Rhonda, cudos!! You've expressed my sentiments as well.

Some of these guys stayed at Pedro's and drank Belikin. I think they are flying around looking for a Wal Mart, but only found Ramon's signs...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S59g_vuoOTg

Cosmic Cats, why would you just assume that Winston1984 is an "ugly American due to his complete lack of logical thinking." Do you think that only Americans suffer from a lack of logical thinking? Based on his use of the word "sod" and also his British spelling of the word "civilised" I would assume British, or some other Commonwealth country. (We spell it with a Z here in the USA.) In my opinion, your assumption lacks logic.

By the way, absolutely LOVE AC and willing to pay the price for the experience...

haaaaa i love it reaper! great vid!

p.s. what happened to all of jesse's posts??

Jesse got a spanking and was sent to his room!

Rich, excellent video !

Let us not forget the name Winston itself; a reference to Churchill perhaps?

Probably more like Winston Smith from the Orwell novel "1984".

Reaper I LOVED the video!

damn crappy island with the crappy view. I will NOT be back ... until next year (damnit).

I suspect iluvbelize is correct on the Orwellean origin of the OP's nickname.

Winston1984's country of origin was absolutely not my point, and thankfully, most have figured that much out. As an American, I simply found it "safer" to find fault with one of my own, rather than insult the intelligence of natives, locals, expats or other satisfied foreign tourists, the way Winston1984 has.

It was never my intent to enter into a nitpicking contest. I simply thought the OP's comments were mean-spirited at worst, and ill-informed at best. May he please stay away from AC for a very long time.

And a very heartfelt thanks to those who've acknowledged feeling the same way.

Again, thank you all for your replies, comments and insults, at the end of the day, this is a forum about Belize and I commend Marty for making it all possible. I have merely stated my own opinions, which are based on personal experiences and many hours of research.

Just out of curiousity, are there any Belizean locals who partake in discussions on this board, or is it just clicky white expats, and repeat visitors who speak on behalf of Belize?

"BelizeLaw" I was most impressed with your own blog, nice to know that some people are capable of analysing others comments, and then questioning exactly what has been said and why.

"Winston1984" was a reference to George Orwell's novel "1984". For those who have not read this (and I suspect that is most on this board) it is a truly amazing read, a book which could have been written yesterday, when one looks at the state of the world in which we all live in today.

It is very sad indeed that so many choose to see the world through "rose tinted glasses". If people would really start to look around, look at what is happening on this planet, stop exploiting the poorer nations of this world, and most importantly, stop thinking only about ones' self, then things would start to get better.

I can only begin to imagine what it must feel like to be a poor Belizian, who has to watch foreigners arrive in their country, spending more cash in a week, than some of them get in months. While the owner of Ramones flies in from the US on his own plane whilst paying a pittance to his local work force.

I will continue my own personal journey in search of Utopia, which is certainly not Belize, Canada, GREAT Britain or the USA.

It is rare to see such laudable empathy blended seamlessly with such judgmental pomposity. I hope you find your perfect place . . . have you tried anything off-world?

haha....don't forget Winston "IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH"! The proles will always do what they have always done. I have to concur with some of your observations, but my own experience of contributing here has been that anything critical of AC being anything less than perfect is likely to receive a negative response from the "white expats and repeat visitors" who are the mainstay of this board.

You seem to be somewhat disgruntled with the state of affairs in Oceania and Eurasia....hope you find your Utopia wherever it is!!

There will always be some people who are satisfied with what they have, and some people who always look over the next hill for more. my personal life experience has shown the latter seldom find what they are looking for, because they are sure it must be over that next hill. conversely, without people like that the new world would have never been discovered.

i've believed for many years that no place on this earth is paradise...if there was one, we'd all live there. (of course, then it wouldn't be paradise anymore).

to each his own, viva la difference, and only 41 more days till this pasty-white, repeat-visiting, board mainstay gringa is back on that piece o' sheit hunk o overpriced limestone. can't wait!

Ooops, appears your comment is the antithesis of your tag line.

Valid point, Dog!! My bad!!

C'mon KC, tell us what you are really thinking

We enjoy all that Belize, including AC, have to offer us and don't travel to many other Caribbean destinations on a regular basis because we find AC to be very special and unique in many ways. I must agree with Clover's earlier post on this thread. If Ambergris Caye is not to Winston's liking...

There are many "clicky whites, expats and repeat visitors" here that work pretty hard at helping a wide array of Belizeans to improve their lives in a variety of ways.
I think there are tons of things wrong with what goes on in Belize. It's not up to me to change them.
I think there are tons of things right with Belize.
That discussion is for an entirely different thread.

Winston, Don't be a hypocrite. You talk about the "Poor Belizian" with one breath and then talk about the good deals you can get in Mexico with the other. If you truly were concerned possibly you could pay higher prices so the people in Mexico could also enjoy a better lifestyle.

...and let's not forget the ex-pats and frequent visitors who seem to spend a lot of their time and money in support of the schools and bettering the quality of life for the locals and their kids.

Bada Bing!

“Hypocrisy: prejudice with a halo”

Ambrose Bierce

This is better than the Theater!