A little background: I'm a 30 year old man with a wife and 2 year old daughter. I have a job that allows me to work anywhere that has internet access. We are looking at moving to Ambergris Caye for at minimum 6 months to a year. We have been doing some research but would like clarification on some things. Any help would be appreciated!

1. Tourist Visa - It looks like if we stay past 30 days we will need Visa's that are $25US per month correct? Does that apply to a 2 year old? So it would be $75US per month for my family? After 6 months it doubles?

2. Renewing the Visa - Some website said we had to go to the capital every month to renew but I have also read that it can be done actually on Ambergris Caye at an immigration office near the airport. Can anyone clarify?

3. Proof of Sufficient funds - I have read numerous places that you need proof of $60 per person per day (I have also heard $50). Question 1, what kind of 'proof' can be provide, bank statement or my paycheck stubs? Second, does that apply to my 2 year old as well? So I would need to either have $5,400 in a bank account available at all times or show that I make $5400/mo in income (which I don't, its about $4500 net...)

4. Cost of Living - I would like to spend at most $2000-$2500 per month NOT including rent. We want to live comfortably, is this possible? Are things like golf carts and boats necessary?

5. Crime/Saftey - I hear robberies are common... how common? Is violent crime an issue? Again, I have a wife and a 2 year old daughter so this is something that concerns me.

6. Anything I missed?

I too am very interested in these questions. With near 200 views you would think that someone could answer one or all of these questions. Anyone?

We just moved here a few months ago. I can give you a few answers.
1. the visa rule applies to anyone with a passport.yes it doubles after 6 months. You can renew this on Ambergris Caye Monday- friday and no need to go to Belmopan.
2.I have never been asked proof of funds for extension of tourist Visas, I have done it 3 times so far.
3.You can live well in AC for $2500 US if it does not include rent. Our electric bill for a 1500 sq feet Condo last month was $200.00 BZ. It would be nice to have a golf cart, do not need a boat unless you live very far up north then security would be an issue any way. You would have to consider a long term rental on the golf carts, because golf cart permits are not issued unless you are a resident or citizen.
4.There are certain areas of town where you hear about crime. It is mostly petty theft and increases during the holidays. We live in a complex with a security guard and it makes us feel safe. Live by the rule do not flaunt what you have, enjoy yourself.

Tourist Visa
On the last business day before your 30 days expires (not 1 month), go to the nearest office of the Department of Immigration & Nationality and get a new stamp in your passport. There are several offices scattered around Belize -- you don't have to go to Belmopan unless that's the nearest office.

The fee for a new stamp is BZ$50 (US$25) for each passport holder for the first 6 months, then it's BZ$100 for a new stamp. After 12 months, you could be asked if you intend to apply for permanent residence or you could be asked to leave the country and re-enter.

Proof of Sufficient funds
I never had to show evidence of sufficient funds either upon entry into Belize or at any monthly renewal. I was asked where I was staying and how I liked Belize.

Cost of Living
You could live well on US$2000 a month.

Crime/Saftey
I hear robberies are common...

That's explains the guard dogs, burglar-barred windows and broken glass on top of fences.

Dear Colby,

My two cents worth is this,

1. Tourist Visa - It looks like if we stay past 30 days we will need Visa's that are $25US per month correct? Does that apply to a 2 year old? So it would be $75US per month for my family? After 6 months it doubles?

Your tourist visa covers you to be in the country for a maximimum of 30 days at a time. The visa is personal, meaning that each member of your family has to have one in the passport. The cost is $ 50.BZ per visa per person, renewable, AT THE DISCRETION,of the immigration officer,monthly. There is an efficient office in San Pedro above the Scotia Bank. Oh, by the way, your visa states that you will not perform any kind of work while in the country. And,yes...it doubles after a six month stay or more. Reasonable enough.

2. Renewing the Visa - Some website said we had to go to the capital every month to renew but I have also read that it can be done actually on Ambergris Caye at an immigration office near the airport. Can anyone clarify?

See above paragraph.

3. Proof of Sufficient funds - I have read numerous places that you need proof of $60 per person per day (I have also heard $50). Question 1, what kind of 'proof' can be provide, bank statement or my paycheck stubs? Second, does that apply to my 2 year old as well? So I would need to either have $5,400 in a bank account available at all times or show that I make $5400/mo in income (which I don't, its about $4500 net...)

That is a variable, depending on the graciousness of the immigration officer, but you should be prepared to provide documentation of sustainability for at least 2K US monthly. That could also apply to your spouse as well.

4. Cost of Living - I would like to spend at most $2000-$2500 per month NOT including rent. We want to live comfortably, is this possible? Are things like golf carts and boats necessary?

Ambergris Caye is expensive, fundamentally it is an island on the outer part of a large gulf. Your 2500 per month before rent will cover reasonable costs of living. Rent is variable, depending on your tastes. Expect to pay at least 800 US rent per month before utilities and phone for a basic 2 br condo. Golf carts are the norm for transportation, but not necessary if you live proximal to San Pedro town. A permit to operate the cart is required, and they are not transferrable. You must aquire a specific permit to have your cart operate on the streets. A boat is a luxury and should be considered expendable, as someone will eventually assume it should theirs at some time and comandeer it. In the event you would like a boat, you must obtain a Boat Masters License to use it, which requires that you own a company or property in the country. There is a written test, as well as a practical test obtainable through the Belize Port Authority. There is an office on the southern portion of the Island with cooperative officers attending.

5. Crime/Saftey - I hear robberies are common... how common? Is violent crime an issue? Again, I have a wife and a 2 year old daughter so this is something that concerns me.

Armed crime is prevalent. Theft is expected. Drug dealers will approach you on the beachfront and become annoyed if you don't support them. It is not proper to speak of such things, so don't repeat this to anyone, OK ??

6. Anything I missed?
I think that covers it. Let's see how many views you get now.

The crime issue totally depends on where you live.
In our neighborhood - next to nada.

prev·a·lent adj
Definition of PREVALENT

1: archaic : powerful
2: being in ascendancy : dominant
3: generally or widely accepted, practiced, or favored : widespread
— prevalent noun
— prev·a·lent·ly adverb

Please. Not even close no matter where you live on the island.

Me thinks Stilromin, has a 'bit" of an agenda.


DC

"Armed crime is prevalent. Theft is expected. Drug dealers will approach you on the beachfront and become annoyed if you don't support them. It is not proper to speak of such things, so don't repeat this to anyone, OK ??"

Wow, that's a bit extreme. We've been going to AC since 2003. Own a home there. Never been approached on the beachfront by drug dealers. Have never been victims of 'armed' crime. Never felt intimidated day or night. Be smart - no matter where you are in the world.

The same goes for my neighbourhood which runs from mile 2 to mile 5.5 south of town.

I don't get approached by drug dealers when I walk on the beach and I don't get threatened. The only time I was told to ***# off was by a low life foreign time share sales man.

Yes there is crime, mainly theft but most certainly some robberies occur.

I think that Surenda's responses were quite accurate.

Be smart, don't flash what you have.

If you decide to make the big move come and have a chat one day.

I hope you decide to give Ambergris Caye a try.

Tourist visa is a simple and easy process. Just be friendly and ask Immigration nicely what is required when you're here. They will explain what you need. You may find that the rules seem to change from time to time. Just go with the flow. It can certainly be done here at Ambergris Caye and the experience can be fun, where you will meet others going through the same process. Depending on your needs, your costs will vary. Excluding rent, $2000usd is more than plenty for our needs, but it depends on how you wish to live. Crime does not appear worse to us than it was in London. Sensible precautions reduce risk. Our own experience is that we've lost a bicycle in about 7 years, but that is not by any means an attempt to belittle those who have been victims of more serious crimes. It is just our own experience. Petty crime is the most pressing issue. Try to get to know your neighbours, join a neighbourhood watch if there is one locally. Get to know the local workers (these are all things that good members of any community should be doing anyway) and make sure anything you value is secure. There are drug dealers here, just like anywhere. I rarely get approached. When I do, a smile and a no thank you suffices. I've never had anyone offering me drugs get aggressive when I have refused.

It won't be long before the Belize government will have more photos of you than your mother. Have at least 20 passport size made.

Thanks All,

This helps a lot. I am still a little concerned about the crime but maybe it depends on where you live? And I'm guessing condos are safer than single family homes on the beach?

So if we aren't residents is there really no way to get a golf cart because you can't transfer permits?

Thanks Again!

Maybe long term cart rental.

Most golf cart companies will rent to you at a monthly rate long term.... but you would have to check availability, particularly this time of year.

Not sure what these are needed for until you apply for QRP or permanent residency. Please explain. We've been here for over five months now and have not needed any passport photos (other than the ones in our passports).

Thanks!
Emily

Not been here long enough perhaps...... Drivers License, Property Deeds, work permit, residency, Citizenship, passport application, voter registration, Capt License, etc etc all require multiple photos.

...Nice job Phil, and add to the list a Police Report.....3 more each.....We are up to 18 total so far.

Well, that's true, we've only been here 5 months, will not be needing a driver's license for awhile (our US ones are still valid). We did buy a condo but were not asked for one for that. No work permit (nor desire for same), and too early to apply for any of the rest of it. So, that explains it! Thanks!

Emily

I think a lot of respondents missed something in your question that would effect their answers. " six months to one year!" Assuming that you will be staying for a year, a tourist visa, renewable in San Pedro every 30 days at $50 BZ is all you will need IF you leave the country overnight once every 6 months. Golf carts can be rented long term for as low as $900BZ per month. Do shop around. I had quotes ranging from $900 to $2200. When I started planning for my move to AC, I asked the question here about being able to find a place with 1 bedroom 1 bath for $600US or less, but was told I would have to spend closer to $800 US per month. NOT TRUE! I found a nice place for $450 US with beach access, ac, wifi, and cable, plus fully furnished.. Also saw nice 3 bd/1ba for $500, but it was unfurnished.
Just remember, "Everything is negotiable."

I have not heard that it is required to leave the country overnight every six months; however, the tourist visa fee does double after the first six month period in the country.

I was originally under the impression that leaving Belize for one overnight would "reset the clock" on the fee and bring it back to the lower level, but I have since read/heard that that is not the case -- some folks have told me that they left the country for a week or two without having a fee "reset".

We are coming up on our six month renewal, so we shall see if they tell us we need to leave the country for a night.

Emily

1. Tourist Visa - It looks like if we stay past 30 days we will need Visa's that are $25US per month correct? Does that apply to a 2 year old? So it would be $75US per month for my family? After 6 months it doubles.....WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO DO IS GO TO THE DEPARTMENT OF IMMIGRATION EVERY 30 DAYS TO GET YOUR PASSPORT STAMPED. THEIR OFFICE IS LOCATED ACROSS THE STREET FROM TROPIC AIRPORT. YOU WILL MAKE A PAYMENT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY AND THEN GO TO IMMIGRATION TO GET YOUR PASSPORT STAMPED. YOU CAN CALL THEM DIRECTLY IF YOU HAVE ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS.

2. Renewing the Visa - Some website said we had to go to the capital every month to renew but I have also read that it can be done actually on Ambergris Caye at an immigration office near the airport. Can anyone clarify? NO, NO NEED TO GO TO BELMOPAN. AGAIN, YOU GO TO IMMIGRATION.

3. Proof of Sufficient funds - I have read numerous places that you need proof of $60 per person per day (I have also heard $50). Question 1, what kind of 'proof' can be provide, bank statement or my paycheck stubs? Second, does that apply to my 2 year old as well? So I would need to either have $5,400 in a bank account available at all times or show that I make $5400/mo in income (which I don't, its about $4500 net...) I'VE NEVER HEARD THIS BEFORE. THE ONLY TIME YOU SHOULD HAVE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION SUCH AS THIS IS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR THE QRP PROGRAM, IN THAT CASE YOU NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF INCOME VIA SOCIAL SECURITY, PENSION, ETC AND YOU HAVE TO DEPOSIT MONEY INTO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TOTALING A CERTAIN NUMBER EACH YEAR.

4. Cost of Living - I would like to spend at most $2000-$2500 per month NOT including rent. We want to live comfortably, is this possible? Are things like golf carts and boats necessary? YES, THAT'S POSSIBLE. YOU WILL LEARN THE VARIOUS SHOPS WHERE LOCALS BUY THEIR FOODS, NECESSITIES, ETC. IT'S A MATTER OF PATIENCE AND ASKING AROUND.

5. Crime/Saftey - I hear robberies are common... how common? Is violent crime an issue? Again, I have a wife and a 2 year old daughter so this is something that concerns me. CRIME IS EVERYWHERE MY FRIEND. THE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH HAS BEEN SET UP ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH END OF THE ISLAND. THESE PROGRAMS HAVE BEEN WONDERFUL FOR OUR COMMUNITIES. MOST OF US HERE ON THE ISLAND WILL TELL YOU THAT WE FEEL VERY SAFE. MOST WOULD PROBABLY TELL YOU THAT YOU HEAR MORE ABOUT PETTY CRIMES THAN VIOLENT CRIMES.

6. Anything I missed? YES, YOU FORGOT TO SAY THAT YOU ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO COMING TO BELIZE!!! WISH YOU ALL THE BEST AND HOPE THIS LITTLE BIT OF INFORMATION WAS HELPFUL TO YOU. YOU CAN FIND LONG TERM AND SHORT TERM RENTALS ON VRBO.COM. THERE ARE ALSO A NUMBER OF VERY NICE CONDO'S FOR RENT ON THE ISLAND. WILL YOU NEED A GOLF CART OR BOAT? GOLF CART, MAYBE? YOU CAN GET BY WITH A BICYCLE, IT'S GREAT EXERCISE JUST GET A BASKET FOR YOUR GROCERIES. BUT IF YOU HAVE A WIFE AND CHILDREN, YOU WILL PROBABLY WANT TO INVEST IN A GOLF CART (CARTS BELIZE, MONCHOS, AND CHOLOS ARE THE THREE THAT COME TO MIND FOR RENTAL). BOAT? NOPE, YOU DON'T NEED ONE. BUT YOU MIGHT CONSIDER A DAY TRIP FOR FISHING TO STOCK YOUR FREEZER.

Leaving for one night does not reset the clock actually it is 14 days but it will depend on your Immigration officer at the border when you return and the officer who renews your passport stamp.

You do not have to have a boat (most people living here do not), nor even a golf cart, though with a young child, I agree that a cart will make life much easier. My husband and I live 2 miles north and get around just fine with bikes alone, but we don't have kids. And we had our bikes outfitted with a large front basket (mine) and a rear rack and two rear baskets (my husband) before we shipped them down from the US. We are able to haul all our groceries no problem, though we do ride into town and go to the markets 5 days a week, buying a small amount each time.

The only thing we can't easily haul is a case of beer!

"I'VE NEVER HEARD THIS BEFORE. THE ONLY TIME YOU SHOULD HAVE TO PROVIDE INFORMATION SUCH AS THIS IS IF YOU ARE APPLYING FOR THE QRP PROGRAM, IN THAT CASE YOU NEED TO SHOW PROOF OF INCOME VIA SOCIAL SECURITY, PENSION, ETC AND YOU HAVE TO DEPOSIT MONEY INTO YOUR BANK ACCOUNT TOTALING A CERTAIN NUMBER EACH YEAR."

Not necessarily correct, I personally know people who have had to show that they had $2000 available each month.

Interesting. I wonder if they looked "sketchy". We have never been asked.... We look like typical middle-aged LL Beaners.

A year or two back, while getting my passport stamped (waiting on my work permit renewal), the immigration lady requested that I bring bank statements on my next visit (for the upcoming month's stamp) to verify my ability to support myself.

Perhaps I underdressed for the occasion?