Well, I was there last week and have hired a builder and will return in about three weeks. My concern now is the cost effectiveness of shipping household goods from home v buying them there. I'm not thinking about furniture, but pots, pans, tv, stereo, etc.
And if I decide to bring what is the best way to get it from Seattle, WA to a barging point and then how to get it barged.

If you are not going to work here or just using your new house as a vacation home become a retired resident and you can bring one 40' container full of personal items-this includes a boat/plane and best of all a golf cart-who is your builder?

Tom Harding referred me to Wayne and Dennis Alfaro and I also have spoken to Lincoln Eiley, Daniel Camal, and Mr. Graniel. I settled with Wayne and Dennis. the rapport was great and their time frame was a fit. However, even tho I'm retired I have a business idea that I would love to play with while there. I'd also be hard pressed to find enough to fill a 40' container because I'm keeping my home here in case I need a fall back position.

do a 20' and you can bring household effects and a golf cart.

Is it better to buy a cart in the states or on the island?
Do I move my things cross country to Miami and hook up with some barging company?

Of course what Peter is talking about requires official Qualified Retired Persons status, which is often a good way to go but does require a financial commitment of US$24K a year and you cannot work in Belize.

If you are not getting a tax-free entry and if you don't require the very best of everything, and if you don't have a huge house, I'd say it would be more cost effective to buy in Belize, even though prices will be higher and quality lower.

--Lan Sluder

Slats,
You may want to check and see if there is still a moratorium on vehicles coming to the Island. I understood that no permits were being granted until January, but that may have changed in the 3 weeks I've been back in the States.
And just my opinion, I have shipped a ton of stuff down. But I am a creature of comfort, I wanted soft mattress and pillow, good linens, etc etc. If you can roll with the punches, you'd probably do much better to buy in BZ. But if you do have to ship, Hyde shipping is great! I've sent down some fine china and collectibles and not one thing has EVER been damaged.
Good luck!
Vicki

Vicki,
Is duty very high? how do I find out? I would like to bring some things like you say. A mattress (which I can purchase in Miami), bedding and stuff to make it more like home. But dishes, silver and cooking utensils are not important since I'm not Susie homemaker. I understand that Benny's in Belize city can get most building supplies such as fans, lights, and a/c so I can live without Home Depot products.

Slats,
You never know what duty will be!!! On a 20 foot container, we only were assessed about 2 grand, but on a small water trampoline, we were assessed 600. So, it all depends on who you get on what day, your broker, if the customs officer had his morning coffee, etc.
I'm not a suzy homemaker either (not by a long shot) but I am now sending over GOOD ceiling fans, etc that I haven't been able to find in BC in 2 years.
I'd be happy to give you some of my "suggestions", just email me privately. [email protected]
Cheerz,
Vicki

Premium bedding is impossible to find in Belize. I brought acouple of high quality cast iron skillet. Most other items can be found in Belize. I have heard that a store in Belize City called the Wagon Wheel (?) has lots of household goods. I do believe that high quality overhead fans are available in San Pedro...they look good and work well for me.