Part 1:

In much of Central and South America there is a mentality that the foreigner (especially the white American looking foreigner) should pay more. So in all kinds of businesses the payment for products and services will be substantially more for the foreign looking person than the native born.


Perhaps some people could answer or comment on part 1 above?
Is the part 1 mentality pervasive on the Belize mainland? What about Ambergris Caye?


Part 2

The mentality mentioned in part 1 even breeds extortionist criminal set ups where lawyers and even government officials are paid off when someone rams into your car intentionally and accuses you of trying to kill them. The penalty is huge and everyone involved in the ring collects. There are many different variations of this kind of criminal scheme.


What about the criminal activity or something similar mentioned in part 2? Have you seen it happen in Belize? What about Ambergris Caye?


Thanks for your honesty.


Otto Gear

Good paranoid conspiracy theorys just need a little fodder to grow and are very appealing to the uncritical or unstable, and you've posted it here?

Maybe if you expect that kinda crap you can find it here...but I doubt it. We all get along together and develop trusting friendships throughout the community. Plus, everyone looks out for each other so a scammer like you are thinking of wouldn't last long.

Despite protestations to the contrary, this holds true in Belize as it does in most of Central America, Asia, Africa, Middle East... Too many gringos are un-educated in the actual cost of things and some even feel guilty paying "poverty rates" (for example, BZ minimum wage) for work. Estimates are based not on the true cost of labor and materials with acceptable mark-up but on the gullibility of the client and ability to pay. It's very common.
The informed gringo does his research/due diligence, recognizes when this is happening, and acts accordingly.


Although I have seen this in SE Asia, Indonesia, Philippines, and the US, I have yet to personally witness this in Belize But really, you really shouldn't be giving them ideas.

I guess you haven't lived here for any length of time and don't appreciate our community spirit. Too bad for you...

SP Daily it was you who wrote: "Maybe if you expect that kinda crap you can find it here" which means it is here. Your words, not mine. Maybe you need more time to trust the community spirit.

Yes, the community and friendships help to get the word out and that's part of the due diligence I wrote about. The gringo who goes it alone may well get scammed.

If you are lacking common sense, are paranoid by nature and have no sense of adventure than I suggest you try a place where none of the above are a prerequisite.