Desperate to escape the political and social turmoil at home, more and more Americans are opting to relocate to or work remotely from Belize. But why?
For the same reasons, many Americans are choosing to retire in Belize. Belize has so much to offer and yet is only a stone’s throw away from checking in on family, property, and assets still in the United States.
When most people envision working abroad, they picture themselves in a hotel room in the city or a small rented apartment outside of town. What they don’t picture is a tropical setting with sandy beaches, crystal-blue waters, and a laid-back lifestyle. They don’t envision the latter because it sounds expensive, but that’s why Belize is becoming more and more popular with ex-pats and remote workers because of its affordability.
The Allure of Belize
Costa Rica may get more attention in Central America, but Belize has a unique charm at a fraction of the cost. Because of its tropical Caribbean climate, there’s no need to be holed up in a hotel room or tight apartment to get your work done. Rich in wildlife, natural wonders, and cultural diversity, Belize is an ideal spot for workers who can get their work done outside in any of a variety of settings, including rain forests, pristine beaches, crystal blue water, the largest barrier reef in the Northern Hemisphere, and Mayan ruins.
Get Lost in the Culture, Not the Language
English is the official language of Belize, eliminating the language barrier that can often complicate working abroad. This makes it easier to navigate daily life, communicate with the friendly locals, and engage with the local culture, with no shortage of diversity.
The locals are diverse and friendly in Belize, which is a true melting pot. Residents represent multiple nationalities and ethnicities, including Mayan, African, European, Chinese, Middle Eastern, and East Indian, all living in harmony, which translates into their welcoming treatment of foreigners.
Belizeans are also multilingual, with many speaking Creole Patois, Spanish, and various Mayan languages. This cultural richness also makes for a rich culinary experience, with delicious food originating locally and from other parts of the world.
Proximity and Convenience
One of the key benefits of working in Belize is its location. Belize operates in the Central Standard Time (CST) zone without observing daylight savings time. This makes it easy for remote U.S. workers to interact with employers and co-workers in the U.S.. Instead of contending with ten-hour time differences, the difference in Belize may be only one or two hours. This consistency makes it easy to maintain a work schedule with U.S. employers.
Belize is also a short flight from major U.S. cities, with direct flights from Houston, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, and Los Angeles. This proximity makes it easy for workers and ex-pats who need to return home for whatever reason to do so quickly and affordably.
Visa-Friendly
Belize is visa-friendly, allowing stays of up to 30 days without a visa for most nationalities. Extending your stay is straightforward, with a simple process at local immigration offices for up to six months. Additionally, Belize has introduced a “Work Where You Vacation” visa, allowing you to stay in approved accommodations for up to 180 days with special benefits for remote workers.
Affordable and Connected
Compared to other destinations, the cost of doing business in Belize is relatively low. Accommodations, food, and the general cost of living are relatively affordable compared to other offshore sites. According to International Living, an individual can live comfortably for around $3,000 per month, including housing.
In Belize, you won’t have to worry about technology and connectivity. Wi-Fi is readily available in Belize, with public connections in many restaurants, cafes, and hotels. The country is also rolling out fiber-optic connections, promising even faster and more reliable internet in the near future. In addition, because Belize is attracting more and more remote workers, this growing community provides opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals.
Stable and Safe
With a reputation for safety, Belize has a stable, democratic government and a stable and balanced economy. Its government is based on the British parliamentary system, and its legal system is based on British common law.
If you’re considering relocating offshore for remote work or even for relocating, consider Belize, which has so much to offer at a fraction of the cost of other remote work destinations. And with its proximity and connectivity, you’ll never have to worry about missing out on what’s happening at home.