AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Belize Life Living in Belize Reaching Out for help

Maybe this will be a bit more helpfull. Bring a bank draft for $9999US (this puts you under the declaration limit and will avoid any issues that may come up). Also bring a reference letter from your bank so you can open an account at one of the banks on the island. If you decide to stay you can have funds wired down as required. You should count on having at least $2000US per month available for housing and living expenses, you can do it cheaper it will depend on your tastes.

You will not be able to work legally unless you obtain a self employed work permit and set up your own business or you are sponsored by a business (you will need to show that you have skills that cannot be filled by a Belizean.)

There are expediting services for residency but beware as more than a few people have paid for but not recieved what they were promised or nothing but an empty wallet, get recommendations from more than one source. Expedited or not work permits and residency will run you several thousand dollars.

Good advice. Having a PlanB is smart. Keep a journal, I wish I did when I moved down as a teenager. A 36 yr old female friend from shy town just moved in and is loving it. She makes regular trips home though and tele comutes for work.

As always, bring half as much clothes and twice as much cash.

SIN

For each bucketload of people that scamper home with their tail between their legs, theres a handful who make the transition with little or no problems.
My husband and I only visited the island for 3 days and was living here 6 months later. I guess you could say we jumped in head first. We are one of the exceptions though.

I am not saying that you cannot make it, just that few do. What tells me you will not is your attitude about it. We will see in several months when you post your stuff for sale or not. Just my .02

Good advice Simon.
Expeditors prey on naive newbies.I try to explain the mentality like this; You want to mail a letter. You meet an expediter that explains how difficult that really is in Belize and that he/she has a cousin that has a friend at the post office and for $500. the expediter will get that mailed for you with out any problems...or you can go to the post office ,buy a stamp and mail it yourself.

Wow, that's a bit rough. It may be more about trying to assist in her decision, seeing it's been made, than winning a "who know's best" contest.

Hey Jersey girl, the surest way to fail is to stay home. You'll never really know, until you try.

SIN

As usual, the harshest comments are coming from people who don't live here. CC, come down and have a good time relaxing in the sun. You'll know pretty quickly if the island is for you and/or vice versa. Cheers.

Some people have witnessed/experienced different hardships relative to moving to SP, therefore different opinions are being expressed... it's all good!!

amen to big mike

I think people are being polite be expressing their concerns. Opinions (when they are agreeable with mine) are good!!!