AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums The Cayes Ambergris Caye US News piece on retiring in Belize

all these replies are extremely helpful,so ill push my luck and keep asking questions.lol
is there a site where we can find various duty and tax rates on certain items,we have lans book but i believe it is 5 yrs old now.
we are looking at bringing a solar power system in,someone had told me this is aduty free item but im not sure.
Where would you apply for apermit to bring golfcart or atv to the island.

I agree with Diane--in "retirement" you have to do "something" to keep yourself busy, and to do "anything" in Belize, you have to have a work permit or be a permanent resident.

Duty-rate books are thicker than Webster's dictionary. Customs brokers are the experts on these things. Hiring one to get your stuff through customs is not only easier, but generally works out cheaper than doing it yourself.

Suggest before bringing anything of any kind into the country you check to see if it's already here. If it's already here then chances are somebody here can fix it. If it's not already here, chances are that nobody here can fix it (or if they knew how to there would be no parts) and you might as well not bring it.

Golf carts abound on the island - best to buy one that is here already.

Hiring a broker is not an option now it is required.

There is a website for the GOB that lays out all the categories and rates. I can't remember exactly what it is but if you look for it you should find it.

Me and my family are planning on moving around the 1st of the year. We are very interested in being "expats" as we are always giving etc.. I do agree with snoopysmom, that not being friends with someone for a year just because they may leave is not a good approach, but I am x-military so I guess I am used to my friends leaving and / or leaving my friends.

If there is a good / best place / site for us to look for a cheap house to rent and for a job that you could point me to I would appreciate it. right now I am a Director in the financial servicing area.

Thank you. OH and reading through this thread, I have (I think) learned a lot. thank's to all.