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#512728 03/30/16 10:04 AM
Joined: Dec 2015
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Question to any US persons living full time in Belize that are on Social Security.
Is it a problem to move to Belize and have your S.S. deposited into a bank in Belize?
What is the process to do this?


Frank and Natalie Ross
"May you always have a seashell in your pocket and sand in your shoes"
FGRoss #512734 03/30/16 11:25 AM
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https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10137.pdf

The above will give you some information on doing this. However, keep in mind that you will need to open a bank account in Belize and thanks to the USA this may not be too easy. You had better do this long before you decide to send SS checks to Belize.

An alternative would be to use an atm card drawn on an American Bank you have your funds sent to, I've done this several times. You could also, after you open a Belize bank account, write a check and deposit it to this account. There is almost a month before you will be able to draw on the check and the exact time depends on which bank you have an account in. In addition there are other ways to cash a check if you are known but I'm not sure of the legality. Many businessmen who need to buy goods and such in the USA need USD and have ways of depositing your check in a USA bank. They might cash your check, if they know you.

All in all banking and trying to do things the correct way in Belize is difficult and getting more difficult it seems. I recently closed my last account in Belize and when I did they ask me 3 times if I was sure that is what I wanted to do. They told me it would be very difficult to open another account and would require permission from the "central bank" (?) Because I'm spending less time in Belize and reporting foreign accounts is such a hassle it is just not worth it to me anymore. In addition I suspect that having a foreign bank account puts a big target on your back for an audit. I've read this several times. Please understand that I've not done anything to illegally avoid taxes or anything like that. Just had accounts to facilitate paying bills and having cash for living expenses without having large amounts of cash on my person or in my home.

Good luck.


Jim
Formerly from somewhere on a beach in Belize
FGRoss #512736 03/30/16 01:24 PM
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Frank, did you manage to get an Atlantic account open?
That's the only bank the US SS deals with for direct deposit.

FGRoss #512737 03/30/16 01:33 PM
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When I was in Caye Caulker a week ago I did apply for a bank account, the woman at the bank told me it may take awhile to hear if the application is approved or not.


Frank and Natalie Ross
"May you always have a seashell in your pocket and sand in your shoes"

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