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Mantises, Monkeys & Manatees, Oh My! Welcome to the final post of our three-part series, A Foreigner's Guide to Wildlife in Belize. You can read part one and two here . Let’s continue exploring what foreigners can expect to encounter on land and in the sea. There are many breathtaking, interesting, and fearsome animals to experience and live alongside! Let’s start with… Tapirs: National Animal of Belize Tapirs in Belize are a remarkable sight and a significant part of the country's rich wildlife. The Baird’s tapir, AKA the "mountain cow," is Belize’s national animal. These herbivorous mammals are easily recognized by their prehensile snouts, which they use to grab leaves and fruit from trees. Even though they resemble an ant eater or pig, they are not related. The Tapir's closest genetic relatives are the horse and rhinoceros, as all three are odd-toed ungulates .    Tapirs are most commonly found in dense forests and along riverbanks. They are solitary and nocturnal, so not often seen. Although I have briefly seen one from a distance, I am more acquainted with the tapir crossing signs dotted along the Hummingbird Highway. Frogs & Toads What’s the Diff’? Did you know that all toads are frogs, but not all frogs are toads? Both amphibians are members of the order Anura, but toads are part of the family Bufonidae. Belize is a haven for these animals, with over thirty different species  of frogs and toads. They are critical indicators of the health of our environment as they are highly sensitive to pollution and environmental changes. Though many species of frog and toad are similar in appearance, there are considerable differences between the two. Here are some distinguishing characteristics: Frogs Toads Skin smooth, moist skin that helps them absorb water and breathe dry, rough, and bumpy skin, often with a more warty appearance Legs long, powerful hind legs adapted for jumping and swimming shorter, sturdier legs better suited for walking or short hops rather than long jumps Habitat found in or near water bodies such as ponds, streams, and wetlands. Their moist skin requires them to stay in humid environments more terrestrial and can often be found farther from water sources. They tend to inhabit drier areas, such as gardens, forests, and grasslands Behaviour active during the day (diurnal)  more active at night (nocturnal) Toxins smooth skin secretes mucus to keep it moist, and some species have mild toxins as a defense mechanism parotoid glands behind their eyes secrete a bitter, milky toxin to deter predators. Some species are highly poisonous when ingested Frogs Frogs are a diverse and fascinating group, thriving in the country's humid tropical rainforests, savannahs, and riverbanks. Species like the Red-eyed Tree Frog , with vivid colors and striking red eyes, and the delicate Hourglass Tree Frog  are some of the fascinating amphibians you can encounter. These frogs play crucial roles in the ecosystem, acting as both predators of insects and prey for larger animals, thus maintaining the ecological balance. Toads Belize is home to various toad species, ranging from the small Elegant-mouth toad to the large and deadly Cane toad . As an expat with dogs, it's important to understand that some toad species in Belize, like the cane toad, aka Bufo Alvarius, are poisonous . Living in Belize alongside these creatures poses a considerable risk to pets. The glands on their back produce a toxic skin secretion as a defense mechanism against predators. If an unsuspecting dog or cat licks or eats one, it can kill them quickly. I can attest to this, as our beloved Australian Labradoodle, Bandit, had a recent run-in with one. The effects of the toxin were swift and severe. Bandit’s behaviour became irregular, sitting in a posture uncommon to him, which caught my attention from a distance. As I approached him, I noticed rapid breathing and fully dilated pupils. He began to fidget and vomit. He walked restlessly in tight circles in an attempt to get comfortable. Shortly thereafter, he couldn’t stand, losing control of his motor skills. His muscles tensed uncontrollably, which contorted his body into an unnatural position. Within ten minutes, he was incapacitated. I loaded him into my friend’s truck, fully expecting never to see him alive again, and was whisked off to a vet  At the time, we thought it was a snake bite, but the vet in Belmopan knew it was a toad immediately upon seeing him. Thankfully, Bandit didn't receive a full dose of venom and, with immediate treatment, survived. He bounced back quickly, was on his feet, albeit wobbly, six hours later, and by the next day, was back to his favourite activity: chasing lizards in the jungle.  Cane Toad Treatment This was surprisingly basic, but it worked. The vet had my wife shove activated charcoal down this throat while he sedated Bandit and hooked up a saline IV drip. The toxin was absorbed into the charcoal by the time the sedative wore off. The key is immediate action. When you suspect something is off with your pet, get it to the veterinarian. It's also a good idea to keep some activated charcoal in your first aid kit. Living a Psychedelic Life in Belize Interestingly, this same neurotoxin is a highly potent psychedelic  that contains 5meoDMT. Some indigenous groups milk the glands and, after drying, smoke the secretions to unlock their psychoactive effects. The venom induces intense, short-lasting experiences characterized by profound alterations in consciousness. Users often report vivid visual and auditory hallucinations, a deep sense of interconnectedness, and transformative spiritual insights. The effects can last from 15 to 45 minutes. Those seeking alternate experiences such as this must exercise caution with toad venom due to its potency. Careful dosing and a safe and supervised journey environment are necessary. Praying Mantis The praying mantis is a fascinating insect throughout Belize, known for its distinctive posture and predatory prowess. These insects are adept hunters, known for their elongated bodies and prominent front legs bent in a prayer-like position. Praying mantises inhabit the diverse environments of Belize, from lush rainforests and garden areas to French door glass (where we often see one at night). Like many insects mentioned here, they are crucial in controlling pest populations. An interesting fact about these creatures is their complex mating behavior, sometimes involving the female consuming the male post-copulation. This trait has fascinated scientists and inspired feminists worldwide.  Dolphins Dolphins are intelligent and sociable marine mammals that grace the waters of Belize. With their sleek bodies and playful nature, they are a delightful sight off the deck of a boat or sandy shore. Belizean waters are home to various dolphin species, including the bottlenose and spinner dolphins. These highly intelligent marine mammals—whose intellect rivals great apes —swim in pods near the barrier reef or frolic in the shallow sea near shore. Otherworldly Origins For those interested in alternative history or conspiracy theories, there is an interesting hypothesis that dolphins have extraterrestrial origins. Corroborating evidence points to various ancient cultures, such as the Dogon tribe  in Africa—known for their detailed astronomical knowledge—depicting dolphins as mystical or divine beings. The tribe elders claim that dolphin-like extraterrestrial beings imparted them their knowledge. Whatever you believe to be the true nature of dolphins, you will see them from time to time in the shallow seas that make up the coast of Belize. Crocs Crocodiles are fascinating and formidable reptiles. There are two species in Belize: the larger American Crocodile and the more modest-sized Morelet's Crocodile , also known as the Mexican or Belizean crocodile. These ancient creatures inhabit the country's coastal areas, freshwater rivers, swamps, and lagoons. The American Crocodile is typically found in brackish waters along coastal mangroves, creeks, small islands, canals, and lagoons. The Morelet's Crocodile prefers freshwater swamps and marshes of the Yucatán Peninsula  but also likes brackish waters and savannas.  Crocodiles play a vital role in the ecosystem as apex predators, helping maintain the balance by controlling fish and other aquatic animal populations. Despite their fearsome reputation, crocodiles are generally reclusive and avoid human contact when possible. Conservation efforts in Belize  aim to protect these important reptiles from habitat destruction and illegal hunting, ensuring their continued presence in the country's rich biodiversity. Geckos These small lizards are ubiquitous in Belize. Often found clinging to walls or darting across ceilings, they are great house cleaners- apart from their droppings—disposing of unwanted insects inside and out of your home. They especially love hanging around exterior lights at night for the free all-you-can-eat buffet. Geckos are completely harmless to humans, personal belongings, or electronics, so there is no need to kill, harm, or capture them. With their distinctive chirping calls and ability to climb virtually any surface, geckos add charm to both urban and rural environments.  My family and I enjoy living alongside them as we know they are natural house cleaners. The other day, we got to experience the unique defense mechanism of dropping their tail . My wife and I watched the tail twitch and thrash for a solid minute without a body attached.  Hummingbirds Hummingbirds are tiny, iridescent birds known for their rapid wing beats and hovering flight. They are native to Belize and display a variety of dazzling colors. With their long, slender bills, they specialize in feeding on nectar from flowers. Hummingbirds play a crucial role in pollination, making them essential to the ecosystems they inhabit. These energetic birds are a delight to watch as they flit from flower to flower, emitting a distinctive humming sound and crackling chirps as they move. Manatees Belize is a haven for West Indian manatees, also known as sea cows, which inhabit the country's coastal mangroves, rivers, and lagoons. These gentle giants, characterized by their large, paddle-shaped tails and whiskered faces, are a well-established fixture of Belize's marine environments. Despite their docile nature, manatees face threats from habitat loss and boat collisions, making their conservation a priority  for Belize's marine ecosystem. When you are out for a stroll on the beach or paddling in Placencia lagoon, keep an eye out for their round gray heads bobbing in the water. Howler Monkeys The black howler monkey, known as "baboon" in local Creole, is found in Belize. It has a black coat and a distinct large throat that amplifies its calls. You will most likely hear these fellow apes before you see one. When you see one, you'll wonder how those noises come from such a cute-looking banana muncher. The “howl” they are known for is only a small part of their vocal repertoire, and, more often, they sound like demons hoarsely roaring in the trees.  Though they don't sound like it, howler monkeys are gentle creatures that spend much time resting to digest their fibrous folivore  diet, which consists of leaves, fruits, and flowers. Pelicans Along Belize's shores and cayes, brown and white pelicans glide gracefully overhead, skim the water inches from the surface, or dive skillfully into the water for fish. With their distinctive beak pouches and impressive wingspans, pelicans are a common sight around the country's sandy beaches and turquoise sea. These iconic seabirds play a vital role in the coastal ecosystem, helping to regulate fish populations and maintain the balance of Belize's marine environment. I thought I should wrap this section up with a pun: Why do they call a pelican a pelican? Because their beak can hold more than their belly-can!  Food Bugs In addition to sugar ants discussed in the previous post, two other common household pests can infest stored food products. You can prevent introducing both pests into your home by examining the packaging in-store before purchasing and storing the food in sealed glass containers once home. Pantry Moths Pantry moths , particularly the Indian meal moth, lay eggs in grains, nuts, and other dry goods. Their larvae spin webs and contaminate food with silk and droppings. Once established, pantry moths are difficult to eradicate, requiring disposal of contaminated food and a thorough cleaning. Rice Weevils: Bringing Belize Wildlife Home Rice weevils are small beetles that bore into grains like rice, wheat, and corn, where they lay eggs. The larvae then develop inside the grain kernels and crawl over the food. Albeit an unappetizing discovery, rice weevils don’t contaminate  the rice. You can pick them out, boil, and eat the rice as usual. These little bugs are often present in dry pasta packages, so shake the bag before putting it in your cart. Even then, you may still end up bringing them home.  Parrots Parrots are among Belize's most charismatic and diverse bird species, with vibrant plumage and remarkable intelligence. Found in the country's lush tropical rainforests and savannas, species such as the Red-lored Parrot, White-fronted Parrot, and the Scarlet Macaw bring bursts of color and life to their habitats. There are also many species of parakeet, a smaller species of parrot. Parrots are known for their strong, curved beaks and zygodactyl feet; they are adept climbers and foragers, feeding on fruits, seeds, and nuts. As a result, they play an essential ecological role in forest regeneration by dispersing seeds.  Another species unique to Belize, the Yellow-headed Parrot , is an endangered species with an uncanny ability to mimic sounds and human speech. This ability has made it a highly sought-after species for the illegal pet industry.  Parrot conservation efforts  in Belize are crucial to protect these beautiful birds and their habitats from deforestation and exploitation. Jaguars I want to wrap up part three with the iconic big cat of Belize: the Jaguar. This three-part series was about the most commonly encountered animals, and though it's unlikely that you will ever see one in the wild, I didn't feel right leaving them out. With such a rich cultural history and ancient traditions surrounding the jaguar , I would be remiss not to touch on them.  Jaguars are apex predators and reign as the largest felines in the Americas. Revered by the ancient Maya, these cats are present in cultural iconography and the center of folklore. With their sleek coats and piercing eyes, these elusive cats command respect and admiration from locals, expats, and tourists alike. Jaguars aren't your typical felines: they are excellent swimmers known to hunt prey on land and in water, making them formidable predators. In conjunction with Guatemala, Belize Is home to the Maya Forest Corridor,  whose goal is to preserve the vitality of Mesoamerican biodiversity, including the jaguar. Interesting fact: a panther is actually a type of jaguar  that is all black and not a separate animal. Embracing the Wildlife Wonders of Belize In wrapping up our three-part series, "An Expat’s Guide to Wildlife in Belize," we've journeyed through this beautiful country's diverse and enchanting ecosystems, uncovering the myriad creatures that call it home. I hope that by highlighting the commonly encountered animals and each species' vital role in Belize’s natural environment, I have prepared the expat or aspiring one for future encounters.  Even though some of the creatures we touched on insight fear in some, living alongside these creatures enriches the expat experience.  As you continue your adventures in this vibrant country, remember to respect and appreciate the incredible wildlife that makes Belize unique and lovable. Stay curious and engaged, and let the wonders of Belize’s wildlife inspire your life as an expat in Belize. Thanks for reading! If you are interested in other works of mine, check out Simo's Substack , the Lili Art Blog , or my award winning self-published book . If you want to support this blog so I can continue to provide valuable information on Belize, consider donating, subscribing, or clicking an ad or two! Subscribe to the blog to never miss a post!

Termites, Toucans & Tarantulas, Oh My! Belize is home to a vast array of wildlife. There is no shortage of fascinating creatures, from the fabled jaguar and the ubiquitous gecko to graceful whale sharks and colourful sea snakes. Whether lounging in the pool, chilling in a hammock seaside, or hiking through the jungle, you will undoubtedly encounter local fauna.  There are far too many animals to explore without making an epic encyclopedia-sized post, so instead, we'll look at the most commonly encountered animals. Even then, this will be a three-parter as expats should get to know the many animals they will see and interact with. Spiders Belize has a wide web of spider species, ranging from the tiny orb-weaver to the imposing tarantula. There are far too many species to get into any specifics, but know that the expat will undoubtedly encounter some while in the country. Some are poisonous, like the silk orb weaver mentioned above and the brown recluse. I have closely encountered this species a few times, and despite its potent venom, it is, thankfully, docile. While spiders inspire trepidation, most will only bite out of preservation. Spiders are important fixtures for Belizean ecology and play a vital role in controlling insect populations and maintaining ecological balance. Back to the silk weaver  one more time: they are fascinating creatures whose silk is eight times stronger than steel of the same diameter! Toucans: National Bird of Belize Belize is home to the vibrant and photogenic toucan, specifically the keel-billed toucan (aka rainbow-billed toucan or bill bird), the country's national bird. The keel-billed toucan is a common sight in Belize's tropical rainforests, recognizable by its large, colorful beak that displays a striking mix of green, orange, red, and blue. These social birds are often seen in small flocks, flitting through the canopy or perched high on tree branches. Toucans are also known for their distinctive croaking calls  that echo over treetops. Although their large bills might seem cumbersome, they are incredibly lightweight and allow toucans to reach and consume various fruits, their primary diet. Interestingly, toucans also play a crucial role in their ecosystem as seed dispersers, aiding in the propagation of tropical plant species. For expats and visitors alike, spotting a keel-billed toucan in the wild is a notable Belizean experience. I recently witnessed these beauties in the jungle outside of Belmopan, the nation’s capital. Even though I understand that their beaks are not a hindrance, their ability to fly seems to defy physics. Iguanas These reptiles are common all over Belize and are often spotted lounging in trees or sunbathing in the open. With their prehistoric appearance and distinctive spines along their backs, iguanas add a touch of ancient charm to the varied landscapes. They are herbivores and love hibiscus flowers, much to many property owners’ chagrin. I love hibiscus and planted one outside when we landscaped our yard (a work in progress). The iguanas annihilated that poor plant to near death no sooner than the first bud bloomed. Thankfully, they are resilient, as well as beautiful, and it bounced back after potting it and moving it to our deck.  I digress. Male iguanas get quite large and are distinguishable by their yellowish skin. The females are smaller and green. There is also the Black Iguana species, which are native to Belize. These are smaller than the aforementioned variety and are gray with black markings. If you encounter any iguana and it doesn't run away at first sight of you, don't get too close; they are known to whip their tails when they are scared. Fun fact: Iguanas are excellent swimmers and can dive deep underwater to evade predators or the inquisitive expat. Agoutis Resembling oversized guinea pigs, these large rodents are adept at foraging for food in the forest underbrush or your neighbor's empty lot. Their powerful hind legs allow them to leap up to six feet in a single jump , and they are often seen bounding through residential yards in great feats of athleticism. Agoutis aren't just cuties (my wife and I have dubbed them ‘cutie agoutis’). They play a crucial role in dispersing seeds and contributing to the health of local ecosystems.  Bees in Belize: Living with Pollinators Belizean bees are integral to healthy ecosystems and the agricultural landscape. The country is home to 25 varieties of bee species , including several species of stingless bees, like the endangered Melipona Beecheii, also known as the Royal Lady bee in the Maya language. For centuries, the Mayans have cultivated these stingless bees for their honey, which is prized for its medicinal properties and unique flavor. Just like elsewhere in the world, bees play a critical role in pollinating local flora. These industrious little buzzers contribute to the health of Belize's tropical forests, the productivity of agroforestry projects and crops like citrus, banana, and cacao, and the thriving local honey industry. Antics of Wildlife in Belize Belize is home to over 150 ant species ! Each plays a unique role in the ecosystems, contributing to processes like soil aeration and organic matter decomposition and serving as a food source for other wildlife. Here are a few that the expat will run into. Sugar Ants  These innumerable, tiny Hymenoptera , known for their sweet tooth, are often found invading kitchen counters and pantries, attracted to sugary foods and drinks. These ants are harmless but are a nuisance due to their persistence in seeking out sweet treats and resistance to eviction. Once you have them, you have them! Just stay as clean as possible, tidy up messes on counters and table tops immediately and keep as much food in sealed containers as possible. Fire Ants Belize is home to fire ants, which are an aggressive biting type. They are tough little buggers that bite hard and cause a painful burning itch and allergic reactions in some individuals. These ants are typically found everywhere, from sandy beaches and jungle floors. My first experience with these little red devils was at Xunatunich, when my oldest son, a year and a half at the time, sat on a nest. His screams echoed through the ruin. We have since built up a tolerance to their bite, but it still doesn't feel very nice when it happens.  Leaf Cutter Ants The most fascinating among Belizean ants are the leaf-cutter ants , which are true marvels of nature. These industrious insects cut and carry leaf fragments back to their nests to cultivate fungus, their primary food source. Leaf-cutter ants are vital for nutrient cycling in the rainforest, but they can also be problematic for farmers due to their voracious crop appetite. Cleaner Ants While not a specific ant species –several different types take on this cleaning role– the term describes those that help clean up the environment (outside and in) and is specifically used to define the temporary infestation of ants in many homes across Belize and Central America at large. Although it may not seem like it, they provide valuable assistance in keeping your Caribbean home clean. These ant-iseptic grime-fighters infiltrate your home, scavenging and removing organic debris like dead insects and food crumbs. The first time you experience their unsolicited cleaning services is undoubtedly startling, but just follow the local's advice: vacate the premises for a couple of hours and let them have free reign to do their work. Don't react like we did –see the video below– as we were pretty green to Belize at the time ;) Just for context, this happened at our rental while our house was under construction . Termites Despite their close resemblance to ants, termites are more closely related to cockroaches . Like ants, termites live in large, complex colonies that can number millions, working together to build intricate nests called termitaria. These look like large, brown, irregularly shaped (but round or oval) nests high in trees or amongst fallen flora. Emanating out of these nests are vast and intricate tunnels that the termites, who prefer dark environments, use to traverse the landscape for food to return to the nest. These industrious insects can be found in various habitats, from dense rainforests to urban areas. Like termites everywhere, they can cause serious damage to wood structures, plywood, and furniture. It's a good idea to check and spray for termites around your property routinely. Although they are essential decomposers in the Belizean environment, they are indifferent to what they snack on. Termites play a vital role in the ecosystem by breaking down wood and plant material, but can quickly destroy personal belongings that have been stored away or unattended. I recently discovered that my hurricane plywood had an infestation, irreparably damaging ⅓ of my precut panels. The process recycles nutrients back into the soil and supports the health of the forest ecosystem, which is all good; I’d prefer they don't use my stuff to do that.  Flood Flies These aren't flies, but a type of flying terminate. They lay dormant in the ground during the dry season and rise from the earth like the walking dead after the first heavy rain of the year. They swam in the millions and infiltrate every crack and crevasse in your home. Once inside, they lose their wings, procreate and die. They come every year; there is no avoiding them. My wife and I now anticipate this event as the rainy season approaches and have rolls of painter's tape ready to temporarily seal around doors and windows as the swarms rise up . Ultimately they are harmless, they are just a pain in the ass to clean up afterward and their wings linger for months. More to Come: Continue Your Belizean Wildlife Adventure That's all for now. As you can see, Belize's wildlife is as diverse as it is fascinating. From the dino-like iguana to the industrious leaf-cutter ants, every encounter offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant ecosystems of this beautiful country. Stay tuned for parts two and three, where we'll continue exploring the captivating animals that make Belize a wildlife paradise. Don't miss out on more intriguing information and tips for living alongside Belize's incredible fauna! Thanks for reading! If you are interested in other works of mine, check out Simo's Substack , the Lili Art Blog , or my award winning self-published book . If you want to support this blog so I can continue to provide valuable information on Belize, consider donating, subscribing, or clicking an ad or two! Subscribe to the blog to never miss a post!

Image by Charles Leslie from Pixabay A big part of the move to Belize that many expats make involves the logistical hurdle of shipping their belongings into the country. Whether choosing to import goods because they love their stuff, have discovered before moving that certain items aren’t available, or repurchasing items they already have will be costly, there are several ways to do it. I’ve seen this topic pop up in Facebook groups, and it was a big part of my move abroad, so I thought I’d chime in with a post to share my experience importing items into Belize.  It’s a big logistical task, with lots to know, so in this guide, we'll examine the options and the most common items expats bring here. It also isn’t inexpensive, so this guide is aimed at the do-it-yourselfer (like yours truly). I strive to provide you with as much information as possible to smooth the process and hopefully help keep your costs down. Common Ways to Move to Belize Shipping Container Many expats import their personal belongings when they move to Belize to buy or build a house. One effective way to do so is by using a shipping container. For those readers less familiar, a shipping container is a large, standardized metal box used in global trade to transport goods, predominantly by sea, rail, and land. Typically made of steel, shipping containers are weather-resistant and secure, ensuring cargo's safe and efficient movement across long distances. They come in several sizes, the most common being twenty and forty-footers. Also known as “cargo containers," "freight containers," or "intermodal containers,” shipping containers are a ubiquitous fixture in the Belizean landscape. You can spot the various coloured steel rectangles country-wide in lots, building sites, and developed plots. They are a convenient way to move goods across international borders and make great storage sheds, auxiliary buildings, homes, and even pools ! Depending on your budget and what you plan to load into one, it can be an affordable shipping option, even when purchasing your own. However, the cost to buy and send a container abroad fluctuates and can be pricey sometimes, especially if you don't have enough stuff to fill one. In this case, you can rent a portion of a container, but this has its downsides: your items are more exposed to loss, damage and theft as your times are routinely shuffled around, with loadings and unloadings, compared to having a container of your own that you seal after loading and don’t opened again until its destination.  If you consider bringing items into Belize, using a container is a viable option. A word of caution: Do your research! There is a wide range of pricing. When I looked into this nearly three years ago, I received quotes from a few thousand dollars to over sixty! Shipping Your Items Out of Country As I mentioned above, there is a lot of work, organization, and logistical planning involved in shipping your items to Belize, or abroad, for that matter. This process is the same or similar wherever you go, so the following is still a handy guide even if you aren’t moving to Belize. Due to the specific industry nature of this endeavor, I would advise hiring a professional to assist you. I found a local international shipping company from which I used to purchase a container and help with the logistics and bureaucratic process of sending a container full of stuff out of the country.  Renting vs. Buying a Container An important decision to make early on is whether to rent or buy a container. After extensive research, we decided to purchase a container for the safety of our belongings and the convenience of timing. Since we had enough stuff to fill a twenty-footer, having our own ensured that our stuff would make the trip with minimal handling of the contents. Since we had our own, we would load it and witness the sealing —a little tag placed through one of the four lock brackets. A missing or broken seal indicates that someone opened it. The Cost of Shuffling Conversely, many companies quoting the rental option—whether a partial forty or a full twenty—required us to load our belongings into a moving truck for transport to a warehouse. A crew would unload and store everything there until a container became available. They would then load our items into the container for overseas transport. Once in Belize, another crew would unload the contents and store them again until they could be reloaded into a moving truck for final delivery. The whole process felt long-winded and exposed our belongings to innumerable hazards. Since we were building our home and knew it wouldn’t be move-in ready for some time, we would have had to store our items long-term, until they could be packed into a truck and delivered to our home. Pay for Simplicity As you can see, that's a lot of shuffling about, which increases the chance of damage, loss, and theft, plus the added cost of storage fees. Once we tallied the cost of both options, we chose to buy a container for a marginal amount more. With that small additional fee, we purchased peace of mind.  *The above is my opinion; your situation is unique, so do your research and choose the best option for your situation, needs, and budget. Whatever the Option, Prepare for an Involved Process When planning to ship items via container, there is a multi-step process to consider: 1. A. Packaging Items : Wrapping and boxing items for moving. My wife and I did this ourselves, but packing services are available throughout North America if you have the budget or are time constrained.  1. B. Create a Detailed Manifest:  When packing, itemize each box, bin, or crate and record its contents. You will need this for the customs brokers on both ends, and this information determines your import duties, fees, and contents insurance. Be sure to record the estimated value of each item and its replacement value, too. I used a spreadsheet when completing this, making it easy to send the info to domestic and Belizean-based brokers.  When importing items into Belize, you can drastically undervalue all of your used goods, but be sure to make note of the actual replacement value for the ocean freight insurance. Doing so ensures you receive adequate financial compensation to replace your items if something happens to the cargo ship or your container . I’ll touch on costs later in this section. 2. Loading the Container : The container arrives on a trailer hauled by a semi-truck. Loading requires skill, as you want the container packed as densely as possible. All sorts of machines, including cranes and forklifts, will handle the container throughout its journey. It will also undoubtedly get jostled around on rail, road, and sea. Having a dozen or so ratchet straps during loading helps secure your belongings.  Again, you can hire professionals to do this for you or do it yourself. However, there is often a time limit, so if you do it yourself, you will need assistance. I loaded mine midweek, so soliciting the help of friends and family wasn’t an option as they were all at work. Instead, I hired some local, salt of the earth movers for half a day, and four of us loaded the container thirty minutes shy of the four-hour cut-off. 3. Transportation to Port: Depending on your location, your container may first travel by truck and then by railway into the port of departure, as was the case for us. It traveled by truck from Hamilton to Toronto, then by rail to the port of Montreal. 4. Clearing Domestic Customs : I have no idea of this process as our international shipper handled this part. She did a good job because our container was out of the country in a week or so. 5. Loaded onto Cargo Ship: Self-explanatory. 6. Seabound: Also self-explanatory. 7. Unloaded at the Port of Belize: Nuff said, apart from this caveat: this part of the process is a notoriously inconsistent experience. Some fortunate people, like myself, have their containers swiftly unloaded and sent to their customs broker’s yard, while others experience immense delays after their container gets buried in a pile of unprocessed containers for months on end. When they finally receive work that their container has been processed and is available for official entry into the country, it comes with a fat port storage fee. 8. Receipt By Broker: I have heard that this step doesn’t have to happen, and the broker monitors the inspection process and clears the container right at the port. For whatever reason, our Belize-based customs broker had our container sent directly to their yard, where the inspection took place before delivery to our lot. 9. Transportation to Your Lot or Specified Destination: Our customs broker organized this as part of their services. 10. Unloading the Container From the Trailer: On the day of delivery, my customs broker informed me that the SkyTrak he had organized  to unload the containers fell through. In an effort not to reschedule and avoid storage fees at the broker’s yard, I quickly sprung into organization mode. Thankfully, the contractor we hired to complete the foundation work was reachable, and he made some calls to coordinate with a local SkyTrak operator from a site down the road. When the container arrived, it was too heavy for the lone machine to manage, so we had to solicit the assistance of a second SkyTrak, who worked in tandem with the first to unload the container. As you can see, it's a lengthy process with many stages and “moving parts.” There is plenty of room for errors, delays, added costs, and logistical hiccups. So if you choose this route, take your time to plan and research and choose the companies that you feel most comfortable with for each phase of the container's journey. Is it Worth it the Costs of Shipping a Container? Shipping your belongings to Belize isn’t cheap, so be sure that what you are sending has adequate value or rarity. If you can sell it at home and repurchase it in Belize for a slightly higher cost, it may not be worth bringing it. However, if you have unique furniture pieces, custom home finishes, or a lot of tools like we did, it may make sense to foot the bill.  I have provided some approximate shipping container costs below. Please note that these figures are not only more than two years old, but they are specific to our location in Canada, the contents of the container, the port of embarkation, and the actions of our receiving customs broker at the time. All prices below are in USD. Ocean Certified Shipping Container: $5,000.00 Transportation & Exporting Cost: $7,000.00 Import Cost- Duties, Taxes and Fees: $8,000.00 Transportation/Delivery: $900 Total= $20,900.00 Now that we thoroughly understand shipping containers and their processes, let's look at other common ways expats import items into Belize. Mules & Freight Forwarding Image by ErikaWittlieb from Pixabay There are several options for bringing items into the country beyond intermodal containers. A straightforward way is to jump on the Belize Mule Group  and ask if anyone is making the trip down from Canada, the US, or Mexico. For a fee, ‘the mule’ will pick up, transport, and deliver your item. There are also freight forwarding companies like Belizean Queen  and Arrow Freight  that allow you to order US items online from stores like Home Depot, Ikea, and Amazon, or any store with online ordering and delivery, for that matter. When placing your order, you provide the businesses’ mailing address, usually a depot in a major port city like Miami or Houston, and then inform them of your purchase. They box the items up as compactly as possible and ship them into the country for a flat rate per their set package sizes. The fee includes all duties and taxes. I’m unsure how they swing this, but I don’t doubt an institutionalized ‘greasing of palms’ is at play. The Empty Box Paradox This arrangement has both its positives and negatives. Since the shipment cost is based on size, it's a cost-effective way to import heavy items. However, if you only have a small item, it’s subject to their minimum box size and fee, which is $30 USD with Belizean Queen. Sometimes, one small item from a larger order gets delayed and doesn’t make the trip with the rest of the items. Unfortunately, if you don't have more items coming with the next scheduled delivery (which is every two to three weeks), they will send them by themselves. We’ve had a small and light package, equivalent to an 8x10 piece of paper, with a value of a few dollars, sent alone in a $30 USD box. It's definitely a bit frustrating at times. Most expats use these services for smaller, everyday items, but I have heard of people using them to move personal belongings, too. While these companies are viable options for bringing in everyday items, I would contact them and request specific quotes if you plan to import larger household items like furniture or appliances.  Transporting it Yourself Bringing your items in yourself via land border is another, albeit less common, option. This was also what we did in addition to a shipping container. Since import duties on vehicles are high, my wife and I decided to purchase an old shuttle bus in Canada. We did this for two reasons:  1. It was a great moving van, and 2. The import duties were significantly less than those for regular vehicles because the value was so low; keep all relevant documentation pertaining to the purchase and transfer of ownership for used vehicles from your home country. A quick note for context: in Canada, such vehicles aren’t costly but are quite valuable in Belize.  We loaded the bus with the belongings that didn't fit in the container or that we needed immediately: we had a lot of baby stuff that we didn’t want to be locked up in the container if it took a long time to arrive. Keep it Cheap If you plan to do something similar, ensure the bill of sale displays a low value ;). The customs department may refer to the Kelley Blue Book  value, but if you have a bill of sale on hand, they will be less likely to charge you duties based on that value. The value of a vehicle like ours was also hard to find (not in KBB), so all they had to go off was our Canadian bill of sale. While many people don't have much of an issue taking a vehicle or towing a trailer full of stuff over the Mexican border, this was not the case for me. I wrote about this experience on my Substack , so I will keep it short and sweet. Just Google “Transmigrante.”  I will say this: in all my research about driving through Mexico, I did not come across that term or anyone alluding to anything similar to my experience. Even after a retroactive search using specific key terms I now know, I still can’t find much on this. My only advice for someone bringing in a larger load of personal items is to make sure you line up a Spanish-speaking customs broker at the southern border in Texas to put together all relevant documentation before you attempt to make the border crossing into Mexico. Also, plan to budget around $1,000 USD for this process, plus have a small stash of USD bribe money tucked away for opportunistic municipal Mexican police.  The Usual Suspects Apart from personal items, which can range from household goods, art, appliances, tools, clothing, etc., expats frequently bring pets and vehicles into the country.  Viable Vehicles Many expats import vehicles and do it over land or by container. It requires a lot of research and organization, whichever option you choose. Be aware that the duties of conventional trucks and cars are quite high. Several factors that determine the import duties and taxes are:  The vehicle's age Its value The engine's number of cylinders If you plan to drive a truck or fancy car from Canada or the US through Mexico, consider hiring a Spanish-speaking assistant familiar with the trip, the cartels and border crossings. This will make the trip easier and safer. You can hire someone to meet you in Texas and drive you through Mexico and Belize.  A word of advice: provide as little information as possible at border crossings, especially with Mexico. If you plan to import the vehicle into Belize and never bring it back, do your best to keep your plans from the Mexican border authorities; otherwise, they will excise a hefty duty to transit through. Simply say you are road-tripping to Belize, and the vehicle will head back to your country of origin on your return trip. Just pay the temporary importation fee and never look back. Their documentation process is analog, and the chances they ever check up on you, especially after the vehicle is registered and plated in Belize, is slim to none. You’ll still be able to cross into Mexico without issue, as we have several times. You will need a customs broker to complete the importation process at one of the two borders. You can postpone this process for about thirty days (with the option to extend it to ninety days) by bringing the vehicle into Belize on a temporary importation permit. Brokers are relatively inexpensive and move the process along for you: they know who to bribe and much, LOL. All joking aside (but not really), they will help you negotiate the importation fees, which can be as high as 80% of the vehicle’s book value.    If you ship your vehicle by container, there are conditions pertaining to how much fuel you can have in the tank, among others.   How to Move Pets to Belize Let’s not forget our furry friends! Many expats bring their pets into Belize too, and we are no exception. Our two family dogs accompanied my travel buddy and I on the seven-day journey (well, more like eleven, due to the difficulties at the Mexican border I alluded to above). The following section will explain the process from a Canadian point of view, although I imagine it is similar to that of our US counterparts. It will also focus on the land crossing, as shipping our dogs with a Canadian airline wasn’t a viable option at the time. We chose to drive them because: 1. I was already driving a bus full of stuff, and 2. In order to fly them, we had to do it from the US, which meant crossing a land border by vehicle anyway and left us with the challenge of collecting them at the International Airport outside of Belize City the same day they left—a transportation impossibility. Ultimately, the cost of driving our bus full of stuff was cheaper and more convenient than the quotes I received for flying the two dogs. I digress.  Bringing dogs and cats into Belize is quite simple. Since Canada, the US, and Mexico are all part of NAFTA , it's a clean shot with the animals to Belize. I had no issue with the dogs at any of the borders. The US didn’t even ask for their paperwork, and the Mexican border officials briefly glanced at it.  Get Your Documents in Order Before you leave, you need to do considerable coordinating. Get in touch with The Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) to obtain the required form for importing your pet(s ).  They are quite responsive and usually get back to email inquiries in a day or two. Once you have filled out and returned the form to them, you have up to three months to enter with your pets, so a little timing is needed when making your submission. If your pet(s) are entering through airline, you must schedule an inspection with a BAHA officer for the day of arrival.  Image by Mirko Sajkov from Pixabay That's all pretty simple, but where it gets complicated is on the North American side of things. In Canada, you need to first visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency –yes, random, I know– to get the required paperwork to have your pets travel internationally. At the time, they required you to visit them in person to get the necessary paperwork, which is essentially a pet passport, though it isn't called that. Then, you take that packet of information to your veterinarian and have them administer and record the required vaccinations, tick and flea medications and dewormer for your animal(s). Once that's filled out, you take it back to the CFIA to have one of their higher-ups sign off on it. You need to complete that process for each dog or cat in order to get them into Belize. Cross Your Ts A note of vaccinations: rabies vaccines are valid in Canada for 2-3 years, but that timeframe isn't recognized in Belize and is required annually. If your pet(s) got vaccinated last year and you weren't planning on doing it again because they are "still good," I'd recommend getting them again before entering Belize. It's a precautionary measure, just in case the BAHA officer who inspects your pet(s) takes issue with it and you find yourself subjected to additional “fees.”  Image by Mirko Sajkov  from Pixabay A final tidbit before we wrap up this section: It's important to understand that the US has placed Belize on a blacklist of countries  surrounding rabies. North American nations don’t recognize the vaccine they use in Belize, so if you ever want to take your pets back home to the US, you must keep them up-to-date with the requisite vaccines.  In Canada its less strict, but you will have to wait to high season to fly them direct as transiting them over American soil is prohibited. This means taking your pets to Mexico before their next shot. By doing so, you will be compliant with NA vax standards and should be able to get them back into your home country. I'm not 100% sure what the current status of this is, so if you have an update or insight into the latest developments on this, please leave a comment, and I’ll update this section accordingly. Hiring a Customs Broker Hire a customs broker, no matter what you are bringing in, where it's coming from, or from what border it's entering. Do not attempt to do this on your own unless you have direct experience working in this industry. A customs broker will help you navigate the paperwork and grease the necessary palms. I have no doubt that the ease at which our container made it to our lot in Maya Beach hinged heavily on the fact that we had someone who was experienced with the Belizean import process working behind the scenes. If you are interested in knowing who I used, you can email me directly.  Import Duties For a complete list of duties, check out the Belize Customs and Excise Department  website. It has almost every item you can think of, from vehicles, boats, and trailers to art, and furniture and appliances. These are essentially negotiable, and your customs broker will get costs down for you.  Missing and Damage Items Image by Ronald Plett from Pixabay It's not so much a matter of whether  there will be damage but how much . From what I can tell, the items within our container made the journey unscathed but sustained damage during reloading after inspection. Our container was packed with pinpoint accuracy, and getting it back to its original state after the inspection process pulled out most of the contents would have required servant-like memory and a team of four people. According to my broker, the inspection was a one-man show. As a result, we had some damaged items, and when we finally got around to unloading it, a couple of boxes appeared not to have made the trip, too. Receiving Compensation for Damaged Items Unfortunately, we weren't eligible for compensation due to the time it took to unload our container after delivery. Most brokers have a limit of thirty days to make a claim. When our container arrived, I was only able to do a quick inspection and didn’t see any damage at the time.  Our container arrived fast: six weeks from when it left Canada. Normally this would be great, but we had anticipated three to four months, and we were not ready to unload the container when it arrived. But, it came so quickly that we didn’t have a house to unload the container into. Thankfully, the damage wasn’t too bad, and we fixed and repaired most of the items ourselves –as DIYers do!  Everything in its Place Image by Ronald Plett from Pixabay Okay, so I think that's all I can think of regarding importing your life and belongings into Belize. It's a lot of work, so leave yourself a lot of time to do your research and due diligence. Moving to Belize and deciding how to bring your personal belongings is a significant logistical hurdle for many expats. Whether you opt for a shipping container, use a freight forwarding service, or transport items yourself, the process can be complex and time-consuming. Thorough planning, research, and choosing the right method based on your needs and budget are critical to ensure a smooth transition. By understanding the options and anticipating potential challenges, you can make informed decisions that streamline the import process and minimize stress as you settle into your new life in Belize. Until the next post, happy moving y’all! Thanks for reading! If you are interested in my other work, check out  Simo's Substack , the  Lili Art Blog , or  my award-winning self-published book . If you want to support this blog so I can continue to provide valuable information on Belize, consider donating, subscribing, or clicking an ad or two!  Subscribe to the blog to never miss a post!

As a foreigner living in a Caribbean nation like Belize, being aware and ready for the threat of tropical storms and hurricanes is a necessity of seasonal living. Like everywhere else, hazards exist, be it ice storms in Canada, wildfires and tornadoes in the US, earthquakes in Italy, and tsunamis in Japan. Living alongside potential dangers is just part of life on earth; for Belize, it's hurricanes. For those living in or considering moving to Belize —or any of its Central American neighbours— knowing what to expect and being prepared is an integral part of life. And having the knowledge and a plan in place makes handling such occurrences —rare in Belize’s case, thankfully— less stressful.   A Season for Turbulent Weather Hurricane season runs from June 1st to November 30th and produces an average of ten tropical storms, with approximately six reaching hurricane status . In typical meteorological fashion, these statistics vary across reporting organizations and institutions, with some claiming higher averages of 12 hurricanes, with six reaching category three or higher . A storm's strength is categorized by a number from one to five, known as the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale , with one being the weakest hurricane and five the strongest.  Now I realize that “weak hurricane” sounds like an oxymoron, as to acquire such a status, a storm must reach and sustain wind speeds of over 74 miles per hour (118.4 km/hour). Winds at these speeds can break windows, sever tree limbs, topple shallow-rooted trees, damage roofing and siding, and down powerlines, not to mention the heavy rainfall and flooding they cause. And that's just a CAT One; potential storm damage increases from there. I also don’t want to downplay tropical storms, which can have winds from 39- 73 miles per hour, and cause damage to property, buildings, and trees. Belize Weather: Relaxed, Like Its People  We are at the height of the 2024 hurricane season, which many have predicted will see above-average activity . Luckily for Belize, it's been pretty quiet this year, as in most years. Thanks to its geographical location, Belize is a great place for expats looking to safely move to or retire in its vibrant coastal communities, like Corozal, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, Hopkins, and Placencia. Belize and its neighboring Central American countries experience less frequent and intense weather than the Northern and Eastern Caribbean or coastal Southeastern United States due to various geographical and meteorological factors: Western Caribbean Location Belize and much of Central America are farther west in the Caribbean basin. Many hurricanes form in the eastern Atlantic and intensify as they move westward, affecting the eastern Caribbean islands. Storms generally lose steam over land masses due to the absence of warm water, which they use as fuel . Wind Patterns Steer Storms Away Wind patterns and steering currents are significant reasons why Belize doesn’t experience as many hurricanes. The prevailing easterly trade winds tend to steer hurricanes towards the northern Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico, often curving them away from Central America. Large-scale atmospheric patterns often guide hurricanes on a more northwesterly track, which can take them north of Central America. Mountains as Natural Barriers Geographical features like the mountainous terrain of Central America can disrupt hurricane formation and weaken existing storms. For example, Honduras has a coastal mountain range that can act as a barrier. Interesting fact: you can actually see the mountains of Honduras from Placencia on a clear day! Cooler Waters Reduce Storm Strength Water temperature is an important contributing factor, too. While the entire Caribbean is warm, the western Caribbean, where Belize is located sometimes has slightly cooler waters compared to the eastern Caribbean, which can be less conducive to hurricane intensification. I know it doesn’t seem like it at times when the sea feels like bath water.  Be Prepared: Hurricanes Still Possible However, hurricanes can make landfall in the region, and Central America and Belize are not immune. So, anyone who lives here or plans to move here must be aware of this fact and know what to do if it occurs. However, being knowledgeable and prepared makes experiencing a strong weather event less daunting and intimidating. The Hurricane Preparation Checklist for the Unfamiliar Expat So, let’s go through what the expat who is green —like we were and still are I suppose— to these types of weather events can do to be hurricane-ready in Belize. We did most of these things in our preparation for Lisa and there are things on this list we would do better next time too.  1. Create an Emergency Weather Plan Knowing what to do and when is essential for any preparedness plan. Your plan will dictate your actions, like boarding up your house, where you will go if you need to evacuate, and what supplies you will have or need to get. You should know your evacuation routes and if there are any storm shelters in your area. In Placencia, the evacuation route is Placencia Road. The nearest shelter for the communities along the peninsula is Georgetown Technical High School, on the Southern Highway heading towards Independence. Click here for a list of storm shelters in Belize . Many communities organize their own shelter-in-place points, with one or more members offering their home for others to hunker down in. If you do this next to the ocean, reside on a second floor in the case of a significant storm surge.  You should also determine a communication plan to establish how and when to contact friends and family members and set a meeting point if sheltering in a group. Remember that BEL will shut off power to areas under threat for safety reasons, which often means there is no internet connection, either locally or regionally.  2. Preparing Your Hurricane Supplies Before your first hurricane season starts, you should gather and store a supply of storm essentials. Below is a list of some critical items for a hurricane preparedness kit. Be sure to assess what you need, as everyone’s kit will differ based on their situation, preferences, and the number of people it will support.  List of Essential Hurricane Supplies  Potable water: one gallon/person/day for at least three days and a compact secondary source of water purification . Non-perishable food in hard plastic or glass containers to keep out moisture and bugs. Last year, my wife and I purchased a small bucket of freeze-dried food containing over 100 portions, with a shelf life of 25 years , which was a great addition to our emergency supplies. Backup prescription medications (if you require meds). A well- stocked first-aid kit . Durable flashlights and batteries . A basic tool set . A wireless cell phone charger  (provided your phone is compatible). Important documents: Keep your passport and other important papers in a waterproof folder or pouch . A large tote or totes to put all the above in . Gerry can  of fuel for your vehicle. Pet food for the fur fam (if you have them).  Plywood for boarding up your home. Prepare Wisely: Because Your Freezer Pizza Won’t Last Forever Another good thing is a reliable backup power source ready to use after the storm. Standard options are a gas or diesel generator  (<— we have this one), a reserve store of power from your existing solar setup, or a fully charged portable solar battery , as we have. You can use these to run fans, small appliances, and even a fridge for up to eight hours (depending on the model), which is excellent, especially if there is a delay with power returning to the grid.  We also ensure a reserve tank of liquid propane (LP) gas with a portable gas stove for cooking, boiling water for coffee and tea, or water purification . But, please exercise caution when using a gas stove in an emergency and do not use it indoors. The exhaust from ignited LP gas contains harmful carbon monoxide. It's Go Time Lastly, you may consider assembling a “go bag”  of clothing and other personal items so you aren’t scrambling in the event of an emergency evacuation. Once you have put your kit together, ensure you routinely inspect your supplies, remove and restock expired/expiring items, and replace or upgrade items as needed. It also helps to build the kit over time, as purchasing all the items above can run anywhere from USD 500- 1500.  3. Stay Informed A critical aspect of a properly executed hurricane preparedness plan is staying informed. Regularly monitor weather alerts throughout the season, join Facebook groups related to hurricane watches in your area, watch and subscribe to weather-related YouTube channels (I like Mr. Weatherman  as he is honest, to the point, and doesn’t fearmonger for views), and download helpful weather apps like Zoom Earth . Knowing where storms are, how fast they develop, and when and where they will make landfall is essential to staying safe during storm season.  4. Insurance Take out hurricane insurance for your home. Despite misinformation circulating on Facebook, you can insure a wood-framed home in Belize. Your premium will be lower with a masonry home of a similar size, but it is still available for wood construction. When renewing, review your coverage each year to ensure your home insurance covers wind and flood damage, and update it if necessary.  If you plan to build a wood-framed home, check out The Ultimate Expat Guide to Building a House in Belize Part One  and Two to learn how to increase the structure of your home  to make it storm-ready. 5. Secure Your Home When a storm is imminent, take immediate action to protect your house and property. Begin the necessary preparations quickly, whether you hire someone or do it yourself, to avoid working as the storm hits. Following the tips from point three above, you’ll have enough time to prepare. One key task is securing your windows and doors with shutters.   Some homeowners along the coast in Belize opt to install roll-up steel shutters, while others choose traditional wood shutters beside each window. Many, who prefer a cleaner facade or don't have the budget for the expense of the steel option, keep a stash of plywood for such occasions. Shuttering your windows and doors will protect them from projectiles and being blown in, as well as water penetration. In the grand scheme, it's an affordable and effective way to prevent repair costs (compared to replacing them). Batten Down the Hatches (And Your Patio Furniture Too!) On the ground level, remove everything from the floor and place it as high as possible to protect it from flooding and storm surge. Put away or tie down patio furniture and other loose items. Trim trees that are overhanging the roof or close to your house. If you have coconut trees bearing fruit, remove them, as they can become, in effect, organic canon balls.  Ultimately, use your common sense here. If you think it might blow away or get damaged, then take the appropriate action to protect it if it has meaning or value. Turn off the main power breakers in the house (in case flood waters reach the height of outlets on the main floor). The electrical utility provider, in this case BEL, will shut off the power grid ahead of the storm. Turning off your main power to the house will have the added benefit of protecting the home's electrical wiring, components, and anything plugged into it from power surges once power returns. 6. Evacuate if Advised If you plan to leave, leave early to avoid the possibility of last-minute congestion. Take your go-bag, emergency supplies, important documents, and other valuables you’ve previously collected. Again, step three will inform you of what local authorities are asking residents to do.  However, whether you choose to leave or not and for what storm category is a personal choice. Your decision will probably hinge on your assessment of your overall preparedness, your home’s construction, and the size of your cojones . My Belizean Hurricane Experience While thankfully, I have not experienced a hurricane, we had a scare not long after arriving here. In November of 2022, Hurricane Lisa landed in Belize City, approximately 100 miles from our house in Maya Beach, on the Placencia Peninsula. Being green to such a thing and having a newly built home to protect, we sprung into action, purchasing plywood to craft custom shutters and boarded up the place —just in time for… the storm to move north of us. We spent the evening drinking cocktails on our back deck and fishing in the canal during the planned power outage (a storm precaution).  It Ain't All Cocktails and Fishing Poles Even though our efforts were for naught, I am grateful we didn't have to weather the storm. It was a great exercise in storm preparedness and gave us insight into what we must do to be safe and ready. Plus, we now have storm shutters cut, assembled, and labeled for future use. It also taught us to be more diligent in our monitoring efforts, as the track and timeline of these systems are often well established ahead of time and had we been more aware, we would have known the storm would pass us by.  When I talked to my friend Rick (try his coffee!)  days after, he laughed and emphatically said “no” when I asked him if he had shut up. He was well-informed and knew the hurricane would be nowhere near Placencia. Staying Safe and Prepared Throughout Hurricane Season While the risk of experiencing a hurricane in Belize is far lower than that of other Caribbean nations, it's still important to be aware and prepared. It could very well be that you will never need to use your supplies but having them ensures you can act in the event you do. By following these steps, you can better protect yourself, your family, and your home during hurricane season. Preparation is vital to minimizing the impact of hurricanes and ensuring a swift recovery. From assembling a comprehensive emergency kit to securing your home and knowing what to do after a storm, being proactive can make all the difference. Remember, a well-thought-out plan and timely actions can help you weather the storm with greater confidence and safety. Stay safe out there! Thanks for reading! If you are interested in other works of mine, check out Simo's Substack , the Lili Art Blog , or my award winning self-published book . If you want to support this blog so I can continue providing valuable information on Belize, consider donating, subscribing, or clicking an ad. And a special thanks to those readers who have shown their support; it is greatly appreciated!

Are you dreaming of owning a piece of paradise in Belize? As North America gets harder to live in, more people seek different ways and places to live. Whether it’s the allure of coastal living or the tranquility of the jungle, Belize is a great option for anyone considering a move abroad. The proximity to North America, the beautiful natural environment, and English as the primary language have made Belize a popular destination in recent years.  Many who move here sell everything they own in their home country and buy realty in Belize. But not all properties come move in ready and deciding between buying a home or building one from scratch will shape your experience of life here. Both options come with their unique benefits and challenges. So, in this guide, we’ll explore the pros, cons, and other considerations of each approach, so you can make the best choice for your tropical escape. Understanding Belizean Real Estate The real estate market in Belize offers a wide range of options, from beachfront properties in Placencia and Ambergris Caye to rural getaways in Cayo or Corozal, and, if you have really deep pockets, options for private islands. One major appeal for foreigners is that Belize allows you to own property outright, with fee-simple ownership .  However, it’s crucial to conduct proper title searches to verify ownership and avoid disputes. You can conduct title searches through a lawyer (for a hefty fee), a third party who specializes in such things or on your own, by visiting the land department in Belmopan and accessing public records.   Whether you choose to buy or build, location plays a key role. Coastal regions are ideal for vacation homes, rental properties, and retirement, while inland regions are better suited for rural and jungle life, nature lovers, urban dwellers and those that need better access to services and amenities.  Ensure you know your needs for life in Belize and then select your preferred area to live. The location you choose will affect the amount you spend on a property, with beach communities fetching the highest price per foot cost. Similarly, the location will also determine the cost to build, as touristy areas cost more to build in. Choosing Your Dream Home Before making any decisions, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons of buying versus building a home in Belize. Each option offers distinct advantages and challenges, whether it’s the convenience of purchasing a turnkey property  or the creative freedom that comes with designing your own space. Understanding these trade-offs will help align your choice with your lifestyle, budget, and long-term goals. Let's examine each option. Pros of Building vs. Buying a Home in Belize Customization and Personalization When you start from scratch, you can design every part of your home to match your preferences and needs, from the placement of the home on your lot and its layout to fixtures and finishes inside. Potential Cost Savings Building a home from the ground up with good planning, budgeting, and the potential for land value appreciation can lead to long-term cost savings and investment growth compared to buying a preexisting home. However, certain areas of Belize, like Maya Beach in Placencia, are booming and are an excellent investment whether you buy or build. Modern Standards and Sustainability Building a home in Belize offers the opportunity to incorporate eco-friendly features, such as solar panels or rainwater collection systems. Unique Land Option and Privacy By building yourself, you can purchase land in a scenic or remote location that may not have existing homes, such as new waterfront plots or mountainous jungle tracts. Cons of Building Home in Belize A Time-Consuming Process Construction projects in Belize can take from six months to more than a year, depending on factors like weather, whether you build with wood or concrete , contractor efficiency, and material availability.  There are still a lot of properties comprising “raw land” for sale in Belize and, though you may scoop up some acreage for a fair price, many foreigners underestimate the time and resources needed to develop it. Some regions in the country don’t have electrical service, and will remain that way for a long time. Such cases require an off-grid construction, increasing costs, time and intricacy of the project, especially when you impose a higher standard of living and building quality in an ‘untamed’ area. Stressful AF As someone with an extensive construction experience, I wouldn’t recommend building a home in Belize unless you have considerable knowledge of renovations or home building projects. I’ve been in residential construction for twenty years, owned a renovation business and regularly dealt with client, employees and sub-trades daily, and I still found there was a learning curve. Belize is not the place to cut your teeth in home construction: the industry has not caught up to modern (North American) building practices, the standard of living and therefore expectations of foreign buyers’ needs is different and, despite English as the main language, communication is fraught with misunderstandings. Bureaucratic Challenges Navigating permits, inspections, environmental approvals and zoning laws (and the BTB if you build a rental unit) can be time-consuming and frustrating, especially for expats unfamiliar with local regulations and cultural norms. Like building departments everywhere, permit approvals are lengthy, and this only exacerbated in Belize by ‘ Caribbean time .’ Finding a Good Contractor Sourcing trustworthy builders and materials can be challenging, particularly in remote areas. Ensure you pick your contractor through referral to avoid shady or shoddy options. References, references, references, people! If you need advice for finding the right contractor, there is a helpful chapter in Home in Good Hands: A Homeowner’s Guide to Construction and Renovation  on this topic. Risk of Blowin’ the Budget Construction costs often exceed initial estimates because of unexpected delays or material price fluctuations. For example, our build experience several weeks of delays because of inclement weather and flooding where the home builder had their yard. We had a set date to vacate our rental, so we experienced additional pressure and stress to get the home ready to occupy before our lease was up. Pros of Buying vs. Building a Home in Belize Convenience and Reduced Stress Simply put, buying a turnkey home in Belize spares you from the time and stress involved in construction. It’s the ideal choice if you want to settle quickly, start generating rental income right away , or have little to no experience with building a home from scratch.  Faster Process for Expats or Retirees Purchasing an existing home involves fewer unknowns, making it easier to plan your move. You can also avoid potential delays with contractors or material sourcing. And, many homes on the Belizean real estate market come fully furnished, eliminating the time and logistics of selecting, ordering and coordinating the delivery of essential furniture items.  Established Infrastructure When you buy a preexisting home, you often ensure utilities, access roads, and internet services are already in place.    Predictable Costs While prices may be higher upfront, there’s less risk of unexpected expenses compared to construction projects. As I mentioned earlier, miscommunication abounds, and it's easy to lose sight of important information when discussing construction and land development costs. Don’t ask, don’t tell is culturally imbedded in Belize, meaning, if you don’t ask for a laundry area in your plans, you won’t get one.  Cons of Buying a Home in Belize Limited Customization If you are like me—the type of person who likes to customize a space to fit your needs—you may need to renovate to make the home fit your preferences or compromise on some design elements. However, if you are good with a few new throw pillows and linens on the beds, this won't be a con at all.  Higher Initial Purchase Price Finished homes, especially in popular beachfront destinations, will have a higher price tag than developing and inland areas. Since you won’t need to develop the land or build a home, you will pay more for a property where these already exist. To some degree, the seller passes along the costs of development onto the purchaser in return for the convenience of a move-in-ready home. Potential for Hidden Repairs As with anywhere in the world, an older home can come with hidden maintenance issues, which can add to your expenses over-time. You can mitigate this by buying a home that is relatively new , meaning only a few years old and with one previous owner. Also, understanding who built the home and how they built it will help you avoid unforeseen repair costs.  5 Key Factors to Consider Before Deciding to Buy or Build Your Dream Home in Belize 1. Budget Carefully analyze your entire budget: buying a home involves a fixed price plus closing costs and potential renovations, while building requires factoring in land purchase, labor, materials, and permits. 2. Timeline Consider how soon you need to move in and if time is a priority, buying a home may be the better option, as building can take six months or longer. 3. Location Preferences Think about whether you prefer a developed area with access to amenities or a more secluded spot that may require additional infrastructure. 4. Control vs. Convenience Ask yourself how much control you want over your home’s design and if customization matters to you, then building is ideal. If convenience is your top priority, buying might be the better path. 5. Long-Term Goals Are you purchasing for rental income, a vacation home, or permanent residence? Your goals may influence which option makes the most sense financially and logistically. Comparing Costs at a Glance Buying vs. Building in Belize FACTOR BUYING A HOME BUILDING A HOME COST Higher upfront cost Risk of budget overruns CUSTOMIZATION Limited Full control TIMELINE Faster Longer, variable RISK Potential unforeseen conditions Permitting delays and building process challenges EFFORT Low High Common Belize FAQs Q: Can foreigners buy property in Belize? A: Yes, foreigners can buy property with the same rights as nationals. Q: What is the average construction time for a home in Belize? A: The average construction time is ten months. Q : Is it cheaper to build or buy in Belize? A: It depends on location, material costs, and whether you manage the project efficiently. Q: Do I need a permit to build a home in Belize? A: Yes, permits are required, and an environmental assessment may be necessary for certain areas. So, Which Option is Better: Buying or Building? Deciding between buying or building a home in Belize hinges on your budget, timeline, goals, and priorities. If you want to move in to or rent the home quickly with minimal hassle, buying a home is the better fit. However, if you value customization, don’t mind waiting and are willing navigating the complexities of construction, building a home could be the more rewarding option. Ultimately, it is a subjective decision and the one that is right for you is the best option! Regardless of your decision, having the right knowledge to navigate your choice is essential. If you are determined to buy a home, then check out the post 5 Essential Tips for Expats Buying a Home in Belize . For a modern, turnkey home for sale in Belize, click here . If you plan to take on a from-scratch build, please look at my two-part post, The Ultimate Guide to Building a Home in Belize  and be sure to purchase Home in Good Hands: A Homeowner’s Guide to Construction and Renovation  to help you navigate the complexities of the home building process.  Moving to Belize and buying property is a positive and life-changing experience, offering the opportunity to embrace a different lifestyle in one of the most gorgeous countries on Earth. Whether you choose to buy a home or build from scratch, the journey is an opportunity to create a space that reflects your vision and supports your goals. With the right preparation, trusted professionals, and a coherent plan, your dream of owning a home in Belize can become a reality. No matter which path you take, enjoy the process and the adventure of making Belize your new home. Thanks for reading this! If you are interested in my other work, check out Simo's Substack , the Lili Art Blog , or my award-receiving self-published book . If you want to support this blog so I can continue providing valuable information on moving to Belize, consider subscribing or donating. And a special thanks to those readers who have shown their support; I appreciated it!

Life in Belize is an exciting blend of challenges and rewards. Packing up moving continents for a season each year or indefinitely has inherent challenges, as does life once you get here. Many people move to rid themselves of the problems in their home countries. That's all well and good, and Belize is a great option for those looking for more freedom. Yet, it's important to recognize that no country in the world is without problems, and you may simply swap old ones for new ones. Despite the innate challenges, moving to Belize can be a rewarding and positive life-changing experience. Moving here was not what I imagined, but I wouldn't change it. The key to surviving the move and settling into a new home  is to release attachment to outcomes, trust your gut, and respond to ‘problems’ with a positive attitude.  It's also important to remember that you are a guest here. Unless you take the time and effort to become a resident or citizen, it's not your place to complain, impose customs from back home, or attempt to change the country or its people. I'm not saying don't volunteer, participate in charity, or improve living conditions for local people. I'm simply saying don't attempt to force your way for your benefit. Unfortunately, there is a history of that in Belize and elsewhere. Put plainly, respect your host country, be grateful for their acceptance of you, and appreciate it for what it is.  I digress. Now that my rant is over let's explore some common features of expatriate life in Belize. In this sweeping guide, we'll cover everything from weather and safety to work permits and renewing visas—everything the aspiring expat should know and eventually experience. Is Belize a Third World Country? Some say Belize is a third-world  country , but that's an outdated term from the Cold War era, which is more political than economic. By contemporary terminology, a ‘third-world country’ is a developing or low-income country. According to the World Bank, Belize is an “upper middle-income country in Central America .” On the world stage, it's  classified as a developing country . The qualifier is the infrastructure, governmental, and bureaucratic systems, which aren't as established as those in the home countries of many expats. This is both a blessing and a curse. Since the GDP  is low compared to developed countries, the government isn't as well funded as those in Europe, Canada, and the US. As such, they don't have as much reach. Belize isn't your typical “big brother” state; to some, that's good. For this reason, many Belizeans I speak to feel they have more freedom than their northern, developed neighbours.  On the other hand, attempting to get anything done- cue the under-your-breath profanities- like getting a driver's license, receiving your land title certificate, or applying for a work permit, are often time-consuming and dirt-kicking experiences. You must exercise extreme patience in daily life, with Gandhi-esque resolve, to accomplish ‘routine’ tasks. However, the daily ‘hiccups’ can lend well to a slower pace of life if you choose to see it that way. The country may be landbound, but ‘island time’ is alive and well in Belize. Belizean Economy Belize is part of CARICOM , a fifteen-member, intergovernmental community of Caribbean nations. Belize actively participates in various CARICOM initiatives, including trade agreements, joint economic projects, and cultural exchanges, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of the Caribbean community. Through its membership in CARICOM, Belize strengthens its ties with fellow Caribbean nations and reinforces its commitment to regional integration and cooperation. Belize exports various goods, including seafood, wood, sugarcane, and bananas. However, tourism is its primary industry and main source of income. Borders, Infrastructure & Shopping Borders There are only two official borders in the country: one in the north with Mexico and the other in the northwest with Guatemala. As a result, all imports, which are many things in Belize, come through these two places. For the most part, entering and exiting into Belize is easy. When exiting the country, it helps if you speak Spanish.  Expat Shopping in Belize There are no big box stores or international chains in Belize. Grocery shopping, especially in the south, can be pricey and frustrating as product availability is sometimes limited. This challenge is overcome with patience and the understanding that a ‘one-stop shop’ isn't a thing here. You will save yourself from many headaches by accepting that you must visit multiple stores to find everything you need. The bonus is that you will increase your knowledge of the area in which you reside and the likelihood of meeting new people. If malls, convenience, and the on-demand nature of North American life are your thing, Belize is not  for you. On the other hand, if you prefer slow living (except for driving, of course), shopping in independent stores, and perusing markets, you'll fit right in.  Shipping to Belize Many cities have everything you need to live comfortably with the caveat that there will be an increased time to find everything. Again, those looking for a slower pace of life will find this part of Belize's charm. Mailing and receiving packages is commonplace but not to home addresses. Mail is picked up at a post office or a designated third-party location. Items from Amazon and other online stores are available through companies like Belizean Queen , who will import and deliver goods to your door for a premium. Others, like Arrow Freight , require you to pick up your items or arrange a third-party delivery service.  If you bring personal belongings into the country by shipping a container, you will need a customs broker and must pay duty on the contents. This can be pricey but depending on the items and your budget, it can be worth shipping items into Belize. Many expats do this, though the availability of more fashionable furniture and appliances has improved. Living with the Roads in Belize The roads here are a mix of paved and dirt. Major routes are paved and maintained, while many side roads are not. Most highways are in good condition and routinely maintained, and new roads are constantly under construction. If you read a description of an “all-weather road,” prepare for a bumpy ride. Many side roads ("off road" roads) get flooded, washed out or seriously potted during rainy season. A four wheel drive vehicle is recommended. There is a lot of development here, with many commercial and residential construction projects underway. This is one of the many reasons Belize is a great place to invest and live. Schools There are both public and private options available for school-aged children. Public schools are free and mandatory for children six to fourteen. Private schools, called International Schools, are found in established expat areas and are believed to provide a higher standard of education but at an annual cost per child.  Health Care The healthcare system in Belize is a blend of public and private services. Public healthcare is provided by the Ministry of Health and Wellness through a network of hospitals, health centers, and clinics nationwide. While these services are affordable and accessible to Belizean citizens and expats, they may vary in quality and availability. The private healthcare sector, consisting of hospitals, clinics, and medical professionals, offers higher standards of care and quicker access to services for those who can afford it. The best medical care is found in Belize City. Although I do not have any personal experience with them, many expats have said that Belize Medical Associates provides top-notch care. I do have experience with St. Luke private hospital in Belmopan and recieved adequate care, standards of Canada. Expatriates often opt for private healthcare due to its higher quality and reliability. Belize continues investing in and making improvements to its healthcare system. For expatriates looking to receive the best care Belize can provide, it is recommended that you visit Belize City or Belmopan. Returning to one’s home country is commonplace for anything serious or life-threatening. An Expat Health Insurance plan is a viable option to provide peace of mind while living in Belize. Providers like AXA Global  and others offer foreigners living abroad a range of coverage options. Depending on your coverage, expect to pay $1200- $2000/person. School-aged children are typically a little less. There is a lot more to discuss, so stay tuned for Parts Two and Three in the coming days. If you need a change and are ready to move, The Green House by the Sea  is a stunning turnkey property in the heart of the fast-growing Maya Beach community in Placencia, Belize. Contact us today for more information or to book a showing. Thanks for reading! If you are interested in other works of mine, check out Simo's Substack , the Lili Art Blog , or my award winning self-published book . If you want to support this blog so I can continue to provide valuable information on Belize, consider donating, subscribing, or clicking an ad or two! Subscribe to the blog to never miss a post!

Digital Painting of Moho Caye by Lili Dauphinee I recently published this post on my wife’s blog , which I contribute to and help manage. While I realize the average person isn’t an internationally selling artist, the article provides sufficient insight into what it's like to start working remotely from Belize. When we decided to move here, she was apprehensive about how she would ship pieces to collectors and get the materials she needed. While she has managed to do both (with complications, of course), she also discovered additional hurdles that she couldn’t have anticipated before living here. So, with her permission, I want to share them with you in hopes it’ll shed light on what you may face when attempting to start an international business or remote work role in Belize. As always, I’d love to hear about your experiences, plans, or any questions you have. Enjoy! ***originally published on lilidauphinee.com *** Several years ago, Lili and I moved our entire family from Canada to Belize . In search of more family time and a simpler way of life, we sold our house and many of our belongings, shipping what remained overseas. With two toddlers and two dogs, we took a deep breath and stepped into the abyss, not knowing how the next chapter of our lives would unfold in an unfamiliar part of the world. While we love our new home base—Belize is a country with breathtaking natural beauty and kind, welcoming people—and we don't regret moving, simplicity isn't exactly what we found.  Becoming an internationally collected artist from a developing country hasn't been easy for Lili. Doing so from anywhere isn’t a simple task, and taking on such a momentous career change as she has revealed many unforeseen challenges. The old adage “you don’t know what you don’t know” rings loud and clear for her. She simply couldn’t have anticipated the unknown challenges of a professional art career in a place like Belize.  So, with Lili’s permission, I want to share some of the challenges she faces (as I see them) as we put down roots in the wonderful yet challenging and often confusing tropical beachside community we’ve called home. Challenge #1: Getting Supplies What’s a Painter Without Paint?  One of the biggest challenges for being an artist in Belize is access to quality art supplies. Without them, she can’t work her magic. Back in Canada, Lili had access to innumerable suppliers, from large chains like Michael’s (the equivalent to Jerry’s Artarama in the US) to smaller boutique stores like Above Ground in Toronto. Nothing like that exists here in Belize. There are some basic paint supplies at the office supply store in Placencia Village and a similar store in Belmopan (which round trip essentially takes an entire day). But, they are more for the crafts side of the art industry and not what a professional fine artist would use. Lili’s only option is to order supplies online using the delivery address of a Belizean logistics company in Miami, where they are boxed and loaded into a shipping container and imported into Belize. The process takes 4-6 weeks, depending on how quickly the supply store ships the order and whether it makes it into a container before the doors are sealed. If she misses a cut-off, the supplies must wait at the logistics company’s depot until the next shipment leaves. After such a lengthy process, items are often damaged or missing, with no recourse or process for reclaiming the missing items or receiving a refund.  Challenge #2: Shipping Paintings to Collectors Will They Get There? And at What Cost? Another significant hurdle for the fine artist in Belize is shipping out sold paintings to their rightful owners. While she’s discovered this is possible and has been shipping out paintings for the better part of a year now, it took some time to find the best method and to get over some initial fears and apprehensions—which are warranted. One method for exporting her works is through private postal services like DHL and FedEx. While these companies have reliable and established supply chains and processes, they are very expensive—sending an 8 ½ x 11 manila folder can cost upwards of 125 USD! In lieu of this, she has opted to use the national postal service to keep shipping costs reasonable. While she’s generally had a good experience with the Belizean postal office—usually driving the packaged paintings to Belmopan, the nation’s capital, to receive optimal service—we have recently encountered problems when using the local branch. Paintings, just sitting there for weeks Anyone who purchased a painting in her recent drops has probably received an email from a frustrated and embarrassed Lili: the outgoing paintings just sat for weeks before they were processed and sent out. No explanation was provided other than a vague excuse about “not having stickers.” In reality, it's more likely a case of “island time.” FYI: Placencia is a peninsula but is colloquially referred to as an island because life here reflects that of one—everything is shipped in, access to essentials can be limited at times, we are surrounded by water (in three directions), and there is an accepted slower pace to life. Recently, she has opted to use the local post office because she is getting busy— overwhelmed, really—with publicity opportunities, gallery shows, and demand for paintings and commissions, so making the round trip to Belmopan (which takes a full day as previously mentioned) isn’t practical under the current circumstances.  Challenge #3: Heat and Humidity Just a ‘Lil Hot and Bothered with Remote Work in Belize Up until recently, this hasn't been a huge issue, but it's posing a considerable challenge to get paintings out in a timely manner. There are two main seasons in Belize: dry and rainy. This past dry season was very dry, and it extended into an abnormally dry rainy season—at least for the first two-thirds of it. When the rains finally came, they poured, and the country has seen a consistently high volume of precipitation. Don’t get me wrong, we welcome the rains as they break the intense Caribbean heat, fill our cisterns—the main water source for our home is rain catchment—and are great for the local flora, but they create a humid environment in her studio. While she manages it well with the use of fans, the relative humidity increases the dry time of the medium Lili uses: oil paint. She estimates that paintings are taking 2-3x longer to dry under the current conditions. Thankfully, this is a temporary concern as we approach another dry season. The heat is also a challenge at times, especially during May and August, two of the hottest months in Belize. This year was particularly hot, with record heat countrywide. Temperatures upwards of 45°C (113°F) were common this past year, which makes working in her unairconditioned studio uncomfortable. The only saving grace is that her workspace is concrete and cinderblock, which keeps things cooler. She is also spared from the direct heat of the day with east and north-facing windows that are shaded during noon- 3 pm, the hottest period of the day. Challenge #4: Studio Pests Drop-in Guests Lili has yet to open her studio to the public, but this hasn’t deterred guests from regular pop-ins. Belize is home to exotic creatures and many of them regularly take up residence in her work space. She almost always has the watchful eyes of green geckos monitoring her creative process, motionless on an adjacent wall or on the ceiling, unmoving except for the lick of the lips or the snap of the jaw while capturing prey. While they tend to deposit unpleasant birdlike turds around the window ledges, they are actually a benefit to have around: snatching up an endless buffet of pests like mosquitos and noseeums. The gecko poops are evidence of their determination and unwavering support.  Come sunset, the biting bugs emerge, but thankfully, this time coincides with the end of her day, so she is never at their mercy for too long.  Occasionally, Lili will get a monarch butterfly or unique moth to join her in the studio, whose presence often turns into sparks of inspiration or a moment of gratitude for nature’s muses. Juxtaposing the beauty of the butterfly is the fear-inducing scorpion. While we thankfully do not encounter as many as other foreigners we know, they are still a regular fixture in her studio. Lili sounds the alarm, and pest control—yours truly—gets to work on removing the formidable creature. Thankfully, they aren’t too shy and leave you plenty of opportunity to catch them as they remain motionless until otherwise provoked. One must be exacting in their movement, for if you miss or flinch, they are hard to catch when on the run. As annoying as these pests can be, the raw Belizean nature offers beautiful moments of connection with local fauna. Exotic birds perch in neighbouring trees or on our roof, agoutis and iguanas wander through our yard, hummingbirds hover at our feeders and flowering plants, and we even see the odd croc or two in the canal that borders our backyard. I can't say we were this close to nature back in Canada, and it’s special. Challenge #5: No Fine Art Scene It’s International or Nothin’ Caribbean culture, with its vibrant primary and secondary colours, has a significant presence in Belize. Local artists produce a plethora of works, from the painted masks of the Maya and leather drums of the Garinagu (aka Garifuna) to the charming underwater scenes of the peninsula artists; there is no shortage of art to purchase. As great as it is, much of the work has a tourist industry slant, and the market for fine, abstract art is absent here in Placencia and Belize at large. After a trip to Bacalar, Mexico, nearly a year ago , it became evident that the fine side of the art industry has yet to emerge in Belize as it has there. There is nothing wrong with that per se; it just poses another challenge for someone like Lili, in which that type of art is her proverbial bread and butter. As a result, Lili's modus operandi is international recognition and sales. A lot of her time—admittedly more than she’d like—is spent digitally networking, promoting her work and drops on social media, and updating her website to appeal to her clientele, people like you, the reader, who are interested in the finer things in art. Thanks for reading, by the way. While you’re here, be sure to check out Lili’s collections page . So, for now, the international art scene is where she’ll reside, at least until a modern art scene develops here.   Challenges Equal Growth, and Growth is Good Regardless of the inherent challenges of being an international artist in Belize, life is good. Yes, you can't buy adequate art supplies here, but she gets them; it’s frustrating and worrisome to ship finished works out of the country, but she manages to do it; insects and other creatures can be a bother, but they also provide her a source of connection with nature; the heat and humidity increase dry-times but she’s adapting; and it's true that there isn't a fine art scene here but she's found an international one and who knows, maybe her presence here will attract one.  Despite the challenges, it's all good. Lili chalks most of it up to personal growth, a task to which she is equally devoted. She's learned to stay calm and trust in herself and in the universe—that it has the best in mind for her. And I think that’s a valuable lesson for us all. Thanks for reading! If you are interested in other works of mine, check out Simo's Substack , the Lili Art Blog , or my award receiving self-published book . If you want to support this blog so I can continue providing valuable information on Belize, consider donating, subscribing, or clicking an ad. And a special thanks to those readers who have shown their support; it is greatly appreciated!!