Digital Nomads in Belize
More digital nomads are arriving to Belize these days. This Caribbean country, famous for its stunning coral reef, is slowly getting discovered for the hidden gem it is! Still, not everyone is familiar with Belize, so let’s take a look at what makes it a great base for remote workers. Think affordable prices, great nightlife with tons of beach bars, and ease of communication with English as the official language. On top of that, U.S. dollars are accepted throughout Belize. Belize is one of the best countries for digital nomads thanks to its inexpensive cost of living, white sandy beaches, and tropical climate year-round.
Reasons to Visit Belize
First, Belize is relatively affordable. Interested in lobster for breakfast, lunch and dinner? I’d say you can do that for roughly $45 USD a day. That’s one lobster dinner in the States. Don’t quote me on it though, market prices change. Food quality here is great as well as prices. Rooms can vary in price depending on location and niceness (obviously). Gas prices are about $7 USD a gallon (2023). Utilities like water are affordable while electricity is rather high. Local beer and rum drinks are $3 USD a drink at bars. It depends on what expenses and interests you have, but you can have a great quality of life in Belize on a modest US salary.
Second, the locals in Belize are friendly as hell. I’ve literally been offered the shirt off this dude’s back when I said it looked cool. The language is English, so it is easy to navigate and speak with everyone in the country. You’ll also find pockets of expats in any region you go to. You can socialize as much or as little as your heart desires. You’ll leave feeling like you have a new family if you spend an extended period of time in the country. There is a warm feeling that comes with entering your local bar and many people welcoming you by name. That’s the atmosphere of Belize.
Third, it is a tropical paradise. From sandy beaches to lush jungles, Belize has many environments to keep you entertained. Cities to look into as remote workers in Belize are Placencia, San Ignacio, and San Pedro. Placencia and San Ignacio are located in mainland Belize. You can be active in water sports, hiking, and take up new hobbies all over the country. Interested in learning about Mayan healing techniques? Someone can teach you!
Digital Nomads and Remote Workers in Belize
Belize is experiencing a surge in the number of remote workers in recent years, with digital nomads from all over the world flocking to this Caribbean paradise. The major towns in Belize offer a variety of accommodation options for long-term stays, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious villas and Airbnbs. You know your comfort level and budget and Belize has something for everyone.
If you want to stay as little as a few days to as long as a few months, it is easy in Belize. No traveling and border hops required, just visit one of our immigration offices around the country to stay longer. Some expats living in Belize have been on tourist visas for years.
One important aspect for digital nomads is the internet connectivity and availability. Belize offers great internet connectivity. It has improved significantly in recent years countrywide. Whether you’re staying in San Pedro or visiting another location in Belize, you’ll be able to stay connected and get your work done. Disclaimer: smaller, more remote villages are not included in this. Disclaimer 2: We do have power outages a handful of times a year.
Proximity to the United States for Digital Nomads
Unlike other far-flung destinations popular with digital nomads, Belize is only a few hours away from the United States. This benefit for American and Canadian remote workers and digital nomads can show up in multiple ways:
Travel time is short and sweet. Take a flight to one of major U.S. cities such as Houston, Dallas, Miami, or Denver. Major carriers such as United, Delta, and American Airlines conduct weekly non-stop flights to Belize from different destinations in the United States. This makes Belize a popular option among digital nomads from the United States. Then travel anywhere within the country in less than 4 hours from the airport.
Work schedule is on the same or similar time zone, no waking up at 3 AM to start your job. Belize is -6 CST but does not practice daylight saving time.
Want to explore the Latin America region? Belize is not a good hub to fly in and out of, but be on the lookout for flights. You can either travel to and between neighboring countries using buses and land routes or choose to fly. You can find affordable flights from Mexico starting with Chetumal, Mexico or Cancun, Mexico as your starting point. By crossing into Mexico in Corozal, Belize you can easily find cheaper flights than in Belize. Our local airlines Tropic Air offers direct flights to Honduras and Cancun as well!
If you are looking to stay in Belize for an extended time, there are a couple of ways to go about it, and we are going to take a look at them in this article.
Belize Remote Work Visa / Tourist Visa
American and Canadian tourists are allowed to stay in Belize without a visa for 30 days as tourists.
However, if you want to stay in Belize for an extended period, you can easily apply for its tourist visa that is valid for 30 days at an immigration office.
Those visitors who are planning to stay longer than 30 days, can renew their visa monthly for a flat fee of 100 USD. The process itself is quick and simple and there is even an immigration office in San Pedro. If you decide to stay, you could look into residency.
San Pedro - a Hub for Digital Nomads
San Pedro is the main town on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in the country that stretches for 25 miles in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. The island offers the most for the remote workers who want the beach, the marine life, and the Belize Barrier Reef. It also offers a great internet connection – a critical aspect for digital nomads who often prefer to work from beachfront properties.
Digital nomads in San Pedro enjoy tons of amazing activities such as snorkeling and diving in one of the best locations in the world. And the mainland Belize with its stunning Mayan ruins, lush jungles, and waterfalls makes for a perfect adventure getaway during your days off.
Besides its natural wonders and plenty of outdoor activities, Ambergris Caye also offers top-notch cuisine. For example, the town boasts many restaurants from upscale French cuisine to delicious delis, and authentic sushi restaurant and Belizean specialties. Whatever your taste buds crave, you can most likely find it in San Pedro restaurants. There are little shops for buying anything you forgot, although rates may be higher for purchasing things like electronics.
On top of that, you can easily connect with other remote workers. San Pedro has a significant digital nomad community, and you don’t have to wait a long time to make friends. For example, San Pedro has several bars and restaurants with nightly activities to start mingling at. Head over to any dive shop or restaurant, and you’re sure to get to talking to people. Overall, it’s easy to make friends in Belize, as locals are friendly and welcoming to visitors. There are international communities all over the country.
Visiting Belize? Stay with Drift Inn
Are you ready for an adventure in Belize? Look no further than Drift Inn. Our comfortable and affordable accommodations provide all the necessities for your trip, including premium mattresses, private bathrooms, A/C, hot water, and WIFI. Plus, our convenient location on the island or in Cayo puts you just steps away from the beach and easy access to all major tour sites.
But we don’t just offer a place to rest your head. Drift Inn is a community of travelers who live to explore and make new connections. Our staff can organize tours and excursions, from trips to the Blue Hole to golf cart or car rental. And with opportunities to meet other guests at the bar, participating in tours, and gathering for live music, you’ll never be short of company. So, book your stay with Drift Inn and start planning your Belizean dream adventure today.