[DAVID L.]

Joe,
I would suggest the San Pedro area on Ambergrist Caye. Ann would have more details on the social life since we live north of Corozal in Consejo..
David

[DAVID L.]

It is my understanding that the crate must be an approved container. I would check with the airlines providing make, model, size and weight. They are the ones accepting the responsibility for the animal. There are requires about the dog being able get up and turn around. Also they need an attached source of water. We were concerned at the airport that once checked in, we still needed to go through TSA. (TSA came to us.) Our dog had to be removed so the crate could be checked. Then the dog put back in (which was, for us, the second miracle of the day. The first was getting her in there in the first place.) Then the crate needs to be zip tied (you provide the zip ties) so that the crate and door cannot be re-opened. All I can say is to book as early a flight as possible. That gives you time to correct any problems. And, there are only a certain number of crates allowed in checked baggage. So, if you are early, you get one of those spots.

David

[DAVID L.]

We just brought our dog, Dolly, into Belize. After 3 years of visiting and purchasing a home in Consejo, this trip was our permanent move (read – we bought one-way tickets!).

Our dog, a 70 lb. Yellow Lab, is not near the size of the “small horse” you are looking to bring. While you do have to make sure your paperwork is in order from the vet, shots current and recent, and an import permit has been issued by BAHA (Belize agricultural and animal control), this is relatively easy and the Belizean officials on the phone and at the airport are very accommodating. The BIG problem is the airlines. You must have crate big enough for the dog AND they must have a plane that can handle that size crate. Delta, United and American are your best bets. Their websites do contain the size restriction by airplane type. One of your many jobs will be to check the airplane model for your trip (including connecting flights) and compare those models against any size restriction for that type of plane.

In addition, there is a temperature band that must be met the day you plan the fly. When we flew Dolly, we were concerned that we would may exceed the high limit of 85 degrees either in Belize or any connecting stops. I know there is a low threshold, also. It took us about 1 ½ hours to check Dolly in at the airport – a lot of paperwork. We also told the fight crew that we were traveling with our dog and they confirmed for us that she was on the plane. They were surprised that we haven’t gotten a text message from her (that was flight attendant humor).

The other thing is to be careful about terminology. “Air Cargo” is one thing and “Checked Baggage” is another. Delta does not do “Air Cargo” into Belize but does do “Checked Baggage”. American does both. Who knew? Air Cargo is expensive. Dolly flew as checked baggage.

I think traveling through Mexico is doable. Of course, that is being said by someone who choose not to do it! You’ll have two border crossing with an animal. Mexican hotels that accommodate dogs are difficult to find. You may wind up sleeping in your car with your dog. Only you can determine if that is desirable or not!

If you want to discuss over the phone, let us know. We have a MagicJack number which means no international fees for either of us.

Hope this helps. Good luck with investigations and trip,

David and Lynn

[DAVID L.]

I suspect that if the sea levels truly rise 3 to 9 feet, a lot of us are in trouble.

[DAVID L.]

I believe that duty varies by item, like, tools, vehicles, stationary appliances (ceiling fans, toilets, etc.) versus non-stationary appliances (washing machines, refrigerators, etc.), etc. I think a lot of it is at the discretion of the customs official. As a side note, be careful what you try to bring in. For example, state-side wood furniture generally does not fare well in ‘tropical’ climates. It is not expensive to have furniture made locally using local wood. Food item also generally cannot be brought in. Certainly, no alcohol (except for a couple bottles of wine). As Ann stated above, getting a good broker is very wise decision.

[DAVID L.]

We stayed at Maya Beach Hotel. Nice place with a great restaurant. right on the water. Just outside Placencia (but, then again, everything is just outside Placencia since it is a village). Check the sand flies. I believe they are more intense during certain periods. The Maya Beach Hotel keeps their sand raked so it is less of a problem. Enjoy.

[DAVID L.]

Where do you want to locate – North, South, Cayes? That would help determine the appropriate rental arrangement. However, wherever you stay, the rest of Belize is just a short regional plane ride away, as measured in minutes.

[DAVID L.]

We are getting ready to move to Belize, soon (actually, not soon enough!). We purchased a house in Consejo. I have applied and been approved for the QRP program. I have not paid the $1000 fee yet since you have only one year to move your domestic goods to Belize from the time you are officially enrolled in the program.

We are selling as much as possible in the States. One, because we have too much stuff! Two, because certain things do not fare well in the tropics. Remember that you cannot import food items or alcohol (like many bottles of wine) and, interestingly, you’ll pay duty on permanent fixtures (like ceiling fans, toilets, etc.) but not movable items (refrigerator, kitchen appliances, clothing, etc.). We will be using a professional mover into Belize (trough Belize City). The mover will create the inventory which must be at the QRP office several weeks in advance. Remember, you must have a clear title for your car (no liens) to bring it into Belize under QRP.

Mexico creates its own set of challenges. We know multiple people who have come through Mexico with varying degrees of ease or turmoil. Map out your route with places to stay during your travel. You will be questioned going into and out of Mexico, as well as, entering Belize. We know one couple that spent 3 days trying to get out Mexico at the border.
I totally agree with Ann. Know your QRP rules (enforcement will vary), talk to the people at the QRP official (they are very helpful), and get a broker to help.
There is paperwork to get your QRP. From start to finish it took us about 2 months to get approval. Most of the time was spent on my side getting the paperwork together.

Good Luck.

[DAVID L.]

Hi everyone,

I am sorry that I am late to this conversation. We have been traveling (Belize for the month of May, Virginia for a week then to San Antonio and finally home to NC).

Two years ago, we toured Belize from the south to the north. We decided on Consejo (north of Corozal) as our place. Major reasons were: less traffic (no resort traffic), closeness of Mexico for shopping, medical care and visiting, a significantly less cost of living (even for Belize) than other places in Belize, and easier traveling (and exit in case of really bad weather).
We did purchase a home in Belize and we will move permanently as soon as our house sells in the States sells.

[DAVID L.]

Hi everyone,

I am sorry that I am late to this conversation. We have been traveling (Belize for the month of May, Virginia for a week then to San Antonio and finally home to NC).

We have no issues using AIBL (except when the BOA stop being the corresponding bank – but BOA did that to multiple banks. AIBL was very good about keeping us informed of the status). We have an account with Charles Schwab which performs wire transfers to Belize through Puerto Rico. Of special note, the wire transfer is considered domestic (don’t ask me!) Anyway, the transfer only takes 2 to 3 days because it is classified as domestic. Schwab charges $25US and the bank in Puerto Rico charges $35US per transfer. Also, AIBL does not accept personal checks. However, Atlantic Bank does with a 22 day waiting period.

This is what I understand and have experienced. It may or may not be reality. Good luck with your experience.

Warning: Anyone considering opening a local account, like at Atlantic Bank (not to be confused with Atlantic International Bank), there is a new form required by the Central Bank. It is Exchange Control Permission form. Apparently, in order to keep the conversion rate pegged at $1.00US to $2.00BZ they have to restrict the opening of new local accounts by EXPAT’s. This form should be part of the package of a home purchase. It seems to be relatively easy to get from the Central Bank – at least for now. Just a word to the wise.

[DAVID L.]

Scott, if you are interested in Consejo (just north of Corozal and just south of Mexico), let us know. We be there for the month of April.

David and Lynn

[DAVID L.]

Harry, When my wife and I toured Belize decided where to buy and live permanently, we travelled from Placencia to San Pedro via Tropic Air. We flew from Placencia to Belize City (International Airport) then to San Petro. You can drive, once on the main land, but that would be involve renting a car traveling on unfamiliar roads with their own set of conditions, rules and regulations. We are slowly expanding our comfort zone (Corozal to Chetumal, Mexico; Corozal to Orange Walk/Belize City). Hope this helps. David

[DAVID L.]

John, this is more about the dogs than about rentals….

We also have a dog that we are bringing with us when we move permanently to Mayan Seaside, just north of Corozal. While Belize seems easier on dog regulations than other countries, there are still certain requirements, like a health certificate from a vet and certain shots. There are forms necessary (aren’t there always!). BAHA is the Belizean government source that we rely on. In addition, airlines have certain restriction, like outside temperature of the departing, connecting and arrival airports if the dogs are traveling air cargo with you. I am sure that you know more about this than I do.

In addition, I am not sure how you are getting to Placencia, but if you are flying, I would also check with Tropic Air or Maya Air for their requirements.

Hope this helps,
David

[DAVID L.]

Hi Francis,

I just recently became a QRP’er. It took me about 2 months to complete the process. The paperwork is not onerous, but it does take time to get everything lined up including an HIV Test. (Our family doctor said he would do it but we would better off just ordering a kit online for privacy. Something about reporting results to the insurance company and being flagged as requesting a test….). There is a fee you need to include with the application (I think it was $250US) and once approved, another $1000US plus $250US to complete the process. If you want to include your spouse, there is an additional fee. I am just going GRP and my wife, Lynn, is going for residency status. In addition, there is annual fee of $50 for QRP. It is also my understanding that with QRP, you don’t have to pay the Belizean exit fee every time you leave the country (visiting, shopping in Mexico, etc.)
That being said, I have not heard of a dollar limit. If there is one, it must be pretty high if you can bring in household goods, a newer car (less than 3 years old), a boat and an airplane).
Household goods are those items that are moveable. For example, a refrigerator is OK since it moves, cabinets would not be since they are attached to the wall, toilets are not since they are bolted to the floor.
As a side note, food (including wine and alcohol) is not allowed.
Things change, so it helps to keep up with them. And, QRP office has a toll free number (800) to call so you can talk to them directly.
Hope this helps,
David

[DAVID L.]

Be careful about shipping tanks to Belize (or anywhere for that matter). Moving companies won’t move gas (propane, etc.) tanks.

David

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