Buying a car in Belize or bring one in with me ?

The broker helped all he could, this was a 5 hr process, and I sure wasn't going to let him make any decisions for me.

Had the whole thing been handled in the proper way, I should have been able to bring the car in toll free.

Belize claims people will bring old cars here and just dump them when they leave, I can see their point of view.

Yeah its nice to have enough money to ship your car in, sorry I couldn't afford that.

Hello,

My name is Jack, and my fiance is Tracy. We are expats and have been living in Ecuador for the last four years. I would like to thank all of you who have taken the time to post here. Your timely information is invaluable. We are thinking strongly about relocating to Belize. We have already gone through the "3rd world" culture shock, and adjustment. We have been researching Belize for some time now, and forums like this one are so important. There is nothing like first hand, boots on the ground information. I will continue to lurk, and I hope you won't mind. Now that I have registered, I may even ask a question now and then. If anyone reading this has the slightest curiosity about Ecuador, I like to think I might have something intelligent to offer. Please feel free to ask anything.

Thank you all again,

Jack

Hello Jack, this is a little off the subject, but what has been your impression of Ecuador? I have never been there, but I know that there is a growing expat community in the country.

Hey Hawk. Me and my girl are considering driving through Mexico to get to Belize. Just wondering about your experience in driving down? We would be coming down on a very tight budget! Also have you had a chance to mingle with any of the expat communities.? We are hoping to find a nice community with similar like minded folks close to the water... Any information would be greatly appreciated! That in advance...

This info is very true! While traveling through the northwestern part of Guatemala, I fully emerged myself into their culture, Wanting to live just the way they do there. In our move to Beize, I want the exact same, shedding away the way of life here in the states. While many want to move to Belize for the laid back life, I want to move for that as well but also to have a more rich life, which is found through living in a different culture and experiencing life through the eyes of others.

A&D inc. wrote:

Hey Hawk. Me and my girl are considering driving through Mexico to get to Belize. Just wondering about your experience in driving down? We would be coming down on a very tight budget! Also have you had a chance to mingle with any of the expat communities.? We are hoping to find a nice community with similar like minded folks close to the water... Any information would be greatly appreciated! That in advance...

I pulled a small trailer when I came down. I entered in Nogales 2400 mile drive. It cost me more than I had figured, there is a toll to pay at every town.

Make sure you have a map, plot your trip around all the big cities. The cops stand by the road and look for American plates (not a joke). You will also have military check points...not a big deal just show your passport.

If you decide to drive through Texas to enter Mexico, make sure you enter early in the morning (like Brownsville) that way you are miles into Mexico before the crooks wake up. I would actually suggest you enter at Laredo.

I had posted somewhere earlier, there are no secrets in Corozal. I spend a lot of my time with Belizeans. The hobby of expats extends to gossip about everyone and everybody. I actually heard what has been said about me today. Its so far from the truth to be laughable.

There are great people here willing to help new comer's out, its just a matter of finding your way, and picking your own friends.

EDIT here: I came back to add...you said you are on a tight budget. I could help you find a cheap apartment, but they will ask for 1st last and a damage deposit. That can eat your money up fast.

How well do you all think an old ford expedition would do down there?

Hi,
I just read your blog and I am moving to Ambergris Caye, hopefully soon , at least part time for now. It's my understanding that you cannot bring a car onto the island, but you can drive to the mainland. I would like to know about the modular homes though if you get any feedback. In the meantime, I will speak with a couple of realtors living there and see what they know.

Regards,
Marcie

wow you guys are really informative some people cant answer anything but i find you all very smart what kind of advice would you give a lady of 52 yrs of age wanting to move to Belize not every being there I love the laid back life and have seen your markets on line which look to die for slow paced and very patient, wishing to volunteer and maybe open up a small business would like to be able to get to town to the market not really a shopper just food and get to the bank  walking distance or or public transportation i don't mind  would appreciate all kind and supportive comments please thank you so kindly...***

There are many many lifestyles in Belize, not sure what you are looking for.

There are communities of just expats, I myself live in town.

I think you should do some in depth research, decide where you think you would like to be. Then come back and ask about that location or locations.

Then you might want to come down for a couple of weeks, sit down face to face with some people and get all the info.

well thank you i heard and don't know if it's true that you cant be coming in and out of Belize, my life style is really just doing my sewing and maybe my cats i breeds Persians and a garden in the yard and volunteer for others i do church a lot or things for them, even here in Tennessee that is all i do and enjoy every minute of it, really not much of anything I am alone and Happy being that way I sew and make things to sell,Love to talk to people pretty simple life style don't want to change anyone,I love the water  hope this helps a little in my life style..thank you..Libby

I live in Corozal, its a laid back lifestyle for most, but we do have our movers and shakers here.

The Hotel Maya is always full of Missionary's that work with the Indians.

You can sell your items only to expats, otherwise you need a work permit.

You can come and go in Belize all you want I have heard of no restrictions.

People who like the Casino's leave and come back daily, you can go to Chetumal when ever you like.

Just to be a bit more specific on working/volunteering. On a tourist visa you are not allowed to work for or without pay, no matter if it's for expats or not. Although it is possible to get a work or volunteer permit.

....there's no law in Belize that stops you from selling personal items.

You can even list them on this site.

I'm an Artist if I do a painting it belongs to me...you come to my house I might just sell it to you.

I need a pillow it belongs to you, I come visit I need a pillow, you might sell it to me. Simple as that!!!!

Once a month they have an Artist sale in the middle of town. You can sell all your arts and crafts there, nothing illegal about it.

Need to jump back to the thread topic : how would an older model ford expedition do as a vehicle for Belize? I might be buying one this week....

TEAMHEISLER, You can get a better response to your question if you provide more details. Year, # of cylinders, transmission, projected use in Belize, area you will use the vehicle in. Small pickups are very popular, Toyota, Mazda, Ford Rangers, etc. Diesel motors are common. Fuel is expensive so 4cylinder vehicles are preferred. The QRP program has specific rules on vehicle imports but I am not familiar with them. Generally vehicles take a beating in Belize.

This is page 2 of this thread, page one has a lot of the info there. I drove in a 1990 caddy, some of the problems are explained on page 1

Mrlee: it's a 5.4L v8, 4wd. We have a family of six so we need the room It's nothing flashy which is want I want. We are a no frills family

Hawk, sorry I must of missed that info. Sorry! Wasn't trying to be snarky just wanted assistance before I make a big decision. Two of our family are coming down within the next month with the rest of u in tow hopefully around Christmas if all goes well on their visit thanks!!

I just thought I'd point out you could find some answers there. Then come back and ask about anything that was still confusing.

I just noticed someone wanting to start this thread from scratch, when some of that ground had already been covered.

I lived it...I drove an older model car into Belize, I know exactly what happened, what it takes to get an older car in here. What it takes to cross Mexico, what it takes to bring a dog across 2 borders.

I personally know some of the people posting here. I have helped 1/2 a dozen people after they have arrived here. Its because I don't have a life lol

There's another guy from NC arriving here on the 30th. I helped him book his room, and then I plan on hooking him up with the right people.

A lady showed up 2 weeks ago walked into blues where I was having a beer. I helped her find a nice 2 bedroom apartment within her budget. I live in town and I have the time to help.

Hawk:
I'd definitely like to meet and get to know you when Linda and I come down in March. We'll be returning again in June after our house is completed in Royal Colony Estates.   RICK

Here's my e-mail...I'm always up for a pizza and Beer, and I know where the best Pizza's at:)

[email protected]

Since reading more about duty fees, I think I will pass on the ford expedition. We are "planning" on living up around Corozal if all goes as planned but who knows. A small truck is in my sights, thanks for the advice md info!

Hey guys,
I plan to drive down to Ambergris Caye from Florida,  where I've been 2xs and love it ..I'm an avid diver. I understand however that I cannot take my car onto the island so plan to leave it in the airport in Belize City. I was told there was no charge. It also looks like I'll be traveling alone with my dog. Any suggestions or advice.

Thanks,
Marcie

Thanks for the links on house building!!! Fabulous thank you thank you!

Airport Parking lot charges BZ$4/ visit.
Like mentioned in some previous postings small 4 cylinder vehicles  have a lower duty. Duty is much higher for SUV with 8 cylinders .
Customs officer has some flexibility to lower duty for any defect of the vehicle. Vehicle should be in good condition before you import. Good mechanics are hard to find.