I have 10 years here and have just the opposite experience as Popeye and the other Belize haters. Belize is NOT the most expensive Caribbean country, it is the cheapest of the Caribbean and the most expensive of the Central American countries. I have never had any crime perpetrated on myself other than a bike being stolen. The percentages the naysayers use in describing the amount of crime, unhappy people, reasons for coming and going are pure fiction.
Belize is what you make of it. yes it is a 3rd world country with poor medical, but my lifestyle is far healthier than it was in the states.
Everyone does not have their hands out, I know a lot of hard working happy people who are trying to better themselves through education and work ethic.
There are people who will take you, just like everywhere. Rule 1...never pay anyone until a job is done or the titled product is in your hands . Do your due diligence, like you would anywhere. And finally, Kumbaya. Do unto others, you will reap what you sow. If you treat people like criminals, they will become criminals. if you draw a clear line in the sand about what you expect, they will either comply or go away.
That is my 2 cents, Now gimme a dollah .