Do I need to own a car in Belize?
Macarena Rose - Rainforerst Realty
Often times people want to know if you need to own a vehicle in Belize because we have the public bus system, water taxis that take you to the islands and planes that go all throughout the country. (You can grab a plane to go anywhere in Belize, so you really do not need to have a car.)
If you want to have a car, then keep in mind that gas runs $5 a gallon. It is expensive putting gas into your vehicle, and yet your car insurance is going to run you probably...
Often times people want to know if you need to own a vehicle in Belize because we have the public bus system, water taxis that take you to the islands and planes that go all throughout the country. (You can grab a plane to go anywhere in Belize, so you really do not need to have a car.)
If you want to have a car, then keep in mind that gas runs $5 a gallon. It is expensive putting gas into your vehicle, and yet your car insurance is going to run you probably $150 to $250 a year, so there is a balance there.
If I didn’t have the business that I have here, I would still have a car because I like hopping in the car, and taking people with me. I like going to the Mayan Ruins and the butterfly farm and I want to go see my friends in the drumming village. I like driving to the airport and leaving my car there. Then I fly to the island. Therefore, I would absolutely like having a car in Belize because I like going to see all of these things. I like having the vehicle to put my stuff in and travel wherever I want to go.
Posted January 31, 2015
Belize Bobbi - Belize Paradise Tours
Whether or not you need to own a car in Belize depends on where you live. If you live on one of the islands (or cayes), there's no need for a car. A golf cart will get you everywhere you need to go. If you live on the mainland, you may need a car, but it depends on what you want to do and whether you live there part-time or year-round. If you live in Belize on a part-time basis, it may be more trouble and expense than it's worth to have a car there....
Whether or not you need to own a car in Belize depends on where you live. If you live on one of the islands (or cayes), there's no need for a car. A golf cart will get you everywhere you need to go. If you live on the mainland, you may need a car, but it depends on what you want to do and whether you live there part-time or year-round. If you live in Belize on a part-time basis, it may be more trouble and expense than it's worth to have a car there. While you are gone you will have to store the vehicle and have someone take care of maintenance, etc. Duty fees for bringing vehicles into the country can be high also, which means you may choose to purchase a vehicle that's already in Belize.
For year-round living, you probably would need some type of vehicle unless you live very close to a town and don't expect to travel much. Without a vehicle you would still have other options for transportation. There is a bus service in the country, taxis, shuttle services, etc. If you are traveling far away in the country, you could opt to take a flight with one of the local airlines. If you live near the water you may find that a boat can take you to many of the places you want to go. Many expats work together with each other to carpool into town and other places, and in the tight-knit communities folks will call or stop by your place and ask if you need anything from town if they know you do not have a vehicle. Lots of options are available and you just have to figure out what your individual needs will be.
Posted January 31, 2015