Moving to Belize: Retired Belize Life

The Belize weather is sub-tropical. The Belize culture is very non-racist and liberal. The average per capita income in Belize is less than 6000 USD.  The retired life  in Belize is very peaceful.

The figures from the Belize Central Statistic Office in July 2005, prove that the population of the nation is fast rising and coming close to 300,000 permanent residents. This shows that the appeal and attraction of Belize is increasing per year.

Retired life in Belize

Belize has become a popular retirement destination due to the beautiful scenery, stunning climate, friendly people, tax advantages, proximity and good transport links with the United States and Mexico. The Retired Persons Incentive Program permits people to live 100% tax free. To qualify for this program, the individual can come from any country, must have a minimum age of 45 and should have a qualifying non-Belizean based income of minimum 2000 US dollars per month. This person may be subjected to some background checks. If the person is qualified, the family, personal effects and a means of transportation can be brought and maintained tax-free. Any income created from investments or business ventures would be tax free as long as they are not an output of Belizean economy.

These criteria are very simple to achieve and this is the reason that many Americans, British and North Europeans have retired in this cheap, sunny and beautiful tax haven. Real estate in Belize has very competitive prices. The initial communities are planning their settlement and are in the construction phase. Independent housing is available in the popular areas of Cayes, near Belize City as well as Northern Belize. These places are having a plethora of expatriates. The everyday cost of living due to water, electric, telephone etc. is at very reasonable prices. If local goods are purchased, the Belizean dollars would not accrue to a large value. However, the imported goods are exorbitant. It is easy to travel to Mexico or the United States. The intense wet season repels people from this area. However, this season is the cause that the country is lush and beautiful as well as rich in flora and fauna.

Cost of living in Belize

Belize has turned out to be one of the most exorbitant of the Central American nations. In 2004, the Gross Domestic Product has raised by 3.5%. However, inflation is increasing and this implies that the cost of living would increase. The tourism, agriculture and construction sector’s are progressing rapidly. This is very conducive towards economic growth. In the year 2005, the average per capita income was less than 6000 U.S. Dollars. A small flat in Belize City could be rented for about 1000 U.S. Dollars and a large house in the Cayo district for 300 U.S. Dollars. A piece of land had a cost of 5000 to 10000 U.S. Dollars. Some houses were priced at 25 U.S. Dollars per square foot. An ocean front property was estimated at 250,000 U.S. Dollars.

Belize weather

The weather in Belize is sub-tropical. The humidity is high, but infrequently oppressive. It is most felt in coastal areas. The mean annual humidity is 83% and is overcome by cool sea breezes. The coastal regions have southeast tradewinds at 10-13 knots. These are very consistent in July. The temperatures vary from 50 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit averaging 79. The mountains have a mean of 72. The Cayo district has about 125 rainy days per year, the Belize district about 171, the Stann district about 183 and Punta Gorda has more than 200.

Foods in Belize

The cooking methods are influenced by the Chinese, Creole, Mexican and European methods. Seafood or chicken and spices are the core of most Belizean foods. Some of the recipes are Barracuda, Beans and rice, Belizean Stew Chicken, Belizean Bake Chicken, Belizean Bake Fish, Belizean Chicken Stew , Ceviche, Belizean Scramble Eggs, Conch Fritters, Tortillas, Plantains and Potato Salad.

Belize culture

Belize is a Caribbean country rather than a Central American one. The people are very friendly and informal. Not greeting known people or failure to return a greeting is not considered proper. The society is fun-loving and not inclined to quarrel. It is thought apt to greet or make a friendly nod to strangers. Before starting a talk, a handshake is thought essential. Racism is not dominant in Belize. A locality may have different ethnic groups that co-exist without mixing. The inhabitants of Belize are cognizant about their clothing. They think it displays the level of their culture, taste and status. The contemporary trends from the  United States  are always held in high regard. English is the official language in this region. The actual language is a blend of English and Creole. Religious freedom exists in this nation. Catholics are 60 percent and Anglicans are 11 percent. Churches conduct a majority of schools and hence everybody is associated with some religion.

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Posted under Employment

Found your dream French Property? – Ten ways to make the move a success

Advice for those people dreaming the dream. You MUST consider these ten pearls of wisdom before you commit to that move to France.

"Human beings, who are almost unique in having the ability to learn from the experience of others, are also remarkable for their apparent disinclination to do so" – Douglas Adams

The Internet is peppered with tales of woe from people who followed their dream and moved to France in search of a better life, only to discover that things over here weren’t as advertised on ‘A Place in the Sun’. But why did they fail? And what can we learn from their experience? Here are ten things you have to consider before you take the plunge:

1 Consider the children – If they are pre-school age they will settle more easily, but older children will take longer to adapt to new friends, a new language and a different culture. They may not share your dream of a French idyll, and they could have you back on the boat quicker than you can say ‘wish we hadn’t sold our house’.

2 Choose the right place- Yes that old farmhouse in the middle of nowhere is beautiful, but what do you really want out of life? Will you miss the local boozer, the cinema, take-away meals, the gym, sports facilities and clubs? Think carefully about whether you need to be close to a city, or whether you’re happy in the country. If you’re from the  city in the UK or US , then moving to the country in France will be twice as much of a shock to the system.

3 Rent first - The only way to know if you like the area, without taking the ultimate risk would be to keep your UK property, rent it out, and find a rental property in a place you like. This way, you could try different places if you want, and you will be ideally placed to hear first about properties for sale in the area.

4 How will you earn money? - With unemployment at around 10% and stifling employment laws, you could be hard pressed to find work in France, especially if you are not a fluent French speaker. Starting a business could work, but you could be surprised at the red-tape and high social charges, and you’ll need to do your research thoroughly. Many people commute back to a job in the UK each week, but think about the effects on your health and morale over the longer term.

5 Consider your health - Yes the health service here is superb, but the French residents pay for it through hefty social charges, and top-up insurance. There are strict rules governing eligibility for the French system, and if you are retired or nearing retirement age, think about how you will cope without the support of your wider family in the event of disability or illness in your later years.

6 Choose the right kind of property - What will you do with the 30ha of land that you got with the property? Property might be cheap to buy, but there are many that need extensive work (and money) to make them habitable. It’s okay to dream, but construction and DIY materials are not cheap here, and you’ve more chance of bumping into Elvis Presley than a plumber or electrician who can accommodate you in a hurry. Do your homework and be realistic about the depth of your budget and your patience.

7 Learn the language - Basic French will get you by, but what about making friends, dealing with utility companies and integrating into the community? You could feel isolated and alone if you don’t get a reasonable command of the language, and it isn’t easy to pick-up. Try to watch French TV, talk to the locals and do a course. Don’t underestimate how long it will take you to become fluent.

8 Become part of the community - If you have children, meet the other parents and join the school committee. If not, explore the local associations and clubs, and talk to your neighbors. If you limit your social activity to the group of ex-pats you have got to know, then you will never really become part of the community. Respecting and accepting the local culture and traditions doesn’t mean losing your British roots and your own ways of doing things.

9 Give It time! - Common wisdom is that you need at least 2 years to really give it a go living in another country. In this time you will feel homesick, miss the foods, the beer, the shops, your family, and feel that you’ve done the wrong thing and worry about the effect on your family. If you don’t give it time, you’ll never know if it could have worked out.

10 Have some savings -  Moving is expensive , wherever you are going, but make sure you set enough money aside for those house renovations, or for setting up a business if that is what you plan to do.

Good advice? Or patronising rubbish? Tell us what you think, and what you have learnt from your own experience.

GUIDE2PoitouCharentes.com
One stop shop for information on Poitou Charentes, France

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5 Discount Travel Secrets Orbitz, Travelocity, And Expedia Don’t Want You To Know

Don’t make any travel plans until you read this!

Especially when we’re experiencing one of the worst global recessions that we’ve seen in decades, every dollar counts. And because travel is so expensive, many of us turn to well-known discount travel Web sites like Orbitz, Travelocity and Expedia.

When you book on these sites you think you’re getting the  lowest prices available , right?

Wrong!

Why You Might Not Get the Best Deal When Booking Your Trip with Most Discount Travel Websites

In reality, you may actually be getting higher priced offers from airlines and hotels that are affiliated with the discount travel website you use to book your trip. Additionally, you’re doing all the work to research flights and hotels, yet the travel sites are still earning their full agency commissions.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Here Are 5 Travel Secrets Orbitz, Travelocity & Expedia Don’t Want You to Know

1. They charge service fees on every booking. Sometimes that fee is disclosed in the "final price" listed online. Sometimes it’s buried in the Terms & Conditions. Need to change your plans? Be prepared to pay service fees of up to $30 on every phone call for a change or re-issue. This does NOT count the $75 – $150 airline penalty. These travel websites actually hope for bad weather, because bad weather means altered plans, which means extra revenue for them.

2. The rate you see may not be the lowest rate available. That’s because large travel websites deal in bulk volume. As a result they concentrate on "national" and "public" rates. They don’t publish "private" fares, consolidator fares, or below-market fares because it’s not in their interest to do so. You can only get those fares from an experienced travel professional, who knows the system and where to find them.

3. Their definition of lowest price may not match yours. Have you ever entered the exact same search on 3 different travel websites and gotten wide-ranging results? That’s because travel websites have special arrangements with certain "partners" and may give these partners preferential treatment or placement bias. That’s how they make money. Consumers, however, are catching on. According to Travel Weekly, bookings on the "Big 3" have fallen over 10% this year. People are turning to airline and hotel websites directly because that’s where they’re finding the lowest fares.

4. A confused customer is their best customer. In the last 12 months we’ve seen a spate of new surcharges assessed by airlines to offset rising costsfrom $5 for some aisle seats to $15 for the first piece of checked luggage. Unfortunately, these costs are not reflected in the search results of most airfare comparison sites. Consumers are left to do the research and the math on their own. As a result, they’re confused. What looks to be the lowest price may not actually be the lowest "total" price when all applicable fees are factored in.

5. Once you hit that SEND button, you’re on your own. What happens when you book online and your flight is delayed or cancelled, or if you miss a connection? Ever tried to get a human being on the phone? You may be on hold for a long, long time. Or when you do finally get someone on the line, you find out he’s in Bangalore (and English isn’t his first language). Meanwhile, the last seat on the last flight out has just taken off. Travel has become more unpredictable than ever. Sadly, it’s not a question of if something will go wrong, but when. And when it does, do you want your fate to rest in the hands of the guy whose job it is to get you off the phone as fast as possible?

This article may seem harsh. But Travelocity, Orbitz and Expedia are keeping these secrets from you. And, you have to know these dirty little travel secrets if you want to  hold onto more of your cash .

By: Don Buynack

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Discount Travel Expert Don Buynack has seen the industry evolve toward tricking travelers into thinking that they’re saving money instead of actually giving them the best travel deals.That’s why he started his new online travel agency, which guarantees you the lowest online fares PLUS gives you $200, $300, $500 or more in spending money. To learn how, get his free newsletter Best Travel Bargains at: www.freespendingmoney.com

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Posted under Money

Britons Who Fled in Search of French Idyll Feel the Pain of the Pound’s Fall

Combination of ‘le credit crunch’ and sterling’s slide causing nightmares for those trying to live the expat dream.

It has long been the stuff of dreams, of bestselling books and sometimes even of profit. The British love of France has led tens of thousands to cross the Channel in search of a better quality of life, a ruin to renovate, or simply to snap up a cheap second home.

But the expatriate community has become the latest casualty of recession, with a ruinous exchange rate biting into the rural idylls of the French countryside just as it has in the "Little England" retirement enclaves of Spain and Portugal. "Cheaper" France is vanishing as the pound slips closer to the rising euro, raising food, wine and energy costs, while devaluing the incomes of those getting wages or pensions from the UK.

"We’re all doomed," said Linda Norton, who lives near Cherbourg in Normandy. "If we can’t grow it, we won’t be eating it next year."

Expats are returning to Britain in their droves, selling houses or leaving them on an increasingly stagnant property or holiday rental market, while sales of homes to UK buyers are down by 50% in some areas.

More than 200,000 British passport holders are registered as resident in France, with more than 100,000 owning second homes and countless others unregistered. The most popular areas are Dordogne, Normandy and, since the Channel tunnel opened, Pas de Calais. There, just 80 minutes’ drive from Calais, surrounded by patchwork flat fields, is the village of Capelle-ls-Hesdin, population a little over 400. It has just three shops; the general store, the butcher’s and the local computer wizard.

Under an icy blue winter sky, the Roziers’ farm looks idyllic: picturesque orange tiled roofs, blue shutters and whitewashed walls. The farmhouse, stable block with tower, huge wood-framed barn and two neat gite apartments frame a vast gravelled courtyard. Chickens, ducks and friendly dogs wander.

Tara and Gary Rozier were a typical London career couple, respectively a nurse and a lawyer, living in a small flat and bringing home 4,000 a month, but "somehow I was still living on my overdraft", said Tara. Now they raise daughters Hannah, five, and Katie, three, in the countryside, running their gites and growing their own vegetables. Both have made huge efforts to learn the language and integrate into the village and, while they fear the numbers of British visitors might dry up, they are not going back.

"We know people who have had to sell up," said Gary, 39. "But if we wanted to sell who is going to pay what it’s worth except someone who was going to run a gite?" They hope that Brits who would normally go further afield will still brave the exchange rate to come to northern France. "It’s still half the price Devon or Cornwall," said Tara.

A few minutes down the road from the Roziers live Kate and Mark Graves with their daughters Royan, 13, and Ciara, 11. They came from Maidstone, Kent, looking for a better quality of family life and have restored an old house with two small self-catering apartments.

"We found it," said Kate smiling. But the exchange rate is hitting them hard because Mark, 39, a chartered surveyor, is one of an army of cross-Channel commuters. He mostly works from home, but travels weekly to his office outside London and is paid in sterling. "I’ve lost 20,000 just in salary this year," he said. To cut costs, the couple have stopped using their central heating and rely on a wood-burning stove for warmth and won’t be going back to the UK to visit family over Christmas.

"It’s a shame," said Kate, 37, "but we have to cut our cloth. The idea of cheap France has gone. We’re not going back like other people we know, though. Anyway, we probably couldn’t sell this house, so we’d be stuffed. There are so many English second homes up for sale."

One of the second-home owners of Capelle-ls-Hesdin, where ferry prices are discussed more intensely than house prices, is Jill Ribbons, 63. She bought her detached, modern house with her sister and spends around a third of the year there, the remainder at her home in Surrey. The retired immigration officer was philosophical about currency fluctuations. "The British expect things to be done for us, it’s that nanny state, we’ll be looked after and nothing bad can happen mentality, so everyone is so shocked when it does," she said.

"I feel you shouldn’t be here moaning about it. We came out here and bought their houses cheap, so to then start complaining is a bit crass. We took advantage. We had everything so smooth for so long."

It’s a sentiment Michael Gibson, 67, recognises. He has lived in France for 11 years. "The exchange rate is biting hard – people came to France because life here was cheaper. They could buy an old ruin with a bit of land, keep animals and grow vegetables. To earn a living, they could look after gite change-overs and maisons secondaires. It was a sort of self-perpetuating merry-go-round. That was then, this is now. The merry-go-round has become a vicious circle. Those of us reliant on pensions are economizing where we can. Fewer shopping trips, wine, newspapers."

George and Iris Belsham, a retired couple, are cutting out their daily English newspaper. They left their village near Canterbury for Capelle-ls-Hesdin when developers began building more houses and groups of teenagers began to hang around the local shop. "Here, the kids are behind doors at night," said Iris, a former PA.

"France was cheaper, quiet and friendly," said George, 76, a former lorry driver. They don’t speak much French, but live happily with their five cats, although they are cutting back on eating out. They know some drastic belt tightening may be ahead. Iris has stopped looking up the exchange rate each morning: "It’s too depressing," she said.

The French, too, are worrying that the British invasion is in retreat. Retired primary teacher Annie Lombardet came to Capelle-ls-Hesdin from Paris with husband, Andres, five years ago. The couple renovated a large 17th-century farmhouse and turned it into a gite

But there are no bookings after the new year. Lombardet said: "I’m not usually pessimistic, but it looks very bad. British people have always loved France and I think it is a pleasure to have them but we will see less, that’s for sure."

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Posted under General

The Top 10 Reasons to Retire in San Miguel De Allende

San Miguel de Allende is a popular retirement spot for Americans and people from the rest of the world as well. There are many reasons why this  jewel in Mexico  is the perfect retirement location, no matter where you are from. Listed below are ten reasons why many people retire here, instead of somewhere else.

1. Cost of living – The cost of living in San Miguel is much lower than the cost of living in the U.S. It costs around one fifth of the price to rent or own a home in Mexico, compared to America, and living expenses are around one fourth of the cost in comparison.

2. Weather – The weather in this Mexican region is nice almost every day of the year. With blue skies and plenty of warm sunny days, this is the perfect location for people who want to get away from the cold.

3. Domestic Help – In Mexico, retirees can afford good domestic help, such as a maid and cook, and still live cheaper than in the United States. Instead of spending time cooking and cleaning, a small price will take care of this for you, and there are always plenty of domestic workers available at a great low price.

4. Population – The population of San Miguel de Allende is friendly, warm, and helpful. Many speak the English language, as well as Spanish, so communication is normally not a problem for retirees here, and there are plenty of new friends to be made.

5. Activities – San Miguel offers a lot of activities for retirees, whether they are active nature lovers or interested in things to do that are less active physically. There are shops and historic places to visit, horses to ride, and many beautiful and exciting things to see and do.

6. Scenery – San Miguel is located in some of the most beautiful surroundings in the world. From the mountains in the background to the antique villas, buildings, and architecture, the scenery is this quaint Mexican town is exquisite.

7. Location – San Miguel is a popular location with retirees, and visitors, because it is located close to many other attractions, but retains the Old World quality and culture. The border between Mexico and the U.S. is not far away, and there are many others towns and cities, as well as natural scenery and historic sights, to see in the surrounding areas.

8. Modern Conveniences – San Miguel offers modern conveniences, such as wireless capabilities, phone service, running water, and electricity.

9. Safety – San Miguel de Allende is a very safe place to live, whether you are from  Mexico or the United States . The crime rate is very low, and there are many retirees who already live here because it is one of the safest places to live in the entire world.

10. Festivals and Culture – San Miguel has more festivals through the year than almost any other city in Mexico. This location contains a lot of culture and history still, and many retirees and visitors enjoy the cultural displays and traditions.

If you would like to know more about how to retire in San Miguel de Allende, please do visit our site.

The author is a Professional Internet Marketer with PowerHunters helping firms get their site noticed online.

 
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The Wide World Of Golf Jobs

For many outsiders, when asked what golf jobs they can name, a caddy is usually all that they can come up with. The fact is that there are hundreds of different golf jobs on the market today. Obtaining a golf job is as easy today as ever before with the right experience. If you’ve ever wondered exactly what golf jobs are out there, or what ones career choices in golf are, this article is for you.

Golf courses are businesses, and as with any other business, they need lawyers. That’s right, some golf jobs are legal ones, and a lawyer can be a full time employee of a golf course. Golf lawyers typically deal with contracts for members, real estate deals, and other legal related business.

If you have a CPA, and love golf, why not become a golf course accountant? There are many careers for those in the accounting profession. Golf courses typically have a currency of credit that its members use. This in turn requires full time accountants to keep the books in order. This is a special golf job since the accounting is not just the run of the mill tax related tasks; it encompasses dealing with member dues, pro shop revenue, club house restaurant and bar revenue, and much more. This golf job is a great one for anyone that is interested in being an accountant for a golf club.

Another exciting golf job is that of event planner. There are many golf and non-golf related events that occur at a golf course each year. There are tournaments, weddings, and private parties to be planned. This fact creates a need for full time event planners to cater to the needs of the course. This golf job allows one to enjoy working in a fast paced environment with new challenges coming forth daily.

Since golf courses employ a group of staff members, there is a need for a human resources professional at many golf courses worldwide. If you are interested in human resources, this golf job could be for you. The job fits those that are interested in helping others, and administering benefits, rules, and other important elements to each staff member of the course. This golf job is one that will keep you on your toes, and is in great demand today.

If retail is your thing, than consider working in a pro shop at a golf course. The pro shop can be a lively place for customers, and members of the course to spend their hard earned money on equipment for their hobbies. Pro shops typically allow one to enjoy the satisfaction of a thriving retail environment, without having to work late nights, or major holidays. This golf job is one that can quickly help you transition to management for the shop.

Food and beverage is another segment of golf jobs that are easily obtainable. The food and beverage industry is one of the main components of most golf courses in the U.S. today. One can become a catering expert through working at a course, and serving the various parties, and gatherings that they have each week. This golf job is great for anyone that is interested in working in food service with a twist.

There are literally hundreds of other jobs for those wanting to work on a golf course or in a country club environment. The golf jobs listed above are just a small sample of what great jobs are out there for you to obtain. While being a caddy can still be a rewarding career, people should realize that there is so much more to golf jobs than just being a caddy. For those with the passion to discover the jobs that are out there, a rich reward awaits them.

By: Andy West -

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Andy West is a freelance writer and communications specialist for SDGA. San Diego Golf Academy is a premier golf school with five locations across the United States. For information on how you may obtain a golf job, please visit www.sdgagolf.com .

 
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Posted under Employment

The Secret To Moving Internationally

The biggest secret I have found to moving is to stay calm, my stomach always used to churn every time we would say: ‘Let’s look at moving to London, Perth, Colorado….’ I would have this rush in the pit of my stomach and wonder how we were going to cope with the challenge.

Now, I take it one step at a time. What do we do first, what do we need to know before we make the decision, how does the family feel about a new culture, different schools, a new home and most importantly new friends.

So, where do we start? Usually with the most important questions, why are we moving and do we really want to change from our comfort zone, once you have been able to answer these questions and you have more positives about leaving than staying (and the answer to this could be as simple as being offered a job in a new country), then you need to start researching the place you are moving to.

Questions start surfacing such as will we fit in and be happy in a new country, what is the education like, medical facilities, culture, politics, housing, work conditions, transport and entertainment? How many expats like ourselves will be living there, will our life be normal or will we have to adjust too extremely, and are we happy to do this?

This is where I start searching the internet. Wikipedia is a great site to get an overall overview on any country in the world and it will cover all the basic factual information for you, including geographical location, population, historical background, religion, culture, education, economic situation and political info.

On getting a basic understanding of a country, I would then start looking at government sites and gathering information about the ease of moving to this country. What is required from a governmental legal perspective, including visa’s, whether a spouse can work on entry, how long a spouse needs to wait before starting to work, what legal rights do you have in the country, can you take your pets with and how does this work, what furniture can you take with (some countries do not allow wooden furniture into a country if it has not been treated) these government sites will cover any and all questions of this nature for you.

Finally and probably more importantly are the forums and blogs you can find, where expats can inform you of what to expect and you can ask any question and expect an honest answer. These sites can come across with mixed emotions from people who are enjoying the move and loving the country to those who hate every minute of their stay. The relevant question to ask here is why….why are they enjoying or hating it and then make your own decision?

The above would be the questions that the spouse that stays at home and cares for the children, however the bread winner wants a different question answered. They want to know what they should be earning in the new country and this is where an international cost of living salary calculator like xpatulator can be relevant to you.
Xpatulator gives you the answers you are looking for dependant on the questions you answer in the Cost of Living Calculator. It will determine what your salary in the new country should be to maintain your standard of living.

Why, you may ask? Because $100 000 may sound like a fabulous salary, however if your cost of living in the country you are moving to is extremely high, it may not cover your costs on a monthly basis. With the calculator, you can determine whether or not you will be able to afford to live in the new country. The calculator will work out the salary you should be earning if you have to cover all costs, or if your company will cover some of those costs for you. They also cover the Negative Cost of Living and Negative Hardship. What are these you ask with horror? Negative Cost of Living refers to a location that has a lower cost of living than the country you are living in and selecting to use this will result in a proportional decrease in the salary required e.g. if you had to move from London to Zimbabwe you will find the cost of living will be lower (negative difference). Negative Hardship refers to less hardship in the new location e.g. if you had to move from Zimbabwe to London you will find that your quality of living will be easier (negative difference).

So before you disregard the importance of what you need to earn when moving to a new country, take all aspects into account. At the end of the day what you will earn, will determine the school, home, medical facilities and entertainment you will be able to afford. So the secret to moving from one country to another, may be your emotional stability and happiness in the new location, however this is often determined by how much money is sitting in your bank account.

By: Steven Coleman

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Steven Coleman runs the most comprehensive international relocation calculator available, an internet service that is used primarily to calculate expatriate salary levels for international assignments, which can be found at www.xpatulator.com

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Posted under General