Moving Checklist - Planning is key!

The logistics of relocating can be stressful, in order to help keep things straight it is good to have a "Plan". Having a plan in place can assist in preventing unexpected problems from arising and to reduce the overall stress of moving. There are many items to consider in the move from departure to destination. For example, you may need to find a job for your partner, arrange local housing, schooling, medical and banking facilities, transportation and much more. Here are a few items that you may find useful. Download this checklist of items to remember when moving by clicking the link below. 

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Take the Stress out of Your Next Move

Let us help make your move easier! Our customers trust and rely on us to deliver the rental home results they demand. Finding rental homes, apartments or townhouses is fast, easy and FREE at Arabella Chambers!

Residential Rentals - Do you want the space of a home and a yard of your own but without the hassles of ownership, the mortgage or just not ready yet to decide where you want to buy in Belize? Renting a home is the perfect choice for many when relocating. When a drain gets clogged or the roof needs to be fixed, all you have to do is call your property manager—and then kick back and relax.

We know that finding a new rental home can be stressful, no matter where you live so our “Homes for Rent” page makes looking for your next house to rent easy and convenient. Whether you’re staying local or moving cross-country, Arabella Chambers gives you access to many listings for rental houses. You can narrow your search based on price, location, features and other criteria that are important to you. Save time and money by taking virtual tours of homes for rent right from your living room and search as often as you like, because it’s always free for renters. If you do not see what you are looking for on our website, we will do the search for you.  We want you to be satisfied—and to find the home rental that’s right for you.

Closing - What an exciting time!  

We did it!  Closings feel better than just about any other part of this business, but for you the best part is about to begin, moving into your new home!  Drawing from personal experience, I know there are lots of ways to help make your household move easier and smoother.

Make a list—Before you pack even one box, set up a simple record keeping system.  Then place a number on each and every box you pack and include its contents on your list beside the appropriate number.  Make sure to be specific when describing the boxes contents – “X-Z files” is better than “files”, and “Plastic ware” is better than “misc. kitchen”

Packing time can be a great incentive to cut down your belongings.  Separate items you aren’t sure about into three groups; throw away, keep, give to charity (or sell, if you’re into garage sales).

I will keep posting great moving and packing tips like these.  If you have any questions or concerns We would love to hear from you.

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Cost of Living

Are you thinking about working in Belize?

Here is what you will need for your Work Permit application. Work Permits are issued through the Immigration and Nationality Department.

The following are requirements for Work Permits:

• A valid Passport - Application Form (can be purchased at the Angelus Press located nearby the Immigration offices in Belmopan on Market Sq street) Fee 0.83$ BZD [May 07] 
• Three (3) Passport sized photographs [Cost for 4 pictures - 9.00$ BZE]
• $20.00 worth of postage stamps (can be purchased at the Post Office in Belmopan accross from the Immigration building and near the market square)
• Three (3) copies of job vacancies advertised in the local newspaper in different issues if you will be employed by a Belizean company/employer.
• Bank statement (for self-employed)
• Trade License (for self-employed)
• Letter of recommendation from village councilor
• Letter from Church (for Missionary)
• Other relevant documents e.g. birth certificate, diplomas, etc.

Retiring in Belize 

To see if you qualify and for more details read The Belize Retired Persons Incentive Program or Download your Application Form Here.

Applications need to be submitted through an Immigration Consultant licensed in Belize to the Director of the Belize Economic Citizenship Investment Program Unit. The applicant needs to provide a sworn affidavit stating that he/she has reviewed, understood, and agreed to the Program's guidelines and criteria.

Completed application forms require to be submitted with the following supporting documents:

• passport photographs;
• character references;
• birth certificates;
• marriage certificate (divorce decree where applicable);
• medical certificate (indicating that the applicant is free form AIDS and other communicable diseases);
• certified copy of ID card or passport;
• criminal record certificate;
• an application form for a Belize passport; and
• A receipt showing that payment of the registration fees has been made into a Special Fund set up by the Central Bank of Belize for this purpose.
• Applications are processed by the Belize Economic Citizenship Investment Program Unit, before being sent to the Scrutinizing Committee for review. Applicants are notified of the Scrutinizing Committee's decision within 7 days. Successful applications are sent to the Director of Immigration to prepare a Certificate of Nationalization and a Belize Passport. The Belize Economic Citizenship Investment Program Unit informs successful applicants of a date and time to be sworn in which can be done in Belize or at a Belizean Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate office elsewhere. Successful applicants are entitled to have their spouse and children, below the age of 18 years, registered as citizens of Belize at the same time

Information to know Before You Go ....

LOCATION: Central America, bordering the Caribbean sea betwen Guatemala and Mexico

CLIMATE: Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May)

CURRENCY: Belizean Dollar (BZD)

EXCHANGE RATE: Belizean dollars per US dollar - 2$ [The Belize dollar has been pegged to the US dollar since 1976 at the exchange rate of US$1=BZ$2]. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators will accept U.S. currency, traveler's checks, or credit cards.

POPULATION: 287,730 (July 2006 est.)

LANGUAGES: English (official Language) and Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib), Creole are widely spoken throughout Belize.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS:

FLAG: blue with a narrow red stripe along the top and the bottom edges; centered is a large white disk bearing the coat of arms; the coat of arms features a shield flanked by two workers in front of a mahogany tree with the related motto SUB UMBRA FLOREO (I Flourish in the Shade) on a scroll at the bottom, all encircled by a green garland

BUSINESS HOURS: BANKS Monday to Thursday, 8:00AM to 2:30PM. Fridays 8:00AM to 4:30PM. Banks hours may vary and some also open on Saturday mornings until noon.

COMMERCE & INDUSTRY: Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to 12:00PM [lunch] 1:00PM to 5:00PM. Some businesses also open on most weeknights and on Saturdays as well. On Sundays most business are closed but it is always possible to find some businesses [grocery store] that are open until noon. 

GOVERNMENT: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 to 5:00PM and 8:00 to 4:30PM on Fridays. Always make sure to check their individual office hours, some departments close earlier.

Getting Married in Belize

In the Jungle or on the Beach, Belize has become a popular wedding destination for those looking for an usual Caribbean style location. Imagine rainforest, scenic rivers and waterfalls, beautiful gardens or coconut island beach with crystal blue Caribbean as a backdrop, Belize has it.

Getting married in Belize is easier than ever. The procedure is that a couple must be in the country for a minimum of 3 days before they can apply for a minister's license to marry. This application is submitted to the register general after the 3 day resident period or for those living in Belize you can just go to the register together and fill out the application. The application process is 1 day and requires proof of citizenship, passport or birth certificate, if applicable, (proof of divorce or widowhood), and a Senior Justice of the peace to witness the signing of the application, and the $200.00 application fee to the Government of Belize. After the one day application processing period you pick-up the license to marry. Weddings must be performed by either a Senior Justice of the peace who has authority to marry people, a boat captain, or a Minister of a registered church. There must also be 2 witnesses, a male and a female.

Destination weddings are popular and Belize is fast becoming a popular venue. Most couples getting married in Belize are from the USA and Canada so it is an easy flight, Belize is an English speaking country.

Several resorts have "Getting married easy packages," where they provide discounts and asssist with the paper work. and it's hard to beat Belize for an exotic vacation destination. And all services required such as photographer, wedding cake baker, florist, wedding coordinator, stylist, are available in Belize.

Text Source www.Belize.Com