| It isn't just the real estate industry that American expat Macarena Rose loves about living in Belize - there are also many other factors that have made her move to this Central American country a most pleasurable experience. If you need more information about living in Belize, Macarena is glad to help. |
MACARENA ROSE |
-Where were you born?
Washington DC, USA
-In which country and city are you living now?
BELIZE, San Ignacio
-Are you living alone or with your family?
My dogs
-How long have you been living in Belize?
5 years
-What is your age?
44
-When did you come up with the idea of living in Belize?
5.5 years ago - Belize is the only Central American Country where English is the primary language, and I wanted to stretch my hard earned money.
-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?
Not at all
-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?
No
-How do you make your living in Belize? Do you have any type of income generated?
I opened Rainforest Realty, as I wanted to help bring ethics to Belize as to the Real Estate industry. I helped begin and am the President of the Belize National Association of Realtors. I employ locals, and other expats, and found it would have been easier to buy an already established business. However, my reputation, has kept us so on the charts in Belize, as I know what it is like to move to Belize!
-Do you speak the local language and do you think it's important to speak the local language?
English is our local language, and this is what made it so easy to in fact to move here.
-Do you miss home and family sometimes?
No, I do not miss them, as I always have someone here visiting me. Everyone wants to COME to Belize! 
They always want to see the ocean, the jungle, the ruins and waterfalls...so, I am a popular destination in and of itself.
-Do you have other plans for the future?
I love helping people relocate here and seeing their dream come true of living in a new country!!
-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?
I bought here.
-What is the cost of living in Belize?
One can live here comfortably for under 800 USD...if you own your home.
-What do you think about the locals?
I LOVE the locals, and in fact are extensions of my family. In Belize, expats are welcomed.
-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Belize?
Positives are the English speaking, the ease of getting around Belize and how friendly everyone is.
-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Belize?
Enjoy each and every day here, and do not wait to experience it! 
-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Belize?
I recommend this site, for people looking into Belize: http://expatbelize.com, and please do feel free to email me, Macarena Rose at macarenainbelize(at)yahoo(dot)com.
My website is www.rainforestrealty.com and here you can find alot of different resources about Belize also, not just Belize real estate.
Thanks for all the GREAT words to you ALL !
I do so adore sharing the ins and outs, the to do's and the not to do's...
It makes the journey so worth while, and alot more enjoyable to share the experiences and wisdom with you !
Being a Relocation Specialist, I have seen the pitfalls of folks looking and scouting the wrong way in Belize,,
this is not my work for you, this is my service in life-
to have you realize your dream, cut your living expenses and really enjoy your life here in Belize !!
Contact me for your questions-
I send you smiles,
Macarena
My dad visited more than ten
My dad visited more than ten times while I was growing up. I would love to come there to live. Know a man named "Cowboy" would love to get in touch with him but dont know if you can help would be so grateful. Thank You
Michelle Grimes
mbirden81@yahoo.com
Cowboy in BELIZE !
Rev. Macarena Rose- www.rainforestrealty.com
Hello to you Michelle,
Do you mean Cowboy in San Ignacio ?
Smiles,
Macarena
Wondering about living in Belize
My husband and are are wondering about living in Belize part time. Is is reasonable to rent to live there for several months? What would you recommend? We are keeping our home here but would consider buying a home there. After Jan we will have a steady monthy income and would like to have some part time volunteer work. Can we bring out pet dog with us in and out of the country, or should we leave her at home?
Belize It !
Rev. Macarena Rose- www.rainforestrealty.com
Hello to you both,
Yes, you can rent here, and we do handle rentals to. There are many wonderful opportunities to volunteer here. I myself am on the Winsom Foundation which helps to keep kids in school. I am also on the San Ignacio Humane Society.
There is also Cornerstone Foundation here to.
Yes, you can bring your dog to Belize, I moved here with 10 animals form Florida !
My dogs love it here, and I could not imagine having left them abroad.
Feel free to email me at macarenarose@gmail.com and please do take time to read the testimonials at http://www.rainforestrealty.net/testimonials.html
So you have a feel for me-
Smiles,
Macarena
Moving to Belize
I am thinking about moving to Belize. Possibly to Mexico.
I have done research on Mexico, but not a lot on Belize.
How is the cost of living? I am on a very fixed income. I would need a one bedroom apartment, furnished if possible, but can also have my things shipped there. Would I need to bring my car? What about a Visa? How many months can I live there and not have to leave the country if I do not have the proper documents? Can I keep my US status? How much a month will I need to live on? I am on Social Security disability and take in about 11 hundred american dollars a month. I want to start a business there, what kinds of things would I need to have to do this? My business idea is to open a sweet shop, I am proficent in handmade candies and also cakes and cupcakes. Right now I am teaching a class through Community Ed. on basic candy making. Would this be an idea that I could do, along with making and selling cakes, cupcakes and handmade candies?
Sorry for all the questions, I need to know if this is where I'd like to move. Right now I'm leaning towards Mexico. But as I said I would like to visit Belize and find out what is in store for me.
Sincerely,
Linda Thompson
Isn't belize quite
Isn't belize quite dangerous? With gangs & crime as well as bad infrastructure, nice that you can live off 800 bucks, but I guess wages in belize are low? Isn't it also known as a tax haven? For setting up offshore businesses and bank accounts :)
Isn't belize politically
Isn't belize politically highly unstable? Bad infrastructure, gangs, crime? No wonder you can live with under 800usd, I guess thats an advantage, but only if you earn a good living, I guess wages are their are low? I think it's also known as a tax haven, and for setting up offshore businesses and bank accounts.
Pet to Belize
Rev. Macarena Rose- www.rainforestrealty.com
Hello to you , You sure can bring your pet to Belize- you have to get a permit first. There are many volunteer opportunities here, with really good people. How may I help you best ? My website is www.rainforestrealty.net
or my email is macarenarose@gmail.com
Belize Relocation
Rev. Macarena Rose- www.rainforestrealty.com
Hello Linda,
There are many questions that you have, and this is very good !! You do not need a Visa for Belize. You will need to get a monthly stamp at Immigration - and you can stay indefinitely.
You would still be a US citizen, if you are now-
As to sweet shop- this sounds yummy !!! There are rentals in Belize- from 200 USD and up-
Many smiles to you, Macarena
Belize Relocation
Rev. Macarena Rose- www.rainforestrealty.com
Hello Linda,
There are many questions that you have, and this is very good !! You do not need a Visa for Belize. You will need to get a monthly stamp at Immigration - and you can stay indefinitely.
You would still be a US citizen, if you are now-
As to sweet shop- this sounds yummy !!! There are rentals in Belize- from 200 USD and up-
Many smiles to you, Macarena
Belize Crime
Rev. Macarena Rose- www.rainforestrealty.com
There is crime in Belize- it is not more dangerous than other places I have been in - for sure ! St Pete Florida has some areas I would not go into- here, I have enjoyed the locals and they look out for you- Smiles to you !
Belize Wages
Rev. Macarena Rose- www.rainforestrealty.com
Wages are relatively very low in comparison to US averages- There are offshore opportunites here in Belize to.