The Ultimate Guide to Being a Digital Nomad in Belize

October 8, 2022
by belizehubstaff +

If the only nomads you’ve ever encountered were on the pages of your Bible or history book, welcome to the 21st century. Today’s digital nomads are a new class of careerists whose goals include avoiding office confinement by turning the entire planet into their working spaces. According to statisticians reporting for the website Think Remote, you’ll be joining a growing movement if you choose this lifestyle since an estimated 15.5 million people have adopted this way of conducting business and their number is growing.

Are you a digital nomad wannabe? It’s easier than you imagine if you have a job that doesn’t require you to be tethered to one geographic spot. You’ll need some cash to underwrite the launch of your exploratory life, an established source of income, a great sense of humor, and lots of patience. In terms of technology, the more gear you own, the better equipped you will be to jumpstart your efforts, thus your list of essentials should include everything from laptops and adaptors to protective travel cases.

The secret to success? Choose your destination wisely

By choosing a neighboring nation like Belize as your home away from home, you gain distinct advantages: You’re far enough away from the rat race to build the nomadic work lifestyle you crave, but if you need to return home for meetings, it only takes a few hours to fly back to North America. Everyone in Belize speaks English, U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere, and you’ll never meet more hospitable people.

What are the pros of becoming a digital nomad in Belize?

•Work anywhere, anytime: On the beach, en route to and from attractions, or from a resort with a Wi-fi connection.

•Belize is small; just 8,867 square miles. The international airport is always in close proximity.

•You’ll meet plenty of other fascinating digital nomads in Belize because the nation is so hospitable to North Americans.

•Telecommuting from Belize not only contributes to personal growth but satisfies a pang of hunger for adventure, too.

•You’ll run into other digital nomads in Belize who are also drawn to this lifestyle.

•You don’t have to have a routine if you don’t want one! Swim in the morning, nap at noon, and work at night if your circadian rhythms prefer this schedule.

•You can work remotely via a renewable tourist visa that only requires updating every 30 days.

What technological tools will you need to be successful?

•Computer skills are essential for connectivity with clients and work associates. Zoom, Skype, and similar programs offer additional tools for interaction. You’ll want a Belize SIM card for your phone, too.

•The program(s) you need to do your job. Perhaps you require advanced design software or mathematical programs that enable you to handle scientific or engineering tasks.

•A Linkedin page that keeps you in touch with other professionals.

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•If you require legal assistance during your sojourn, the nation’s system is rooted in British law, so you’ll understand every word during meetings and on documents.

How much can you make from your Belize “office” as a digital nomad?

According to Flexjobs.com’s most recent survey of folks who are established digital nomads, one in five survey respondents makes between $50K and $99K annually. Which are the highest-paying digital nomad jobs? Software and web development, SEO specialist, video producer, graphic designer, online trader, and virtual store owner, though plenty of digital nomads achieve success as data entry specialists, social media marketers, online teachers, and tutors.

According to Belize International Living blogger Laura Diffendal, nomads can expect to spend between $2,875 to $3,075 monthly if headquartered on Ambergris Caye where expenses are the highest in Belize. That means if you choose another place to set up your traveling adventures like Punta Gorda, San Ignacio, or Corozal, you can operate on even less money. You do the math. Sound like the lifestyle you crave? Stop thinking. Start planning. You’re going to love this life!