Why I moved to Belize to retire - An expat's experience of Hopkins
Why I moved to Belize to retire - An expat's experience of Hopkins
You've visited Belize, you loved it and can see yourself moving and retiring in Belize and setting up a business to tick you over nicely; but not sure how it will pan out? I have a diaspora and a guest house owner in Hopkins sharing her invaluable experience in this video.
I recently visited the most friendly town in Belize, Hopkins and stayed at the Cosmopolitan guest house owned by a wonderful lady from Trinidad who after traveling the world practicing nursing decided to move and retire in Belize. I was intrigued to share her experience as a diaspora settled/retired in Belize and she obliged.
My name is Mickey....Keep watching!!!
#MickeyAgyei #hopkins #Allaroundus
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I spent a lot of time in Hopkins. My first time was in 1990 when the village had just gotten electricity. There were a few places to stay, all of them at people's homes. And yes, we'd just eat at people's homes. The villagers were the most welcoming and friendly people you'd ever meet. I'll never forget Hopkins.
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
Oh wow. I guess it will be very different if you visited now. I'm happy this video took you down memory lane.
Nature at its best......lessons....Don't end up in a rat race....retire to relax and enjoy. Great interview by all standards!
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much for watching...as always xxx
Terrific video and interview - Peggy's voice exuded truth and joy.
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Very true. She seems to be living the simplest but fulfilling life. Thanks very much for watching.
I would love to move there. Slow life, simple, true island life and people. Feels like the 50s.
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
Definitely.
She really has done well in Belize
Thank you so much for showing Hopkins! , I now can plan my vacation lol........
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
OMG, I can't believe it took me 6 months to show you Hopkins. My next video is going to be dedicated to you. It's going to be a drive tour of Hopkins. Sorry for the delay and thanks very much for watching.
Wow, I really enjoyed this interview.... can’t hope to visit Hopkins in Belize
Really well done series. Excellent interviewing. I was in Hopkins a few months ago and returning to Belize soon.
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much. I'm happy you enjoyed your stay in Hopkins.
Thanks buddy for your videos, they are Interesting to watch! I’m a Belizean living over seas. so it’s nice 👍 to see parts of my country that I’ve never been.
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Hi, you are very welcome. I'm happy I'm able to give you some sort of escapism. Thanks for watching.
@kurtlinaragon3701
2 жыл бұрын
Itp0
@nkhangfitravel1521
2 жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei hi. I would like to visit Belize. Can you help me with a tour agent there.
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
@@nkhangfitravel1521 I don't think there is a tour agent that can get you into Belize but rather tour companies and guides once you arrive. I hope this makes sense.
Wow love this drone footage 👏 Keep up the professional work Mickey 💪
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the kind words.
That was a lovely interview. Well done and thank you!
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much for your kind words 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
This lady's voice just sucks me in! Its mesmerising! I bet u were a really kind considerate respectful nurse. Xlxx
@MickeyAgyei
6 ай бұрын
She was a really kind host to us...so I guess she was.
Thank you aunty for sharing
Another great edited version of your travels Mickey...but, it’s fundamentally better chatting with locals, whose own travels ended in Belize, how ironic!!
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much Tom for the kind words. It's always nice to share the experiences of others. Thanks once again for watching.
Thanks 🙏 for this interview it’s very helpful
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome. Thank you for watching 🙏🏾
Belize is really beautiful, I’d totally move there
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Very small but cozy and an hour away from other beach towns.
@karimbarrie9244
3 жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei how do I contact you?
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
@@karimbarrie9244 please message me on Facebook at Mickey Agyei.
Watching from Cebu Philippines
I am already falling in love with Belize.
@MickeyAgyei
4 ай бұрын
I don't blame you.
Thank you Mickey very informative' and a great interview and info'
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome and thanks for the kind words.
Thank you both so much 🙏✨
@MickeyAgyei
11 ай бұрын
🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
I went to Belize in 2015. First time ever out of USA. Amazing. The dollar bill is 2 for 1 Belizean money. ( Make sure you take small American bills, because they will give you change back in their currency , which you loose out if you are left with a lot to exchange back to the dollar bill. ) I met locals , which is the way to travel anywhere. This city is very safe. Their is no infrastructure so not tainted. Crime rate EXTREMELY LOW. Food is great. Don't choose the tourist cities. ( Corporate ) The Caribbean Sea is most people backyard. Forget diaspora. These people are black people as well. They are you. We have been deceived by tourism. But this is everyday black folk . Living. So you need not be afraid. NO such thing as tourist. You are them. Oh yeah, they do have sand fleas, itch like no other, but my friend said that I just needed to apply Vaseline and it smothers the egg or whatever under the skin. It worked, itching stopped. Do not listen to anyone , just go, cause those people that are the ones that everyone call " They" you know, they said kinda crap, will keep you at a stand still. Hell it was so cool even the dogs don't chase card cause they already know, I am chillin. Do not trust what media tells you if you are black. Just go. Cause then same ones that tell you don't go are the Main ones buying the land and living for cheap.
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
Thank you very much for the insight. Very helpful.
Another great production Mickey. Looking forward to meeting you in a couple weeks. Kip
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much Kip. Likewise.
Belize, I'm on my way. I will settle there with my family.
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
Nice! I hope this dream comes true.
@LeeChungTu7230
Жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei It will. Watch this space. Busy sorting out the necessary as we speak. Just ensuring that our investments in SA remain productive once gone.
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
@@LeeChungTu7230 I believe this. All the best in your preparation.
🌴OMG!!! Those Palm Trees & The Beaches!!😍😍
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
Tell me about it
Lovely video,,dreaming of spending some time here in winter of 25/26,, Curious as to how to find a cabana to rent,,maybe start with a B and B and walk around the community and speak to locals.😇 Thank-you
Hi Mickey from San Diego California
@MickeyAgyei
4 ай бұрын
Hello Ma'am 👋🏾
Greetings Mickey, I enjoy your videos. Please tape an overview of housing, or life in Corazol. I plan to move there in 2 years.
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much for your kind words. Unfortunately I recently moved to uk and don't live in Belize anymore. Very sorry.
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Please check my friend Antho's vlogs she also makes video about Belize.
@samsmom1491
2 жыл бұрын
Why did you leave? Do you lead a Bohemian lifestyle and it was time to move on? I'm asking out of curiosity.
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
@@samsmom1491 Hello. No. I was in Belize for work and was transferred after my time was done.
@Solar-Busters
2 жыл бұрын
Good luck on your new ventures
Always love seeing these videos bro keep up the good job
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much for your support as always bro.
@shawntillett6094
3 жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei Always big bro
Hey!! abba unu good to see you best gift shop in the country
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
Yes it is an amazing gift shop.
Nice interview!
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much as always Dave.
Thank you Mickey
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome 🙏🏾
Awesome
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks bro 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Had a great stay at the Kismet Inn in Hopkins.
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
I'm happy you enjoyed your stay. Hopkins is very chilled.
Thank you for your informative video
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
You are welcome.
I’m first 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
As always 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for watching.
GREAT info my man ! 😀
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks 🙏🏾🙏🏾
I love your drone footage and hope to add some of that to my channel in the future! I have also settled in Belize and am going to be moving from San Pedro to Placencia. I visited Hopkins for the first time in Sept and loved the Italian restaurant. Do you have any restaurant recommendations for Hopkins as I am going back in January.
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
Yes, drone footage from Belize are always nice. I hope you are enjoying your stay so far. Reference restaurants, I only ate from the Chinese restaurant on the main drag next to a big supermarket and local eateries.
@thomaspetrovich6498
Жыл бұрын
Hi Linda, what’s your motivation moving from San Pedro to Placencia? I’m only curious as we are planning on moving to San Pedro in a few weeks but are still open to trying somewhere different.
@LindainBelize
Жыл бұрын
@@thomaspetrovich6498 Hey Thomas, San Pedro is a great place but it is a bit hectic, especially during busy season and more of a party place than Placencia which is more family orientated. We are actually in the middle of hosting a tour of both Placencia and San Pedro (and other spots) to help people decide what they like. Some people who came over from San Pedro love Placencia way more. Others prefer the city vibe of San Pedro better. My channel has details of the tour and I will also post updates and videos from the participants that may help you decide. www.youtube.com/@lindainbelize
Hope to pass via this place in some months to come....keep up with the good job n hope to meet u
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
I bet you are looking forward to it. Thanks very much for the kind words.
@matabesylvie7240
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Mic
@matabesylvie7240
2 жыл бұрын
Hello Mic
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
@@matabesylvie7240 Hi
Could you identify a few local Holidays which Balize celebrate like the USA Celebrates 4th of July.
@MickeyAgyei
6 ай бұрын
1 January - New Year's Day January 15 - George Price Day March 11 - National Heroes & Benefactors Day 29 March - Good Friday 30 March - Holy Saturday 1 April - Easter Monday 29 April - Labour Day (in lieu of Wednesday, 1 May) 1 August - Emancipation Day 10 September - St. George's Caye Day 21 September - Independence Day 14 October - Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance Day (in lieu of Saturday, 12 October) 19 November - Garifuna Settlement Day 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day
She’s well traveled
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
She is. Thanks very much 🙏🏾
What kind of insects are a problem there?
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
Mosquitoes and sun flies.
An old saying here in Belize is if you want to make a million dolars here bring two million with you.
@MickeyAgyei
10 ай бұрын
Interesting lol
What kinda Trinidadian who does not know of or where belize is located? Considering Belize is part of CARICOM... Nonetheless, great vid.
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
Very true. But there are a lot of people who's never even heard of Belize. Thanks very much for the feedback.
@sandcrabspa4299
Жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei I am from Grenada. As part of school education students students are informed of the CARICOM and OECS members. So, even if you never met another member state citizen you had to know their current prime minister, the capital and population. During those days, there was the Atlas, and the teachers will bring the globe or big map the classroom. I contemplated buying lands in Belize.
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
@@sandcrabspa4299 Oh ok. I didn't know that. Good to know now.
Healthcare ? Taxes for retirees?
I’m a writer looking to spend a month in Hopkins Village, where would you suggest I stay?
@MickeyAgyei
2 ай бұрын
I made a review of places you can stay in Hopkins in this video. kzread.info/dash/bejne/dIl3s6WBobvAnJc.htmlsi=chQa29XB7xG_hWer Please check it out.
I would like to buy a piece of land in Hopkins. Any suggestions?
@MickeyAgyei
2 ай бұрын
Not sure unfortunately.
It could have been complete if you had asked her why she did not like to stay in her country (Trinidad and Tobago)!!
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
She actually told me but I didn't want to add it to the video.
@Virtues162
2 жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei I asked the question because T&T is also a beautiful country and many want to move there_So I was curious why she left>>I know there are some crime issues but they are limited to some areas as is the case anywhere in the world !!
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
@@Virtues162 Yeah those were her reasons. And the same reason she chose Hopkins and not one of the bigger towns in Belize.
@Virtues162
2 жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei Thanks Mickey, I appreciate it !
Are those mountains/hills in the background at 1:42?
@MickeyAgyei
2 ай бұрын
Tell you what, I'm not even sure. But I think it a high ground of some sort.
@my_dear_friend_
2 ай бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei - High ground is a good thing.
I'm a massage therapist 😊
peace and greetings, do you have more details on how to obtain the government land lots. where to look and whom to speak with. thank you
@MickeyAgyei
11 ай бұрын
Oh I'm not familiar with that but I will ask around.
@nadi2054
11 ай бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei peace and thank you
Hello, I actually last minute booked in Hopkins. I’m supposed to be there Monday. But now I’m seeing how far it is. Is there a tour bus that comes to the town?
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
If I understand your request. You'd want a quick way to get to Hopkins right. If so you can contact Daniel's Taxi services on +501 635 4707 (He is a very trustworthy man). He can drive you from the airport to the Central bus terminal, make sure you get on the right bus to Dangriga, where you can get a connecting bus to Hopkins. I'm not sure about tour buses. I hope this answers your question.
@84tahlia
3 жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei Thank you for trying to help. Covid restrictions want tourist to only take the shuttles 🙄. I’m trying to replan right now because I don’t want to cancel my trip.
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
@@84tahlia Oh. I will also do some digging. I will get back to you pronto.
@MickeyAgyei
3 жыл бұрын
@@84tahlia belizetourismboard.org/industry-sectors/tourism-gold-standard-transportations/ Can you call any of these gold standard transports to see if they can take you to Hopkins?
@84tahlia
3 жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei lol I was quoted 238 or something one way. I’m not sure what medication they’re on 😂😂😂 I cancelled it. I’m going to the Island and then Corozal if I can.
I’d like to contact this lady I’m an American nurse looking to retire in Belize
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
Please email info@cosmopolitanbelize.com
And then, just like that the filming switches to Placencia??
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
I think so. Not watched it in a while.
How can obtain residency in Belize? Can u travel back n forth in belize or remain there for some years to receive it?
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
I think through marriage and staying there for a long period of time. Very good question. I will ask around for you.
How is the weather? Storms?
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
Weather is mostly good. They do have hurricane season from June to November. I lived there for nearly 4 years and never experienced one.
Where do people obtain medical services in this area? A person could end up dying from boredom. I admire anyone who could live here full time from North America. Is it true the government charges tourists $100 a month ??
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
There are 3 hospitals within an hour drive of this particular area. There are numerous activities in this area if you have a car. This area is between 2 amazing tourist towns namely Placencia and Dangriga that always have some sort of carnival or festival going on. Not to talk of jungle adventures and the beach. I'm not sure about the $100 a month...maybe to renew your visa I guess; but not that much.
@dovygoodguy1296
Жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei I saw online about the visitor's permit that they charge $100 a month to each person. That and the QPR limitation make no sense.....
@edveitenthal231
10 ай бұрын
It is now up to $200;bz a month for the year of living here full time before you get you can apply for residency.redsidency. The goverment lots that become available are for Belize citizens an you can apply for citezen ship five years after you get residency. @@dovygoodguy1296
I'd love to send you an email with some inquiries about the area. Is there a good way to contact you?
@MickeyAgyei
3 ай бұрын
Please message me on Instagram at mickey_agyei
IDK... My husband and I went to Hopkins Beach last year and it was HORRIBLE. This video does not at all look like the beach we saw. I remember a HUGE gift shop that was actually super amazing. Cheaper than any other place we went for art and souvenirs. But the neighborhood around that shop was like a war zone. Broken down machinery and tires and garbage ALL OVER the beach. It was painful to see.
@MickeyAgyei
9 ай бұрын
This video was shot during the pandemic. I'm not sure the state of the place now.
Do they have a lot of crime like jamaica
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
To be honest, yes but only at the south side of Belize city. The rest is just petty crimes.
IDK, but it's way overpriced for what it is. And if you're retiring, you better be thinking about health care, the crime rate, and is the food safe to eat? It's great they have all the beautiful beaches and stuff, but if you can't physically take advantage of those things, what good is it? For me, it's not all it's cracked up to be.
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
I lived there for nearly 4 years with my wife and 2 toddlers. If you are retiring and looking for a slow lifestyle I will say Belize suits you. I wasn't sure about the potentials for a young vibrant working age. I was posted there from UK and I can say the healthcare we had in one of the private hospitals (though a bit expensive) was better than UK. Food was very organic, fresh from the farmers with less chemicals if any and with crime rate...just stay away from the hot places like the southside of Belize City. I think it's not a bad choice for a retiree you know. And close to the US (if you are American) and want to fly back for medical check up; which isn't free like the UK from what I gathered.
Hi Mickey is there a way that I can contact you directly. I'd like to connect with Peggy Fisher directly. Or perhaps you could provide her contact details.
@MickeyAgyei
4 ай бұрын
www.cosmopolitanbelize.com/ 👆🏾👆🏾👆🏾 this is the website for her guesthouse. There are contacts underneath
@thepinksquareshow8046
4 ай бұрын
Thanks for the quick response. You’re awesome and I have just subscribed to your channel!!! Loved this episode!
@MickeyAgyei
4 ай бұрын
@@thepinksquareshow8046 Thank you very much 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Can You please give me prices on rentals?
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
Jolanta, I would have loved to but it hurts me so much that I'm not in Belize anymore. But I try and link up with friends and see if they can give me an idea. I'm very sorry..🙏
@samsmom1491
2 жыл бұрын
Check and see if she has a website.
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
@@samsmom1491Below is her website www.cosmopolitanbelize.com/
Are there currently any travel restrictions?
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
Please check out link below for all restrictions belizetourismboard.org/news-and-gallery/belize-covid-19-travel-updates/ Thanks for reaching out.
@empressmahogany6260
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
@@empressmahogany6260 You are welcome 🙂
Those foo's at 11:00 are druuuuuuunk. Lol
@MickeyAgyei
11 ай бұрын
I don't blame them. It was a good day lol
@fd2blk78
11 ай бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei lol, I can't wait to visit!
Hi, bro, I want to come. How get visa from Dubai.
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
Please what passport do you hold? Do you have a residence permit for Dubai?
@shafiuzzaman1355
2 жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei I am from Bangladesh. Next week hopefully I will get the residence permit. I am new here.
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
@@shafiuzzaman1355 Please just check on google; you might not need a visa to travel to Belize.
@shafiuzzaman1355
2 жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei we need visa. I already check.We also need an invitation letter from there.Any person, hotel, hostel can make invitation letter.
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
@@shafiuzzaman1355 I live in UK now and to be honest, I didn't need a Visa to go to Belize so I'm not sure how it's done. Sorry if I couldn't help in that sense.
Belize t5o me means high prices ,so so food .I go to the state of Oaxaca ,in Mexico and would never go back to Belize where the Blood and Crypts hang out .I am 80 yrs old . Had a condo in Cancun for 15 years.. but the murder rate ran way up because of the cartels are there now pushing drugs on the tourist .
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
Oh ok. So did you sell it?
Hi would love to get in contact with Peggy
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
Hello. What for please?
werent people driving opposite direction on a one way street ? lol
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
There were. They do it all the time. Its convenient though. Else you will have to drive on a very bad road which makes the journey long.
@andyprem
2 жыл бұрын
@@MickeyAgyei lol I know Island time island rules 😇
Is there jobs in Belize ??
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
I never looked for work in Belize but I'm sure you can find one if you look. Saying that, the pandemic made it a bit difficult to jobs.
@amfredrick8616
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks bro am from Ghana and I have got a visa to Belize that's why I ask that cos I really want to stay in Belize and work
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
@@amfredrick8616 Oh ok.
@tempersworld5561
2 жыл бұрын
@@amfredrick8616 a Ghanaian don't need Visa to be in a Belize
@amfredrick8616
2 жыл бұрын
@@tempersworld5561 OK is free visa for Ghanian
Do not come to cayo. Corruption galore!
@MickeyAgyei
2 жыл бұрын
Haha I'm not sure why this sounds funny. I guess you have a personal experience. Point noted.
ahh screw the dirt roads , i know how that is ... u always dirty and dusty
Thank you for posting this. An interesting conversation.
@MickeyAgyei
Жыл бұрын
I'm happy you enjoyed it.