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Tacogirl Belize blog Est. in 2007

You came to the right blog for Belize Resources and Information.

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Belize Postal Service, a Dirty little Secret and Current Internet Pricing

by tacogirl 16/09/2015
written by tacogirl 16/09/2015
Belize postal service

Belize Postal Service is an area of question that often comes up for future expats, they want to know what options are available for mail delivery and in some cases need to have a change of address set up in advance. 

Our mail system is general delivery and we have no zip/postal codes, something that always mystifies people trying to send you mail. If you opt for this route your new mailing address would be your name followed by; Pescador Dr. Post Office General Delivery, San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. If I am on a website needing my address and it will not accept all zeros for a zip code, I use the ever popular 90210 🙂 

If you don’t want to stand in line waiting for the post guy to check all the mail in the box that is designated for the first letter of your last name, you do have the option to go private. It used to be that there was a waiting list for private mailboxes, now that the post office moved to Pescador Dr.  (Middle St.) they have increased the number of boxes available for rent. There are 2 options; small and large both have a $25 deposit. Small ones are $65 for the first year then $40 thereafter. The big ones (none currently available) are $105 for year one and $80 annually after that. Pricing in Belize currency.

Belize postBelize postBelize postBelize postal service

You can also get private mailboxes with Quicksilver Messenger service. This is the option I used because owner Dianne calls me and tells me politely to get my hiney to my mailbox asap and pick up my package slip(s). If you let them sit too long you run the risk of the post office sending back your package(s). Click through to Quicksilver Messenger site to see annual pricing on private mailboxes. She has a few locations around town.

Quicksilver Messenger also offers lots of other useful services such as:

  • Bill Paying
  • Pay property taxes
  • Property Management
  • Cell phone rentals
  • Western Union money transfers
  • Check deposits at local banks
  • Purchase your monthly bridge pass
  • Pay your property or vehicle insurance
  • Passport pickups at and Canadian Consulate or US Embassy
  • Payments to the Magistrate’s office at the courthouse

My Dirty Little Secret

This idea has excited many people I have told, but a few of you might not like it though. While I have tried to curb the habit as best I can, sometimes I just cannot resist. I have long discovered that many places in China, Hong Kong, and South Korea (among a few other places) offer free shipping to Belize on eBay. That means not only am I getting something at a reasonably good price that I cannot find here because I do not have to pay for shipping, I do not mind paying duty charges.

Aside from the time it takes for your purchases to arrive, there are sometimes minor drawbacks to shopping this way. Once a guy in Hong Kong tried very hard to convince me that my crank flashlights should be sent to Honduras and I had to convince him right back if he did that I would never see them. Also sometimes you get what you pay for. I recently took a chance on 4 extra 9 foot chargers noodle flat micro USB phone charger cables at $1.66 each and sadly China let me down this time. The quality was just not there, and they were too slow in charging which was a bummer as long charger cords rock.

As for customs and duty, the post office has their official “blue book” of pricing. I have still found no real rhyme or reason for the customs prices on my stuff. The first picture is a good example of that. I got charged  $7.65 BZD for my plastic owl bento box from Hong Kong (cost $5.62 BZD) and only $4.20 BZD for my Olympus Stylus Tough 8010 battery charger (cost $7.98 BZD). Reason for buying a new charger from China: King, our pool guy helped me work out that it was not a faulty wiring that made my old charger start acting up, it was because the inside had rusted. 

Belize postal serviceBelize post
Belize mail

Package notification slip

Current Internet Pricing

If you are interested in our postal system, then there is a good chance you are interested in Belize internet too.

For home internet, I opted for a standard 2MB plan at $130 BZD and I pay $39.99 BZD for 2 gigs worth on my Nexus phone. That gives me a combined monthly bill of $179.99. I get bill notifications by text and email and I pay online using Atlantic Bank.

If you are considering internet for your smartphone and you want to know how much data you should buy, click through to use the handy Digicell data calculator. By estimating how many monthly emails, social media posts, minutes streaming videos watched and songs downloaded you can get an idea of how many gigs you should get.

Belize Internet

* Deposit/internet service charges are nontaxable

Click through if you have further questions on BTL Internet.

Internet in Belize
Click through for more Digicell plans and pricing.

If you need internet while on vacation and are good with your phone most businesses will share their password, you can also get 1 hour per day free at Central Park in town. There are also a few internet cafes that charge by the hour, should you need a sit-down computer option.

Belize Internet

There are a few internet places around town

Related

tacogirl

Laure Norton grew up dyslexic and was very challenged by the school. She never dreamed she would move to Belize and become a writer. A year after her move to Ambergris Caye, Laurie became an entrepreneur and professional writer starting tacogirl blog in 2007. Since then she has helped many people plan their vacations or move. She also has been published in Great Destinations Belize Guidebook, Moon Guide to Living in Belize, Insight Guides, Island Magazine several times and USA Today. Currently Laurie resides in downtown San Pedro and enjoys being a "city girl" on a tropical island.

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4 comments

Anthony Cafiso 26/01/2020 - 7:06 pm

Tacogirl,
I bought a piece of property in the Village of Hopkins.
In 3 1/2 years my son graduates high school and i then plan to move to Hopkins, Belize. I have been trying to plan about building my own home on poles as i so have the ability to do so as i am in the construction field. I even have put aside all of the electrical and plumbing materials i think i need. My goal is to be tranquil, ride my motorcycle and Scuba dive as thats my 2 passions. I paid my property tax in advance for the next 5 years. I plan to purchase a shipping container and with all my items in there, vehicles and ship it to Belize. How do i go about once its in Belize to have it transported to my property in Hopkins. I read your article on mail. Is there anything i can do in advance to make my transition easier when the time comes? Like Visa, banking, mail(i am happy to purchase a box now or put myself on the waiting list for one) i am open to any suggestions/ ideas you may have.

Reply
tacogirl 27/01/2020 - 11:59 am

Anthony, congrats on your move. For transport, join this Hopkins Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/155603672170/ and see if there are more groups. People living there will be able to help you with the best way of shipping goods from Belize City to Hopkins. I tried to check the government site for post offices closes to Hopkins but it was down, as far as I know, Dangriga is the closest one. Here is the fb page https://www.facebook.com/belizepostalservice/ and number for the Belize City Post Office in case you want to inquire now – +1 501 227-5844

Reply
Ande R Woods 10/11/2018 - 12:50 pm

Hi Taco Girl, I am moving to Belize from Texas. I am there on a scouting trip next week and planning to be living there the first of December. I am in the process of buying Casa Picasso Restaurant. I have two questions for you. Is it possible for you to visit with me in person next week between November 15th – 19? And can you tell me a good way to send a few boxes of my personal items to the Island?
Let me know if you can, Thanks, Ande Woods

Reply
tacogirl 13/11/2018 - 8:48 am

Better to work out meetings and such in email Ande sent you one. As for shopping Belize Freight is a popular option.

Reply

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Corey Holm
Corey Holm
04:38 25 Feb 20
I take the seniors from our academy to Belize every year for their senior trip. One of the first people I contact when... I start planning the trip is Laurie with TacoGirl Belize. She knows the island of San Pedro better than anyone else out there. Trust me, I have looked. If you are looking for the best restaurants, hang outs and shops then Laurie help plan your vacation.read more
Carol Taylor
Carol Taylor
15:53 24 Feb 20
Love Taco Girl Blog @LaurieNorton! I've been reading this blog since I started visiting Ambergris Caye in Belize almost... 10 years ago. It is filled with helpful up-to-date information and recommendations that I wouldn't necessarily find on my own. Laurie Norton's knowledge and extensive network on the island provides her with the ability to share perks/discounts/coupons with her readers, which come in handy year after year. Things on the island change daily - new businesses pop up constantly and LaurieNortonstays on top of these developments. Whenever I plan my return trip to the island, I always check her blog first - and I recommend you do the same. Trip Advisor ain't got nuttin' on Taco Girl!read more
Heidi
Heidi
20:01 20 Feb 20
Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s... always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. There is so much information it's amazing! Thank you Laurie!!!read more
Nick Goodman
Nick Goodman
21:23 30 Nov 19
I am considering a move to Belize and I have serendipitously found tacogirl.....what a treasure! She is full of great... advice, helpful hints.....knows everybody on Ambergris Caye and has a thousand useful recommendations and suggestions. Whether you are planning a vacation or relocating, you should make use of the many services she has to offer…..read more
KellyDivePhotography
KellyDivePhotography
20:58 30 Nov 19
I’m so pleased to see tacogirl's blog on Google. Laurie's blog is my official “go to” source for tourist and... local information on San Pedro. Of course, it’s always nice to see her guides on “what to do” in San Pedro, but I also appreciate her “insider” advice and human interest stories on what it’s like living as a local on the island. I especially enjoy her guest articles, providing a different perspective of all things San Pedro. Her tipping quide is a classic, and don’t forget her Tropic Air flight code and on-island discounts. You’re not up-to-date with what’s going on in San Pedro if you’re not regularly reading tacogirl's blog.read more
Sandra Godfrey
Sandra Godfrey
15:58 23 Nov 19
I have known Laurie (Taco Girl) for several years. She has been a wealth of good information for me in all of my... pursuits in Belize. I highly recommend her for any services you may require.read more
William Jones
William Jones
13:39 06 May 19
Do yourself a favor. Read this BEFORE any trip to San Pedro - Ambergris Caye or Belize in general. Not saying “do... what everyone else says”, but Laurie has frank and honest info which will make your stay in country a little more fun, a little more informative, and often at a great cost savings. Best thing: it’s unbiased, honest, and factual. Personal note: thank you for your personal tailored help in answering mine (and my wife’s) questions.read more
Kimberly Robinson
Kimberly Robinson
18:28 03 May 19
Taco Girl (Laurie) is amazing. She has so much knowledge about Belize and has great connections with many of the... businesses in Belize. Because of her connections she is able to offer many perks and discounts that you wouldn't have been able to find otherwise. She is super responsive and I always go to her for all my travel needs. From golf cart rentals, to spas, to places to eat. She's got the inside scoop on all!read more
Michael Rieck
Michael Rieck
20:22 21 Apr 19
Since 2003, my wife and I have been to Ambergris at least once a year to experience the fantastic diving. About twelve... years ago we me Tacogirl on a blog giving us discounts on golf carts, local airfares, and restaurants. Over the years we have grown a friendship and I look forward to her weekly blogs about he changes on my favorite home away from home. The island changes every year, and she always shows you what to see, do, and eat.read more
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THE ORIGINAL BELIZE BLOG

ABOUT ME

I took the plunge and moved to San Pedro Town on the Island of Ambergris Caye, off the coast of Belize, Central America. Originally from Canada, I made the life-changing move to escape winter for good (in 2006) after one three week vacation.

If you have any questions or want Belize discounts, Contact me.

SPARKING MY DESIRE

3 childhood memories that shaped my desire to move to Belize from a young age.Sailing in the Virgin Islands, seeing a rainbow out the window of an island hopper as we flew from Virgin Islands to Puerto Rico, Christmas in Hawaii and many trips to Florida.

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