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
Every country has a story; so does its people. I get to travel and visit different parts of the world due to the nature of my work, so I take viewers with me in the form of vlogs to explore and tell beautiful stories of the people and the places that I am working.
I am dedicated to provide deep, meaningful and entertaining contents for you, my viewers....
So enjoy!!!
Book your stay at the Cosmopolitan Guest House at: www.cosmopolitanbelize.com/
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[@cornelisverhoef9282]

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]

Oh wow. I guess it will be very different if you visited now. I'm happy this video took you down memory lane.

[@mzampong7793]

Nature at its best......lessons....Don't end up in a rat race....retire to relax and enjoy. Great interview by all standards!

[@MickeyAgyei]

Thanks very much for watching...as always xxx

[@RobEJC]

Terrific video and interview - Peggy's voice exuded truth and joy.

[@MickeyAgyei]

Very true. She seems to be living the simplest but fulfilling life. Thanks very much for watching.

[@PatriciaAbijah]

She really has done well in Belize

[@stephaniemontor1567]

I would love to move there. Slow life, simple, true island life and people. Feels like the 50s.

[@MickeyAgyei]

Definitely.

[@Talkyheadquarterjanny]

Wow, I really enjoyed this interview.... can’t hope to visit Hopkins in Belize

[@agafit5865]

Thanks 🙏 for this interview it’s very helpful

[@MickeyAgyei]

You are welcome. Thank you for watching 🙏🏾

[@leonawilliams6599]

Thank you Mickey very informative' and a great interview and info'

[@MickeyAgyei]

You are welcome and thanks for the kind words.

[@annecaulder9495]

That was a lovely interview. Well done and thank you!

[@MickeyAgyei]

Thanks very much for your kind words 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@delroyzuniga6742]

Another great production Mickey. Looking forward to meeting you in a couple weeks. Kip

[@MickeyAgyei]

Thanks very much Kip. Likewise.

[@TheTruthSpeakerTV]

Thank you aunty for sharing

[@MrSundayrayne]

Thank you so much for showing Hopkins! , I now can plan my vacation lol........

[@MickeyAgyei]

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.

[@baronsamericamoreincommon]

Really well done series. Excellent interviewing. I was in Hopkins a few months ago and returning to Belize soon.

[@MickeyAgyei]

Thanks very much. I'm happy you enjoyed your stay in Hopkins.

[@shawntillett6094]

Always love seeing these videos bro keep up the good job

[@MickeyAgyei]

Thanks very much for your support as always bro.

[@shawntillett6094]

@@MickeyAgyei Always big bro

[@yuhanatbelize]

Wow love this drone footage 👏 Keep up the professional work Mickey 💪

[@MickeyAgyei]

Thanks for the kind words.

[@davidsmiottawa]

Nice interview!

[@MickeyAgyei]

Thanks very much as always Dave.

[@gheechiedan9299]

GREAT info my man ! 😀

[@MickeyAgyei]

Thanks 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@soulwarriorsjourney9405]

Thank you for your informative video

[@MickeyAgyei]

You are welcome.

[@LiveWireVodou]

Thank you both so much 🙏✨

[@MickeyAgyei]

🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@lawrenceflowers2680]

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]

Hi, you are very welcome. I'm happy I'm able to give you some sort of escapism. Thanks for watching.

[@kurtlinaragon3701]

Itp0

[@nkhangfitravel1521]

@@MickeyAgyei hi. I would like to visit Belize. Can you help me with a tour agent there.

[@MickeyAgyei]

@@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.

[@1olive1olive4]

This lady's voice just sucks me in! Its mesmerising! I bet u were a really kind considerate respectful nurse. Xlxx

[@MickeyAgyei]

She was a really kind host to us...so I guess she was.

[@bedinabebe4521]

🌴OMG!!! Those Palm Trees & The Beaches!!😍😍

[@MickeyAgyei]

Tell me about it

[@riccizech]

Hey!! abba unu good to see you best gift shop in the country

[@MickeyAgyei]

Yes it is an amazing gift shop.

[@leonawilliams6599]

Thank you Mickey

[@MickeyAgyei]

You are welcome 🙏🏾

[@tomcraig4843]

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]

Thanks very much Tom for the kind words. It's always nice to share the experiences of others. Thanks once again for watching.

[@harcabtv]

Watching from Cebu Philippines

[@EkowSimpson]

Awesome

[@MickeyAgyei]

Thanks bro 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@romalisa2]

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

[@matabesylvie7240]

Hope to pass via this place in some months to come....keep up with the good job n hope to meet u

[@MickeyAgyei]

I bet you are looking forward to it. Thanks very much for the kind words.

[@matabesylvie7240]

Thanks Mic

[@matabesylvie7240]

Hello Mic

[@MickeyAgyei]

@@matabesylvie7240 Hi

[@anook1984]

I am already falling in love with Belize.

[@MickeyAgyei]

I don't blame you.

[@MsArtelia]

Hi Mickey from San Diego California

[@MickeyAgyei]

Hello Ma'am 👋🏾

[@sandrajewellspeaks8411]

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]

Thanks very much for your kind words. Unfortunately I recently moved to uk and don't live in Belize anymore. Very sorry.

[@MickeyAgyei]

Please check my friend Antho's vlogs she also makes video about Belize.

[@samsmom1491]

Why did you leave? Do you lead a Bohemian lifestyle and it was time to move on? I'm asking out of curiosity.

[@MickeyAgyei]

@@samsmom1491 Hello. No. I was in Belize for work and was transferred after my time was done.

[@Solar-Busters]

Good luck on your new ventures

[@LindainBelize]

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]

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]

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]

@@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

[@massivecumshot]

Had a great stay at the Kismet Inn in Hopkins.

[@MickeyAgyei]

I'm happy you enjoyed your stay. Hopkins is very chilled.

[@PatriciaAbijah]

Belize is really beautiful, I’d totally move there

[@MickeyAgyei]

Very small but cozy and an hour away from other beach towns.

[@karimbarrie9244]

@@MickeyAgyei how do I contact you?

[@MickeyAgyei]

@@karimbarrie9244 please message me on Facebook at Mickey Agyei.

[@machella1233]

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]

Thank you very much for the insight. Very helpful.

[@Talkyheadquarterjanny]

I’m first 💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻💃🏻

[@MickeyAgyei]

As always 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@MickeyAgyei]

Thanks for watching.

[@LeeChungTu7230]

Belize, I'm on my way. I will settle there with my family.

[@MickeyAgyei]

Nice! I hope this dream comes true.

[@LeeChungTu7230]

@@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]

@@LeeChungTu7230 I believe this. All the best in your preparation.

[@PatriciaAbijah]

She’s well traveled

[@MickeyAgyei]

She is. Thanks very much 🙏🏾

[@haroldbannister7539]

Could you identify a few local Holidays which Balize celebrate like the USA Celebrates 4th of July.

[@MickeyAgyei]

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

[@my_dear_friend_]

Are those mountains/hills in the background at 1:42?

[@MickeyAgyei]

Tell you what, I'm not even sure. But I think it a high ground of some sort.

[@my_dear_friend_]

@@MickeyAgyei - High ground is a good thing.

[@84tahlia]

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]

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 [phone] (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]

@@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]

@@84tahlia Oh. I will also do some digging. I will get back to you pronto.

[@MickeyAgyei]

@@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]

@@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.

[@moorfortune901]

How can obtain residency in Belize? Can u travel back n forth in belize or remain there for some years to receive it?

[@MickeyAgyei]

I think through marriage and staying there for a long period of time. Very good question. I will ask around for you.

[@nadi2054]

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]

Oh I'm not familiar with that but I will ask around.

[@nadi2054]

@@MickeyAgyei peace and thank you

[@excerptsandpassages3999]

I’m a writer looking to spend a month in Hopkins Village, where would you suggest I stay?

[@MickeyAgyei]

I made a review of places you can stay in Hopkins in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIamgnZ-pr2NopYsi=chQa29XB7xG_hWer Please check it out.

[@Sweetsy928]

I'm a massage therapist 😊

[@edveitenthal231]

An old saying here in Belize is if you want to make a million dolars here bring two million with you.

[@MickeyAgyei]

Interesting lol

[@jeano7770]

I would like to buy a piece of land in Hopkins. Any suggestions?

[@MickeyAgyei]

Not sure unfortunately.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

What kind of insects are a problem there?

[@MickeyAgyei]

Mosquitoes and sun flies.

[@ahayahlove37]

How is the weather? Storms?

[@MickeyAgyei]

Weather is mostly good. They do have hurricane season from June to November. I lived there for nearly 4 years and never experienced one.

[@garyyarbrough888]

Healthcare ? Taxes for retirees?

[@empressmahogany6260]

Are there currently any travel restrictions?

[@MickeyAgyei]

Please check out link below for all restrictions belizetourismboard.org/news-and-gallery/belize-covid-19-travel-updates/ Thanks for reaching out.

[@empressmahogany6260]

Thank you

[@MickeyAgyei]

@@empressmahogany6260 You are welcome 🙂

[@sandcrabspa4299]

What kinda Trinidadian who does not know of or where belize is located? Considering Belize is part of CARICOM... Nonetheless, great vid.

[@MickeyAgyei]

Very true. But there are a lot of people who's never even heard of Belize. Thanks very much for the feedback.

[@sandcrabspa4299]

@@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]

@@sandcrabspa4299 Oh ok. I didn't know that. Good to know now.

[@johnjwaterhouse8985]

And then, just like that the filming switches to Placencia??

[@MickeyAgyei]

I think so. Not watched it in a while.

[@lionmanahawaii]

I'd love to send you an email with some inquiries about the area. Is there a good way to contact you?

[@MickeyAgyei]

Please message me on Instagram at mickey_agyei

[@Virtues162]

It could have been complete if you had asked her why she did not like to stay in her country (Trinidad and Tobago)!!

[@MickeyAgyei]

She actually told me but I didn't want to add it to the video.

[@Virtues162]

@@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]

@@Virtues162 Yeah those were her reasons. And the same reason she chose Hopkins and not one of the bigger towns in Belize.

[@Virtues162]

@@MickeyAgyei Thanks Mickey, I appreciate it !

[@Nanbebe7]

I’d like to contact this lady I’m an American nurse looking to retire in Belize

[@MickeyAgyei]

Please email [e-mail]

[@fd2blk78]

Those foo's at 11:00 are druuuuuuunk. Lol

[@MickeyAgyei]

I don't blame them. It was a good day lol

[@fd2blk78]

@@MickeyAgyei lol, I can't wait to visit!

[@angelcitystudio]

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]

This video was shot during the pandemic. I'm not sure the state of the place now.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@shafiuzzaman1355]

Hi, bro, I want to come. How get visa from Dubai.

[@MickeyAgyei]

Please what passport do you hold? Do you have a residence permit for Dubai?

[@shafiuzzaman1355]

@@MickeyAgyei I am from Bangladesh. Next week hopefully I will get the residence permit. I am new here.

[@MickeyAgyei]

@@shafiuzzaman1355 Please just check on google; you might not need a visa to travel to Belize.

[@shafiuzzaman1355]

@@MickeyAgyei we need visa. I already check.We also need an invitation letter from there.Any person, hotel, hostel can make invitation letter.

[@MickeyAgyei]

@@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.

[@jolantastrange1365]

Can You please give me prices on rentals?

[@MickeyAgyei]

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]

Check and see if she has a website.

[@MickeyAgyei]

@@samsmom1491Below is her website www.cosmopolitanbelize.com/

[@andyprem]

werent people driving opposite direction on a one way street ? lol

[@MickeyAgyei]

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]

@@MickeyAgyei lol I know Island time island rules 😇

[@jenniferm634]

Do they have a lot of crime like jamaica

[@MickeyAgyei]

To be honest, yes but only at the south side of Belize city. The rest is just petty crimes.

[@stevegordon9997]

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]

Oh ok. So did you sell it?

[@thepinksquareshow8046]

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]

www.cosmopolitanbelize.com/ 👆🏾👆🏾👆🏾 this is the website for her guesthouse. There are contacts underneath

[@thepinksquareshow8046]

Thanks for the quick response. You’re awesome and I have just subscribed to your channel!!! Loved this episode!

[@MickeyAgyei]

@@thepinksquareshow8046 Thank you very much 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@TheAkbal4]

Hi would love to get in contact with Peggy

[@MickeyAgyei]

Hello. What for please?

[@amfredrick8616]

Is there jobs in Belize ??

[@MickeyAgyei]

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]

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]

@@amfredrick8616 Oh ok.

[@tempersworld5561]

@@amfredrick8616 a Ghanaian don't need Visa to be in a Belize

[@amfredrick8616]

@@tempersworld5561 OK is free visa for Ghanian

[@Mike-hb4pc]

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]

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.

[@elzaaltmann]

Do not come to cayo. Corruption galore!

[@MickeyAgyei]

Haha I'm not sure why this sounds funny. I guess you have a personal experience. Point noted.

[@dimakonax]

ahh screw the dirt roads , i know how that is ... u always dirty and dusty

[@lovesloudcars]

Thank you for posting this. An interesting conversation.

[@MickeyAgyei]

I'm happy you enjoyed it.