Shopping in Belize

Whether you’re going on holiday or you’ve decided to sell up and start a brand new life in Belize you will find that when out shopping in Belize - whether for souvenirs or new furniture - your money will go far further than it would back home in Europe or North America.

For tourists on holiday in Belize, Ambergris Caye is probably the most popular destination bar none and the main island settlement of San Pedro Town is one of the main stops on the tourism trail.  Now, just ask anyone who’s had a good experience of shopping in Belize and they will have shopped in picture postcard San Pedro!

San Pedro is the hub of Ambergris Caye and the Caye is so universally well liked because the people are exceptionally friendly, the nightlife is great, the diving is perfect, the scenery fascinating and the shopping is the best in Belize.

For a true taste of the country all visitors and indeed new residents living in Belize head to Ambergris Caye and all are drawn to the attraction and appeal of San Pedro.  The town is the gateway to the island and the island is the gateway to the Maya trail, the barrier reef, the rainforests and indeed the people of Belize. 

San Pedro has adapted to life as a tourism hotspot, and those who think that this would result in the town becoming over commercialized and spoilt as a result need to take some time out in San Pedro to realize just how far from the truth this assumption is! 

There are so few major stores in Belize, so few supermarkets and even fewer shopping malls that San Pedro would never become the exception.  If you want to go shopping in Belize I suggest you head for Ambergris Caye on the weekend when downtown San Pedro is closed to cars and then amble along Front Street and around Coconut Drive or take a trip along Barrier Reef Drive and soak up the atmosphere, buy up some great souvenirs, browse the local art, sample the Belizean tastes and flavors and find some fantastic clothing, furniture and jewelry bargains.

Elsewhere in Belize there are a range of shopping opportunities and where you decide to shop will depend on whether you’re living in Belize and looking for household wares or on holiday and browsing for fun.  In Belize City for example you have a fun mix of really ramshackle stores selling a bit of everything for next to nothing to some really high end boutiques selling stunning clothing and designer jewelry.  Generally speaking the prices for luxury goods in Belize can be quite high but if you look for locally produced and manufactured goods your money will go far further and you’ll bring home something unique as well.

The best places for souvenirs and reminders of Belize are definitely on the Cayes where there are such a myriad of gift shops selling wares that include beautifully painted pictures like those by Orlando Garrido (featured), intricately crafted silverware, attractive carved pieces; but those who’ve moved to Belize and are in search of more practical or every day items will find that nearly everything can be sourced in Belize City.

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