Work Where Others Vacation
- Craig Densham
- Oct 13
- 4 min read
Imagine logging into your morning Zoom call as pelicans dive behind you, or finishing a project while the Caribbean laps gently a few feet away.
That’s daily life in Placencia, Belize — a once-sleepy fishing village turned lively beach town where remote workers and entrepreneurs from around the world now live, code, design, and dream.
Over the last few years, Placencia has evolved into a Caribbean hotspot for digital nomads, thanks to its laid-back vibe, English-speaking locals, great infrastructure, and — yes — solid internet speeds.
Why Placencia Appeals to Remote Workers
1. The Lifestyle You Can’t Code Into Existence
Placencia offers what every remote worker craves: balance. Mornings start with a barefoot beach walk, afternoons bring productive work sessions, and evenings are for live music, rum cocktails, or stargazing from your veranda.
Unlike overdeveloped destinations like Tulum or Bali, Placencia keeps its charm — community-driven, safe, and small enough to feel like home.
2. Reliable Internet and Infrastructure
Internet in Placencia is surprisingly good for a small Caribbean village. Fiber-optic service from SMART and DigiNet covers most of the peninsula, with typical speeds of 50–180 Mbps — perfect for video calls, cloud work, and streaming.
Many Airbnbs, resorts, and cafés advertise high-speed connections.
Popular work-friendly spots include:
• The Shak Café – beachfront smoothies and solid Wi-Fi
• Chilpoint – quiet mornings, great coffee
3. Affordable Cost of Living
Placencia isn’t just beautiful — it’s practical.
Estimated Monthly Costs (USD):
Apartment / Studio: $700 – $1,200
Meals & Groceries: $300 – $500
Local Transport: $50 – $100
Coworking / Wi-Fi: Included or ~$50/month
Fun (diving, tours, etc.): $100 – $200
Most digital nomads live comfortably on $1,500–$2,000 per month, enjoying a quality of life that feels like luxury on a freelancer’s budget.
4. English-Speaking & Easy Visa Options
Belize is the only English-speaking country in Central America, which makes it easy for North Americans and Europeans to settle in.
You can stay visa-free for 30 days, and extend your stay monthly for a small fee. Long-term residents often apply for Residency or the Qualified Retired Persons (QRP) Program, which allows for extended stays and tax benefits.
🧑💻 5. A Friendly, Growing Expat & Nomad Community
Placencia’s remote work crowd includes developers, designers, online teachers, marketers, and digital entrepreneurs.
You’ll often meet new friends or collaborators at:• Tipsy Tuna Beach Bar – sunset meetups & trivia• Cha Chi’s Pizzeria – fast Wi-Fi and community vibe• The Placencia Sidewalk – the town’s social heartbeat
Everyone’s connected — it’s easy to find your people here.
Long-Term Living: Flying Toucan Beach Rentals
If you’re planning to stay longer than a few months, check out Flying Toucan Beach Rentals — our sister property designed for long-term remote workers and expats.
Flying Toucan offers:
✅ High-speed Wi-Fi (fiber)
✅ Fully furnished beachfront apartments and studios
✅ Dedicated workspace areas
✅ Full kitchens & on-site laundry
✅ Secure, quiet property with direct beach access
It’s ideal for professionals looking to settle in for 6 months to a year — many of our residents are tech freelancers, remote consultants, or creative entrepreneurs working full-time online.
📍 Located just minutes from Placencia Village — close enough for restaurants and shops, yet peaceful enough for focus and relaxation.
At Flying Toucan, you can take client calls in the morning, swim in turquoise water at lunch, and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand — all without missing a deadline.
Coworking & Workspaces
Placencia doesn’t have massive coworking hubs — and it doesn’t need them.
Locals and nomads make the most of:
• Chilpoint – shared desks, air-conditioned, fiber Wi-Fi
• Toucan Jacks - a few tables and chairs and great internet
Most remote workers prefer the comfort and reliability of working from their own villa or shaded balcony by the sea.
Life Beyond the Laptop
When the workday ends, the real reward begins. You can kayak the lagoon, snorkel the reef, or hop on a quick boat to Moho Caye.
The Future of Remote Work in Belize
With improving fiber networks, easy flight access, and visa flexibility, Placencia is fast becoming one of the Caribbean’s top digital nomad destinations.
Long-term rentals like Flying Toucan Beach Rentals are leading that change — giving remote professionals a reliable, high-speed, comfortable home base in paradise.
Final Thoughts
Placencia, Belize proves that remote work and tropical living can go hand in hand. Between great Wi-Fi, affordable living, friendly locals, and long-term rentals like our long-term rental space called The Flying Toucan, you can actually live where you vacation.
So if you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to ocean breezes, opening your laptop by the beach, and calling it your “office” — Placencia is waiting.
About the Author
Craig Densham is the owner of Ocean Breeze Beach Resort, a boutique seaside resort in Placencia, Belize. With years of local experience and a passion for hospitality, Craig loves helping guests discover the best of Belize — from hidden beaches to authentic local cuisine. Follow Ocean Breeze Beach Resort on Facebook and Instagram for travel inspiration.
