Tips
Quick, practical field notes -- the kind of thing you would want a friend to text you before you land.
- Always photograph the dive boat's safety kitBefore you board, a quick photo of the o2 kit and life vests is worth it.
- Carry small bills for tuk-tuks and boat taxisIslands like Ambergris Caye and Bocas run on cash and rarely carry change.
- Book coworking by the week firstTest a space in Canggu before committing to a monthly desk.
- Confirm visa-free days from your specific passportBelize's 30-day rule and similar allowances vary by nationality -- always confirm.
- Ask locals which reef sections are current-strongReef conditions change with season -- a five-minute local chat beats guessing.
- Keep a scanned passport copy in cloud storageBorder officials in several of these countries still ask for physical copies -- have a backup.
- Negotiate long-stay rent by the month, not the weekMonthly rates in Medellin and Playa del Carmen drop fast past a 4-week stay.
Booking the practical bits
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