Belize Travel Tips
Travel Tips and Helpful Information
Belize is a very easygoing country, but it is different from home. With the right information, Belize travel is safe and easy. Belize travel tips include important things like driving, currency, and safety, so here we have listed all of the tips for traveling in Belize that we though you should know to make your Belize vacation the best it can be!
Recommended Places
Not everything cool and neat is in Belize. Here is a list we started that features some we have found elsewhere. Check out these businesses.
Tips for Traveling in Belize
Currency
The official currency is the Belize dollar, which is exchanged at a rate of 1USD=2BZ. The U. S. dollar is accepted throughout Belize, so it is not necessary to exchange your cash. If you do choose to anyway, banks on the island are happy to help you. Hint: Change will sometimes be given in BZs, be sure to use these all up before you leave Belize, you will never be able to exchange them at home!
ATMs
The only ATMs that your U. S. bankcard will work in are at any of the Belize Bank locations or at First Caribbean Bank. The other ATMs in Belize are only set up for Belizean cards.
Language
Belize’s language is officially English, with Spanish and Creole often spoken as well.
Medical Facilities
There are hospitals in every major town in Belize. Hospitals in Belize are limited, and evacuation to the U. S. is necessary in the more serious cases. A hyperbaric chamber is situated in San Pedro Town on Ambergris Caye. Pharmacies are well stocked with American prescriptions. Check with your doctor a month before you leave for Belize, they may recommend a prevention plan for malaria or dengue fever.
Traveling between Belize and Guatemala
As of this writing, all travel between Guatemala and Belize is halted due to border disputes. Check for current conditions
Clothing
Casual and comfortable is the dress code in Belize! Bring a sweater for the evenings, it cools down quite a bit. You may want to pack a nice outfit in case you decide to go to one of Belize’s nicer restaurants.
Electricity
Same as in U. S., 110V.
Pets
Check with Belize Customs for the latest rules and regulations. Also consider a portable pet stair or step if your pooch likes hanging out on furniture, Floors in Belize are typically tile and not comfortable for dogs to jump up from or down to.
Passports & Immigration
A valid passport, return ticket, proof of a room reservation, and proof of funds equaling $60 per day is needed to enter Belize. A departure tax of $35, usually included in your airfare, is charged when you leave.
Personal Safety
If you are driving in Belize, I cannot stress enough that extreme caution and your full attention is needed. Please click here for more on driving in Belize. The water in Belize is usually safe to drink, and bottled water is available in all of the stores. Use common sense when traveling in Belize just as you would anywhere; do not walk alone at night, lock up your valuables, and don’t leave your personal items unattended and you will be fine. Bug repellant and sunscreen are a must!
Self Storage
We know this is a little off topic but we wanted to mention a super good plumbing service in Park City, Utah that we use when traveling for extended periods and renting our home there.
Taxes
Merchandise tax in Belize is 10%, hotel tax is 9%. Tax is sometimes included in the prices quoted, so it’s a good idea to check before purchasing items or booking a room.
Tipping / Gratuities
As in the U. S., gratuity is not included in prices but is expected (and greatly appreciated), so please tip 10% to 15%, though feel free to tip more if the service is exceptional.
Recommended Places
Not everything cool and neat is in Belize. Here is a list we started that features some we have found elsewhere. Check out these businesses.
Beaches