Belize Visitor Information
What To Bring
Remember to bring items you need on a daily basis: prescription
drugs, personal items, eyeglasses, as well as sun tan lotion, sun
screen, insect repellent, camera and film, binoculars, batteries,
cash traveler's checks, credit cards.
What To Wear
Belize is a relaxed and informal destination. Bring your shorts,
tank tops, swimwear, tennis shoes, sandals, and caps. If you're
planning the visit the ruins or the rainforests, bring along a pair
of comfortable hiking boots or shoes, as well. The rule - loose
fitting and casual clothing is best.
The Climate
The average annual temperature in Belize is approximately 79 degrees.
Humidity is high, although the sea breezes help to alleviate the
heat. In summer the highs are normally around 96 degrees Fahrenheit,
and in winter the lows are seldom below 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Travel Documents
For entry into Belize you will need a valid passport, or visa,
if applicable. Visitors to Belize are permitted to stay a maximum
of 30 days. Extensions may be granted upon application to the Immigration
Office. Travelers must also show they have sufficient funds for
their visit, at least $50.00 US per day, as well as a ticket to
their onward destination.
Currency
The Belize Dollar (BZ$) has a fixed rate of exchange of two Belize
dollars to one US dollar. Hotels and restaurants will accept US
dollars, traveler's checks and credit cards.
Taxes
Hotels normally charge a 7% hotel tax, restaurants impose a 10%
service charge in lieu of tipping. There is a $15.00 (US) airport
departure tax, and an international airport to domestic airport
departure tax of $.75 cents US.
People and Languages
The people of Belize consists of a mixture of Creole, Garifuna,
Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Chinese and East Indian.
English is the official language spoken throughout the country,
however Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan are widely spoken throughout
the country.
Communication
Telephone service is Belize is supplied by Belize Telecommunications,
Ltd. and they offer excellent communication between Belize and the
United States and Canada. Service is also available for communication
with other countries. Local and international phone cards are available.
|
