 |
When is the best time to go to Belize? |
 |
Mid-November through May are the driest months of the year. The
rainy season starts in June and ends in mid-November. High
tourist season starts in December and continues through May.
The rest of the year is less crowded. Belize has a subtropical
climate, with an average annual temperature of 80°F. The
temperature can reach the mid-90's in the summer. Trade winds
flow through the coastal and island properties most of the year,
keeping temperatures enjoyable even throughout the hottest
months. Hurricanes occasionally occur in August and September.
Water temperature averages between 79 and 83°F. Rainfall is
heavier in the jungles and southern Belize and light in the
north and on the islands. |
| |
|
|
 |
|
What are the public and bank holidays? |
|
Stores, banks and government offices are closed in observance of
the following holidays:
New Years Day - January 1
Baron Bliss Day- March 9
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Monday
Labour Day-May 1
Commonwealth Day- May 24
St. George's Caye Day- September 10
Independence Day- September 21
Columbus Day- October 12
Garifuna Settlement Day- November 19
Christmas Day- December 25
Boxing Day- December 26 |
| |
|
|
|
|
What shall I bring while vacationing in Belize? |
|
When hiking, bring hiking boots or sneakers with good treads,
long pants and long sleeves for evening hikes, short pants and
cool cotton clothes, bathing suits, sun hats, sunglasses,
prescription drugs, lightweight raingear with a hood, sun
screen, sun burn cream, insect repellent, binoculars, camera and
film, batteries, a flashlight or headlamp for evening hikes or
caving, and do not forget your passport or visa (if applicable),
as well as cash, credit cards and/or travelers' checks. |
| |
|
|
|
|
What is the dress code? |
|
The dress code in Belize is shorts and t-shirts. Shoes are
optional. Except for hiking into the thick jungle areas, the
dress is casual, informal and light. Leave expensive jewelry at
home since you will not need it. Should you need a watch, bring
one that is suitable for diving and/or hiking.
If you are visiting Progresso Heights, bring shorts, T-shirts, and
bathing suits, along with deck shoes. The sun is more intense
than what you are probably used to at home, so bring a hat to
protect your head from the tropical sun and biodegradable sun
screen for the rest of your body. Do not forget to bring a pair
of "polarized" sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and
to remove the reflective glare from the water.
When hiking through rain forest wear loose fitting, light
colored cotton pants and shirts, along with a comfortable pair
of hiking shoes or boots. |
| |
|
|
|
|
What about credit cards and travelers' checks? |
|
Hotels, restaurants and stores in the tourist areas accept all
major credit cards. Smaller vendors and storekeepers in rural
areas may accept only cash or travelers' checks (US currency or Belize currency...
US$1 = BZE$2). All major credit card companies
may be contacted at all of the commercial banks in Belize City. |
| |
|
|
|
|
What is the currency exchange rate? |
|
Local currency is the Belize dollar. One U.S. dollar (US$1.00)
is equivalent two Belize dollars (BZE$2.00). U.S. dollars are
accepted countrywide. Major credit cards accepted at hotels and
shops. |
| |
|
|
|
|
What about banks? |
|
There are several commercial banks in Belize City.
Atlantic Bank Limited, Albert Street, Belize City -
Phone: 227-7301
Alliance Bank, 106 Princess Margret Drive, Belize City - Phone:223-6783,
223-6784
Bank of Nova Scotia, Albert Street, Belize City -
Phone: 227-7027
Barclays Bank PLC, Albert Street, Belize City -
Phone: 227-7211
Belize Bank Limited, Market Square, Belize City -
Phone: 227-7132
Banking hours are usually Monday-Friday from 8 AM-1 PM and to
4:30 PM on Fridays; and Saturdays, 8 AM-11 AM. Many of the banks
have branches within the other districts. |
| |
|
|
|
|
What about driving around Belize? |
|
If you have a car, a great way to experience the country is
driving yourself. Always keep in mind not to leave valuables in
view in the vehicle, keep the doors locked, keep the gas tank
filled, do not pick up hitchhikers and try not to drive a night.
It is recommended, whether or not it is rainy season to have a
four wheel drive vehicle. Belize is only 68 miles wide and 180
miles long, so it is not to far to get anywhere. The main
highways in Belize are:
The Northern Highway from Belize City to
Corozal and the Mexican Border.
The Western Highway from Belize City to San Ignacio and the
Guatemalan Border.
The Hummingbird Highway from Belmopan to Dangriga.
The Southern Highway from Dangriga to Punta Gorda.
The Manatee Highway from Belize City to Dangriga. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Can I rent a car? |
|
To rent a car, or a golf cart on mainland Belize, a valid driver
license is required. The best place to rent a vehicle is at the
Belize City International Airport. Driving laws are like the rest of the
world. Also, to ride a bike at night, you must have a bright
white light on it. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Can I travel by bus in Belize? |
|
|
Yes, you can travel by bus in Belize. The bus lines are as follows:
Novelo's Bus 207-2025
Z-Line Bus Service 522-2224
Battys 207-4924
Venus 207-3354
Departure is out of Belize City for most of the major towns
(Punta Gorda, Corozal, Orange Walk, San Ignacio, Belmopan,
Dangriga). |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
How do I get around by plane in Belize? |
|
Travelers flying into the Philip Goldson International Airport
in Belize City may connect to various destinations within Belize
including: Corozal, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Dangriga, Big
Creek, Ambergris Caye, Placencia and Punta Gorda.
Airlines serving destinations within Belize:
Tropic Air: (800) 422-3435 (from U.S.) or 011-501-226-2012 email tropicair@btl.net. Belize International, Belize Municipal,
Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Placencia,
Punta Gorda, Flores (Guatemala)
Island Air: 011-501-226-2435. Belize International, Belize
Municipal, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Corozal
Caribee Air Service: 011-501-224-4253 for private charters.
Javier's Flying Service Ltd.: 011-501-223-5360 for private
charters. |
| |
|
|
|
|
How much should room and board cost? |
|
Travelers on a budget can vacation for as little as $40 a day on
mainland Belize. Transportation will be extra. Room and board in
upscale jungle lodges and good hotels can run from $100 to $150
a day. Outfitted group adventure trips at upscale all-inclusive
lodges range from $100 to $150 a day. Reservations are always a
good idea during high season. Do not forget to ask about group
discounts. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Is there sales tax? |
|
Yes, Belize has a value added tax of 15%. It is levied on all
goods and services except hotel accommodations, where there is a
7% tax. Some hotels have a 10-15% service charge, be sure to
inquire about this when checking hotel prices. These taxes are
subject to change. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What about shopping? |
|
There are local fish, fruit and vegetable markets. Meats, rice,
corn and beans are the regular diet for locals. Other foods and
manufactured goods are usually imported and sold through small
stores and supermarkets. Just keep in mind that certain products
cannot leave the country, such as unprocessed coral, turtle
shells, pre-Colombian artifacts and marine products (unless
permission is granted). |
| |
|
|
|
|
What about getting married in Belize? |
|
You have to be in the country for at least three days before you
can apply for a marriage license, with one day notice. You must
have proof of citizenship such as a certified copy of a birth
certificate, notarized, with father's name, proof of divorce, if
necessary, certified copy or original of divorce certificate and
a copy of the death certificate for widow or widower, if
necessary. You can be married by either a Justice of the Peace
or Registrar General (Phone 501-227-7377) in Belize City. |
| |
|
|
|
|
What do I do in an emergency? |
|
911 is the emergency number to connect you to the local police,
who will be able to assist you. The fire department or ambulance
can be reached through this number also. The Belize Telephone
Directory would have a list of doctors, and very serious medical
problems are cared for in Belize City at the Karl Heusner
Memorial Hospital. |
| |
|
|
|
|
Disclaimer: Progresso Heights Limited makes no warranty as to the
quality of the goods or services or the reliability of the products
or services listed above. We have made every attempt to keep the
list up to date, but we will not be responsible for errors or
omissions. |
| |
|
![[logo: Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity]](../_borders/hgv-icn-fheo.gif){kind=small}