What language is spoken in Belize?
What are the public and bank holidays?
What currency is used in Belize and what is it worth?
Is electricity 110 or 220 volts?
What types of health services are available?
Can I drink the water?
Are there any diseases I should be concerned about?
Are there any taxes or services charges I should know about?
Are taxis available?
What time zone is Belize in?
Are there any entry requirements to visit Belize?
How long can I stay?
Will my cell phone work in Belize?
What should I bring along?

What language is spoken in Belize?
English is the official language of Belize, although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan are widely spoken throughout the country.

What are the public and bank holidays?
All tours are available on holidays with the exception of The Belize Zoo on Christmas Day.

• New Years Day - January 1
• Baron Bliss Day- March 9
• Good Friday
• Holy Saturday
• Easter Monday
• Labor 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 currency is used in Belize and what is it worth?
The Belize Dollar (BZ$) has a fixed rate of exchange of BZ $2 to US $1. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators will accept U.S. currency, traveler's checks, or credit cards. Always make sure that you understand which dollar rate is being quoted. Is it Belize Dollars or U.S. Dollars?

Is electricity 110 or 220 volts?
The power is stable at 110 Volts A.C., which is the same voltage as in the United States. No need for special adapters as outlets are regular American standard. For our European friends they will need an adapter.

What types of health services are available?
There is a well staffed hospital and several private doctors in Belize City. Also the district towns and larger villages have hospitals or clinics.

Can I drink the water?
Potable water is available in most areas of Belize, but it is advisable to ask, and if in doubt, drink boiled or bottled water. We offer refills of purified water at our Restaurant, Bar and Front Desk.

Are there any diseases I should be concerned about?
There are no serious epidemic diseases in Belize. No inoculations are required for entry, but anti-malaria tablets are recommended for extended stays in the jungle.

Are there any taxes or services charges I should know about?
* Hotel Room Tax         9% as of April 1, 2005
* Service Charge         Optional and varies by property
* Departure Fees         Click Here for Departure Fees

Are taxis available?
Taxis are available in towns and resort areas, and they are easily recognized by their green license plates. Unless specific arrangements are made prior to your arrival at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), taxis are available at the entrance to the main terminal.
Although there are no meters on the taxis, the drivers do charge somewhat standard fares, but it is always important to understand what your fare will be, prior to hiring a taxi.

What time zone is Belize in?
Time observed year round is GMT-6, which is the same as United States Central Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is not observed in Belize.

Are there any entry requirements to visit Belize?

Click here for Entry Requirements and Fees.
All adults traveling with minors (age 16 and under) that are neither relatives nor friends, should have a consent letter from their parents stating that the parents gave them permission for their children to travel on their behalf. If a child is traveling with a mother or father, then he or she needs to provide a letter from the other parent. If the parents are divorced or separated, then a custody certificate should be presented.

How long can I stay?
Visitors are permitted to stay in Belize for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. The following category of persons may be granted by the Immigration Department extensions of up to three (3) months at a time. These three months would be after the thirty day period given by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

1. Persons living in remote areas away from the Immigration Office
2. Potential Investors
3. Business persons

The above is on the strict understanding that the applicant presents himself /herself in person and satisfies the requirement that the necessary funds (US $50.00 per person per day) are available for the duration of the period requested extension. Applicant must also have a ticket to his/her onward destination. Extensions are granted at a cost of US $50.00 per month. To obtain a visitor's extension, an application must be submitted to any of the district offices or to the:

Belize Immigration and Nationality Department
Belmopan, Cayo District
Belize, Central America
Telephone 011-501-822-2423
Fax: 011-501-822-2662

Since visa requirements are subject to change, please contact the Belize Consuls and Embassies for up-to-date information.
OR Contact:
The Belize Embassy
2535 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20008
USA
Telephone: (202) 332-9636
Fax: (202) 332-6741

Will my cell phone work in Belize?
In order to have mobile cellular service in Belize, an unlocked GSM (Global System Mobile Communication) 1900 MHz cellular phone is required. Phones may be activated at any BTL office or Digicell distributor in the country. Prepaid service works using phone cards that can be bought at various stores around the country.
Cellular phones can also be rented for US$5 a day from the Belize Telecommunications (BTL) office at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA). A deposit of US $150 is required.

What to bring along?
CLOTHING:

• Lightweight comfortable casual wear
  Shirts – both long and short sleeve
  Pants – both long and short
• Comfortable closed-toe walking/hiking shoes or boots (bring two pairs if you have room, they can be slow to dry)
• Extra Socks
• Water sport Sandals
• Windbreaker or light jacket or sweater
• Hat (wide-brimmed)
• Swimwear
• Raincoat/poncho
• One set of “nice” clothes for evenings (optional). Ladies can add a large shawl, for over the shoulders in the evening, and also a sarong over a swimsuit; a dress and/or skirt, depending on how much room is left in the suitcase.

• Camera with lots of film and extra batteries or Digital Camera
• Backpack
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen (SPF 35 & waterproof)
• Insect Repellent
• Sun glasses
• Binoculars for birding
Traveling with Small Children:
• Pack water toys, stuffed animals and books to keep your children busy especially on the journey to Belize.
• You will find a selection of disposable diapers, cereal and formulas in town, however if you have a preferred brand, be sure to bring.