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Belize is on the Caribbean coast, nestled between Mexico and Guatemala and offers an intriguing mix of tropical forests rich with wildlife, majestic 3,675 foot mountains, mysterious Maya temples, and diving and fishing experiences beyond compare.In a single day you can go from tropical forest to the longest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere.
English remains the most common language spoken as well as Creole, but Spanish is becoming more widely spoken. The Garifuna, Mayans and Mennonites speak their own language.
Variation in weather features, emphasizes the interesting difference in elevation, geology, plant and animal life. A summer high temperature, usually never exceeds 96 degrees Fahrenheit, and winter lows are seldom below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, even at night. Saltwater temperature varies between 75 degrees Fahrenheit and 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual rainfall ranges from 50 inches in the North to 170 inches in the South. Although the rainy season is usually between June and August and the dry season is between February and May, global weather changes are making historical predictions somewhat invalid. At the end of October, the weather does become cooler, and from November to February, it is pleasant with showers of rain. Average humidity is 85 percent.
The busier time of the year for travelers to Belize is November to May, which are the winter months of the Northern Hemisphere. Still, many visitors prefer the more quiet days of the summer months from June to October for their vacation in Belize. Both times of the year have their own unique attractions and the choice of when to visit is totally up to you, your budget and the adventure you crave. What to Wear Belize is a very informal country, with a very casual life-style. Unless you are invited to a Government function, please leave your "After Five" attire at home. Leave your jewelry and expensive watches at home because you will not need them. If you must have a watch, bring an inexpensive watch that is suitable for diving and hiking. If you are visiting the Cayes and/or the Barrier Reef, bring your shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits, as well as some comfortable tennis shoes or deck shoes. As the sun is probably more intense than what you are used to at home, bring a cap to protect your head from the tropical sun when you are boating and/or fishing. In addition to protecting your eyes from both the sun and the reflective glare off of the water, a pair of "polarized" sun glasses will enhance the variable colors of the coastal waters of Belize. Loose fitting, light colored cotton pants and camping shirts, along with a comfortable pair of hiking shoes or boots are appropriate for exploring the Mainland or trekking through the rain forest. When visiting the Maya Ruins or traipsing through the jungle, a hat with a wide brim will provide shade from the tropical sun, as well as provide protection from a tropical shower. Be aware that water, beverages, and snacks are not always readily available while sightseeing- so a day pack, to carry a water bottle, energy bars, camera, film, binoculars, poncho, hand towel, etc., is a welcomed accessory. Although you do not wear it, a hiking staff can prove to be a valuable aid to climbing ruins, crossing streams, or walking up or down steep trails. What to Bring Passport, Visa (if applicable), Prescription Drugs, Personal Items, Spare Eye-glasses, Sunglasses, Sun Tan Lotion, Sun Screen, Sun Burn Cream, Insect Repellant, Camera/Film, Batteries, Cash, Travel Checks, Credit Cards Personal Equipment SCUBA diving gear with certification card and dive log, snorkeling gear, binoculars, fishing tackle, etc. Common Questions (fancy font) 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 business hours? Banks: Commerce &
Industry: Some businesses are open on Saturdays 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. When using your credit cards in Belize, most establishments will add a 5% service charge to your bill. 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? Although most of the electricity is provided by Diesel/Generator Sets, the power is stable at 110 Volts A.C., which is the same voltage as in the United States. What type 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 is is advisable to ask, and if in doubt, to drink boiled or bottled water. 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. What will it cost to send a letter home? Postal rates to the United States are BZ$0.60 for letters and BZ$0.30 for postcards. Postal rates to Europe are BZ$0.75 for letters and BZ$0.40 for postcards. How is the telephone service in Belize? Belize Telcommunications Limited provides telecommunication between Belize and the United States and Canada. Service is also available for communication with other countries. The BTL main offices (www.btl.net)are located at the corner of Albert and Church Streets in Belize City at telephone number 02-77085 and the corner of Princess Margaret Drive and St. Thomas Street at telephone number 02-32868. Phone cards are available at numerous locations. 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. 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 period given by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.
The above is on the strict understanding that the applicant present himself /herself in person and satisfies the officer that the necessary funds (US$50.00 per person per day) are available for the duration of the period requested, as well as, a ticket to their onward destination. Extensions are granted at a cost of BZ$25.00. To obtain a visitor's permit, an application must be submitted to the: Belize Immigration
and Nationality Department Since visa requirements are subject to change, please contact the Belize Embassy for up-to-date information at: For the nearest
place to obtain a visa please visit: OR Contact: The Belize
Embassy
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