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When is the best time to go to Belize? |
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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. |
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What are the public and bank holidays? |
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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 |
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What shall I bring while
vacationing in Belize? |
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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. |
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What is the dress code? |
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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 Los Arboles, 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.
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What about credit cards and travelers'
checks? |
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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. |
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What is the currency exchange rate? |
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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. |
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What about banks? |
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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.
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What about driving around Belize? |
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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.
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Can I rent a car? |
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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.
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Can I travel by bus in Belize? |
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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).
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How much does gas cost? |
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Gas costs about US$3.00 per gallon. |
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How do I get around by plane in
Belize? |
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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.
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How much should room and board
cost? |
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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. |
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Is there sales tax? |
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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. |
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What about tipping? |
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Tips of 10% are acceptable, with more for outstanding
service. |
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What about shopping? |
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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). |
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What about getting married in
Belize? |
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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. |
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What do I do in an emergency? |
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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. |
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