• Belize is a peaceful, democratic, English speaking nation about the size of Massachusetts with a population of slightly over 250,000 people. Belize was formerly the British Colony of British Honduras
• There is a United States Embassy situated in Belize City
• Belize is serviced by American Airlines, Continental, US-Air, Delta and Taca; flight time from Miami is 90 minutes and about 120 minutes from Houston.
• Visitors must have a valid passport and although visas are not required for American and British citizens, other visitors are advised to check prior to traveling
• One US Dollar equals two Belize Dollars.
US-Dollars are readily accepted as are traveler’s checks, American Express, Visa and MasterCard.
• Most places are easily accessible via domestic flights, road and rental cars, scheduled or charter boats, private air charters or helicopter transfers. Regular flights have a luggage restriction of two medium sized bags not weighing more than 70 lbs total plus a carry on per person.
• In addition to an excellent service provided by Belize’s national carrier, connections are available via AT&T, MCI and Sprint
• Internet can be accessed at most places with own laptop or one provided by hotel at reception area. There are a couple of internet cafes throughout the country and island.
• The electricity and electrical outlets etc in Belize are the same as in the United States - 115 VAC 60 cycles. Visitors from countries such as Australia and Europe should bring power adapters.
• Belize is an English speaking country but you can also practice your Spanish at most places countrywide.
• 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 TO PACK

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. 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.

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” sunglasses will enhance the variable colors of the coastal waters of Belize.

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

Bring your 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.

SCUBA diving gear with certification card and dive log, snorkeling gear, binoculars, fishing tackle, etc.

DEPARTURE TAXES

Guests on Continental, USAIR, Delta and TACA airlines pay US$1.25 (new tax) as their departure tax; if guests are departing on American airlines, departure tax will be US$36.25 in US CASH.

Guatemala is very easy to access from Belize and we routinely integrate Tikal, Antigua and Flores segments into our Belize itineraries. When crossing Belize/Guatemala border, you will need to pay US$18.75 per person to the Belize Government and sometimes Q10 (equivalent to a Bz$1) on the Guatemalan side to get your passport stamped – sometimes this does not get charged. When leaving Guatemala via flight to Belize, guests pay the Guatemalan Government US$33.00 per person.

CLIMATE

The climate is subtropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The country has an annual mean temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity is nicely tempered by the Sea breezes. 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. Ocean water temperature vary 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.

CULTURE

The population of approximately 250,000 people consists of a mixture of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Spanish, Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, and Eastern Indian. Due to racial harmony and religious tolerance, all of these different elements have mixed and blended successfully, and Belize has gained a widespread reputation for its friendly people. English is the official language of Belize, although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan are widely spoken throughout the country.


BUSINESS HOURS

Banks: Monday - Thursday 8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. On Friday 8:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Commerce & Industry: Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. - 12:00P.M. 1:00 P.M. - 5:00 P.M. Some businesses are open on Saturdays.


PUBLIC & BANK 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.

HEALTH SERVICES

There is a well staffed hospital and several private doctors in Belize City. Also the District Towns and larger Villages have hospitals or clinics. Potable water is available in most areas of Belize, but it is advisable to ask, and if in doubt, to drink boiled or bottled water.

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.

POSTAL RATES

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. US$1 = Bz$2

TAXI SERVICE

Taxis are available in towns and resort areas, and they are easily recognized by their green license plates. 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.