Things to know – Belize Travel
Climate
The climate is subtropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season is between June to November.
Currencies & Rates (currency exchange)
Local currency is in Belize Dollar, or $BZD. One US Dollars is equivalent to BZD$2.
Banks and ATM’s throughout the country include Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, First Caribbean, Heritage Bank and Scotia Bank.
Postal Rates: To the US are BZD$0.60 for standard letters, BZD$0.30 for postcards.
To Europe, BZD$0.70, for standard letters BZD$0.40 for postcards.
Taxes: – The hotel tax is nine percent (9%).
The general sales tax on goods and services is twelve and half percent (12.5%)
Tipping – Tipping is voluntary ten percent (10%) and fifteen percent (15%) for exceptional service. In some cases a gratuity maybe added to your check. This practice varies with each establishment. Be sure to ask before paying the bill.
Electrical Systems
Same as US, 110 volts A.C.
Public Hospitals & Medical Facilities
Medical care is available at hospitals and clinics throughout the country. For EMERGENCY NUMBERS, go to Emergency Contacts
Government
Belize is an independent country with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth member
Merchandise
Under the customs laws of Belize, every person importing any goods whether for commercial, personal or any other use, must declare such goods to customs and pay the appropriate duties. The total value of all items acquired aboard whether new or used, dutiable or not or acquired as souvenirs or gifts, must be declared.
The amount of duty to be paid will be determined by a customs officer. It is a serious offence to evade or attempt to evade customs duties.
Animals
Pet animals being brought into the country must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued by a registered veterinarian in the country of origin, and should also be accompanied by an import permit that should be issued by BAHA, you can contact BAHA at 501-224-5230/224-4794 or baha@btl.net for more information on obtaining the permit.
Airport Departure Fees
Currently there is an Airport Departure Tax of US$15.00 required plus a US$15.00 airport fee US$1.25 security tax. There is also a protect areas conservation trust (PACT) fee of US$3.75, which is used o promoted, enhance and conserve Belize’s protected areas and a US$1.25 baggage handling fee. Total departure fees amount to US$39.25.
Visas
Visitors from the United States, United Kingdom, and most Caribbean countries do not require visas.
Language
English is the official language and is widely spoken; Creole, Spanish, Maya and Garifuna are also spoken.
Population
The population of Belize is approximately 311,500 comprising Creole (African- European), Garifuna, Mestizo (Spanish, Indian), Maya, English, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, East Indian and European. Due to racial harmony and Religious tolerance, all of these different cultures have blended successfully.
Time Zone
Belize occupies time zone GMT-6, same as US Central Standard Time, Daylight Saving time is not observed.
Topography
Belize is an area of only 8,866 square miles. It is situated on the east coast of Central America on the Caribbean Sea. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the North and Guatemala to the West and South. The second- largest Barrier reef in the world (185 miles long) falls within Belize’s Territory and three of the Four Coral atolls in the western Hemisphere.
Port of Entry
Land Borders – It is possible to enter Belize through the Northern Border in Santa Elena, the Western Border in Benque Viejo and at the Southern Border in Punta Gorda.
Sea Ports – The following is a list of seaports where vessels may enter or be cleared. Ports: Belize City, Big Creek, San Pedro, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda. Additional Information is available as you enter by calling VHF channel 16
Entry Requirements
Passports
Both Adults and children require passports valid beyond the duration of their stay plus proof of departure.
Anyone traveling with an infant must provide proper documentation for child including a valid passport. When travelling with one parent; a notarized letter stating that the parent has authorization to travel with the child must be presented at any entry point.
Customs allowances
Importation of currency
Under the customs laws of Belize, all persons entering Belize are required to declare any currency in their possession in excess of BZD$10,000 or foreign currency equivalent. If you are carrying currency in excess BZD $10,000 or foreign currency equivalent this must be declared to customs.
List of Duty Exemptions
- As an arriving passenger, you are entitled to the following exemptions:
- Wearing apparel, jewellery, toilet requisites and any portable articles in your accompanied baggage or on your person, which you might reasonably be expected to carry with you for your own regular and private use.
- If you are 18 years or older (and not returning from a visit to a neighbouring border Town or City), one – liter total of wine or spirits and 250 grams tobacco or 50 cigar or 200 cigarettes.
- If you are a Belizean:
- In addition to above, you can claim duty exemption on accompanied goods acquired aboard for personal or household use or as souvenirs or gifts, with a combined value of BZD$200 twice a year through other ports or places of entry.