Information to know Before You Go ....

A valid passport is necessary for entry into Belize. A 30 day visitors permit will be issued to you upon arrival. Citizens of the British Commonwealth (India excepted), the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European community do not require visas for travel to Belize. All other citizens should contact the nearest Belizean Consulate or embassy for more information. 

Visitors are permitted to stay in Belize for up to 30 days.
Extensions are routinely granted at Immigration offices located in
San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Punta Gorda, Belmopan, Orange Walk, and Belize City at a cost of US $12.50 per month. For more information the Immigration & Nationality Department in Belmopan can be contacted at 501-8-22611/-22423.

Philip S. Goldson International Airport is situated 10 miles from Belize City, in Ladyville. Regular international services to and from the United States, Central America, and Mexico are maintained by a number of airlines, including American, Continental and Taca. Taxi fare from the International airport to Belize City is around US $35.

Flights to Belize has more information about air carriers serving Belize.

Departure Tax -  A US $39.25 or BZ $78.50 departure tax (cash) per person is required when leaving the Belize Int' Airport. Most airlines now include this cost in the price of a ticket. If they do not, you will need to pay the Belize Departure Tax directly to the airport authorities at Philip S. Goldson International Airport, on the date of your departure.

Visitors leaving by the northern border with Mexico or the western border with Guatemala pay US$ 18.75 or the equivalent in Belize currency, BZ $ 37.50.

The currency unit is the Belize dollar (BZ$).
The fixed rate of exchange is BZ$2 to US$1. Belizean banks cash travelers checks, give cash advances on Visa or Master cards and have wire transfer services. In addition, Belize has five commercial banks: Belize Bank, Alliance Bank of Belize, Atlantic Bank, First Caribbean International Bank, and Scotia bank (Belize).

Time Zone - The time zone is Central Standard; Mountain Standard during Daylight Savings time in the US. Daylight Savings is not observed in Belize.

Telecommunications - Direct-dial and cellular telephone, fax, e-mail and internet are available. Internet cafes are plentiful and wireless is available at many resorts. Satellite phones in remote area.

Visitors, especially those who plan on renting a vehicle, may want to consider bringing their own cellular phones to Belize and activating them at BTL's (Belize Telecommunications Limited) airport location, or renting a cellular phone directly from BTL at its airport location.

Phone cards can also be purchased there or at any BTL office. Also, you can easily pick cards up at a number of resorts and shops throughout the country. Using an international phone card, you can access ATT, MCI, Sprint, Canada Direct and UK Direct.

WHEN IN BELIZE DIAL:

	113 for Directory Assistance
	114 for Local and Regional Operator assisted calls
	115 for International Operator assisted calls

Electricity in many places is provided by diesel generator equipment. Power is at 110 volts AC, which is the same as in the United States. A small surge suppresser is highly recommended  for computers and other sensitive equipment.

Climate is sub-tropical, tempered by trade winds. Extreme temperatures in coastal districts range from about 10^oC (50^oF) to about 35.6^oC. (96^oF). Belize has an annual mean temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual Rainfall in Belize varies from an average of 50 inches in the north to 180 inches in the extreme south. The dry season usually extends from February to the end of May, with a possible dry spell in August. 

WHAT TO BRING?

CLOTHING
Climate is subtropical with annual average temperature of 80 degrees F. Dress accordingly. You'll mostly wear casual, tropical weight clothing, jeans, shorts and short-sleeved shirts or t-shirts. Pack a hat to protect your head. Include a sweater, lightweight waterproof jacket, tropical weight long-sleeved shirt and long pants. They may be needed on boat trips as well as at night and early morning in higher, cooler elevations, or unexpected cool days during winter. 

EYE WEAR & CARE
Bright, sunny days require sunglasses, Polarized is best. Lens lubricant may not be readily available. Take plenty of eye lubricant and wetting, soaking and cleaning solution.

FOOTWEAR
Tennis shoes, comfortable walking shoes, sandals. Bring hiking boots with good tread or tennis shoes and socks for jungle excursions.

SUNSCREEN, LOTIONS & REPELLENTS
Its necessary to protect your skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Pack plenty of sunscreen. Your favorite brand may not be readily available and an unfamiliar brand may cause a bad reaction. As bugs do live in jungles and in beach areas, take along insect repellent. Bring Hydrocortisone cream for very sensitive skin.

CAMERAS & FILM
Specific kinds of film, assuming you have not gone digital, may be hard to find. Bring extra batteries for your camera, along with plenty of film. Upscale gift shops sell pocket-type and underwater disposable cameras.

JUST IN CASE
A good pair of binoculars and guide book are invaluable to increase your enjoyment. Take a small flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries and water bottle for caving, hiking and adventuring.

Photocopy important documents such as passport, driver's license, credit cards, prescription medication forms, airline ticket and other important information.

Bring an extra supply of prescription medications to carry along with you, especially when traveling to remote areas.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION

When is the best time to go? 
February- April  is the driest time of the year while July is the wettest month. High season runs from mid December to April. The rest of the year is less crowded, lodging is discounted and the tropical diversity is most evident during this time of year. 

Can I drink the Water?
Towns have chlorinated water. Rain-water is used for drinking in many villages. If you are not sure ask. Bottled water is readily available.
 
Do I need shots?
None are required, but you might consider a gamma globulin shot for hepatitis A and B as they are a good idea anytime you travel, as are boosters for typhoid, and tetanus.  As for malaria pills, the form of malaria found in Belize can be cured with Chloroquine. This is the same drug that is used as a preventative as well. Chloroquine can cause liver damage if used over a long period of time, so many on extended stays opt to take their chances. It's a good idea to carry mosquito repellent with you while you're in the jungle/bush.

How much will it cost?  Should I book in advance?
Belize is one of those countries where you can choose to spend a substantial amount of money or stick to a modest budget and still have a good time. In general, budget travelers looking for a clean place to stay in town can get by on about US $35-40 a day for room and meals on the mainland.

Prices overall are are a bit higher on the Cayes because of the additional transport costs related to shipping goods from the mainland. Transportation and activities will obviously add to your daily expenditures.  At the other end of the spectrum, staying at one of the more upscale all-inclusive jungle lodges and taking advantage of all their optional activities might run $300 or more per day. T

In the High Season (December -April) reservations are a good idea at the more established places. If you are traveling with a group, ask about discounts.

Visit Belize as part of a duPlooy Travel
Jungle, Ruins & Reef Vacation Package

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