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| F.A.Q.
What language is spoken in Belize? |
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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 the public and bank holidays?
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.
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.
Are there any taxes or services charges I should know about?
Taxis are available in towns and resort areas, and they are easily recognised by their green license plates. Unless specific arrangements are made prior to your arrival at Belize International Airport (P.S.W. Goldson), taxis are available at the entrance to the main terminal. 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.
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. BTL is also the contact for obtaining an Internet connection in Belize.
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.
Are there any entry requirements to visit Belize?
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: Belize Consuls and Embassies.
OR Contact:
The Belize Embassy
Can I use my credit card to get cash advances? The following banks allow you to walk in and swipe your VISA or MASTERCARD to receive cash advances:
The First Caribbean International Bank (Barclays Bank) has ATMs that accept VISA and MASTERCARD in Belize City:
in Belmopan:
How do I bring my pet with me? Bringing a pet into the country falls under live animal importation and is regulated by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).
Requirements:
Import Permits
Approved permits will be faxed to applicant at a cost of US $12.50 to be paid at the point of entry on the day of arrival. Persons who forego the application process will be subject to a US $100.00 violation fine in addition to the US $12.50 entry fee. |
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