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Belize Facts
- When to Go: top
The best time to travel is the dry season from November to May, but this is also the busy winter tourist season, when prices rise and hotels fill up. It's cheaper to travel in summer (July to November), but keep in mind that this is hurricane season.
- Language: top
English is the official language and the language of instruction in schools but almost everyone speaks an English dialect, or Creole patios, the vernacular of the country. Spanish is also widely spoken. It is taught in primary and secondary schools in order to further develop bi-lingualism. In certain areas of the country, such as Orange Walk and Corozal District in the north and the Cayo district in the west, Spanish is spoken as a mother tongue by the majority of the people. In the southern districts of Stann Creek and Toledo, there are people whose first language is Garifuna or Maya.
- Departure Tax: top
The departure tax at the International Airport has recently increased to $35 US per person. There is a new Tourist Departure Tax of $10 US per person (children under 12 are exempt) when departing Belize at either of the land border crossings i.e. The Western border between Belize and Guatemala for visits to Tikal and Flores and the Northern border between Belize and Mexico. These funds are being invested in improvements to the border facilities.
- Entry Requirements: top
Visas are not required for most nationalities, including citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom and British Commonwealth countries, as well as most members of the European Union. All people from these countries need are a valid passport and an onward or round-trip ticket. A Visitor Permit is required of nationals of China and India. Check with the local Belizean Consulate, Belize Embassy, British Counsel, or contact the Department of Immigration and Nationality, Belmopan, Belize, Central America. Telephone: (501-8-22611).
To apply for an extension contact the Immigration Office Mahogany Street, Belize, Central America Telephone : (501) 2-24620, Fax (501) 2-44483. A moderate fee is charged and applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds for the remainder of their stay, as well as an ongoing ticket.
If crossing into Belize from Mexico by land, visas to enter Belize can be obtained from the Belizean Consulate in Chetumal, Avenida Alvaro Obregon #226A, Chetumal Q.R., Tel: (52)983-22871.
Firearms:
It is illegal to take firearms and ammunition into or out of Belize.
Animals:
Animals must be accompanied by a certificate of freedom from infection/contagious disease by a veterinarian following examination not more than 48 hours prior to shipment; animals must also be certified as having been vaccinated against rabies not less than one month nor more than six months prior to departure; and must be free of open wounds. Dogs must have a valid certification of vaccination against distemper, parvovirus, infectious canine hepatitis and leptospirosis. Animals may be required to be re-vaccinated against rabies on arrival if certifications are deemed unsatisfactory.
- Environment: top
In 1990 almost 200,000 acres of land was placed under permanent protection. Belize's biodiversity offers over 4,000 species of flowering plants, 700 species of native trees, 72 species of orchids, 533 species of birds, 155 species of mammals and 107 species of reptiles. So you can see why this country interests researchers from all over the world.
- Location: top
Central America on the Caribbean Sea. Two hours from Miami or Houston. Bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the West and south.
Belize is located south of the Yucatan Peninsula in Central America. It is bordered by Mexico on the north and Guatemala on the west and south. Belize has a 280 km (174 mile) coastline joining the Caribbean Sea. Just off the coast are located a network of islands called cayes. The cayes are the high points of the worlds second longest barrier reef.
- Status: top
Previously a British Commonwealth and colonial colony, Belize became an independent country in 1981. Belize was formerly known as British Honduras. Belize is recognized as an independent nation worldwide including in Guatemala.
- Electricity: top
The electrical system is the same as in the United States: 110 Volts A.C.
- Phone Codes: top
Country code (501); plus area codes: Belize City (2), Belmopan (8), Orange Walk (3); Cayo (9), Dangriga (5), Punta Gorda (7), San Pedro (26), Caye Caulker (22), Placencia (6), plus 5-digit local number. Note: A (0) is added to all area codes when dialing within the country.
- Religions: top
Roman Catholic 49.6%, Protestant 27% (Anglican 5.3%, Methodist 3.5%, Mennonite 4.1%, Seventh-Day Adventist 5.2%, Pentecostal 7.4%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.5%), none 9.4%, other 14% (2000)
- Customs: top
U.S. residents are permitted a $400 duty-free tax exemption per person when returning to the U.S. Visitors are NOT allowed to leave Belize with certain items including pre-Columbian artifacts, marine products and unprocessed coral or turtle shells. Those who try will most likely have the items confiscated and could even land in jail.
- Geography: top
Belize lies on the Eastern or Caribbean coast of Central America, bordered on the North by Mexico, on the West and South by Guatemala and on the East by the Caribbean Sea. It is separated by sea from it's neighbour to the South-West, Honduras.
The inner coastal waters are shallow and are sheltered by a line of coral reefs, dotted with over 200 'cayes' (islands, pronounced "keys"), extending the entire length of the country. The cayes range in size from a few hundred feet to 25 miles long and 4 miles wide.
The spectacular Belize Barrier Reef offers scuba diving which cannot be rivalled anywhere else in the World. It runs for 187 miles parallel with the coastline. There are only 4 Atolls in the entire Atlantic region and 3 of them are off the coast of Belize. These immense Atolls (Lighthouse, Turneffe and Glovers) account for another 140 miles of reef making a total of some 337 miles of coral reef to explore in Belize.
The area of the mainland and cayes is 8,867 square miles. The country's greatest length from north to south is 174 miles and its greatest width is 68 miles.
- Barrier Reef: top
Off the coast of Belize are the second largest, over 170 miles long, coral reefs in the world with over 200 cayes (pronounced "keys"), similar to small islands.
- Transportation From Belize International to Ambergris Caye: top
Island Air: The flights run every hour until 5:30pm and are 15-20 minutes in duration.
Ferry:
$12.50 US per person one-way (2005 rate)
From Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye:
9:00 am, 10:30 am, 12:00 noon, 3:00 pm
From San Pedro to Belize City:
8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm
Their phone number is (011) 501-226-2036.
You DO NOT need reservations for the ferry; you just need to be there 20 minutes before the departure time.
Thunderbolt Water Taxi:
$12.50 US per person one-way (2005 rate)
From Belize City to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye:
Departs from the Texaco Gas Station on North Front Street, Belize City
1:00pm, 5:00pm
From San Pedro to Belize City:
Departs on the lagoon side of the island near the football field
7:00am, 11:00am, 4:00pm
- Government: top
Belize has been an Independent nation since 1981 and is a Member of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Queen Elizabeth II is Head of State. Belize is a parliamentary democracy with two major political parties, the United Democratic Party (UDP) and the People's United Party (PUP). In the last General Elections, the PUP won an overwhelming majority and currently holds power, led by Prime Minister Said Musa. The Leader of the Opposition is Mr. Manuel Esquivel. Belize has a Constitution, which includes a Bill of Rights.
- Driving: top
International driver's license accepted up to 90 days.
- Don't Forget to Bring: top
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.
- Currency: top
Local currency is the Belize Dollar. One U.S. dollar is worth BZ$2. U.S. dollars should be exchanged directly in purchasing goods and services, as banks will charge a fee (currently is at .0125) to exchange U.S. to Belize dollars. U.S. dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize.
It's easy to change US dollars just about anywhere, and US dollar travelers' cheques, pounds sterling and Canadian dollars can be changed at any bank. Other currencies could cause you difficulties. You can change money legally on the street or at border crossings. Belizean ATMs will not accept foreign cards. Most businesses will accept cold hard US cash money without question.
Haggling is not a popular pastime in Belize, but it might be worth a try if business looks slow. Only the posher restaurants, bars and clubs are likely to expect a tip - 10% is the going rate. In over- touristed areas, tipping tour leaders and dive operators is becoming more common.
- Climate/Clothing: top
Belize is hot and humid year round with high temperatures ranging from mid-70's F in January to mid 90's in August. Cooling Caribbean breezes bring respite from the sub-tropical climate. Winter lows rarely drop below 60. The wet season extends from June through September, with annual rainfall heavier in the south. Casual clothing that is comfortable, lightweight and loose fitting is recommended, as is strong sunscreen. Sturdy, comfortable shoes with closed heel and toe are a must for hiking. A disposable rain poncho may come in handy during the summer months.
- Taxis: top
Taxis are available in towns and resort areas, and they are easily recognized 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. There are no meters in taxi's. Check with driver to find out what the fee is for your ride.
- Transportation in San Pedro: top
Golf carts, bicycles and walking are the main mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye. Golf carts are available for rental.
Taxis are also available in San Pedro when needed. Rates should be negotiated in advance when you get in the taxi.
- Events: top
The big national holidays are dictated by the Roman Catholic calendar, but other celebrations include the wonderfully titled Baron Bliss Day (March 9), which honors a philanthropic British nobleman who fell in love with Belize and upon his death willed the bulk of his fortune in trust to the people of Belize. Belize National Day (September 10) commemorates the Battle of St George's Caye; celebrations continue until Independence Day (September 21). More festivities occur on Colombus Day (October 12) and Garífuna Settlement Day (November 19). The latter commemorates the arrival of the Garinagus (Black Caribs) in dugout canoes from Honduras in 1823. Dangriga is the place to celebrate this festival: the small town explodes in a frenzy of dancing and drinking.
- Immunizations: top
Most communicable diseases have been eradicated from Belize but some authorities advise preventative measures when traveling to remote regions and for patients with particular health problems. Consult your doctor. For the latest health information contact the Centers for Disease Control's International Travelers' Health Fax Service at 888-232-3299 or visit their web site at www.cdc.gov.
- Climate: top
Tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season (May to November); dry season (February to May).
The climate is sub-tropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The annual temperature averages about 80 degrees. Winter storms may bring the temperature down to the low 60's and it can reach the mid-90's on the mainland in the hottest part of summer. Trade winds blow along the coast and on the cayes most of the year, keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months, except for a few weeks, generally around mid-August. The dry season generally lasts from November through May; the rainy season is typically June-November. Hurricanes occasionally occur; they are most likely to hit in August and September. Rainfall is heaviest in the south and the jungle areas, lightest in the north and on the Cayes. Water temperature averages between 79 and 83 degrees F.
- Topology: top
From the beaches and swampy areas on the coast to the Mayan mountains rising to over 3,800 ft, Belize changes from rainforests to savannah over its small country. Over 70% of the land is still covered in forests. The highest peak is Victoria Peak at 3,806 ft.
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