Belize booklet & helpful belize tourist information – belize travel central reservations
GEOGRAPHY
POPULATION
GOVERNMENT
CURRENCY
TAXES
WATER
HEALTH
CLIMATE
LANGUAGE
ENTRY Needs
ELECTRICITY
TIME ZONE
TAXIS
Belize Geography
Belize comes with an section of roughly 9,000 square miles, bordered by Mexico towards the north, Guatemala towards the west and south, and also the Caribbean Ocean towards the east. Belize has got the second longest barrier reef on the planet (165 miles lengthy). The land is flat in the coast and increases to three,600 ft inland in the height from the Maya Mountain tops. Jungle and rainforest cover the central and southern regions with predominantly dry pine savannah, Caribbean pine forests, and extensive wetlands within the north and west.
Belize Climate
Subtropical, with prevailing north-easterly trade winds in the ocean. Temperatures vary from 60 levels Farenheit (16 Celsius) to 95 levels Farenheit (32 Celsius). Belize is marked with a wet season from June to October along with a dry season from November to May. Although the optimum time of the year to go to Belize is certainly with the "dry season", Nature does still provide us with some rain in this time-frame. Northern Belize, which might receive less than 50 inches of rain fall, is significantly drier compared to far south, which could receive up to 180 inches of rain fall yearly. This rain fall helps feed the luxurious jungles and sustain year-round growth.
Belize Population
The majority of the major villages and towns of Belize lie around the coast or along major rivers. In recent occasions however, new settlements have created, mostly within the Cayo District of Western Belize and also the Toledo District in Southern Belize. The most recent census in Belize shows a population well over 350,000 comprised of Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, Mennonites, and Europeans. Belize generally includes a very youthful population with more than 50% of those under 18 years of age.
Belize Language
British may be the official language and it is broadly spoken through the country. Other languages spoken: Creole, Spanish, Garifuna, Maya, and German.
Belize Government
Belize is part of the British Commonwealth, having a stable democratic government established across the type of the British Parliamentary system. The nation is split into six districts, with every district electing people to home of Representatives. Presently, the U . s . Democratic Party forms the federal government with Honorable Dean Barrow because the Pm, replacing incumbent Stated Musa in the Peoples U . s . Party (PUP). The Dog now sits because the official opposition.
Entry Needs into Belize
Passports are needed for entry into Belize.
U . s . States and Canadian citizens, nationals of Caricom countries as well as the ecu Community member nations (Belgium, Germany, France, Italia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, United kingdom, A holiday in greece, The country, Portugal, Austria, Finland, Norway) don’t require visas.
Visas are needed for nationals from the following countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Bangladesh, Bolivia, Bosnia, South america, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Columbia, Cuba, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Haiti, Honduras, India, Japan, Korea (South and north), Libya, Monaco, Mongolia, The other agents, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Peru, Europe, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, and Zaire.
Also, please be aware the federal government of Belize does require your passport to become valid in excess of three several weeks after your arrival. For queries about entry needs, or individuals from other nationalities, please contact our office (1-800-667-1630) or even the nearest Belize Embassy. A summary of Belize Embassies, worldwide, are available by clicking here .
For current info on entry needs into Belize, please also make sure the Belize Tourism Board’s website
Belize Currency
The Belize Dollar includes a fixed interest rate of $2BZ = $1US. US currency and travelers checks in US currency are broadly recognized. Charge cards may be used in many tourist facilities. ATMs have become more prevalent in Belize but shouldn’t be a part of your planned travel budget as they might be problematic to gain access to on your trip. However, the machines are actually linked to United States systems and could be used in desperate situations.
Belize Electricity
The present is equivalent to Canada and also the US (110V AC) and also the same plug can be used. No adapters are needed.
Belize Taxes
Florida Sales Tax
Belize comes with an over-all Florida Sales Tax (GST) which presently adds 12.5% on the top on most products or services within Belize.
Hotel Tax
Belize includes a Hotel Tax, that is 9% on the top of the price of most hotel nights in the united states. It’s fairly customary to determine a 5-10% fee too.
Departure Tax
By Air (The majority of the Airlines now include these charges within their ticket cost)
All passengers are needed to pay for an worldwide departure tax of $39.25 US. The majority of the airlines now include these charges within their ticket cost – please take a look at air travel fare breakdown to learn more. This departure tax is damaged lower in to the following components:
Worldwide Passengers – On Departure – via Phillip Goldson Worldwide Airport terminal (PGIA) Passenger Service Charge:Dollar15.00 Airport terminal Development Fee: $18.00 Hold Bags: $1.25 Security Fee $1.25 Conservation Fee: $3.75 Total Airport terminal Departure Charges: $39.25 USD – normally incorporated inside your flight ticket already – please take a look at fare breakdown to learn more.
Domestic Flights User Fee: $2.50US whatsoever airports
By Land
Worldwide Passengers On Departure: Northern Border, Western Border and Southern Border Intransit Passengers only – Border Processing Fee – $15.00 Overnight Passengers – Border Processing Fee $15.00 + Conservation Fee $3.75 Total Fee: $18.75 USD
Guatemalan and Mexican passengers: Under 24hrs. – Free greater than 24hrs.: $3.75 USD
Mexicans remaining greater than 72hrs. $18.75 USD
To learn more contact the Border Management Authority
By Ocean
Worldwide Passengers On Arrival From Punta Gorda, Dangriga or San Pedro Belize Port Authority
On Departure via Punta Gorda, Dangriga or San Pedro Conservation Fee $3.75 USD Domestic Air Passenger (flying within Belize) Worldwide Airport terminal (PGIA) to Municipal Airports Security Fee $.75 USD
Book with local government bodies for up to date information.
Belize Time Zone
Belize is situated inside the Central Time Zone and doesn’t observe Daylight Savings Time.
Belize Consuming Water
Usually the water is drinkable from the taps in many large towns, lodges, and hotels. Many Belizeans and travelers also decide to drink canned water which will come in most shops. Safe consuming water is supplied during your Island Expeditions’ tour. Within the field, we use Pristine water treatment to create water potable or use large 5 gallon jugs water which may be decanted to your personal water bottle.
Belize Taxis
Taxis are identifiable by their eco-friendly license plates in Belize. They’re non-metered and fares are standard. Taxis in the Belize Worldwide Airport terminal really are a standard rate and also the rates are published upon exiting the customs area. Make sure to negotiate the cost before beginning your trip.
Belize Health
There aren’t any endemic illnesses. No inoculations are needed for entry, however we all do highly recommend you think about a Havrix injection for Hepatitis A (or Twinrix for Hep A & B), anti-malaria tablets (if traveling in to the rainforest), as well as an up-to-date tetanus shot. Speak to your physician or travel clinic just before visiting Belize.
