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Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize has gained its independence in 1981. English is the official language. Belizeans are very friendly and posses an open, accepting, and tolerant attitude, and they treat travelers with respect and courtesy that is so natural of them. This small country is part of the Mayan World, and it offers a variety of terrain with plenty of opportunity for adventure. |
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| GEOGRAPHY |
Location:
Belize lies on the eastern coastline 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 its neighbor to the southwest, Honduras.
Size:
Approximately 8,866 square miles. Belizes mainland is approximately 180 miles long and up to 68 miles wide. Belize also consists of over 200 cayes (islands), ranging in size from a few hundred feet to 25 miles long and four miles wide, most of which are located inside the 200 mile Belize Reef.
Flora:
Belize is a Garden. Four thousand species of native flowering plants include 250 species of orchids and aproximately 700 species of trees.
Fauna:
Nature lovers will find a fantasyland in Belize. Walks through the jungle brings you close to a myriad of animals and bird species, many of which are almost extinct in other Central American countries.
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| MONEY EXCHANGE |
Currency:
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.
The Belizean dollar is divided into 100 cents. Coins are of 1,5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, and one dollar; bills are of 1, 2, 3, 10, 20, 50 and 100 dollars.
Credit Cards/Travellers Checks:
Nearly all hotels, restaurants and shops in the major towns and tourist areas take all major credit cards. Street vendors and smaller establishments in remote areas may accept only cash or travellers checks. It is important to keep travellers checks in a waterproof pouch, as they are considered void if they get wet. Representatives of VISA, MasterCard and American Express can be contacted at the four commercial banks in Belize City (Atlantic Bank Ltd., Bank of Nova Scotia, Barclays Bank, and the Belize Bank.) Banks are generally open Monday-Friday from 8 AM-1 PM and Saturdays, 8 AM-11 AM.
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| PEOPLE |
The population of Belize is approximately 200,000. There is a great deal of ethnic diversity among Belizeans, who include Creoles (African-European), Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian.
Belizeans people welcome you. From the time you arrive by land, sea or air, you will sense the hospitality, which is a natural trait in Belizeans. This receptive attitude springs from their daily experiences in a world of many cultures. It is common for Belizeans to greet first time visitors with the same warmth they would greet a close friend. You will behold the unmistakably Caribbean lifestyle small intimate communities, friendly people and tropical casualness rare in the world today. You will never forget the sound of the drums, steel bands, carnival parades and above all the friendly voices that mingle easily as you walk down lazy streets. You will soon be absorbed into this harmony. Then, you will behold a Latino lifestyle with all its traditions, dances and folklore. Its a culture where stories of Tata Duende, the Llorona and the Cadejo live on. During Easter, you can witness the traditional processions; at Christmas time, its Posadas and on Halloween, our own version of Trick or Treat. These events come complete with their own music, food and tales
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| SHOPPING |
| Shops are usually open Monday to Saturday from 8am to noon; Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 4pm. Some shops have evening hours from 7 to 9pm on those days as well. Many restaurants - especially in cities - are closed on Sunday.
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| TAX |
Departure Tax:
A tax of $20 US is charged when leaving Belize; this must be paid in cash or travellers checks (credit cards not accepted for departure tax.) Further, travellers entering Belize International by air and connecting to in-country flights are charged a $.75 US security fee.
Taxes and Refunds:
Belize has a value added tax of 15%, which is charged on meals, beverages, tours, transport and many other goods and services. The hotel room tax is 7%.
Tipping and Bargaining:
Tips of 10% are appreciated in restaurants, bars and clubs.
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| HOLIDAYS & FESTIVITIES |
| Jan |
1 |
New Year's Day |
| Mar |
9 |
Baron Bliss Day |
| Varies |
Good Friday |
| Varies |
Easter Sunday |
| Varies |
Easter Monday |
| May |
1 |
Labour Day |
| 24 |
Commonwealth Day |
| Sept |
10 |
St. George s Caye Day |
| 21 |
National Independence Day |
| Oct |
12 |
Columbus Day |
| Nov |
19 |
Garifuna Day |
| Dec |
25 |
Christmas Day |
| 26 |
Boxing Day |
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| COUNTRY ORIENTATION |
No tourist visa required for U.S. citizens. Enter the country with only a valid passport for a period up to 30 days. |
| WEATHER |
Climate:
Belize is subtropical, with a mean annual temperature of 80 degrees F. Winter storms may bring the temperature down to the low 60s; it can reach the mid-90s 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 through mid-September. 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.
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Latin America, Mexico, Caribbean and Europe 
