Important Facts About Belize that Will Surprise you!

Perhaps you already know the basic facts of Belize, but for those that don’t, let’s take this opportunity to learn some interesting facts on Belize!

Belize Fun Facts

Belize is a small country, similar in size to Massachusetts, or Wales in the U.K. With a population of less than four hundred thousand people it’s also gloriously uncrowded.

Language

Time Zone

Belize is in the U.S. Central time zone.  However, Belize does not observe Daylight Savings Time.  So, basically during March through November, you can consider Belize to be in U.S. Mountain time.

Electrical Outlets Belize

More Belize Cool Facts!

Money

Belize currency is based on the U.S. dollar.  The exchange rate is 2 to 1.  Two Belize dollars for every U.S. dollar.  U.S. currency is legal tender here (except for coins) and some merchants won’t except small bills.  Also, no one will accept damaged bills, especially if ripped or torn. 

There is no need to exchange U.S. money for Belize money before you arrive.  However, if you want Belize dollars, we recommend using an ATM. There is one at the airport after you exit Customs & Immigration. To exchange money your best option is a local grocery store. 

Driving Facts About Belize

It’s weird, considering Belize was a British territory until the 1980’s, but we drive on the left side of the road, like in the U.S. Be sure to read Belize Travel Tips for more information about driving in Belize.

Passport Information

Upon entering, you’ll be required to complete a Belize Customs Form. And all visitors ‘technically’ need an onward or round-trip ticket to enter Belize. Some airlines are stricter about this than others. If the airline makes you buy a return ticket, we recommend buying a fully refundable ticket, and then canceling it once you get on the airplane. 

A visitor’s permit (also referred to as your entry visa stamp) will be stamped into your passport at your point of entry.  This permit allows you to stay in the country for 30 days. If you plan to exceed 30 days, you will need to obtain an extended stay permit from one of the Immigration Offices in Belize, prior to your first 30-day permit stamp expiration.  The airport does not provide extension permit stamps and you cannot get more than a 30-day permit stamp upon entry into Belize.

Minor children traveling with one parent (or non-parent) are required to have notarized documentation from the non-traveling parent(s) for entry.  It would also be wise to have notarized documentation if parents’ last names are not the same as the children’s last names.

Tipping Facts About Belize

Tipping varies in Belize.  At higher-end restaurants and resorts, verify if an automatic gratuity is already included!  (It usually is).

Porters at the airport work for tips – the expectation is $2.00 BZE per bag (that is their ONLY pay).

Taxi drivers also expect $2.00 BZE per bag if they handle luggage for you.

It is customary to tip tour guides 10% of the tour cost.  The same goes for restaurant servers.  Of course, if you get outstanding service, tip more; if less than stellar service – tip less.

Medical Care

Government hospitals are free in Belize, even for tourists.  There are private clinics as well, that are relatively inexpensive.

Check the local pharmacy if you have any generic prescription meds.  Many medications here do not require a prescription and can be purchased over the counter for pennies on the dollar compared to U.S. prices.

For More Interesting Facts of Belize ……

For even more information and facts about Belize, we recommend some of our other blogs: Essentials to Pack, What NOT to pack, our weather and climate, the incredible Diversity of Belize, and Some Sample Itineraries, to help you plan your visit.

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