GETTING AROUND:
By Air: The easiest and quickest way to travel around the country is by air.
There are two major air carriers in Belize; Tropic Air
and Maya Island Air.
Contact them directly to schedule your flights between Belize City and Placencia.
The Belize City <-> Placencia flight is ~25 minutes.
The ocean views and Mayan Mountain range are spectacular.
Auto Rentals: There are several auto rental companies which have offices and vehicles at the
international airport in Belize City.
Here are some useful links: Jabiru Auto Rental,
Crystal Auto Rental,
Budget Rent a Car.
The drive between Belize City and Maya Beach is ~3 hrs. Bring your camera....there are many beautiful
views as you drive through the Mayan Mountains.
By Bus: It's cheap and the people watching is great. Travel time from Belize City to Dangriga is about 2 hours
depending on the number of stops). Travel time from Dangriga to Placencia also varies from 1.5 - 2.5 hours
for a 40 mile trip), depending on road conditions, number of stops and whether the bus goes through the banana
plantations. The bus will stop at AH-KINCHIL. Currently, the last bus leaves Dangriga for Placencia at around
5:30 pm, so you must get to Dangriga by about 5:15 pm. Also, the bus schedules change frequently, so check on
schedules as soon as you arrive in Belize. Finally, if you arrive at Belize International Airport, you'll need
to take a cab into Belize City to catch the bus (they don't stop at the International Airport).
CLIMATE:
Belize is sub tropical with a mean annual temperature of 80 degrees F. Winter in Belize the temperature can get
as low as the 60's the summer months can be in the 90’s. Trade winds blow along the coast and Cayes most of the
year keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months. The dry season is from January thru May and the
rainy season is from June thru December. Sand flies may be a problem during certain times of the day. If you tend
to be one of those people who react to insect bites, you might want to bring anti-histamines and an anti-itch cream
to help reduce any reaction.
ATTIRE:
Bring light cotton clothing - shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits, comfortable walking shoes and sandals.
Leave your formal clothes at home. For jungle trips, long cotton pants, long sleeved shirt, and sneakers or tivas
are recommended. If you come in the fall or winter you may want to bring a rain poncho and a jacket or sweatshirt.
You should bring sunscreen, aloe vera gel or some kind of after burn, insect repellent, and a hat.
LANGUAGE:
English is the official language of Belize. Spanish is widely spoken also as is Creole, Mayan, Garifuna and German.
CURRENCY:
The currency exchange in Belize is $2.00 Belize to $1.00 U.S. dollar. All businesses accept U.S. currency.
Some smaller places don't accept credit cards so bring travelers' checks or cash. Bring as much cash as you are
comfortable carrying. You can also get a cash advance on your credit card at the Atlantic Bank in Placencia with
your passport. Tours and accommodations are quoted in US dollars, where as meals, groceries and gift shops quote
in Belize dollars.
CREDIT CARDS:
(Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at most places. Leave your American Express card at home.
Please be aware that when using your credit card your amounts are charged in Belize dollars.
The exchange rate into US dollars will not be 2 to 1 . Check with your credit card company to see what
exchange rate they will give you. You should plan to call your credit card company before arriving in
Belize to allow any charges over $500 US to go through. Also bring your credit card company phone number
to call in case your charge is declined while here in Belize.
TIME ZONE::
Belize operates on Central Standard Time all year. No Daylight Savings Time is observed.
CUSTOMS:
A passport is required to enter Belize along with proof of return. No visas are required for U.S. or
Canadian citizens, nationals of Caricom countries and of the European Community member nations.
Visitors are allowed a one-month visit without requesting an extension.
A $35 US departure tax per person required when leaving the Belize Int'l Airport.
This tax is most likely included in the cost of your ticket.
MEDICAL ATTENTION:
There is a part time doctor available in Placencia and a hospital in Dangriga.
Should there be a serious medical problem, Belize Emergency Response Team is available for air evacuation.
Please remember to bring your medications. There is a pharmacy in Placencia where you may be able to buy needed items.
CLIMATE:
Belize is sub tropical with a mean annual temperature of 80 degrees F. Winter in Belize the temperature
can get as low as the 60's the summer months can be in the 90’s. Trade winds blow along the coast and
Cayes most of the year keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months. The dry season is from
January thru May and the rainy season is from June thru December. Sand flies may be a problem during
certain times of the day. If you tend to be one of those people who react to insect bites, you might
want to bring anti-histamines and an anti-itch cream to help reduce any reaction.
LOCATION:
Bordered by Mexico to the North, Guatemala on the west and South, and the Caribbean Sea on the East.
Belize is approximately the same size as New Hampshire. SIZE: 180 miles long and up to 68 miles wide,
Belize is approximately 8,866 square miles. Belize also has over 200 Cayes (Islands) most of which are
located inside the 200 mile barrier reef.
POPULATION:
The population of Belize is approximately 270,000. Belize is a multicultural society consisting of
Creoles, Mestizos, Garifuna, Maya, Mennonite, Anglo-European, Middle Eastern and Asian.