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Visitor
Information & Tips
Getting Around
If you are short on time or would like to forego the scenic
highways, flying is safe, fast and efficient in Belize.
The least expensive way to get around Belize on a day
to day basis is by bus. Buses run regular schedules and
by other Central American standards, Belizean buses are
clean, roomy and efficient.
No reservations are required though often recommended
as some bus routes fill up quickly and completely.
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.
Although there are no meters on the taxis, the drivers
do charge somewhat standard fares, but it is always important
to understand what your fare will be, prior to hiring
a taxi.
Communication
You won't find telephones on every corner of the open
road in Belize. If you plan to rent a car and discover
Belize at your own pace, its smart to pack your cellular
phone or arrange for one through Belize Telecommunications
Ltd. when you arrive. Also, some rent-a-car companies
now offer cellular phones. It might spare you a headache
in the event of a breakdown.
What to Wear
If you are visiting the Cayes and/or the Barrier Reef,
bring your shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits, as well
as some comfortable tennis shoes or deck shoes. As the
sun is probably more intense than what you are used to
at home, bring a cap to protect your head from the tropical
sun when you are boating and/or fishing and use sunscreen
protection.
Loose fitting, light colored cotton pants and camping
shirts, along with a comfortable pair of hiking shoes
or boots are appropriate for exploring the Mainland or
trekking through the rain forest. When visiting the Maya
Ruins or traipsing through the jungle, a hat with a wide
brim will provide shade from the tropical sun, as well
as provide protection from a tropical shower.
Ambergris Caye, the largest of about 1000 cayes (islands)
located in the northern most waters of Belize, Central
America. This narrow strip of paradise surrounded by the
azure Caribbean, is approximately 25 miles long and was
once a part of the Yucatan Peninsula. Get there by small
plane or water taxi.
Caye Caulker is located 12 miles from the mainland. It
is only 5 miles long and seperated into 2 parts. The main
village is on the southern portion. Get there by small
plane or water taxi.
Business Hours
Banks: Monday - Thursday 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. Friday
8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Commerce & Industry: Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. to
12:00P.M. 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Some businesses are open
on Saturdays
Electricity
Although most of the electricity is provided by Diesel/Generator
Sets, the power is stable at 110 Volts A.C., which is
the same voltage as in the United States.
Medical
There is a well staffed hospital and several private doctors
in Belize City. Also the District Towns and larger Villages
have hospitals or clinics.
Water
Potable water is available in most areas of Belize, but
it is advisable to ask, and if in doubt, to drink boiled
or bottled water.
Health
There are no serious epidemic diseases in Belize. No inoculations
are required for entry, but anti-malaria tablets are recommended
for extended stays in the jungle.
Language
Everyone in Belize speaks English.
Tipping
Tip if you find the service good. Tipping can range from
10-15%.
Telephone Service
Belize Telecommunications Limited provides telephone communication
between Belize and the United States and Canada. Direct
dial service is available.
Time
Time observed year round is GMT-6, which is the same as
United States Central Standard Time. Daylight Savings
Time is not observed in Belize
Climate
The climate is subtropical, with a brisk prevailing wind
from the Caribbean Sea. The country has an annual mean
temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit, and the humidity
is nicely tempered by the Sea breezes.
Variation in weather features, emphasizes the interesting
difference in elevation, geology, plant and animal life.
A summer high temperature, usually never exceeds 96 degrees
Fahrenheit, and winter lows are seldom below 60 degrees
Fahrenheit, even at night.
Saltwater temperature varies between 75 degrees Fahrenheit
and 84 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rainfall
Annual rainfall ranges from 50 inches in the North to
170 inches in the South. Although the rainy season is
usually between June and August and the dry season is
between February and May, global weather changes are making
historical predictions somewhat invalid. At the end of
October, the weather does become cooler, and from November
to February, it is pleasant with showers of rain. Average
humidity is 85 percent.
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Official
Tourism Offices
Belize
Tourism Board
Lower Flat, New Horizon Investment Building
3 1/2 Miles Northern Highway
P.O. Box 325
Belize City, Belize
Tel: 011-501-223-1913
Fax: 011-501-223-1943
Tollfree: 1-800-624-0686
Email: info@travelbelize.org
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USA
Belize Tourist Board
421 7th Ave., #1101
New York, NY 10001
+1-212-563-6011;800-624-0686; FAX +1-212-563-6033 |
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Germany
Belize Tourist Board
Lindenstrasse 46-48
7120 Bietigheim,
Bissingen, Germany
+49-71-42-39-25;; FAX +49-71-42-332-25 |
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Merida,
Mexico
Belize Tourist Board
Merida Calle 58 Num. 488.B X 43
Merida, Yucatan, C.P. 97000 Mexico |
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Cancun,
Mexico
Belize Tourist Board
Cancun Lobby Hotel Parador
Ave. Tulum Num. 26, Super Manana Cinco
Cancun, Q. Roo |
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Belize
At A Glance
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Language:
English (official), Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna (Carib),
Creole
Government: Parliamentary democracy
Capital: Belmopan
Size: 22,966 sq km, coastline - 386 km
Population: 250,000
Location: 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.
Climate: tropical; very hot and humid; rainy season
(May to November); dry season (February to May). Temperatures:
Summer: 70° - 85° F/approx. Winter 70° - 80°
F/approx.
Time: US Central Standard Time, year-round.
Electricity: 110 volts AC
Currency: Belizean dollar
Driving: International driver's license accepted
up to 90 days
Rentals: Local and international auto rental companies
located throughout Belize.
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