Belize Useful Info

The useful info section of the site is where you will find all the essential travel advice that you need to know before visiting Belize as well as some local expert advice to ensure you have the very best experience while you are here.

Find information about transport, visas, airports, traditions & customs, local holidays, language basics, travelling with kids and much more in this area of our site.

If there is anything that you don't find in these pages, but need to know before you decide to travel to Belize, feel free to reach out to our local experts on the ground "Contact Us" link.

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Belize Banking Information

Useful Information

Belize has five commercial banks, not including offshore banks. Three are based in Belize – Alliance Bank, Belize Bank and Atlantic Bank — and two, First Caribbean Bank(formerly Barclays) and ScotiaBank, are large multinational banks with branches in Belize. The local banks are small, about the size of a small-town…

Belize Bus Schedules

Useful Information

Understanding the Belize bus schedules are important if you are trying to travel around Belize economically. We try to keep in touch with the Department of Transportation about the different bus schedules, but they do change the schedule periodically – especially on holidays – so the bus schedules provided are…

Belize Cuisine

Useful Information

It’s a cultural smorgasbord! It’s as varied and rich as the several cultures that together make up Belize cuisine. Belizean food can be as peppery and fiery as the heat of the tropical sun, or as cool and refreshing as the crystal clear Caribbean waters that wash the Belize shores. The foundation of Belize Cuisine…

Belize Currency Exchange & Time

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Belize Time Difference . Belize is on Central Time Zone except during daylight savings time. Since Belize does not observe daylight savings time, we are on Mountain Time Zone during this time. Belize Currency Exchange . What is the unit of currency in Belize? The Belize Dollar. One U.S. dollar equals two Belize…

Belize Health Care

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Belize Hospitals & Health Centers. No vaccinations are required for entry to Belize, however insect repellent is strongly advised since cases of dengue fever and malaria have occurred. Potable water is available in most areas of Belize. Different areas of Belize have different qualities of tap water. In Belmopan the…

Belize Holidays

Useful Information

National holidays in Belize are much more important to the population than our holidays are to the population of the US. On most of the holidays listed below the whole country of Belizepractically shuts down, with drastically reduced transportation services, closed schools, no news services, and no public services…

Belize Immigration Requirements

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Belize Immigration. All visitors other than cruise ship visitors need a valid passport in order to visit Belize. To visit Belize you first need to obtain a 30 day VISA. Visitor’s permit entitles a person to remain in Belize for such period as is stated in the permit. An extension for the first 6 months of remaining in…

Belize Kriol Language

Useful Information

Kriol is the language spoken by many Belizeans, especially the Creole people of Belize. Although it is often perceived as a dialect of English, it is indeed it's own language with grammar and spelling rules. The National Kriol Council of Belize was created to promote the culture and language of the Kriol people of…

Belize Languages

Useful Information

Belize Languages. The official language of Belize is English. While almost all people in Belize speak English, other languages also spoken are Spanish, Belize Creole, Garifuna, Maya, Hindi, Chinese, German, etc. Kriol is the language spoken by many Belizeans, especially the Creole people of Belize. Although it is…

Belize Maya Ruins

Useful Information

Belize Mayan Ruins. The Maya ruins of Belize include a number of well-known and historically important Maya archaeological sites. Belize is considered part of the southern Maya lowlands of the Mesoamerican culture area, and the sites found there were occupied from the Preclassic until and after the arrival of the…

Belize Phone and Internet

Useful Information

Phone Service . Digi (previously BTL) is the largest phone and cell phone service provider in Belize. However, there is also a new company, Smart!, that has been gaining popularity in the cell phone market recently. Smart! offers lower prices with the drawback of requiring proprietary cell phones (and thus limited…

Belize Requirements for Permanent Residence

Useful Information

Belize Permanent Residency Requirements: Having your residence also makes it easy to travel in and out of the country. You must live in Belize for 50 consecutive weeks before you can apply for permanent residence. To do this, enter the country on a tourist visa and then renew your visa every 30 days until you reach 50…

Belize Transportation

Useful Information

Belize Bus Schedules. Private vehicles are a convenient way to travel inland. For time-saving purposes, some people prefer to travel by local Belize airplane. However, for most locals and some visitors, short distances are covered by taxis, bicycles, motorcycles, scooters or simply walking. Meanwhile, for long…

Belize Work Permit

Useful Information

Belize Work Permit Information. When we first arrived in Belize it was clear that if we intended to earn an income it was going to be necessary to get a work permit. In general, there are two different avenues for getting a work permit – working for someone else or being self-employed. If you plan to work for someone…

Coronavirus Belize

Useful Information

COVID-19 Exceptional Travel Advisory Notice. As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the FCO advises British nationals against all but essential international travel. Any country or area may restrict travel without notice. If you live in the UK and are currently…

Driving in Belize

Useful Information

Driving In Belize Practical Tips And Other Advice. Nice swimming and picnic area at the Caves Branch River on the Hummingbird Highway on the way to southern Belize. The country used to have Texaco, Shell and Esso service stations, with a total of around 50 stations in the country. Not any more. The gas stations were…

Ethnic Groups Belize

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Belize is a melting pot of various ethnicities co-habiting in harmony. Today Belize boasts of cultural aspects from different cultures. Here is a timeline listing the current ethnic cultures in Belize and their date of arrival: Ethnic Group - Year of Arrival Maya - 2500 B.C . Creole - 1800s . Garifuna - 1802 . Mestizo…

History of Belize

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The history of Belize dates back thousands of years. The area now comprising Belize was originally inhabited by Amerindian groups (Caribs, Arawaks, and Mayas). The Maya civilization rose in the Yucatán Peninsula to the north, spreading to Belize between the 16th century BC and the 4th century AD. The Classic period…

Is Belize Safe?

Useful Information

Visiting Belize is a great idea. 60% of Belize is covered by forests, there are 450 offshore islands to explore, it boasts the largest cave system in Central America. Oh, and then there’s the huge Belize Barrier Reef for you to discover; around here are excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, safe waters…

Safe Tips Belize

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It might be relatively trouble-free for visitors, but the best way to avoid any crime whatsoever is to travel smart. The best way to travel smart would be to bear in mind our insider tips for staying safe in Belize. Don’t walk around in secluded urban areas – fewer people around = fewer witnesses. Don’t get crazy…

What to wear in Belize

Useful Information

Belize enjoys tropical weather; which means you'll be wearing mostly shorts and t-shirts. Belmopan in particular has larger differences in temperature and less humidity than the coast, but still has relatively high humidity compared to countries further from the equator. Because of this, cotton clothing is a must…

Top Things To Do in Belize

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San Ignacio: Cave Tubing with Lunch & Optional Zipline

7 hours via GetYourGuide

Activity

This guided tour suits outdoor enthusiasts seeking a mix of hiking, tubing through caves, and optional ziplining in the Belizean jungle near San Ignacio. Short hike through jungle terrain. Tube through one or two caves with light rapids. Learn about Mayan culture from expert guides during the float. Swim in a natural…

Caye Caulker: Hol-Chan Snorkeling & San Pedro Island Visit

6 hours via GetYourGuide

Activity

This guided snorkeling tour explores Belize's Barrier Reef and Ambergris Caye, suited for snorkelers of all experience levels. Snorkel Belize's Barrier Reef. Swim with sharks and stingrays. Island visit and lunch on Ambergris Caye. Swim with manatees (seasonal). Complimentary photos and video. The Hol-Chan tour offers…

Ambergris Caye: Hol Chan Dive & Snorkel Marine Reserve…

via GetYourGuide

Activity

This group tour suits certified scuba divers and snorkelers looking to explore Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Group tour for certified scuba divers and snorkelers. Visit Belize’s Hol Chan Marine Reserve, a leading protected area. Swim with nurse sharks and southern stingrays at Shark Ray Alley…

SAN PEDRO: Belizean Cooking Experience

3 hours via GetYourGuide

Activity

This hands-on cooking class at Waraguma Restaurant in San Pedro suits food lovers eager to learn Belizean culinary techniques. Prepare and enjoy the dishes you make. Use fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. Learn traditional cooking tips and tricks from Belize. Experience daily life with a local Belizean…

San Pedro: Hol Chan and Shark Ray Alley Snorkeling Tour

6 hours via GetYourGuide

Activity

This snorkeling tour explores Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley near Caye Caulker, ideal for marine life enthusiasts comfortable in the water. Swim in the clear waters of Hol Chan Marine Reserve. See colorful tropical fish and diverse coral formations. Interact with nurse sharks and southern stingrays…

Caye Caulker: 7-Stop Snorkeling in the Belize Barrier Reef

6 hours via GetYourGuide

Best SellerDeal

Snorkel the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Ray Alley near Caye Caulker on a small group day trip suited for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Snorkel with turtles, harmless sharks, and vibrant coral reefs. Experience eco-friendly snorkeling with a small group of 4 to 10 people. Receive complimentary GoPro photos…

Belize City: Lamanai Maya Ruins, River Safari, & Lunch

6 hours 30 minutes via GetYourGuide

Deal

This guided tour from Belize City to the Lamanai Maya Site suits wildlife enthusiasts and history lovers seeking nature and ancient culture. Boat ride with wildlife observation including birds, crocodiles, and turtles. Walk along a forest path through lush rainforest trees. Explore ancient temples with panoramic…

Shared or Private Shuttle Between Belize City & San Ignacio

2 hours via GetYourGuide

Activity

San Ignacio Transfers offers safe, reliable shuttle service between Belize City, San Ignacio, and major transport hubs, suitable for solo travelers, families, and groups. Safe, on-time, and hassle-free travel options. Private or shared shuttles tailored for solo travelers, families, or groups. Comfortable rides with…

Shuttle Phillip Goldson International Airport To Hopkins

via GetYourGuide

Activity

This private shuttle transfers passengers from Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City to Hopkins Village, suitable for groups up to six. Travel comfortably in a six-seater van with a reliable and punctual driver. The journey between the airport and Hopkins Village takes approximately 2.5 hours…

Belize City: Cave Tubing & Zipline Adventure Tour

5 hours via GetYourGuide

Activity

This guided tour departs from Belize City and suits active travelers interested in exploring caves and zip-lining in Belize’s rainforest. Tube through caves once sacred and secret to the Mayans. Admire natural rock formations and diverse scenery inside the caves. Zip-line on six different lines through Belize’s top…

Bocawina Rainforest: Extreme Waterfall Rappelling

4 hours via GetYourGuide

Activity

Experience a 250-foot waterfall rappel at Antelope Falls in Mayflower Bocawina National Park, ideal for physically fit adventure seekers. Rappel 250 feet down Antelope Falls. Climb through lush rainforest while learning about local flora and fauna. View the Tropical Rain Forest and Caribbean Sea from above. Swim in…

From Bacalar: One way share transfer to San Ignacio

via GetYourGuide

Activity

Travel comfortably from Bacalar, Mexico to San Ignacio, Belize with a shared, air-conditioned shuttle suitable for individual travelers and small groups. Relax in an air-conditioned shared shuttle. Convenient transfer from Bacalar, Mexico to San Ignacio, Belize. Stress-free cross-border transportation including Belize…

Top Things To Do in Belize

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