Information to know Before You Go
A valid passport is necessary for entry into Belize. A 30 day visitors permit will be issued to you upon arrival. Citizens of the British Commonwealth (India excepted), the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European community do not require visas for travel to Belize. All other citizens should contact the nearest Belizean Consulate or embassy for more information.
Visitors are permitted to stay in Belize for a period not to exceed 30 days. Extensions are routinely granted at Immigration offices located in San Pedro, Punta Gorda, Belmopan, Orange Walk, and Belize City at a cost of US$12.50. For more information the Immigration & Nationality Department in Belmopan can be contacted at 501-8-22611/-22423.
NOTE: U.S. State Licenses are valid in Belize for up to 3 months. At Cayo Auto Rentals we permit our rental cars to enter into Guatemala. A popular option is to cross the Guatemalan Border to visit Tikal, however there is a US$ 17.50 per person Departure Tax imposed by the Belize Government.
The currency unit is the Belize dollar (BZ$). The fixed rate of exchange is BZ$2 to US$1. There are four commercial banks. All four cash travelers checks, give cash advances on Visa or Master cards and have wire transfer services: Belize Bank, Barclays Bank, Atlantic Bank, and the Canadian-based, Bank of Nova Scotia.
Philip S. Goldson International Airport is situated 10 miles from Belize City, in Ladyville. Regular international services to and from the United States, Central America, and Mexico are maintained by a number of airlines, including American, Continental and Taca. Taxi fare from the International airport to Belize City is $US20.
Belize Telecommunications Limited, a private company, owns the automatic telephone service which covers the entire country. A satellite earth station in Belmopan provides high quality telecommunications with the outside world. A cellular network has now been introduced and is available country wide. BTLprovides telephone, direct dial and Internet connection services for Belize.
Visitors, especially those who plan on renting a vehicle, may want to consider bringing their own cellular phones to Belize and activating them at BTL’s airport location, or renting a cellular phone directly from BTL at its airport location. Phone cards can also be purchased there or at any BTL office. Also, you can easily pick cards up at a number of resorts and shops throughout the country. Using an international phone card, you can access ATT, MCI, Sprint, Canada Direct and UK Direct.
WHEN IN BELIZE DIAL:
- 113 for Directory Assistance
- 114 for Local and Regional Operator assisted calls
- 115 for International Operator assisted calls
Electricity in many places is provided by diesel generator equipment. Power is at 110 volts AC, which is the same as in the United States. A small surge suppresser is highly recommended for computers and other sensitive equipment.
Climate is sub-tropical, tempered by trade winds. Extreme temperatures in coastal districts range from about 10oC (50oF) to about 35.6oC. (96oF). Belize has an annual mean temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual Rainfall in Belize varies from an average of 50 inches in the north to 180 inches in the extreme south. The dry season usually extends from February to the end of May, with a possible dry spell in August.
The Belize Tourist Board is a good place to go for more information about Belize. The Board distributes free up-to-date bus schedules, city maps, a visitors’ magazine, and a comprehensive list of accommodations. They’re located on the second floor of the Central Bank building in Belize City.
Tel. 501-2-31913.