Travel Information, Belize

Favorite thing: Just got back from Belize, lousy experience.

1) Cops at customs treat you like you are a drug dealer entering the country, not like someone who's bringing good money ...
2) ... money the belizean people are never ashamed to beg whenever the occasion (tips, hotel tax 9%, ...)
3) ... ending up with the exit tax! Can you imagine? The even ask for money when you leave their country and they don't even want their own valuless currency. Only US $!!
4) Beaches are covered with garbage and other
5) Planes and ferries are never on time

There is plenty of places in central aerica and around the world much much better then Belize.
Don't go!

Giuseppe

Favorite thing: This map gives an overview of the territory we covered during our 3-weeks of backpacking around Belize, with accommodations stops indicated by 'red' dots. Considering that the country is not all that big, we really did not cover a lot of ground!

After landing at the International Airport in Ladyville, northwest of Belize City, we had to catch a small internal flight (dashed line) out to Caye Caulker island on the reefs. After a few days there we continued north by water taxi to San Pedro on Ambergris Cay, before taking another water taxi back to Belize City. Not wasting any time there, we immediately headed back to the airport to pick up a rental vehicle for 3 days of exploration. This enabled us to take a short side-trip to the Howler Monkey reserve at Bermudian Landing before spending a night in the tropical savannah at the Belize Zoo (about half-way inland toward the Capitol of Belmopan). From there, we continued inland a bit further before diverting south for another two nights on the coast at Hopkins.

Our rental time was up, so we backtracked to the airport, where we were picked up by a shuttle van which took us further north and inland to the birdwatching sanctuary at Crooked Tree for a couple of days relaxation. Next, we hitched a ride with other travellers and headed inland again, all the way to the San Ignacio area on the border with Guatemala. During our week in that part of Belize, we headed off to the Mayan ruins at Tikal National Park in Guatemala for two days, just 'winging it' with share cabs and a mini-bus drive. Our final night was spent back on the coast in Belize City before we flew out for home.

Favorite thing: I entered and leaved Belize by the Mexican border, and i did not save enough money because i never expected a tax for leaving Belize in the border. The tax is 37 Belizean dollars per person ( 18.5 USD) which I consider it is too much, consider this in order to avoid problems...

Favorite thing: Belize is a very informal country, with a casual lifestyle. Unless you are invited to a Government function, you won't need formal attire. You can leave your jewelry and expensive watches at home and just bring an inexpensive watch that is suitable for diving and hiking.
If you're visiting the Cayes or the Barrier Reef, bring your shorts, T-shirts and bathing suit, as well as comfortable flip-flops. As the sun probably is more intense than what you are used to at home, bring a cap to protect your head from the tropical sun whe you are boating. In addition to protecting your eyes from both the sun and the reflective glare off the water, a pair of "polarized" sunglasses will enhance the variable colors of the coastal waters of Belize.

Fondest memory: Loose fitting, light colored cotton pants and shirts, along with a comfortable pair of hiking shoes or boots are appropiate for exploring the mainland or trekking through the rainforest. When visiting the Maya sites or walking through the jungle, a hat with a wide brim will provide shade from the tropical sun, as well as protection from a tropical shower.
Be aware that water, beverages, and snacks are not always readily available while sightseeing so a day pack to carry a water bottle, energy bars, camera, binoculars, poncho, hand towel, etc. is a welcome accessory.

Favorite thing: Visas are NOT required for citizens of the USA, European Union, British Commonwealth (except India), Mexico, Costa Rica or Austria, who have a valid passport and an onward airplane ticket. These visitors will be issued a 30-day visitor's permit upon entry.

Favorite thing: Hotel Room Tax: 7%
Sales Tax (tours and services): 8%
Service Charge: 8-10%
Airport Departure Tax & Security Fee: US$32
Departure Tax when crossing the border into Guatemala or Mexico:
Border Management Fee: US$15
Protected Area Conservation Trust Fee: US$3.75

I suppose the Airport Departure Tax is included in the tickets. I didn't have to pay that!

Favorite thing: The Belize dollar (BZ$) has a fixed rate of exchange of BZ$2 to US$1. All hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators will accept US paper currency, traveller's checks, or most credit cards. When using your credit cards in Belize, most establishments will add a 5% service charge to your bill. Always make sure that you understand if the rate being quotes is in Belize or US dollars, otherwise ... well well ... !

Favorite thing: Banks:
Monday to Thursday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
All banks on Friday: 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Individual bank hours vary and some also open Saturday morning.

Commerce & Industry:
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Some businesses are also open on Saturdays and most weeknights.
Take care: Belize city is DEAD on Sundays!!!