FAQs

Question

Do I need a passport to travel to Belize?

Answer

Yes! If you plan to attend and do not already have an up-to-date, valid passport, please plan to send in your application with plenty of time to spare. US citizens do not need any additional documents (such as visas) to travel to Belize if your trip will be less than 30 days.

Question

Can I drink the water?

Answer

NO. Do not drink water out of the tap. However, if you are staying at Portofino Resort with us, they provide complimentary bottled water for you during your stay. All water served at the resort’s on-site restaurant and bar is bottled and all ice cubes served there are also made from safe-to-drink, purified water. If you are not staying at our resort, you should hit up a grocery store for bottled water (which is super cheap) or can boil tap water at 212 for 10 min. Also, avoid salads or fresh produce that has been washed in water. Cooked veggies are okay.

Question

Do I need to get any vaccinations before I travel to Belize?

Answer

Probably not. If you are up-to-date on all the basic vaccinations (tetanus, measles-mumps-rubella, polio, etc.), you likely do not need to get any additional shots before traveling. The CDC suggests that if you are trying to be especially cautious, you can get vaccinated for hepatitis A and typhoid (you can get these illnesses through contaminated food or water, which is why you should just drink bottled water!). However, if you avoid tap water and stick to eating cooked vegetables only (and fruits you can remove the outer peel entirely from, like bananas), you should be just fine without these.

Question

What languages are spoken in Belize?

Answer

English and Creole are the two most commonly spoken languages. English is the official language, but many Belizeans are bilingual, and many locals also speak Spanish.

Question

What is the local currency?

Answer

The Belize dollar is the local currency. However, it is fixed to the US dollar and many local establishments will accept US dollars. The exchange rate is about $2 Belize to $1 US, and the resort we will host the wedding at does accept US dollars. DO bring cash with you! Some places (especially touristy ones) accept credit cards, but may charge a high tax rate or fee in order to run them, so use cash to avoid paying more than you need to for food and services. If you do plan to use your credit card, make sure to call your card carrier and let them know you’re traveling. And while you are at it, check about foreign transaction fees so you can plan how much cash you may need.

Question

Should I tip?

Answer

While tipping at restaurants is customary in Belize, like in the United States, the standard gratuity is around 10% for good quality service. This will sometimes be included on the bill, so double check the bill.

Question

How do I get around on Ambergris Caye?

Answer

The island our wedding will take place on is called Ambergris Caye (pronounced like Key). There is one main town, called San Pedro, and our resort is approximately 7 miles north of that town. There are no cars on the island, but if you choose, you can rent golf carts to drive around. There is also a local water taxi service, which you can choose to take from Belize City to the island’s main town of San Pedro (about 1 hour 30 minutes). You can also take a short flight from Belize City to the local San Pedro airport if you prefer. If you choose to stay at Portofino resort, the staff has a boat and will pick you up near the local airport in San Pedro town or at the San Pedro ferry dock and bring you back to the resort.

Question

Is there a group rate or discount for staying at Portofino resort?

Answer

Yes! Though we realize the rooms are not cheap and everyone may not be able to stay there with us, there is a discount of 20% off the regular price for booking as part of our wedding group. Please keep in mind that this does not include tax or gratuity, but does include basic continental breakfast each morning (toast, pastries, coffee), unlimited use of the resort’s kayaks and bicycles, and free boat shuttle to and from San Pedro to the resort.

Question

How do I convert money?

Answer

So the good news is, you won't really have to! The exchange rate is 2 to 1: 1 U.S. dollar is worth 2 Belize currency. And most places will take U.S. dollars. However, if you want to exchange a little just to have it, read on... As for where/how to convert money to local currency, do not exchange at the airport. Airports have terrible rates and you will get better rates at any bank. If possible go inside the bank and talk to a teller, this will help avoid ATM fees. Most banks will also change a foreign transaction fee for withdrawals, so it’s best to plan ahead and withdraw enough at the start of the trip so you only have to do it once.

Question

I have a question you guys didn’t answer, hello?!!

Answer

Ask away! Ping one of us and we’ll get you the info! We’ll be updating this page as questions come.