FAQs

Question

Do I need a passport or visa?

Answer

A valid passport and return ticket are necessary for entry into Belize. No visas are required for citizens of the U.S., British Commonwealth nations, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey and Uruguay.

Question

How do we get from the airport in Belize City to Placencia?

Answer

On the travel tab of our website we have included details on flights and shuttles from Belize City to Placencia.

Question

Do I need to exchange my money?

Answer

Local currency is the Belize Dollar. One U.S. dollar is worth two Belize dollars. This is a set rate and does not change. There is no need to exchange money as USD is accepted - for example, if the total is $30 Belize dollars, and you hand them $15 US dollars, they won't bat an eyelash.

Question

What languages are spoken in Belize?

Answer

English is the official language, though Spanish, Creole, Mayan, and Garifuna are also spoken.

Question

What time zone is Belize in?

Answer

Belize is on Central Standard Time; however, they do not observe Daylight Savings Time.

Question

Do I need vaccinations to travel to Belize?

Answer

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. Check out the CDC website for more information - https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/belize

Question

What is the weather like in Belize in October?

Answer

Northerly breezes bring heavier rainfall, and October temperatures in Belize cool down to a monthly average of 79°F (26°C). Daytime highs of around 84°F (29°C) and lows of 75°F (24°C) are common, as are occasional “northers”, two or three day storms often centred around the Maya Mountains.

Question

Should I tip while in Belize?

Answer

Tipping is not obligatory but is always appreciated if guides, drivers or servers have provided you with genuinely good service. Some hotels and restaurants add an obligatory service charge to your check (usually 10%). Hotels: Not needed but baggage porters appreciate a small gratuity. Restaurants: Round up the check between 5% and 10%. Taxis: Tips are not expected. Tour Guides: In high-volume areas, tour guides are used to receiving tips.

Question

Is Belize safe?

Answer

The crime in Belize is mostly opportunistic theft; it is recommended you keep a close eye on your belongings and do not leave anything unattended, just as you would do anywhere. The one exception is the south side of Belize City, where tourists do not go. This pocket accounts for the majority of reported crimes in the country. Because the country is the least population dense in Central America, the crime appears on paper, higher than reality. Visitors come here again and again because they do feel safe here, and unlike a lot of tourist destinations, you do not have to stay behind the closed walls of your resort. Just like anywhere, don't flash cash or bring attention to expensive items.

Question

What does "low season" mean?

Answer

"Low season" in Belize is from June to October. Heavy rainfall can be expected from June to mid-November, especially at night. Hurricanes possible between August and October. Few tourists; prices for accommodations drop significantly though some places close down.

Question

Is the water safe to drink?

Answer

In major urban areas tap water in Belize is considered safe to drink. Outside larger cities and towns, hotels may use wells or rainwater collection tanks in which case water should be boiled or treated. Many hotels will provide drinking water for guests.

Question

What is the departure tax in Belize about?

Answer

For individuals with an American, Canadian, EU, or CARICOM passport, there is a mandatory departure tax when leaving Belize. Fortunately, the departure tax is usually included in your airline ticket but please check, since you won't be able to leave the country without paying. Please leave enough cash at the end of your trip to pay; $50 USD will be more than enough as the fee is usually around $35.