Belize Planning Your Trip

Before You Go
Passport . Required of all visitors.
Visa. Not required for citizens of the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, Ireland, New Zealand, Mexico, and the European Union. Valid for 30 days. Extensions of up to 90 days granted by the Immigration Department.
Onward or Return Ticket. Required of all visitors.
Proof of Funds. If requesting to remain in country for more than 30 days, visitors must show proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the extension of their stay. Belize requires a minimum of US$50 per person per day.
Work Permit. Required for all foreigners planning to work in Belize. Must reside in Belize for at least 6 months prior to application. For more information, contact the Immigration and Nationality Department (☎011 501 822 2423).
Recommended Vaccinations. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and Rabies.
Required Vaccinations. None required.
Inoculations . Travelers who have been to nations with endemic yellow fever must present proof of vaccination.
Other Health Concerns: Malaria pills are recommended for those traveling to Belize. If your regular medical insurance policy does not cover travel abroad, you may wish to purchase additional coverage.
Departure Tax. US$35 if leaving by air, US$19 if by land.

Belizean Consular Services Abroad

An updated list of Belizean embassies and consulates is available on the web at http://bz.embassyinformation.com/list.php.

Australia: 5/1 Oliver Road Roseville, NSW, Roseville (☎+61 298 807 160).
Canada: 1800 McGill College, Suite 2480, H3A 3J6, Montreal, Quebec (☎514-288-1687; fax 514-288-4998). Consulates: 2321 Trafalgar Street, V6K 3T1, British Colombia, Vancouver (☎604-730-1224); McMillan Binch, Suite 3800, South Tower, Royal Bank Plaza, Ontario, Toronto (☎416-865-7000; fax 416-864-7048); Suite 100, 1122-8th Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta (☎403-215-6072; fax 403-242-9907).
Ireland: Christchurch Square, Dublin (☎+35 314 544 333).
UK: Third Floor, 45 Crawford Place, W1H 4LP, London (☎+44 207 723 3603).
US: 2535 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20008 (☎202-332-9636; fax 202-332-6888; www.embassyofbelize.org). Consulates: Korean Trade Center Park Mile Plaza 4801 Wilshire Blvd Suite #250, Los Angeles, CA 90010 (☎323-469-7343; fax 213-469-7346); 4173 S Le Jeune Rd., Coconut Grove, FL 33146 (☎305-666-1121); 4318 Ridgecrest Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89121 (☎702-451-8444); 7101 Breen, Houston, TX 77086 (☎281-999-4484; fax 281-999-0855); c/0 Eztech Manufacturing, Inc. 1200 Howard Drive West Chicago, IL 60185 (☎630-293-0010; fax 630-293-0463).

Consular Services In Belize

Australia: (☎+52 555 531 5225)
Canada: 80 Princess Margaret Drive, PO Box 610, Belize City (☎+501 231 060).
Ireland and the UK: P.O. Box 94, Belmopan (☎+501 822 2146; fax 501 822 2764).
US: 29 Gabourel Lane, P.O. Box 286, Belize City (☎+501 227 7161; fax 501 230 802).
UK: Embassy Squarew, P.O. Box 91, Belmopan (☎+44 207 723 3603).

Tourist Offices

Belize Tourism Board, P.O. Box 325, 64 Regent St., Belize City (☎+011 501 227 2420; fax 011 501 227 2423; www.travelbelize.org).

Money

The currency chart below was accurate as of August 2009. Check websites like www.xe.com or www.bloomberg.com for the latest exchange rates.

The Belizean dollar (BZ$) is locked in to the US dollar at a rate of two to one. American paper currency is accepted nearly everywhere, but US coins are not. As a result of this constant and straightforward exchange rate, US dollars are almost universally accepted; be careful, however, to specify which “dollars” you are referring to when bargaining or you could end up paying twice as much. Internationally accessible ATMs are located only in major cities and tourist hotspots. Use ATMs as a backup measure while traveling, rather than as a primary source of funds. MasterCard and Visa are the most frequently accepted credit cards; American Express cards work at some ATMs and at AmEx offices and major airports. Traveler’s checks are accepted at most hotels, but are not welcomed at many restaurants and stores.

Costs

Belize is significantly more expensive than its Central American neighbors. A day without frills—a cheap hotel, transportation, and basic food—will set you back US$30-40. A stay in a nicer hotel, with a private bathroom, hot water showers, and a kitchenette raises costs to US$80-150 per day. The sky’s the limit for spending in heavily touristed and resort areas. Prices rise in high season (Dec.-May) and holidays (Christmas, New Years, and Semana Santa ), but are negotiable in low season.

Price Diversity

Our Researchers list establishments in order of value from best to worst, honoring our favorites with the Let’s Go thumbs-up ( ). Because the best value is not always the cheapest price, we have incorporated a system of price ranges based on a rough expectation of what you will spend. For accommodations, we base our range on the cheapest price for which a single traveler can stay for one night. For restaurants, we estimate the average amount one traveler will spend in one sitting. The table below tells you what you’ll typically find in Panama at the corresponding price range, but keep in mind that no system can allow for the quirks of individual establishments.

Under US$10Campgrounds and some cheaper dorm rooms. Expect bunk beds, a shared bath, and rustic conditions. US$10-15Most hostels and lower-end hotels. Most likely a shared bathroom. US$16-22A small room with a private bath. Should have decent amenities. If you’re lucky, maybe even a TV. US$ 23-30Should have bigger rooms than a , with cable TV, A/C, and a private bath with hot water. Over US$30Large hotels or resorts. If it’s a and it doesn’t have the perks you want, you’ve paid too much.

Accommodations	Range	What You’Re Likely To Find

Safety And Health

Violent crime is on the rise in Belize, especially in urban areas. Tourists at resorts or on the road are particularly vulnerable targets for sexual assault, theft, purse snatching, pick pocketing, and car jacking. The incidence of such crimes significantly increases during spring and winter breaks. Victims who resist when attacked run the risk of serious physical injuries.