Every journey abroad can be improved
by doing research. As extensive as the internet
coverage on Belize is, a good guide book is still indispensable. Most guide
book series now have a Belize publication, and a handful of them are very
good. By far the most complete and accurate is "Belize, The Rough Guide,"
by Peter Eltringham. Aside from its reputation as a backpacker's guide,
The Rough Guide is an essential tool in planning and executing your trip.
For an in-depth look at the history and culture of the country, along with
plentiful colour photographs, the "Insight Guide to Belize" is
great for learning about Belize before your trip.
Entry Requirements
A passport is required for ALL visitors to Belize. It should be valid for
at least six months beyond the duration of the intended stay in the country.
A 30-day visa will be issued on arrival, and extensions (up to six months)
may be obtained from any Immigration Office for a fee of BZ$25 for every
30 days. Citizens of the British Commonwealth (India excepted), the United
States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European Community do not require
visas for travel to Belize. All other citizens should contact the nearest
Belizean Consulate or Embassy for details on obtaining visas before travelling.
The Immigration & Nationality Department in Belmopan can be contacted
at telephone numbers 501-8-22611, and -22423.
Health
Generally speaking, pills for malaria prevention are all that is prescribed.
However, physicians will have up to date health reports and can decide what
is best for you, depending on the length of your stay and activities planned.
Please contact your doctor for details and recommendations on shots and
other medical requirements. Be sure to bring an adequate supply of any prescription
medications. Bring insect repellent, and some form of bite relief, such
as "After-bite" which helps prevent prolonged irritation or itching.
Currency
US$ cash is accepted everywhere at US$1=BZ$2. Twenties and smaller bills
are best, but avoid displaying large quantities. A money belt or pouch that
can be worn under your clothing is convenient for carrying extra cash. Traveller's
Cheques are easily exchanged, as well. The local banks exchange ONLY: American
and Canadian Dollars, and British Sterling. Visitors from other countries
should purchase Traveller's Cheques in one of these currencies. Credit Cards
are becoming more widely accepted, but many merchants (primarily resorts)
have adopted the annoying and improper practice of charging up to a 5% surcharge
for this convenience. While we do have ATMs in Belize, they do not accept
any foreign bank or credit cards, although, you can get cash advances at
the teller's window.
 What
to bring
- A Camera. Best to bring your film and batteries too,
since they can be expensive or difficult to find here.
- Binoculars. Even if you've never been interested in birds,
you won't want to miss out on rare sightings; and there is much more to
see.
- Birders: Don't forget your bird book! A valuable (yet
hefty) tome is the "Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern
Central America" by Oxford Univ. Press. More practical for
travel is "The Birds of Mexico and Adjacent Areas; Belize, Guatemala,
and El Salvador" by Edwards/U. of Texas Press. This guide
has more illustrated species than most.
Clothing
The general dress code in Belize is "loose and comfortable." In
the hilly Cayo District, daytime temperatures average 85F (Nov. through
Feb), and the nights can be 20 degrees cooler-it has dropped to 55 in Dec.
and Jan! March through October can see temperatures in the 90's, but the
nights are still cool, averaging 68 - 70F. For the cayes and coastal areas,
daytime temperatures are similar, but the night-time cool-down is only 10
to 15 degrees. |
Volume 6, Number 1
"Know before you go" Guide