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- Capital: Belmopan
- Area: 22,966 sq km
- Population: 441,471
- Language: English, Belizean Creole, plus Spanish, Mayan, German, Garifuna, Chinese
Belize, a country positioned in Central America, stretches over a total area of about 8,867 square miles (22,970 square kilometers). To the north, it borders Mexico, while it flanks Guatemala to the west and south. Its eastern side confronts the Caribbean Sea, thereby offering it a strategic coastal line that significantly influences the country’s geography and climate.
Belize comprises several geographical regions, each with its unique characteristics. First, the northern lowlands encompass the northernmost parts of Belize. The land in this region is flat and characterized by a dense marshy landscape. It’s home to Belize’s most productive agricultural lands, primarily used for sugarcane and citrus fruit cultivation.
Belize’s coastal plains, meanwhile, stretch along the eastern side of the country, hugging the Caribbean Sea. The area mainly consists of swampy savanna and lagoon-laced mangrove. Belize’s Barrier Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest reef system in the world, lies offshore. This reef system plays a crucial role in supporting marine life, protecting the coastline, and contributing to Belize’s tourism.
In contrast to the lowlands and coastal plains, the Maya Mountains rise in the country’s southern interior, stretching from Belize into Guatemala. This highland region is known for its rocky landscapes, steep slopes, and fast-flowing rivers. The highest point in Belize, Doyle’s Delight, stands at about 3,688 feet (1,124 meters) and is found in this region. The Maya Mountains are also an important source of timber and other forest products.
Running through these geographical regions, Belize hosts a network of significant rivers. The longest river in Belize, the Belize River, courses for about 180 miles (290 kilometers) through the country, serving as an essential water source and a historic transportation route. Other key rivers include the Hondo River, which forms part of the northern border with Mexico, and the Sarstoon River delineating the southern boundary with Guatemala.
Numerous islands or cayes pepper Belize’s coastal waters, most notably Ambergris Caye, which is the largest. These islands are an integral part of Belize’s geography, contributing to its biodiversity and offering unique habitats for many species
USEFUL INFORMATION
Currency & banking
The Belize dollar is the official currency in Belize. It is normally abbreviated as BZ or BZD and the official value is pegged at $2 BZ to $1 US. If you’re visiting Belize, you can use Belizean money or US dollars to purchase items everywhere. If you will bring physical dollars, visit your local bank to avoid the expensive exchange rates at airport kiosks. And if you plan to use an international debit or credit card, shop around early to ensure your card has low foreign transaction fees.
Belize is a former colony of Great Britain and all local banknotes and coins feature a prominent
image of Queen Elizabeth II.
Belizean banknotes include the $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, with the largest bill colloquially known as a blue buay (blue boy). As for coins, the largest are $1 and $2 coins, with the one-dollar coin being the most prominent, and smaller coins include 50 cents 25 cents 10 cents 5 cents and 1 cent.
Banks and automatic teller machines (ATMs) can be found across Belize in main towns and cities. They are the best way to access Belizean money. Banks in Belize include Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Caye International Bank, Heritage Bank, and the National Bank of Belize. They are open from 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday and closed on holidays. Of all the banks, Belize Bank is the most ubiquitous, with a network of 11 branches and 27 ATMs. ATMs are usually attached to the banks and accept credit cards by VISA, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus. You can withdraw up to BZ$1,500.00 a day for a BZ$3 fee.
The Belize dollar has been pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 2:1 for over 25 years.
Just be wary of the charges you might incur for using your credit card overseas. These can include:
- International transaction fees
- High exchange rate margins
- ATM fees
- Potential ‘cash advance fees if you use an ATM
Tipping
The amount you tip in Belize will depend on where you are and what type of services you’re buying. As a general rule, expect to tip around 10% of the bill. If you get exceptionally good service, say thank you with a tip closer to 15-20%.
Getting to and around Belize
Transportation in Belize
Since Belize only has one international airport, anyone flying into the country must fly into the Philip Goldson International Airport near Belize City. From there you’ll need to either take a domestic flight to your destination within Belize or catch ground transportation, which can be a taxi, shuttle, or car rental.
To get to the Cayes from the mainland by water, a taxi or shuttle must be taken to a water taxi terminal. Belize City has water taxis to Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and St. George’s Caye. Dangriga has chartered boats to Tobacco Caye, Glover’s Reef, and other Southern Cayes. Resorts on remote islands have their private boats.
In Belize, buses run on major highways and stop whenever passengers shout that they are near their stop or when bus drivers see someone on the roadside who wants to be picked up. Catching the bus is cheap but it takes a long time to get around.
Private shuttles and taxis
An easy and comfortable way to get around Belize is by renting a car or around Belize is by renting a car or taking a private transfer. It’s not inexpensive but it is cheaper than local flights. A benefit of doing this is that you can arrange stops to see certain attractions along your journey.
Water Taxi
Water Taxis are the most affordable way to travel to the popular destinations of Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, as well as to St. George’s Caye. There are two water taxi companies in Belize City, both have daily departures from Belize City. You can also take Water Taxis in Placencia and Dangriga to popular secluded cayes such as Tobacco Caye and Glovers Reef.
Taxis
In Belize, taxi cabs are an affordable transit option and are more prevalent than buses. You can find them parked at bus stations, water taxi terminals, and downtowns throughout Belize. Don’t be scared if you hear multiple people shouting “WANT A TAXI” at you. And yes, golf carts can be taxis on the islands.
Buses
In Belize, travelling by bus is a great way to save money and experience the local culture. Bus travel is the cheapest way to get around Belize. However, the downside of using the bus system is that often buses are jam-packed and slow.
Health advice
The US Center For Disease Control maintains an updated list of medical advice for those travelling to Belize
The CDC recommends being up to date with all your regular shots. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot
They also suggest being vaccinated for hepatitis A. There is also some advice about protection for hepatitis B and rabies – but this depends to some degree on where you are heading and what you are doing.
Healthcare
Public Health Care in Belize
Much like the rest of the world, the government of Belize provides free and low-cost health care to everyone. The government of Belize operates a nationwide network of clinics and hospitals. Surgeries and more in-depth procedures can be very affordable at government hospitals, but the overall service may be less than what you’re used to. That being said, the Karl Heusner Hospital in Belize City has a full complement of services and specialists.
Public health care is perfectly suitable for treating minor ailments and illnesses. The price for services ranges from free to very affordable, even for non-citizens. Waiting lines are rare, and in-patient hospital stays begin at an average of $15 a day. Pharmacies (drug stores) are found in all major towns and cities that can supply prescription medications, often at a far better price than in the United States.
The downside to using public health care in Belize includes sharing rooms, providing your own toiletries, and the lack of options for more advanced surgical interventions and treatment procedures.
Private Health Care in Belize
There are several privately operated clinics and hospitals throughout the country that serve as a viable alternative to public facilities. Belize Medical Associates, a private hospital in Belize City, offers advanced health care on par with anything found in more advanced countries. Another popular private option is the network of clinics run by Belize Healthcare Partners.
For long-term treatment of chronic issues or for very advanced surgical intervention, many visitors choose to fly to the United States for treatment. International evacuation coverage can be added to most health insurance policies, allowing for emergency transportation to North America.
It is important to note that foreign embassies in Belize cannot recommend individual physicians or healthcare treatment facilities. Foreign embassies can, however, arrange for emergency medical treatment in your home country in special cases.
As always when you travel you should take out the necessary travel insurance coverage. We always use World Nomads but there are plenty of other insurance companies that offer travel insurance
Safety
Crime
Violent crime and criminal gangs
Belize has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Cases of armed robberies, burglaries, theft, rape and sexual assault are on the increase.
Serious gang-related violence happens in Belize City, particularly in the area to the south of Haulover Creek (known as Southside). Tourists are not normally the targets of gang violence, but anyone near an incident could be affected.
Muggings
Most muggings happen in Belize City, but can also take place elsewhere, including tourist destinations such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Placencia and San Ignacio. You should:
- avoid dark alleys
- not hitchhike or accept lifts from strangers
- keep valuables out of sight
- be aware that wearing expensive jewellery could attract attention
- try to travel in groups
- use a qualified guide for trips off the beaten track
- only use accommodation and campgrounds that appear genuine and established
Laws and cultural differences
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
Possession of illegal drugs can lead to a fine and prison sentence.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex activity between consenting adults is legal.
Useful emergency numbers
| Belize City | ||
| Fire Service | 90 | |
| Police | 911 | 227 22 22 |
| Ambulance | 90 | |
| Medical Departement | 223 15 48 | 223 15 64 |
| Belmopan | ||
| Fire Service | 822 23 11 | |
| Police | 911 | 822 22 20 |
| Medical Departement | 822 22 63 | 822 22 64 |
| Benque Viejo del Carmen | ||
| Fire Service | 823 20 82 | |
| Police | 911 | 823 20 38 |
| Medical Departement | ||
| Caye Caulker | ||
| Fire Service | 226 03 53 | |
| Police | 911 | 226 20 22 |
| Medical Emergencies | 226 01 66 | |
Climate
Belize is a geographically diverse Central American country that lies between Mexico and Guatemala, facing the Caribbean Sea to the east. With a tropical monsoon climate, it experiences high temperatures throughout the year. The average temperature of the coldest month exceeds 18°C (64.4°F), reflecting the inherent warmth of tropical climates. A distinguishing feature of this climate type is the monsoon season, marked by a pronounced seasonal reversal of wind direction and significant variations in rainfall. The wet season in Belize is typically very rainy, contrasting the drier periods of the year. The rainfall is unevenly distributed, with the Maya Mountain region in the south recording up to 4500mm (177.17″) annually, while the northern regions receive less than half of that, about 1500mm (59.06″) per year. Humidity levels remain consistently high, typically ranging from 83% to 85%.
The best time to visit Belize
The worst time to visit Belize
This is the driest time to visit Belize, with prolonged periods of warm sunshine; particularly in the north and central regions. This lends itself to exploring the country’s jungles and Maya ruins, trying some adventure activities and relaxing on the beach. As this is peak season, planning early will give you the best choice of hotels and lodges.
- Carnival Week (just before Lent): Carnival Week sees music and dancing, with particularly lively festivities in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.
- Punta Gorda (end of May): Punta Gorda in Toledo District sees its annual Chocolate Festival, with a week of events celebrating the cacao bean, chocolate making and local crafts.
- Belize Carnival (September): Belize Carnival is a purely national affair featuring colourful processions and costumes with a distinctly Creole flavour, with events particularly prevalent in the Orange Walk District and Belize City.
- La Costa Maya (early August): The biggest festival in Belize, with musicians travelling from across the Americas to perform. In Ambergris Caye there are pageants, music and dance events to be enjoyed.
- Garifuna Settlement Day (19th November): Brings traditional dancing, drumming and celebrations to the whole country, but most notably to Punta Gorda, Dangriga and Hopkins.
In April and May the weather in the Cayo District and on the Cayes remains predominantly dry, while heat and humidity gradually increases. Easter is a very popular time to visit Belize, so you need to book early if this is the only time you can travel; particularly if you are combining Belize with a visit to neighbouring Guatemala.
The rainy season begins, but this is rarely the persistent rainfall that is experienced later in the season, with sharp showers predominantly falling in the afternoon and at night. Mid-June marks the beginning of lobster season in Belize, with Placencia and Ambergris Caye being great places to try some tasty lobster dishes.
The height of the rainy season sees high humidity, heavy rain and the risk of tropical storms; including very occasional hurricanes. Some lodges close in September for annual maintenance.
The heaviest rains begin to ease and humidity is decreasing. By December, visitors are returning to Belize in great numbers, with beach hotels for Christmas and New Year becoming fully booked many months in advance.
Visa information
If you are travelling or transiting to Belize, you may require a Belize entry visa.
A visa allows you to enter Belize and remain legal in Belize for a maximum of 30 days from date of entry.
If you will be staying longer than 30 days in Belize, you will need to visit an Immigration Office to extend your stay in Belize. The permit required to extend your stay in Belize beyond 30 days is the ‘Belize Visitor’s Permit Extension.’
Electrical
Which power plugs and sockets are used in Belize?
Belize uses power outlets and plugs of types A, B & G. All power sockets in Belize provide a standard voltage of 110V with a standard frequency of 60Hz.
Check out the following pictures.
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