Belize Travel Information

Time:

Belize Standard Time is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT-6).  Belize does not operate Daylight-Saving Time.

Electricity:

Electrical current is 110/220 volts, 60Hz. Flat blades with round grounding pin or rectangular blade plugs are used. The majority of the electricity is provided by diesel/generator sets.

Language:

English is the official language and the one most commonly spoken, but you will hear Creole, Spanish, Garifuna and Mayan as well.

Health:

While living and health conditions of the more remote villages may appear primitive compared to western standards, the villages are clean and the people are healthy. All cooking and drinking water is drawn from pump wells. Each village has a trained community health worker. All the larger towns have health clinics and Belize City has a modern hospital.

Safety:

While there is crime in Belize City, it rarely involves visitors. There is a visible police presence in the areas that tourist convene. As when traveling anywhere it is best simply to take simple and practical precautions. As with any location in the world, it is best to use common sense when moving about at night. Travel with friends and if you have far to walk, take a taxi. In other words, use the same common sense you would at home.  Outside of Belize City, you'll find Belize perfectly safe and friendly. Most communities are closely knit and live together peacefully. Although it is always best to be cautious, problems rarely arise.

Tipping:

Tipping in Belize is voluntary but as in any country, good services should be rewarded with a 10% tip. Upscale hotels and resorts may add a 10% service charge to guests' bills and this usually goes to the porter and maid who assisted you. Tour guides should be tipped a few extra dollars for their effort and taxi drivers should be tipped only if they help carry your bags or take you on a guided tour.

Business:

Belize has a fairly informal business style, although punctuality and politeness are appreciated. Handshaking, the exchanging of business cards and some small talk is expected before getting down to business. Dress is usually casual, but neat, with men in short-sleeved, collared shirts without a tie; however government-related business is more formal. Business hours are usually 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Communications:

The international dialing code for Belize is +501. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Belize City is (0)2. International Direct Dialing is available. Mobile telephone coverage is available throughout most of the country with the Belize Telemedia Ltd GSM 1900 network, and cell phone rental is available. There are two Internet service providers in Belize, with Internet cafes in urban centers and tourist areas. Postal services are reliable.

Duty Free:

Travelers over 18 years do no have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; wines or spirits not exceeding one liter and personal goods or souvenirs to the value of BZ$200. Restricted items include plants, meat and meat products, live animals and processed food items.