A List Of Frequently Asked Questions To Help You Prepare For Your Belize Vacation
What is the currency of Belize?
Belize currency exchange is extremely easy for visitors. The Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize = $1 USD. So it’s very easy to see how much something is costing in USD when you go shopping. Most accommodations and tours are listed in $US prices, and most restaurants, shops, etc. are listed in $BZ. Nearly every place readily accepts USD currency. Most also should accept traveler’s checks as long as you write your passport number or driver’s license number on the back. Large bills (anything above a $20) are a little more difficult to cash. Shopkeepers generally ask you to spend a minimum amount. Bank Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are also available across the country, particularly in most tourist destinations- including Corozal, Placenica, Punta Gorda, Belmopan, Dangriga, Belize City, San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk, and San Ignacio / Santa Elena (SISE). All ATMS dispense Belize Currency.
Where is Belize Located?
Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the south and west, and the Caribbean sea to the east. With 8,867 square miles (22,960 km²) of territory and 400,000 people (2021 projection), the population density is the lowest in Central American at about 35 people per square mile or 14 people per square kilometre. Belize’s population growth rate, 2.21%, is the highest in the region. Its rich biologically significant and unique ecosystems contribute to it being designated as a bio diversity hot spot and a center for eco-tourism.
Belize was the center of the vast Mayan Civilization founded about 2,000 B.C. Dozens of pyramids and temples – most not yet excavated – can be found throughout the country once known as British Honduras. Archeological records show that the Maya established significant settlements here including Xunantunich, Caracol, Lamanai and Lubaantun.
The first European contact with Belize occurred in 1502 when Christopher Columbus reached the area’s coast. In 1511 the first European to settle in Belize was Spanish soldier Gonzalo Guerrero. In 1638, the first European settlement was established by England and for 150 years, many more English settlements were set up.
Do they speak English in Belize?
In Belize you’ll hear familiar words of the English language. In fact, we are the only English language-speaking country in Central America. English is the official language of Belize but Spanish is widely spoken. Most Belizeans are bilingual in English and Spanish and most everyone speaks and understands Creole which is an English-derived dialect. The education system is in English and is well regarded by immigrants.
When you hear us, you know you’re in a country unlike any other. Even our most up-tight citizens sound relaxed. We have a Caribbean lilt and our words seem a bit shorter. But don’t worry, you’ll understand everything and we may teach you a few phrases you don’t know. Here, even our language is a diverse adventure. Spanish, African-based Garifuna, Maya-Kekchi, Maya Mopan, Mandarin, German are just a few of the languages that form the unique dialects we speak throughout the country.
Is Belize Latino?
We are truly a melting pot of colorful personalities, making our 400,115 residents the country’s greatest resource for tourism. The Belizean people are made up of Latinos, Maya, Mestizo, Creole, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab and Chinese.There also are a number of expatriates in Belize from Canada, Europe and the United States – and many of them retire here. A blending of cultures has resulted in one of the happiest and most peaceful countries in the region and a widespread reputation as one of the world’s friendliest tourist destinations.
What is the weather like in Belize?
One of the nicest things about visiting Belize is the weather. With an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C), it’s always warm, yet comfortable. Coastal sea breezes as well as our jungle and rainforests keep you cool even in the hottest summer months while winters can be cool but never very cold. In short, the climate is pretty much near perfect. Even in winter (November-March) the temperature in Belize rarely falls below 60°F (16°C), while the summer (May-September) is around 86°F (30°C). Humidity is also fairly consistent at around 85 percent. Belize’s dry season is between February and May and has significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. When it does rain, it is usually in mild, short bursts.
June through December is our wet season, when parts of the country receive up to 150 inches of rain and the heavy, sometimes wild storms associated with the Caribbean occur, usually in the late afternoons. The most frequent rainfall usually happens in June or early July and is punctuated by a break in late July or August known as the “little dry.” The weather in Belize is characterized by two seasons: a rainy and a dry season. Belize annual rainfall: most of the year’s rainfall occurs during the period June to November, that is, the rainy season. It is noted that the transition from dry to the rainy is very sharp. Annual rainfall ranges from 60 inches (1524mm) in the north to 160 inches (4064mm) in the south.
What kind of electricity is used in Belize?
Belize uses 110 volt, 60Hz cycle electricity, same as the USA. Plugs are typically the 2 pronged flat type so North American travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter. Power plugs and sockets are of type A, B and G. Air conditioners and other heavy duty equipment run on 220 volts. Belize Electricity Limited (BEL) is the primary electricity provider. The company serves a customer base of over 100,000 accounts with peak power demand of approximately 105.6 megawatts (MW) during the year.
What is Belize best known for?
Belize is known for its Maya Pyramids, Barrier Reef and Great Blue Hole.
Its Barrier Reef is the longest in the western hemisphere and the Great Blue Hole is the largest seahole in the world. Two of the more famous Maya sites, Xunantunich and Caracol are located in Belize.
Who owns Belize?
Belize is an independent country but maintains very close ties with the United Kingdom and like Canada and Australia, is a British Commonwealth realm with His Majesty the King as head of state. The country gained its independence from the Great Britain on 21 September 1981 under the Peoples United Party Government led by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. George Cadle Price now known as the Father Of The Nation. Mr. Price, along with Phillip Goldson and Leigh Richardson launched the movement for self-government with the formation of the People’s Committee on 31 December 1949 after the British Colonial rulers devalued the British Honduras Dollar bringing much economic hardship to the colony’s residents.
Capital: City Of Belmopan. Parliamentary democracy with two major political parties, the People’s United Party (PUP), and the United Democratic Party (UDP). The Executive Branch of government consists of the Governor General, the Prime Minister and The Cabinet. The Governor General’s role is ceremonial. The executive authority of Belize is vested in the King of England as the Head of State, who appoints the Governor General to represent her. The Prime Minister is the Head of Government and heads the Cabinet. The Cabinet is the chief policy-making body in the government. Cabinet members are appointed by the Prime Minister from members of the House of Representatives or the Senate.
Belize’s legal system and rule of law are firmly rooted in the English Common Law and supplemented by local legislation and that of the British Commonwealth. The Belize Judiciary consists of the Supreme Court headed by a Chief Justice and Justices of the Supreme Court. The country has its own court of Appeals. The final court of appeal is the Caribbean Court of Justice. The lower courts are known as the Magistrate Courts. The members of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal are appointed by the Prime Minister “in consultation” with the Leader of the Opposition.
Citizens from the U.S.A., Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Community (E.U), Switzerland, Republic of China (Taiwan), the Russian Federation and CARICOM countries do not require a visa to enter Belize. Individuals from any country who have a U.S.A. visa in their passport valid for 6 or more months, do not require any additional visa to enter Belize. See more detailed information at our Belize Visa and Entry Requirements page. See our Belize Visa Page.
Whether it is the rainforest or the beachs, Belize is a fun country to explore with many attractions for all ages making it a great family vacation destination. Belizeans are very welcoming, but it is important to choose the right hotel or resort that offers family and kid-friendly services, since some might be specialized in honeymoons or weddings for adults only. The majority of towns and tourist destinations have public parks and beaches catering for children and families.
Is Belize LGBT Friendly?
Belize is one of the generally progressive countries in Central America on LGBT rights with these rights being formally legalised in 2016. It is a popular destination for LGTB people with San Pedro Town, on the island of Ambergris Caye, and Caye Caulker being the most LGTB friendly spots. LGTB cruises often call on Belize. Public same-sex public displays of affection are still frowned upon, so discretion is advised when in public areas especially inland.
Updated 3 December 2022
Article by M.A. Romero – Chief Information Officer (RET) to the Government of Belize.