BELIZE FACTS & TRAVEL TIPS

FACTS

Official Language: English
Currency: Belize Dollars
Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST)
Est. Population: 280,000
Capital: Belmopan
Port City: Belize City

TRAVEL TIPS

The island's tropical climate averages 79 degrees. As a result, the dress code is always "island casual." Anytime is a great time of the year to travel here. Rainy season is from July to November. With its tropical climate, brief showers can occur at anytime.

Though currency is the Belize Dollar, U.S. dollars are accepted by most major establishments. You can make phone calls from phone booths around the island. Get a local phone card for the best rates.

Banks are open from 8am-1pm (Monday-Thursday) and 8am-4:30pm (Friday). Most stores are open 8am-5pm (Monday-Saturday) and some stores close for lunch. Passports are required for U.S. citizens.

Drink bottled water when available. Bring sunglasses, a hat and plenty of sunscreen lotion. Electricity is the same as the U.S. Bring plenty of film, since film is more expensive in Belize.

The major holidays in the Belize are New Year's Day, Baron Bliss Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Labour Day, Commonwealth Day, St. George's Cave Day, Independence Day, Columbus Day, Garifuna Settlement Day, Christmas and Boxing Day. For specific dates, go to the Belize Tourist Board website.

The crime rate in Belize is less than a major U.S. city, but visitors should use common sense when out and about.