Belize Adventures Untold

A valid passport is necessary for entry into Belize.

A 30 day visitors permit will be issued to you upon arrival. 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 more information.

Visitors are permitted to stay in Belize for a period not to exceed 30 days. Extensions are routinely granted at Immigration offices located in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye , Punta Gorda , Belmopan , Orange Walk , and Belize City at a cost of US$25.00 per month.

For more information the Immigration & Nationality Department* *in Belmopan can be contacted at
501-8-22611/-22423.

Philip S. Goldson International Airport is situated 10 miles from Belize City, in Ladyville. Regular international services to and from the United States, Central America, and Mexico are maintained by a number of airlines, including American, Continental and Taca. Taxi fare from the International airport to Belize City is around $US20. Flights to Belize has more information about air carriers serving Belize.

Departure Tax - A US $39.50 departure tax (cash) per person is required when leaving the Belize Int' Airport. Most airlines now include this cost in the price of a ticket. If they do not, you will need to pay the Belize Departure Tax directly to the airport authorities at Philip S. Goldson International Airport, on the date of your departure. Visitors leaving by the northern border with Mexico or the western border with Guatemala pay US$ 18.75 in or equivalent in Belizean (BZ) currency. *The currency unit is the Belize dollar (BZ$).

The fixed rate of exchange is BZ$2 to US$1. Belizean banks cash travelers checks, give cash advances on Visa or Master cards and have wire transfer services. In addition, Belize has five commercial banks: Belize Bank, Alliance Bank of Belize, Atlantic Bank, First Caribbean International Bank, and Scotiabank (Belize). Time Zone - The time zone is Central Standard; Mountain Standard during Daylight Savings time in the US. Daylight Savings is not observed in Belize.

Telecommunications - Direct-dial and cellular telephone, fax, e-mail and internet are available. Internet cafes are plentiful and wireless is available at many resorts. Satellite phones in remote area. Visitors, especially those who plan on renting a vehicle, may want to consider bringing their own cellular phones to Belize and activating them at BTL's (Belize Telecommunications Limited) airport location, or renting a cellular phone directly from BTL at its airport location. Phone cards can also be purchased there or at any BTL office. Also, you can easily pick cards up at a number of resorts and shops throughout the country. Using an international phone card, you can access ATT, MCI, Sprint, Canada Direct and UK Direct.

WHEN IN BELIZE DIAL: 113 for Directory Assistance 114 for Local and Regional Operator assisted calls 115 for International Operator assisted calls

Electricity in many places is provided by diesel generator equipment. Power is at 110 volts AC, which is the same as in the United States. A small surge suppresser is highly recommended for computers and other sensitive equipment. *

Climate is sub-tropical, tempered by trade winds. Extreme temperatures in coastal districts range from about 10^o C (50^o F) to about 35.6^o C. (96^o F). Belize has an annual mean temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit. Annual Rainfall in Belize varies from an average of 50 inches in the north to 180 inches in the extreme south. The dry season usually extends from February to the end of May, with a possible dry spell in August.

The Belize Tourist Board is a good place to go for more information about Belize. The Board distributes free up-to-date bus schedules, city maps, a visitors' magazine, and a comprehensive list of accommodations. They're located on the second floor of the Central Bank building in Belize City.
Tel. 501-2-31913