Basic Belize Travel and Vacation Tips

Money Tips

US money is freely used in Belize (and most businesses would rather receive US dollars than Belize dollars).  So, no need to exchange money at the bank or elsewhere – especially not before you visit Belize!

Do plan to bring some smaller denominations to avoid problems with getting change.

Banks will give you credit card advances for $5-$10 USD per advance.  If you use a Visa debit card, you can avoid cash advance interest charges.  Visa debit cards are the safest to bring – the ATMs are supposed to process all international bank debit cards, but I wouldn’t count on it.   However, ATMs that will process credit, debit and ATM cards issued outside Belize are not available everywhere, and the ones that supposedly do, don’t always work.  Therefore, if you really need cash, make sure to get to a bank during banking hours (usually between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.) so that you can get a cash advance inside the bank if the ATM doesn’t work (or if the banks near you don’t have international ATMs).

Locations of international ATMs are:  San Pedro, Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Dangriga and Placencia.

Belize banks will give generally NOT give you the official exchange rate of 2:1 when cashing traveler’s checks — sometimes not even for US dollars!  However, you don’t need to cash your traveler’s checks or exchange money at the bank, because local merchants WILL give you a 2:1 exchange rate.

American Express Traveler’s Checks are the most commonly used traveler’s checks in Belize.  When using a traveler’s check, don’t fill in the date or the name of the merchant, otherwise the merchant will have to deposit the check and the banks hold them for 40 days before making the money available.  (If the date and the name of the merchant are not filled in, the traveler’s checks are used pretty much as cash and somehow eventually find their way back to the States where they’re cashed and deposited in someone’s account, somewhere.)  Also, make sure that your signature looks like the signature you used when you purchased your traveler’s checks.

Visa is the most commonly accepted credit card, American Express and Discovery aren’t accepted by very many businesses.  MasterCard is now only accepted by larger businesses that have an electronic credit card processing machine. (MasterCard just imposed a $0 floor limit on all Belize businesses, which means smaller merchants that have to call their bank for a credit card approval won’t accept MasterCards — especially during non-business hours.) Also, many businesses charge a service charge for the use of a credit card, so make sure to ask first (the service charge is usually 5%).  Note:  Destinations Belize does NOT add any service charge to credit card transactions.

Also, remember that when using a credit card in Belize, you are likely to be charged a currency conversion fee of 2-5 %, depending on the policies of your credit card issuer.  So, you need to check with your issuer to find out how much you’ll be charged for Belize transactions.

Some credit card issuers also charge something they call a currency INversion fee, which can add on another 2-3%.  So, debit cards are best, but if you must use a credit card, know exactly what you’ll pay and investigate getting a lower rate credit card before your trip.  (Check here for currency conversion fees charged by major credit card companies.)

Please note that your debit or credit card will be charged in US dollars (not Belize dollars) when booking vacations with Destinations Belize, so no currency conversion or inversion fees apply – even though we’re located in Belize.

Medical Tips

Medical Care:  Belize is a third world country, and only basic first aid is available in many parts of the country.  More advanced medical care is available at regional government funded hospitals in Belize City, San Ignacio, Dangriga and Orange Walk, , with the most advanced medical care available at private clinics and hospitals in Belize City.

For serious medical conditions, treatment in Guatemala, Mexico and the US may be advisable.  You should bring proof of medical insurance with you, and review your health insurance coverage to make sure that it includes medical care outside your country of origin as well as emergency medical transportation coverage.

If your medical insurance does not include medical transportation coverage, then travel insurance that does is strongly advised.  (Buy travel insurance direct for less and compare coverage from all policy issuers at QuoteWright.)

If your medical insurance does not include coverage for medical care outside your country of origin, consult your medical insurance provider on how to obtain international medical insurance coverage.

Health Precautions to Take Before Your Trip

Make sure that your tetanus vaccination is up-to-date and that you bring any necessary medications with you (including  any essential over-the-counter medications).  You may also want to discuss hepatitis vaccinations with your medical provider since the risk of contracting hepatitis is now a very real one in all parts of the world, including the US.

While we have no knowledge of any of our clients ever contracting malaria during their Belize vacation, the US Center for Disease Control recommends anti-malarial medication for travelers visiting all parts of Belize except Belize City.  Therefore, you should also consult your physician regarding malaria prophylactics and other health considerations connected with travel to the tropics.

Tipping

Tipping is generally  10-20% depending on the level of service. Porters at Belize International charge US$2.50 per bag to carry your bags, which is well worth the cost if you have a lot of luggage (or heavy luggage).  However, the porters do not inform passengers of this charge ahead of time.

Staying in Touch

International calls from Belize are outrageously expensive – up to US$4 per minute during peak calling hours from a cell phone.

You can avoid this highway robbery through ATT and MCI calling cards, or by purchasing an ATT or MCI pre-paid phone card at Sam’s, Wal-Mart, etc.  However, the calling cards and pre-paid phone cards will only work at the largest resorts and from pay phones.  Generally, you’ll need to dial 115 (international operator) and ask for the ATT or MCI operator.  You’ll then be connected with the appropriate service and you’ll follow the directions on your card for placing the call.  International calls placed this way still won’t be inexpensive, but your calls home won’t end up costing as much as your entire vacation, either.

If you absolutely must stay in touch by phone with home or office during your Belize vacation, please consider renting a satellite phone and bringing it with you.  The land line system in Belize is ok, but not all that great, and regular cell phones sometimes make better paperweights than communication devices in most of the country.

(If you’re expecting a call from outside Belize and it doesn’t come through, please consider calling from Belize to check in.  Friends and clients repeatedly tell us that they can’t get through on either our cell or land line, especially on weekends, and sometimes receive a message that our phone has been disconnected or is no longer in service – even though it hasn’t and it is.)

Please note:  even if your cell phone company tells you your cell phone will work in Belize, it probably won’t.  And, in the unlikely event that it does, charges will be at the highest rate — about US$4 per minute.  If you’ll feel lost without a cell phone, you can rent one in Belize at the BTL office at the International Airport.  You’ll have to buy pre-paid phone cards to use with the cell phone, but the rates won’t be quite as high, and you’ll also know exactly how much you’re spending.

Please also note:  you will need a pre-paid BTL phone card to make local calls within Belize from pay phones.  You can purchase a card at the international airport and from local merchants who display the BTL phone card sign.

Internet cafes and Internet connections at resorts are extremely common throughout the entire country of Belize, so you shouldn’t have any trouble staying in touch via email during your trip.

Electricity

Electricity is 110-120 volts AC (same as in North America).  Also, the current does fluctuate a lot (spikes and sags), so don’t bring anything that can’t be easily replaced.  You also might consider bringing a few individual surge protectors to protect anything electric that you do bring with you.

Suggested Packing List

(This list includes items needed for both the beach and the jungle.  If you’re only visiting one and not the other, edit appropriately.)

• Sunscreen (15-30 spf, plus sun block, and make sure to bring something to protect your lips as well as skin)
• Insect repellant (Deep Woods Off works well)
• Bite stick (something with an ammonia base to stop the itching) Note:  some clients have told me NEVER to take this off the list!
• Sunburn medication (Ocean Potion Ice is great and is usually available at Wal-Mart.)
• Hats
• Beach towels (if you’re not staying at a resort – some smaller places do provide beach towels now, so ask if in doubt)
• Sunglasses (Polarized ones cut down on the glare on the water, so at least one pair is recommended.  Wouldn’t hurt to also bring an extra pair or two of spare sunglasses — just in case.  North American tackle shops usually have fairly inexpensive polarized ones for around $10 USD per pair.)

Amber colored polarized lenses are best for flats fishing.

• Sun gloves for anglers
• Rain gear (lightweight)
• Lightweight sweater or jacket (generally from November through March, and all the time if staying in the Mountain Pine Ridge, where it can get very cool at night any time of the year)
• Sandals
• Protective bottom aqua boots or tennis shoes for walking while on coral cayes (for anglers – flats booties for the flats)
• Shoes with a decent sole and socks (for any jungle, caving or Mayan ruins trips)
• Swim wear (minimum 2 suits per person)
• T-shirts and shorts (quick drying nylon shorts are best – dark t-shirts offer the most sun protection – but are hotter)
• At least one pair of long pants and long-sleeved shirt for each person (to take along on the water in case you start getting too much sun, and they can come in handy jungle and ruins trips — again, quick-drying nylon is best)
• Toiletries
• Dry sack for keeping camera gear and other items dry – both in the jungle and on the water
• Day packs (not absolutely necessary, but helpful for jungle and ruins trips)
• Reusable water bottles (the bottles that fit on a belt are convenient and easy to carry)
• Camera (and lots of film, camera batteries and batteries for digital cameras — all are very expensive here, when you can find them)
• Underwater camera (the disposable ones work well in shallow conditions – but if you do use a camera when snorkeling, please remember to keep your fins and feet up so that you don’t damage the coral)
• Binoculars if birding is on the agenda
• Flashlights (one per person, plus extra batteries and bulbs – ESSENTIAL ITEMS)
• Books or magazines
• Extra pair(s) of prescription glasses/contacts if anyone wears them
• Medication (even over-the-counter medicine can be hard to find at times)
• Proof of medical insurance coverage
• Anything you absolutely can’t do without since it’s unlikely you’ll easily find a replacement here)
• Passport with at least 6 months remaining before expiration (ESSENTIAL)
• Certification card (ESSENTIAL FOR DIVERS)
• Photocopy of passport photo page (laminating this copy is a good idea)
• Proof of medical insurance
• International airline tickets
• MCI or ATT calling card or pre-paid phone card (see above for more info)
• Tropic Air or Maya Island Air voucher or e-ticket (if applicable)
• Pen (for filling out customs forms)
• *****Travel alarm clock*******

Lip Balms with Sunscreen:

1) Lip Balm Sunstick – SPF 30 (by Kinesys Sport).
2) Jack Black Lip Balm SPF 25.  I
3) Zirh Lip Guard SPF 19.  Water-resistant.

4) Heavy Duty Lip Service Lip Balm with SPF 15. Ingredients include aloe vera and Vitamin E, and this lip balm provides UVA/UVB protection.