Frequently Asked Question

What language is spoken in Belize?
What are the business hours?
What are the public and bank holidays?
What currency is used in Belize and what is it worth?
Is electricity 110 or 220 volts?
What types of health services are available?
Can I drink the water?
Are there any diseases I should be concerned about?
What will it cost to send a letter home?
Are there any taxes or services charges I should know about?
Are taxis available?
How is the telephone service in Belize?
What time zone is Belize in?
Are there any entry requirements to visit Belize?
How long can I stay?
Can I use my credit card to get cash advances?
How do I bring my pet with me?
Will my cell phone work in Belize?

What language is spoken in Belize?

English is the official language of Belize, although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan are widely spoken throughout the country.


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What are the business hours?

Banks :
Monday - Thursday 8 am - 1 pm
Friday - 8 am - 4:30 pm
**Note that hours vary by bank and destination.
Commerce & Industry :
Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M - 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Some businesses are open on Saturdays


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What are the public and bank holidays?

  • New Years Day - January 1
  • Baron Bliss Day- March 9
  • Good Friday
  • Holy Saturday
  • Easter Monday
  • Labour Day-May 1
  • Commonwealth Day- May 24
  • St. George's Caye Day- September 10
  • Independence Day- September 21
  • Columbus Day- October 12
  • Garifuna Settlement Day- November 19
  • Christmas Day- December 25
  • Boxing Day- December 26


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What currency is used in Belize and what is it worth?

The Belize Dollar (BZ$) has a fixed rate of exchange of BZ $2 to US $1. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators will accept U.S. currency, traveler's checks, or credit cards. When using your credit cards in Belize, most establishments will add a 5% service charge to your bill. Always make sure that you understand which dollar rate is being quoted. Is it Belize Dollars or U.S. Dollars?


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Is electricity 110 or 220 volts?

Although most of the electricity is provided by Diesel/Generator Sets, the power is stable at 110 Volts A.C., which is the same voltage as in the United States.


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What types of health services are available?

There is a well staffed hospital and several private doctors in Belize City. Also the district towns and larger villages have hospitals or clinics.


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Can I drink the water?

Potable water is available in most areas of Belize, but it is advisable to ask, and if in doubt, drink boiled or bottled water.


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Are there any diseases I should be concerned about?

There are no serious epidemic diseases in Belize. No inoculations are required for entry, but anti-malaria tablets are recommended for extended stays in the jungle.


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What will it cost to send a letter home?

  To the USA : Letters - 1st 10 grams US $0.30      Postcards - US $0.15
                      Each additional 10 grams is US $0.25

   To Europe : Letters - 1st 10 grams US $0.40      Postcards - US$0.20
                      Each additional 10 grams US $0.30


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Are there any taxes or services charges I should know about?

  • Hotel Room Tax 9% as of April 1, 2005
  • Service Charge Optional and varies by property
  • Departure Fees

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Are taxis available?

Taxis are available in towns and resort areas, and they are easily recognized by their green license plates. Unless specific arrangements are made prior to your arrival at the Phillip Goldson International Airport (PGIA), taxis are available at the entrance to the main terminal.

Although there are no meters on the taxis, the drivers do charge somewhat standard fares, but it is always important to understand what your fare will be, prior to hiring a taxi.


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How is the telephone service in Belize?

Belize Telecommunications Limited provides telecommunication between Belize and the United States and Canada. Service is also available for communication with other countries. The BTL main offices (www.btl.net) are located at the corner of Albert and Church Streets in Belize City at telephone number 227-7085 and the corner of Princess Margaret Drive and St. Thomas Street at telephone number 223-2868. Phone cards are available at numerous locations.

BTL is also the contact for obtaining an Internet connection in Belize.


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What time zone is Belize in?

Time observed year round is GMT-6, which is the same as United States Central Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is not observed in Belize.


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Are there any entry requirements to visit Belize?

All adults traveling with minors (age 16 and under) that are neither relatives nor friends, should have a consent letter from their parents stating that the parents gave them permission for their children to travel on their behalf. If a child is traveling with a mother or father, then he or she needs to provide a letter from the other parent. If the parents are divorced or separated, then a custody certificate should be presented.

How long can I stay?

Visitors are permitted to stay in Belize for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. The following category of persons may be granted by the Immigration Department extensions of up to three (3) months at a time. These three months would be after the thirty day period given by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

  1. Persons living in remote areas away from the Immigration Office
  2. Potential Investors
  3. Business persons
The above is on the strict understanding that the applicant presents himself /herself in person and satisfies the requirement that the necessary funds (US $50.00 per person per day) are available for the duration of the period requested extension. Applicant must also have a ticket to his/her onward destination. Extensions are granted at a cost of US $50.00 per month.