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Political Status: A parliamentary democracy consisting of two major political parties. Belize is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations and is affiliated with countless international organizations.
Language: The official language of Belize is English however Spanish is also spoken by over half..
Currency: The Belizean dollar (BZ$) is the standard local currency but almost all places accept U.S. dollars. Most hotels have a money exchange office onsite. Credit cards are widely accepted; however some places levy a surcharge of up to 5% if you pay by card.
Electricity: 110V or 220V (same as U.S.) Adapters may be required at some hotels and are available on a very limited basis.
Time Zone: Central Standard Time; Daylight Saving Time is not observed.
Communication: The International Country Code for Belize is 501 and mobile phone coverage is good along most of the coast of the country and along the main routes to Mexico and Guatemala. Internet cafes can be found in popular tourist and urban centers with generally reliable connections and the larger urban cities offer wireless. Contact your cell phone provider about coverage. Long distance telephone charges in Belize can be quite expensive. It is recommended to make a collect call or use a calling card. Service charges may apply when calling from your hotel room.
Drinking Water: Most tap water in major towns is safe to drink; however bottled water, available countrywide, is recommended. Most hotels offer bottled water in your hotel room and it can also be purchased in the hotel's shop and in grocery stores.
Transportation: Water taxis and public buses are popular with locals and visitors and are the most economical method of transportation. Taxis are readily available in all small towns and most resort areas and can be recognized by their green license plates. There are small airports in Belize centrally located around key points of interest in the country, bus terminals in all towns and boat services operating from all major coastal regions and island towns. Renting a vehicle from an international rental company or one of many local companies is probably the most popular way to discover Belize at your own pace and comfort. Belize has a well-planned highway and road system that connects all mainland towns, villages and attractions. Drivers renting a vehicle (car, golf cart or moped) must be 25 years old and if travelling south of Belize City 4-wheel drive vehicles are recommended. Transfers to Belize: Upon arrival into Belize City, passengers will be escorted into a transit lounge to board their 22 minute flight to Placencia Belize.
Local Customs: The drinking age is 18. Generally, a 9% sales tax is automatically added to most goods and services. Tipping is not obligatory but is always welcome, especially if guides, drivers or waitstaff have provided genuinely good service. Rounding up the bill by somewhere between 5% and 10% is usually a suitable tip. Some hotels and restaurants add an obligatory service charge to the bill (usually 10%), in which case you definitely don’t need to tip. Don’t forget to tip dive masters, usually anything from 10-20% or $5/tank is appropriate. Dress is generally casual; however beachwear should not be worn in towns.
Getting Married: U.S. citizens can legally get married in Belize. Please contact a HOLIDAY PLANNERS representative for details on resorts offering special wedding packages and to discuss your particular wedding requirements. Our experienced group department will be happy to assist with travel arrangements for all attendees. General Requirements: • Both parties must be in Belize at least three days before applying for a marriage license. • Forms can be obtained from two locations: General Registry, Supreme Court Building, Belize City and Attorney General Office, Belmopan • Forms must be completed and signed in the presence of a Justice of the Peace (J.P.). Ask for J.P.s in your area • Completed forms along with the following must be presented to General Registry or Attorney General: -Proof of Citizenship in the form of an ID card or Passport -Photocopies of your passport showing your picture and date of entry into Belize -Proof of Marital status, if widowed or divorced Marriage license fee (US $100) Note: The normal approval time is one week. Two witnesses must accompany couples who have a legal ceremony in court. Cost: US $5. Most hotels will help with your arrangements including securing a minister or officer of the court to perform the ceremony.
What to Pack: Recommended clothing for travel to Belize is lightweight cottons and linens. A light waterproof jacket is recommended for the rainy season and long sleeved shirts and pants are essential for protection against mosquitoes. Take along a small back-pack or fanny pack for holding personal items while on tour. Incidentals: binoculars; camera (w/extra batteries, etc.); hat or cap; insect repellent; and due to the country being close to the equator always wear sunscreen as you will burn quickly. Note: A valid passport is REQUIRED for entry into Belize from the U.S.
Hotel Cancellation Penalties: We understand the unexpected can happen and choosing to cancel your vacation is never an easy decision. For that reason, we are providing you with a chart of estimated cancellation penalties for our partner hotels. Visit https://www.vacationexpress.com/hotel-cancellations/ for more details.