Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about planning a trip to Belize. For first-time visitors, there are some things you should know before planning your Belize vacation. It’s a fantastic destination that has become very popular with tourists, so if you haven’t been, it’s time to start thinking about a Belize trip!
Where is Belize?
Belize is located in the northern part of Central America. It is bordered by Mexico to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and Guatemala to the south and west. It’s a pretty small country, with a population of around 400,000.
What Language Do They Speak in Belize?
English is the official language of Belize, even though it is surrounded by Spanish-speaking countries. Many people also speak Spanish or a Belize type of Creole, but all of the signs and anything official are in English. This makes Belize a great first-time international destination, as you’ll get the culture of Central America, without the language barrier.
Shocks to Expect When Visiting Belize
What Paperwork Do I Need to Visit Belize?
If you are visiting Belize from the United States, Canada, or the European Union, you do not need anything other than your passport to visit Belize. Belize does not require a visa for stays less than 30 days, and you may be asked to show proof of “onward travel” or a return flight.
What is the Currency in Belize?
Belize uses the Belize dollar, which is pegged to the US Dollar at a 2:1 exchange. So, you can use US Dollars or Belize dollars pretty much wherever you go in Belize. Belize is still very much cash-based, so stock up on singles, fives, and tens before you leave the United States. It’s easier to just bring cash from home, rather than trying to get money out once you arrive.
If you plan to use credit cards in Belize, Visa, and MasterCard are the most widely accepted; not everyone accepts American Express or Discover cards. We had one tour charge an extra 12% for using a credit card, which is why we recommend bringing cash to Belize.
Is Belize Cheap?
We’ve traveled throughout Central America and Mexico, and Belize is relatively expensive compared to other countries in that region. It’s comparable to Costa Rica, as those are the two most popular travel destinations in Central America. It’s not outrageously expensive, but it’s also not dirt cheap, either. If you travel to the islands of Belize, expect higher prices than the mainland.
What Are Belize Accommodations Like?
Aside from the capital city and a few large resorts, there are very few chain hotels in Belize. So, you’ll need to do a bit more research and read reviews, talk to friends, etc. There are some really cool places to stay in Belize, but they are a little harder to find than your typical Marriott/Hyatt/Hilton hotels.
What Should I Eat in Belize?
With the Caribbean coastline, you can find some fantastic seafood in Belize. Super fresh and simply prepared, we ate a ton of seafood during our Belize trip. Here are some highlights of the food in Belize:
- The grilled lobster was by far our favorite dish to eat in Belize
- Conch fritters are another seafood favorite
- Shrimp is served in many dishes here, too!
- If you travel inland, stewed chicken is a popular dish and it’s fantastic. The meat just falls off the bone!
- Jerk chicken is popular on the Caribbean side of Belize
- BBQ is also very popular, and you’ll see a lot of people grilling on the side of the road; this is a great way to save money in Belize, and the food is delicious!
- Fresh fruit and fruit juices abound in Belize
- Salbutes & Garnaches are often seen at roadside stands; they are like tostadas with toppings
- Fry Jacks are a popular snack in Belize; it’s fried dough and you can get it with sweet toppings or savory fillings.
- Belikin is the local beer and rum is a very popular product in Belize, so mixed drinks with rum are everywhere!
Of course, you are in Latin America, so you will have rice and beans with nearly every meal as well.
One thing to note is that because Belize is close to the equator, the sun rises and sets around the same time every day, which is around 5:30. So, most of Belize shuts down fairly early in the evenings, outside of the main tourist areas.
What is the Best Time to Visit Belize?
Belize is great to visit any time, but there are some variations to the seasons in Belize:
- June through November is hurricane season; September and October are the rainiest of those months, so this is not the best time to visit Belize
- December through March is the dry season and is also the peak visitor season for Belize, so expect to pay the highest prices during this time.
- Spring is also a great time to visit Belize and will be slightly less crowded than winter
Getting to Belize
Getting to Belize from the United States is fairly easy. Many airlines fly right into Belize City (BZE) and then travel on from there. The Belize City airport is fairly small, so getting through customs and passport control can take some time.
Getting Around Belize
Getting around Belize is pretty easy; we hired private drivers, which are surprisingly affordable. You can also rent a car, and you won’t find many traffic issues in Belize. The roads are bumpy, and they have HUGE speed bumps, so if you do drive in Belize, be careful and go slow over the speed bumps.
If you are looking for budget travel around Belize, there are bus options as well for getting around the country. They have nicer coach buses, or chicken buses, which are the cheapest option for travel within Belize.
If you are traveling to the Cayes of Belize, there are ferries, water taxis, and seaplanes for getting from the mainland to the islands of Belize.
Is Belize Safe?
Safety is one of the top questions we get for almost any travel destination, and people often wonder if Belize is safe. Central America hasn’t always had the best reputation for safety amongst Americans, but that has really changed recently.
If you look at crime statistics for Belize, it may appear to be unsafe, but the majority of crimes in Belize take place in Belize City, and tourists are largely unaffected by it. We visited several of the more popular tourist areas, like Caye Caulker, and we always felt safe, including our kids.
Just like anywhere you might travel, be aware of your surroundings, don’t be stumbling around intoxicated in the wee hours of the morning, and you likely won’t have any safety issues in Belize.
Other Belize Travel Tips
Before you set off for Belize, here are a few other things you should know:
- WiFi is available, but it’s typically not the high-speed internet you are used to
- Belize power outlets are the same as in the United States, with two flat prongs
- Don’t flush your toilet paper! Put it in the bin next to the toilet
- Don’t drink the water. It’s ok for brushing your teeth, but drink bottled water only!
- Don’t forget the sunscreen! The sun is strong here!
- Do not approach any wildlife in Belize; you may see a lot of unique animals if you take a tour in the rainforest, or even snorkeling, but they are still wild animals!
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
A trip to Belize is a great way to relax and enjoy some downtime. As long as you can adjust to “island time” and enjoy the slower pace of life, you will love visiting Belize! Start planning your Belize vacation at Travel Belize.com!
Want more Caribbean travel tips? Check out these other blog posts: