(+501)-222-5122 (BZE), Whatsapp - (24hrs Emergency ) +501-614-1493 or 305-712-5122 (USA) info@aqbelizecarrental.com
About Belize
Belize barrier reef and cayes — welcome to Belize
 

About Belize – Things to Know Before You Go

Great Blue Hole Caye beach scene Maya temple in Belize Jungle river
Essential Info for Travelers
Handy travel facts on fees, borders, currency, climate, language, health & more — all in one place.
Airport Departure Fees
Total: US$39.25—US$18 Airport Development, US$15 Passenger Service, US$2.50 Security, US$3.75 Conservation.
Animals
Bring a veterinary certificate and an import permit from BAHA. BAHA: (+501) 224-5230 / 224-4794 • baha@btl.net.
Climate
Subtropical with Caribbean breezes; average around 80°F. Rainy season: June–November.
Currency & Exchange
Local currency: BZD$. Fixed rate: US$1 = BZD$2. Banks/ATMs: Atlantic, Belize Bank, CIBC FirstCaribbean, Heritage, Scotiabank.
Customs: Cash & Duty-Free
  • Import up to BZD$10,000 (or foreign equivalent) without declaration.
  • Personal effects (clothes, toiletries) are exempt.
  • 18+: up to 1 liter wine/spirits and either 250g tobacco, 50 cigars, or 200 cigarettes.
  • Belizeans: extra BZD$200 duty-free twice a year (non-border entries).
Ports of Entry
  • Airport: Philip S.W. Goldson International (BZE), Ladyville.
  • Land: Northern Border (Santa Elena) & Western Border (Benque Viejo).
  • Sea: Belize City, Big Creek, San Pedro, Dangriga, Punta Gorda (VHF Ch. 16).
Language & Denominations
English is official; Creole, Spanish, Maya & Garifuna widely spoken. Most denominations represented; Roman Catholic prominent along with Anglican, Methodist, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others.
Government & Electrical
  • Independent democracy; British Commonwealth member.
  • Power: 110V AC (same as U.S.).
Merchandise & Taxes
All imported goods must be declared; Customs sets duties (evasion is an offense).
  • Hotel tax: 9%
  • GST on goods & services: 12.5%
Population & Postal Rates
Population ~ 407,000 (Creole, Garifuna, Mestizo, Maya, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, East Indian, European—rich cultural blend).
  • To U.S.: BZD$0.60 letters; BZD$0.30 postcards
  • To Europe: BZD$0.75 letters; BZD$0.40 postcards
Health, Time, Tipping & Water
  • Medical: Hospitals & clinics available countrywide.
  • Time Zone: GMT-6 (U.S. Central), no daylight saving.
  • Tipping: 10% typical; 15% for exceptional service. Some bills include gratuity.
  • Water: Tap water is potable.
Topography & Reef
Area: 8,866 sq mi on the Caribbean coast of Central America; bordered by Mexico (north) and Guatemala (west & south). Home to the world’s 2nd-largest barrier reef and three of the four Western Hemisphere coral atolls.
Belize sunset on the coast