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.
