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 Raul's
Tips
(For
A More Enjoyable Trip To Belize)
What
to Bring:
Many of these items are available in Belize, but it is
best to have them on hand.
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Passport
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Insect
Repellent (one for each traveler)
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Hat
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Sun
Block
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Camera
(Film/Underwater/Batteries)
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Flashlight
& Batteries
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Binoculars
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Folding
Umbrella/Rain Poncho
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After Bite Ointment
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Light
Tennis Shoes
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US
1$, 5$, 10$ Bills for fees and tipping
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Small
Water Bottles
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Sun
Glasses
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Plastic
Bags for - Wet Swim Suits, Cosmetics that may leak due to
air pressure in plane etc.
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Basic
First-Aid
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Birding
Guide
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Back
Pack for Day Trips
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Long
Pants
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Personal
Medication
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Light
Windbreaker or Sweatshirt
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Consult with your doctor for vaccinations (none
may be required)
Suggested by Actual Travelers After Returning from Belize:
- Bungy cords to hold baggages and stuff on Golf Cart and other
uses
- Bubble gums and lollipops to give to local kids
- Condiment packets - mayo, ketchup, sauces, relish, etc -- if
you have a kitchen.
- Kids appreciate school supplies; pencils, erasers, paper pads,
clips, etc. These things are worth at least double in Central
America.
- Folding vinyl ice chest - especially nice if you rent a car.
Ice is easy to get and you can fill with soda, bear, oranges,
fruit, etc No Burger Kings or the like in Belize.
- Exchange 20.00 or 40.00 USD into Belize Dollars (not in a bank).
Anyone will give you 2 BZD for 1 USD. 1 BZD is worth fifty cents
US.
Quick
Facts About Belize:
- English is the official language
- Area: total: 22,966 sq km; area comparative: slightly smaller
than Massachusetts
- Population: 272,945 (July 2004 est.)
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Electricity = 110 volts, same as the U.S.
- Formerly known as British Honduras, Belize gained its independence
and was renamed in 1981
- Water and food are generally safe. Purified water is available
at all establishments
- The exchange rate is fixed at $2.00BZ to $1.00US
- The US dollar is widely accepted
- Taxes*: hotel tax of 9%; sales tax of 9% on goods and service.
*Tax rates are subjects to change without notice.
More Facts about
Belize
Do's
and Don'ts:
- Food, water
and ice is safe and of good quality in Belize. If you go to Guatemala,
you should use bottled water.
- Locals are
usually nice people. Please ask before taking their picture and
do not give monetary rewards. Kids appreciate school supplies;
pencils, erasers, paper pads, candy, etc.
- Observe
the park and zoo regulations. Take Nothing But Pictures, Leave
Nothing But Footprints.
- If you go
to Guatemala, change about $20US per personinto 'Quetzals' (Guatemalan
Currency) at the border or Flores Airport. You can use small traveler's
checks in Guatemala. In Belize, US dollars are accepted everywhere.
- When going
on your own (on jungle treks), let your roommate or hotel clerk
know your plans and the time you intend to be back. Have a reliable
map.
- Arrive at
the International airport at least 1.5 hours before flight time.
For domestic flights 1 hour is more than enough. Have your passport
handy and about $35 for Belize
departure tax (this tax may be included in your Int'l airfare
- check with the airlines)
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