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FAQ
- What
language is spoken in Belize?
English
is the official language of Belize, although Spanish, Creole,
Garifuna and Mayan are widely spoken throughout the country.
-
Banks
:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M.
Friday 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.
Commerce & Industry :
Monday - Friday 8:00 A.M. to 12:00P.M - 1:00 P.M. to 5:00
P.M.
Some businesses are open on Saturdays
-
What
are the public and bank holidays?
New
Years Day - January 1
Baron Bliss Day - March 9
Good Friday
Holy Saturday
Easter Monday
Labour Day - May 1
Commonwealth Day - May 24
St. George's Caye Day - September 10
Independence Day - September 21
Columbus Day - October 12
Garifuna Settlement Day - November 19
Christmas Day - December 25
Boxing Day - December 26
-
What
currency is used in Belize and what is it worth?
The
Belize Dollar (BZ$) has a fixed rate of exchange of 2 to
1 (BZ$ to US$). Hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators
will accept US currency, traveler's checks, or credit cards.
When using credit cards, most places will add 5% service
charge. Make sure you understand which dollar is being
quoted, US$ or BZ$.
-
Is
the electrical current 110 or 220 volts?
The
power is stable at 110 Volts AC, the same as in the United
States.
-
What
type of health services are available?
There
is a well staffed hospital and several private doctors in
Belize City. Also the District Towns and larger Villages
have hospitals or clinics.
-
Potable
water is available in most areas of Belize, but it is advisable
to ask, and if in doubt, to drink boiled or bottled water.
-
Are
there any diseases I should be concerned about?
There
are no serious epidemic diseases in Belize. No inoculations
are required for entry, but anti-malaria tablets are recommended
for extended stays in the jungle.
-
What
will it cost to send a letter home?
Postal
rates to the United States are BZ$.60 for letters and BZ$.30
for postcards. Postal rates to Europe are BZ$.75 for letters
and BZ$.40 for postcards.
-
Are
there any taxes or services charges I should know about?
Hotel
Tax ....................................................7%
Sale
Tax .....................................................8%
-
Are
taxis available?
Taxis
are available at Belize International Airport, towns and
resort areas, and they are easily recognized by their green
license plates.
Although
there are no meters on the taxis, the drivers charge somewhat
standard fares, but it is always important to understand
what your fare will be, prior to hiring a taxi.
-
How
is the telephone service in Belize?
Telephone
service is quite good. Cell phones are available for rental.
Belize Telcommunications Limited (a monopoly) provides telecommunication
between Belize and the rest of the world. Service is also
available for communication with other countries. The BTL
main offices (www.btl.net) are located at the corner of
Albert and Church Streets in Belize City at telephone number
227-7085 and the corner of Princess Margaret Drive and St.
Thomas Street at telephone number 223-2868. Phone cards
are available at numerous locations.
BTL
also provides Internet connectivity.
-
What
time zone is Belize in?
Belize
is on United States CST (Central Standard Time) - Time observed
year round is Greenwich Mean Time -6. Daylight Savings Time
is not observed in Belize.
-
How
long can I stay?
Visitors
are permitted to stay in Belize for a period not to exceed
thirty (30) days. Most people are granted extensions upon
request. The Immigration Department will allow extensions
of 90 days per request.
To
obtain an extension, the applicant must appear in person
in Belmopan and satisfy the officer that they have sufficient
funds (US$50 per person per day). They must have a ticket
to their onward destination. Each extensions cost BZ$25.
To
obtain a visitor's permit, an application must be submitted
to the:
Belize
Immigration and Nationality Department
Belmopan, Cayo District
Belize, Central America
Telephone 011-501-822-2423
Fax: 011-501-822-2662
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