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.
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What are business hours?

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 12:00 P.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 BZ$2 to US$1. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators will accept U.S. currency, traveler's checks, or credit cards. When using your credit cards in Belize, most establishments will add a 5% service charge to your bill. Always make sure that you understand which dollar rate is being quoted. Is it Belize Dollars or U.S. Dollars?
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Is electricity 110 or 220 volts?

Although most of the electricity is provided by Diesel/Generator Sets, the power is stable at 110 Volts A.C., which is the same voltage as in the United States.
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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.
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Can I drink the water?

Potable water is available in most areas of Belize, but is is advisable to ask, and if in doubt, to drink boiled or bottled water.
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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.
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What will it cost to send a letter home?

Postal rates to the United States are BZ$0.60 for letters and BZ$0.30 for postcards. Postal rates to Europe are BZ$0.75 for letters and BZ$0.40 for postcards.
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Are there any taxes or services charges I should know about?

• Hotel Room Tax ......................................7%
• Service Charge (In lieu of tips)................................10%
• Click Here for Departure Fees

Are taxis available?

Taxis are available in towns and resort areas, and they are easily recognised by their green license plates. Unless specific arrangements are made prior to your arrival at Belize International Airport (P.S.W. Goldson), taxis are available at the entrance to the main terminal.

Although there are no meters on the taxis, the drivers do charge somewhat standard fares, but it is always important to understand what your fare will be, prior to hiring a taxi.
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How is the telephone service in Belize?

Belize Telcommunications Limited provides telecommunication between Belize and the United States and Canada. 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 02-77085 and the corner of Princess Margaret Drive and St. Thomas Street at telephone number 02-32868. Phone cards are available at numerous locations.

BTL is also the contact for obtaining an Internet connection in Belize.
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What time zone is Belize in?

Time observed year round is GMT-6, which is the same as United States Central Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is not observed in Belize.
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Are there any entry requirements to visit Belize?

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How long can I stay?

Visitors are permitted to stay in Belize for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. The following category of persons may be granted by the Immigration Department extensions of up to three (3) months at a time. These three months would be after the period given by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.

1. Persons living in remote areas away from the Immigration Office
2. Potential Investors
3. Business persons

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

Since visa requirements are subject to change, please contact the Belize Embassy for up-to-date information at:

OR Contact:

The Belize Embassy
2535 Massachusetts Avenue Northwest
Washington, D.C. 20008
USA
Telephone: (202) 332-9636
Fax: (202) 332-6741
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Can I use my credit card to get cash advances?

The following banks allow you to walk in and swipe your VISA or MASTERCARD to receive cash advances:

• Bank of Nova Scotia
• First Caribbean International Bank (formerly Barclays Bank)
• Atlantic Bank
• Belize Bank

The First Caribbean International Bank (Barclays Bank) has ATMs that accept VISA and MASTERCARD

in Belize City:

• San Cas Plaza (Belcan Bridge)
• Main Branch (21 Albert Street)
• Shell One Stop Gas Station (Cor. Central American Blvd. and Cemetery Road)

in Belmopan:

• Belmopan Branch (Market Square)

How do I bring my pet with me?

Bringing a pet into the country falls under live animal importation and is regulated by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).

Requirements:
Domestic pets will be allowed to enter the country provided that owners present the following:

• valid import permit
• international veterinary certificate
• valid rabies vaccination certificate
• inspection by quarantine officer
• US $12.50 entry fee + US $12.50 fax fee

Import Permits
To apply for an import permit,

1. request application form from:
   
    
   Permit Unit
   Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA)
   Belmopan Showgrounds
   Belmopan City
   Tel: 822-0197 or 822-0818
   Fax: 822-3084
   Email: baha@btl.net
   
   
    
2. return completed form to Permit Unit of BAHA (Note: date of arrival must be specified)

Approved permits will be faxed to applicant at a cost of US $12.50 to be paid at the point of entry on the day of arrival.

Persons who forego the application process will be subject to a US $100.00 violation fine in addition to the US $12.50 entry fee.