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Frequently
Asked Questions
Q: Where is Belize located?
Q: Where is Placencia?
Q: What is the climate/weather like in Belize?
Q: What time zone is Belize in?
Q: What international airlines fly into Belize?
Q: How do we get to Placencia?
Q: What language is spoken in Belize?
Q: What type of clothing and extra stuff should I bring?
Q: What type of electricity is used in Belize?
Q: Is internet hook-up, telephone and fax service available?
Q: Is the water safe to drink?
Q: Are there any bugs? Does you need any type of
vaccination prior to arrival?
Q: What about changing money?
Q: What credit cards are accepted in Belize?
Q: How long can I stay in Belize while visiting?
Q: Do I need a passport?
Q: What can I expect going through Belize Customs?
Q: Where is Belize
located?
A: Belize lies
along the eastern coastline of
Central America, bordered on the north by Mexico (the Yucatan Peninsula),
on the west and south by Guatemala, and on the east by the sparkling
waters
of the Caribbean Sea. It is separated by sea from its neighbor to the
southwest, Honduras.
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Q: Where is Placencia?
A: Placencia lies 60 air miles south of Belize City or 100 miles by
road.
It is at the tip of a peninsula which runs parallel to the Belize coast.
The
aqua Caribbean lies East and the Placencia Lagoon lies to the West of this
very narrow spit of land. Placencia is a small English speaking Creole
fishing village with numerous types of tourist accommodations,
restaurants,
guiding services, dive shops, grocery stores and gift shops. A new Italian
ice
cream shop serves a spectacular product!!
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Q: What is the climate/weather like in Belize?
A: Belize is subtropical, with a mean annual temperature of 80
degrees F.
During the months of November to March expect temperatures in Placencia to
be in the middle to high 70's or low 80's. Winter storms called
"Northers"
may bring rain and lower the temperature down to the low 60's.
Inland,
temperatures are usually higher, reaching the 90's during the warm season.
Trade winds blow along the coast and on the cayes most of the year,
keeping temperatures pleasant even in the hottest months, except for a few
weeks,
generally around mid-August through mid-September.
The dry season generally lasts from November through May while the rainy
season is typically June-November. The rain during this season often comes
during the night. Hurricanes occasionally occur August through
October.
Rainfall is heaviest in the south and the jungle areas (around 180
inches), lightest in the north and on the Cayes (around 50 inches). Water
temperature averages between 76 and 83 degrees F
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Q: What time zone is Belize in?
A: Belize is on Central Standard Time, however, they do not observe
Daylight Savings Time. The local time is Greenwich mean time minus six
hours.
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Q: What international airlines fly into Belize?
A: American
Airlines, Continental, US Air, Grupo, Taca and Jamaica Air.
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Q: How do we get to Placencia?
A: There are two
local airlines (Maya Island Air and Tropic Air) that have
numerous daily flights to the Placencia Airstrip from throughout Belize. .
The average flight time is 40 minutes. There are local taxis to bring you
to the village (about 2 miles). Avis, Budget and National Car Rentals have
branches in Belize City, should you wish to drive to Placencia. Expect the
drive to take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours (one way), depending on the road
conditions - which vary depending on the weather. There are very few road
signs on the route so study your map. The drive on the Hummingbird Highway
through the Maya Mountains is quite beautiful. There is a
daily scheduled bus service direct to Placencia from Belize City. This
ride is the longest of all - taking anywhere from 6 - 8 hours, as there
are various layovers and stops along the way
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Q: What language is spoken in Belize?
A: English is the official language, though Spanish, Creole, Mayan
and Garifuna are also spoken. While the population of Belize is only about
225,000 and it is only about
the size of New Hampshire, there is a great deal of ethnic diversity among
Belizeans, who include Creoles (African-European), Mestizo
(Spanish-Indian), Garifuna (African-Indian), Mayan, Anglo-European, Middle
Eastern and Asian.
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Q: What type of clothing and extra stuff should I bring?
A: Cool, comfortable, casual clothing such as shorts, T-shirts
and/or camp
shirts, light weight cotton pants, bathing suits, sundresses and
lightweight rain gear will cover all your clothing needs.
Pack comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing, and sandals for the water
and beach. If you're going to be trekking in the jungle, a pair of sturdy
hiking shoes is also recommended. A
knapsack, or daypack is a great idea for day trips and expeditions. In it
you can carry water bottles, snacks, camera, film, and other essentials
such as sunscreen and insect repellent. Polarized sunglasses,
good sunscreen, insect repellent and a brimmed hat are highly recommended
bring from home items.
It is essential that you bring prescription medications, extra
prescription glasses/sunglasses,
extra camera batteries, extra film and smart cards, flash cards etc. for
those of you using digital equipment If you are a diver don't forget
your "C" card.
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Q: What type of electricity is used in Belize?
A: Electrical power is 110 volts/60 cycle, which is the same as the
United States and Canada. A small surge suppresser is highly recommended
for computers and other sensitive equipment.
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Q: Is internet hook-up, telephone and fax service available?
A: The cabanas do
not have telephone hook up. Internet service, fax service and public
phones are available at the BTL office (Belize Telephone, Ltd) Internet
Cafe and Placencia Office Supply.
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Q: Is the water safe to drink?
A: The tap water in your cabana is excellent, safe drinking water.
It is treated municipal water from a deep artesian well located on the
mainland in Big Creek. Water is provided via a relatively new PVC pipe
system to commercial and household users throughout the village.
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Q: Are there any bugs? Does you need any type of vaccination prior to
arrival?
A: There may be some sand flies and mosquitoes but primarily when
it is
calm and at dawn or dusk. They are more prevalent on the mangrove cayes
and
near the lagoon. The biggest health hazard is a serious sunburn which can
ruin your travels. It is highly improbable that you will be in an
area on the peninsula where you will be bitten by an Anopheles mosquito
with the malaria parasite. The same is true of other diseases, such as
Dengue Fever. If your plans include a stay in the jungle however, check
with your health provider about risk versus treatment. It is always a good
idea to keep your tetanus booster up to date though no shots are currently
required to enter the country.
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Q: Are there any banking facilities in the area?
A: The Atlantic Bank has a branch, in the village of Placencia, and
is open daily for your banking needs. Their hours are from 8 am to 2
pm on weekdays.
They do exchange travelers checks and can do cash advances on credit
cards. For either of these services you will need to present your
passport.
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Q: What about changing money?
A: Local currency
is the Belize Dollar. One U.S.dollar is worth two Belize dollars. Nearly
all businesses in Belize willaccept the US Dollar at this rate of exchange
(coins not accepted). Banks usually charge a fee to exchange cash and
traveler's checks. Most places also accept Traveler's Checks at an
exchange rate of US$ 1.00 to BZ$ 2.00. In both of the above cases,
smaller denominations are more convenient as change can become a problem
for small businesses.
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Q: What credit cards are accepted in Belize?
A: Nearly all
hotels, restaurants and shops in larger towns and tourist areas take
major credit cards. Street vendors and smaller establishments may
accept only cash or travelers checks.
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Q: Do I need a passport?
A: A valid passport and return ticket is necessary for entry into
Belize. No visas are required for citizens of the U.S., British
Commonwealth nations, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Iceland, Italy,
Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey and
Uruguay.
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Q: How long can I stay in Belize while visiting?
A: A 30 day visitors permit will be issued to you upon arrival.
Extensions are routinely granted at the Immigration offices located
throughout the country.
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Q: What can I expect going through Belize Customs?
A: After getting off the plane have your passport and travel
documents available to go through customs. The officer may ask you
to open your bag. Your personal items are allowed in Belize.
There is an import allowance of 200 cigarettes or 1/2 pound of tobacco
goods, 20 ounces of alcohol and one bottle of personal perfume.
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