at La Playa de Cerros Maya
Frequently Asked Questions - When Traveling Belize
When is the best time to come to Belize?
What are the public and bank holidays?
What should I bring while vacationing in Belize?
What is the dress code?
What about credit cards and travelers[' checks?]
What is the currency exchange rate?
What about Belize banks?
What about driving around Belize?
Can I rent a car?
Can I travel by bus in Belize?
How much does gas cost?
How do I get around by plane in Belize?
How much should room and board cost?
Is there a sales tax?
What about tipping?
What about shopping?
What about getting married in Belize?
What do I do in an emergency?
q01Q: When is the best time to come to Belize?
A: Mid-November through May are the driest months of the year. The rainy season starts in June and ends in mid-November. High tourist season starts in December and continues through April. The rest of the year is less crowded. Belize has a subtropical climate, with an average annual temperature of 80 degrees. The temperature can reach the mid-90's in the summer. Trade winds flow through the coastal and island properties most of the year, keeping temperatures enjoyable even throughout the hottest months. Hurricanes occasionally occur in August and September. Water temperature averages between 79 and 83 degrees.
Rainfall is heavier in the jungles and southern Belize and light in the north and on the Islands. Please Note: Cerros Sands at La Playa de Cerros Maya is NOT in the Rain Forest and therefore not subject to heavy rainfall.
q02Q: What are the public and bank holidays?
A: Banks, government offices, and many stores are closed in observance of the following holidays:
- New Years Day - January 1
- Baron Bliss Day - March 9
- Good Friday
- Holy Saturday
- Easter Sunday
- Easter Monday
- Labor 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
q03Q: What should I bring while vacationing in Belize?
A: When hiking, bring hiking boots or sneakers with good treads, long pants and long sleeves for evening hikes, short pants and cool cotton clothes, bathing suits and sun hats, sunglasses, prescription drugs, lightweight rain gear with a hood, scuba diving gear with certification card, dive log, snorkeling gear, fishing tackle (scuba diving gear as well as fishing tackle may be rented), sun screen, sun burn cream, insect repellent, binoculars, camera and film, batteries, a flashlight or headlamp for evening hikes or caving, and do not forget your passport or visa (if applicable), as well as cash, credit cards and/or travelers' checks.
q04Q: What is the dress code?
A: The dress code in Belize is shorts and t-shirts. Shoes are optional. Except for hiking into the thick jungle areas, the dress is casual, informal and light.
Leave expensive jewelry at home for you will not need them. Should you need a watch, bring one that is suitable for diving and hiking.
If you are visiting Cerros Sands at La Playa de Cerros Maya, bring shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits, along with deck shoes. The sun is more intense than what you are probably used to at home, so bring a hat to protect your head from the tropical sun and biodegradable sunscreen for the rest of your body. Do not forget to bring a pair of "polarized" sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and to remove the reflective glare from the water.
When exploring mainland Belize or hiking through the rain forest wear loose fitting, light colored cotton pants and shirts, along with a comfortable pair of hiking shoes or boots.
q05Q: What about credit cards and travelers' checks?
A: Hotels, restaurants and stores in the tourist areas accept all major credit cards. Smaller vendors and storekeepers in rural areas may accept only cash (US currency or Belize currency US$1 = BZ$2) or travelers' checks. All major credit card companies may be contacted at all of the four commercial banks in Belize City.
q06Q: What is the currency exchange rate?
A: Local currency is the Belize dollar. One U.S. dollar (US$1.00) is equivalent two Belize dollars (BZ$2.00). U.S. dollars are accepted countrywide. Major credit cards accepted at hotels and shops.
q07Q: What about Belize banks?
A: There are many banks and branches throughout Belize.
There are five commercial banks in Belize City.
Atlantic Bank Limited, Albert Street, Belize City
Phone: 011-501-227-7301
Bank of Nova Scotia, Albert Street, Belize City
Phone: 011-227-7027
Barclays Bank PLC, Albert Street, Belize City
Phone: 011-501-227-7211
Belize Bank Limited, Market Square, Belize City
Phone: 011-501227-7132
Banking hours are usually Monday-Friday from 8 AM-1 PM and to 4:30 PM on Fridays; and Saturdays, 8 AM-11 AM. Many of the banks have branches within the other districts.
q08Q: What about driving around Belize?
A: If you have a car, a great way to experience the country is driving yourself. Always keep in mind not to leave valuables in view in the vehicle, keep the doors locked, keep the gas tank filled, do not pick up hitchhikers and try not to drive a night. It is recommended, whether or not it is rainy season to have four wheel drive vehicle. Belize is only 68 miles wide and 180 miles long, so it is not to far to get anywhere.
The main highways in Belize are:
The Northern Highway from Belize City to Corozal and the Mexican Border.
The Western Highway from Belize City to San Ignacio and the Guatemalan Border.
The Hummingbird Highway from Belmopan to Dangriga.
The Southern Highway from Dangriga to Punta Gorda.
The Manatee Highway from Belize City to Dangriga.
Belize North Coast is only 8 12 miles off the North Highway. The entry is gated with manned security. 4-wheel drive rentals are available on the property. Only approved vehicles are allowed on the development.
q09Q: Can I rent a car?
A: To rent a car, or a golf cart on mainland Belize, a valid driver license is required. Driving laws are like the rest of the world. Also, to ride a bike at night, you must have a bright white light on it.
q10Q: Can I travel by bus in Belize?
A: There are many bus lines, they are:
Battys 011-501-207-4924
Venus 011-501-207-3354
Departure is out of Belize City for most of the major towns (Punta Gorda, Corozal, Orange Walk, San Ignacio, Belmopan, Dangriga).
q11Q: How much does gas cost?
A: Gas costs about US$2.50 per gallon.
q12Q: How do I get around by plane in Belize?
A: Travelers flying into the Philip Goldson International Airport in Belize City may connect to various destinations within Belize including: Corozal, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Dangriga, Big Creek, Ambergris Caye, Placencia and Punta Gorda.
Airlines serving destinations within Belize:
Tropic Air: (800) 422-3435 (from U.S.) or 011-501-226-2012 email Email. Belize International, Belize Municipal, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Placencia, Punta Gorda, Flores (Guatemala)
Maya Island Air: 011-501-226-2435. Belize International, Belize Municipal,
Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Corozal
Caribee Air Service: 011-501-224-4253 for private charters.
Javier's Flying Service Ltd.: 011-501-223-5360 for private charters.
All major Charters will pick you up from anywhere there is an approved airstrip.
q13Q: How much should room and board cost?
A: Travelers on a budget can vacation for as little as $50 a day on mainland Belize. Transportation will be extra. Room and board in upscale jungle lodges and good hotels can run from $100 to $150 a day. Outfitted group adventure trips at upscale all-inclusive lodges range from $100 to $150 a day. Reservations are always a good idea. Do not forget to ask about group discounts everywhere they are available.
q14Q: Is there a sales tax?
A: Yes, Belize has a value added tax of 15%. It is levied on all goods and services except hotel accommodations, where there is a 8% tax. Some hotels have a 10-15% service charge, be sure to inquire about this when checking hotel prices. These taxes are subject to change.
q15Q: What about tipping?
Tips of 10-15% are acceptable, with more for outstanding service.
q16Q: What about shopping?
A: There are local fish, fruit and vegetable markets. Meats, rice, corn and beans are the regular diet for locals. Other foods and manufactured goods are usually imported and sold through small stores and supermarkets. Just keep in mind that certain products cannot leave the country, such as unprocessed coral, turtle shells, pre-Columbian articles and marine products (unless permission is granted). Whatever you need, whether on land, or for a boat charter, Paradise Found Belize Ltd will do our best to assist you.
q17Q: What about getting married in Belize?
A: You have to be in the country for at least three days before you can apply for a marriage license, with one day notice. You must have proof of citizenship such as a certified copy of a birth certificate, notarized, with father's name, proof of divorce, if necessary, certified copy or original of divorce certificate and a copy of the death certificate for widow or widower, if necessary. You can be married by either a Justice of the Peace or Registrar General (Phone 501-227-7377) in Belize City. Special plans can also be arranged by Paradise Found Belize Ltd. So if you wish to be married on the beautiful waters of Belize, or atop a Mayan Pyramid, your wish is our command.
q18Q: What do I do in an emergency?
A: 911 is the emergency number to connect you to the local police, who will be able to assist you. The fire department or ambulance can be reached through this number also. The Belize Telephone Directory would have a list of doctors, and very serious medical problems are cared for in Belize City at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital or Chetumal.
