We will write about Belize travel tips and all the cool facts about Belize and things to know before visiting Belize for first-timers. This post will be your go-to guide to get to know more of Belize and what awaits you from amazing beaches, places to visit, how to move around to delicious food to try in Belize.
Read here how to get from Belize Airport to Belize City, Caye Caulker vs Ambergris Caye and best Belizean breakfast
Belize Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Belize For First Timers
1. IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL IN BELIZE
When you visit Belize everyone is advised to avoid wearing fancy jewelry or displaying fancy things. Don’t forget to be mindful because you are visiting a different country and remember that their culture is different from yours. Try to take public transportation during the day and taxis at night time. So yes, it is safe to travel in Belize just be cautious.
2. EASY VISA IN BELIZE
The visa is easy in Belize. There are many countries the EU nations, the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, Singapore and many more that gets a free Visa to enter the country for 30 days. You only have to present your passport that is valid for at least 6 months. Visa extension are available upon entering the country. Everyone is required to have a ticket for return.
Click this to check about the visa policy in Belize.
3. CASH IN BELIZE AND ATMS
Cash is the king in Belize but credit cards are accepted in a few hotels and restaurants. Belize has its own currency called the Belizean Dollar. A $1 USD=2 BZD. There are lots of ATM’s and exchange currency in many part of the country. And you have to know the dollars is very common and well-accepted in the country.
Click here to know more about the exchange rate of Belize.
4. BEST TIME TO VISIT IN BELIZE
There are 2 season dry and wet season. The rainy season starts in May. The best time to visit Belize is from the months of November to April because it is the month of dry season. However, lots of tourists prefer to travel from January to March since it’s not peak season but it can be rainy for a few days.
Click here to know more about the weather in Belize
5. HEALTH TRAVEL INSURANCE
Things to know before visiting Belize we recommend always bringing travel insurance when traveling abroad just in case you have any problems. You can always have food Poisson, fever or any other kind of disease.
BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE
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6. BELIZE ISN’T SO CHEAP
Facts about Belize if you are thinking Central America and South America is cheap for traveling you are right. Belize isn’t as cheap as Bolivia and Ecuador but for sure is cheaper than Costa Rica.
You will have to pay an entrance fee for Natural Parks, around $3-4 USD for a dish in a local restaurant. We will tell you below the accommodation, food budget and general entrance fees and tour prices in Belize.
7. ACCOMMODATION BUDGET TRAVEL IN BELIZE
A total of $15 USD would be the range of your budget for accommodation in Belize in a dorm. There are hotels mid- budget for $40-60 USD and you can find luxury accommodation starting from $100 USD.
CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN BELIZE BEFORE YOUR TRIP WITH BOOKING.
8. FOOD BUDGET TRAVEL IN BELIZE
Your daily food budget travel in Belize could be a total of $10-20 USD if you eat in local places. If you are in a budget you can go to the streets of Belize and find many available street food. For a local restaurant per meal expect to pay $4 USD. Prices can be double at least in the islands in Belize.
9. TOUR/ENTRANCE FEES IN BELIZE
Tours and entrance fees in Belize are around $5-15 USD for National Parks. If you are going for a snorkeling trip can cost around $15 USD as a joiner. If you do diving can cost around $40-50 USD and private tours are around $100 USD. In general isn’t so cheap Belize for traveling but there are a few activities that you can do free of charge.
10. WI-FI AND INTERNET CONNECTION IN BELIZE
Internet in Belize works great in big cities and you will have internet connection in most of the places you will have 4G except in remote areas. You can access free WiFi at hostels and hotels and there are lots of restaurants that are offering free WiFi.
We advise in our Belize travel tips that you get a sim card in Belize and best Belize eSim if you need to catch up with some work online.
11. ADAPTER IN BELIZE
In our Belize travel tips you should know they use 110 V and frequency the American (United States and Canada) will fit. A few places make it possible to fit your European adapter in the plug because they provide adapters. If you are coming from European countries, we recommend you to bring an adapter to be able to charge everywhere.
12. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION IN BELIZE
For local transportation in Belize the cheapest way is riding the bus for short trips in the city for as low as $1-2 USD per hour. And for express buses you should buy ticket in advance. You can rent a car for $30-40 USD for the whole day. And taxi can cost you $5 USD for a short trip in the city center. There is no Uber available in Belize.
You can also take ferries to move between the Caye and islands in Belize prices are around $5-15 USD depending on the distance. Also joining a boat trips to visit the islands can cost around $30 USD with lunch included.
13. BELIZIAN PEOPLE SPEAK ENGLISH
Belizean people speak English so it will be easy to communicate with them. Since Belize was British colony you will manage everywhere. Apart from English Belizean speaks creole dialect and Spanish.
14. LEARNING SPANISH
Another learning opportunity in Belize is to learn Spanish. There are a lot of Spanish classes in Belize offering packages with different services and affordable prices. In most of the touristic areas Belizean people are speaking English and Spanish language.
15. BELIZE HISTORY
Belize history is really interesting was first occupied by Spanish becoming later a British colony that’s why Belizean people are able to speak both languages. Belize got its independence from British in 1981 only 40 years ago.
16. ENJOYING THE NIGHTLIFE IN BELIZE
The nightlife is great at Belize when visiting Ambergris Caye and other beaches. Parties start at the sunset and everyone just loves to drink and dance. Plenty of locals go out to bars and clubs with parties. Prices of drinks are around $3-4 USD.
17. SUNBLOCK DURING THE DAY AND MOSQUITOES REPELLENT AT NIGHT
Make sure you are bringing your sunblock during the day in Belize when going to the beach. The weather is so hot and the sun is strong at Belize. At night make sure you are bringing mosquitoes repellent around sunset time when the sun goes down mosquitoes are appearing.
18. DRIVING ON THE RIGHT SIDE IN BELIZE
Cars are driving in the right side in Belize. Since they were Spanish colony and later British still Belizean people drive in the right side. If you rent a car make sure you drive in the right direction in Belize.
19. BELIZE BORDER CROSSINGS
Belize border crossings are easy and opened. You can take a bus if you’re coming from Mexico and Guatemala. The most popular border crossing is Chetumal coming from Mexico Riviera Maya, Cancun and areas around. Buses stop at the border and you can go thru walking to get your stamp. But no worries is an easy border crossing to Belize!
20. ISLAND TIME AT BELIZE
Have you ever heard about Island time? When meeting locals in Belize you will hear about island time. It means they aren’t usually on time as many other tropical countries in the world like Costa Rica and Philippines. And maybe you will be waiting for a few minutes or who knows. Just make sure you know about this or you will learn in Belize.
21. Second Largest Barrier Reef
Belize has the second largest barrier reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The barrier reef is 300 kilometers coming from Cancun and crossing 40 kilometers in Belize continuing to Honduras. That’s why snorkeling and diving are a must to try in Belize.
22. DIVING IN BELIZE
With clear waters you should try diving in Belize. If you already have your Open Water prices for 1 dive is around $50 USD and maybe you can get cheaper if you buy a package. There are a lot of dive resorts in Belize and the sea life is amazing with so many beautiful reefs.
23. SNORKELING IN BELIZE
Snorkeling in Belize is a must. If you are bringing your own snorkeling gear as we always do it can be free. If you are renting expect to pay around $5 USD for a day and if you are joining a tour for snorkeling prices are around $30 USD.
24. MAYA RUINS
There are a lot of Maya Ruins in Belize since is located between Mexico and Guatemala. The most popular Maya Ruins in Belize are called Caracol. But you can find other popular ruins in Belize like Xunantunich, Lamanai, Cahal Pech.
25. Chocolate And Cocoa in Belize
The weather in Belize is great to grow cocoa and other cacao varieties. The cocoa and chocolate in Belize is one of the best in the world and many tourists are bringing as souvenirs to their own countries.
FACTS ABOUT BELIZE FOOD
26. Rice And Beans
Rice and beans is the most popular food in Belize as most of the countries in Central America. Most of the locals use for eating daily or as a side dish with meat and salad. You will find in local restaurants almost all the orders will come with rice, beans and plantains.
27. Cochinita Pibil
Cochinita Pibil is a typical dish in Belize consist in pork with vegetables onion and pepper served wrapped with a tortilla. Cochinita Pibil is a common dish in Cancun area in Mexico.
28. Salbutes
Salbutes is one of the most popular snacks in Belize. Salbutes are fried tortillas mixed with vegetables onion, cabbage, avocado, chicken and served with hot sauce.
29. Stew Chicken
Stew Chicken is a delicious dish in Belize served for lunch or dinner. Stew chicken is cooked with spices in local restaurants and served with rice and beans.
30. CEVICHE
Ceviche is served in all parts of Latin America. The raw fish is marinated in lime for 12 hours, so it is no longer so raw. Ceviche usually spends on shrimp, lobster, lemon, cilantro, tomatoes, and plenty of seafood. Belizean cuisine serves ceviche usually for lunch and dinner as one of the most popular food in Belize.
31. TAMALES
Tamales is a popular food in Belize and also in Latin American. Tamales is steam corn dough filled with meat, cheese or vegetables. Tamales is served in a banana leaf and you can eat as snack or for breakfast.
32. Fry Jacks
Fry Jacks is the most popular breakfast in Belize. Fry Jacks dough are fried and filled with beans, eggs, fruits making triangles similar to samosas or empanadas.
33. JOHNNY CAKES
Johnny Cakes is made of corn bread, butter, flour and sugar. It’s a perfect snack in Belize and even served for breakfast. You can eat with sauce or just having a coffee.
34. RUM PUNCH
Rum Punch is the most popular drink in Belize with fruits like orange, lime or pineapple mixed with grenadine and rum. When partying in Belize you will see the red drink everywhere!
35. COCONUT
Coconut water is a must to try in Belize. You will see street vendors at the beach passing by with coconut water and when you under the sun is so refreshing plus so healthy.
36. Belikin Beer
Belikin Beer is the most popular in Belize. If you prefer beer to cocktails is a must to try. Prices are around $2-3 USD in local bars.
Festivals in Belize
37. Belize Carnival
Belize Carnival is the the biggest festival in Belize celebrated on September. You will see colorful parades with people dancing wearing costumes everywhere in the streets. As a tourist, you’ll love the cultural immersion in this Carnival.
38. Independence Day in Belize
Independence Day in Belize is celebrated on 21th of September when they got the independence from British in 1981. In Belize City you will see the national flag, dancing, music and food.
More Belize Travel Tips And Things To Know Before Visiting Belize For First Timers
Places To Visit
39. Ambergris Caye
Ambergris Caye is the largest Cay in Belize located in San Pedro. You can do snorkeling and diving apart from relaxing in the beach. Ambergris Caye is a fishing village and you will find a lot of fish barbecue at night in the restaurants.
40. Blue Hole
The Blue Hole is the most popular place to visit in Belize for divers. The Blue Hole is an amazing reef for diving and it was declared as UNESCO Site. The Blue Hole is a must to visit in Belize.
41. Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker is the most popular place to visit for backpackers in Belize. You will find affordable places to stay in this tiny Cay where you can go for island hopping, swimming and snorkeling during the day. At night you can enjoy drinks and barbecue in the bars and restaurants in the beach.
42. Belize City
Belize City is the capital of the country and main commercial port. You will find transportation to most of the places, museums and restaurants to try local food. Belize City is worth it to stay 1-2 days.
43. Placencia Peninsula
Placencia Peninsula is a fishing village in Belize. The main activity at Placencia Peninsula is visiting the mangroves and monkeys apart from relaxing and swimming in the beach.
44. Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve
Wildlife Sanctuary & Jaguar Preserve is a perfect place to enjoy the nature in Belize. The most popular animals are jaguars but you can also see plenty of snakes, monkeys and pumas. You can also hike and swim in the waterfalls. The entrance fee to the Wildlife Sanctuary is only $5 USD.
45. Caracol
Caracol is the most popular Maya Ruins in Belize and the largest archaeological site in Belize. Around the neighboring countries like Mexico in Tulum and Tikal in Guatemala you will also find beautiful Maya Ruins. Caracol entrance fee is $7.5 USD.
Hope you liked our Belize travel tips. Let us know if we missed things to know before visiting Belize and facts about Belize in the comments below.
Happy Travels!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.
Best Belize Sim Card For Tourist And How To Buy A Prepaid Sim Card in Belize - Gamintraveler
Wednesday 16th of June 2021
[…] As one might expect, It’s hard to travel without Internet because you’ll need your GPS to track your location and destination. Besides reading guides from blogs prepare you beforehand. Also, your own SIM is important for communicating with locals. Read here Belize travel tips. […]