Unlike many other Central American countries, traveling around Belize is actually quite pleasant and safe. While the roads can be a bit bumpy, there’s little chance of getting kidnapped and everything is written in English. Take the long distance buses if you want to get to know to locals, though the domestic flights are nearly as cheap. Since everyone in Belize speaks English this is a real help for first-time visitors to Latin American who can’t speak Spanish. Belizeans really are quite friendly and will usually go out of their way to help. There is even a dedicated tourist police crew in Belize City.
Travel tips
- Book an express bus to avoid stopping for every passenger standing along the roadside
- Tipping is not common in Belize but many restaurants add a 10 percent service charge to the bill
- There is a US $35 departure tax that must be paid in cash at the airport upon departure
- English is the official language of Belize, but Spanish is also widely spoken
- Electricity is 110 V with American-style outlets,but bring a plug conversion kit just in case
- US dollars are typically accepted alongside the local Belize dollar
Contact Numbers
Police: 227-2222 (non-emergency) Emergency: 90 or 911 Hospital: Belize Medical Associates, 5791 St Thomas Kings Park, Belize City (tel: 501 223 0303; http://www.belizemedical.com) US Embassy: Floral Park Road, Belmopan (tel: 501 822 4011; http://belize.usembassy.gov) British High Commission: Embassy Square, Belmopan (tel: 501 822 2981; http://ukinbelize.fco.gov.uk/en/) Canadian Honorary Consul: 80 Princess Margaret Drive, Belize City (tel: 501 223 1060) Taxi: Belize Marine Terminal Land Taxi Association, 10 Front Street, Belize City (tel: 501 223 5850)