BELIZE, “NATURES EXTRAORDINAIRE”

By Clay Larroy

 

Traveling can be a great way to meet new people and experience other cultures. New friends are waiting to meet you in places you have only dreamed of traveling. It can be a wonderful way to see all that the world has to offer. Travel can be a hobby and an adventure that will lead you to unexpected places.  When you want to plan a vacation contact me!

 

Safety Notes when travelling to Belize

Although most visits to Belize are trouble-free, there have been incidents of tourists falling victim to violent crime. Muggings have been reported in San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and Placencia, and in parts of Belize City. Visitors

should take sensible precautions to minimize the risks. These would include not wearing expensive jewelry, keeping valuables out of sight, staying in groups, avoiding dark alleys, and not walking alone on the beach at night.
It is also advisable to use qualified guides for exploratory trips off the beaten track. The country is prone to hurricanes between June and November.

Customs in Belize

 

Homosexuality is illegal and considered to be socially unacceptable.

Duty Free in Belize

Travelers over 18 years do not have to pay customs duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; wines or spirits not exceeding one liter and personal goods or souvenirs to the value of 200 BZD. Restricted items include plants, meat and meat products, live animals and processed food items.

Doing Business in Belize

Belize has a fairly informal business style, although punctuality and politeness are appreciated. Handshaking, the exchanging of business cards and some small talk is expected before getting down to business. Dress is usually casual, but neat, with men in short-sleeved, collared shirts without a tie; however, government-related business is more formal. Business hours are usually 8am to 12pm and 1pm to 5pm Monday to Friday.

Communication in Belize

The international dialing code for Belize is +501. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The area code for Belize City is (0)2. International Direct Dialing is available.

Mobile telephone coverage is available throughout most of the country with the Belize Telemedia Ltd GSM 1900 network, and cellphone rental is available. There are two Internet service providers in Belize, with Internet cafes in urban centers and tourist areas. Postal services are reliable.

Tipping in Belize

Tipping in Belize is voluntary but as in any country, good services should be rewarded with a 10 percent tip. Upscale hotels and resorts may add a 10 percent service charge to guests' bills and this usually goes to the porter

and maid who assisted you. Tour guides should be tipped a few extra dollars for their effort and taxi drivers should be tipped only if they help carry your bags or take you on a guided tour.

Passport/Visa Note

All visitors to Belize (except cruise ship passengers) must produce a passport valid for at least the period of their intended stay. We recommend, however, that passports be valid for six months after departure from holiday

destinations. All visitors should also have return tickets and documents for onward travel, and funds amounting to US$50 per person per day. Visas are usually granted on arrival for 30 days but extensions are usually possible for
a fee.

 

REFERENCE SITES:

http://www.travelresearchonline.com/

 

Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!