Belize Frequently Asked Questions
| Will my cell phone work in Belize? | |
| In order to have mobile cellular service in Belize, an unlocked GSM (Global System Mobile Communication) 1900 MHz cellular phone is required. Phones may be activated at any BTL office, digicell or smart distributor in the country. Prepaid service works using phone cards that can be bought at various stores around the country. | |
| What is Belize’s time zone? | |
| Time observed year round is GMT-6, which is the same as United States Central Standard Time. Daylight Savings Time is not observed in Belize. | |
| What languages are spoken in Belize? | |
| English is the only official language of Belize due to being a former British colony; however, it is only spoken as a first or only language by a small percent of the population. Most Belizeans use the more familiar Belize Kriol, an English-based Creole, although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan are widely spoken throughout the country. | |
| What currency is used in Belize and what is it worth? | |
| The Belize Dollar (BZ$) has a fixed rate of exchange of BZ $2 to US $1. Most hotels, resorts, restaurants, and tour operators will accept U.S. currency, traveler’s checks, or credit cards. When using your credit cards in Belize, most establishments will add a 5% service charge to your bill. Always make sure that you understand which dollar rate is being quoted. | |
| Who is the prime minister of Belize? | |
| Belize’s current prime minister is Hon. Dean Oliver Barrow. | |
| What kind of transportation does Belize offer? | |
| Belize offers transportation by land, air and the sea. | |
| What type of Medical services does Belize offer? | |
| There is a well staffed hospital and several private doctors in Belize City. Also the district towns and larger villages have hospitals or clinics. | |
| What is the current population of Belize? | |
| 301,270 people (2008 est.) | |
| Will I be able to bring along pets? | |
Bringing a pet into the country falls under live animal importation and is regulated by the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA).Domestic pets will be allowed to enter the country provided that owners present the following:
Import PermitsTo apply for an import permit, request application form from: Permit Unit
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| How is the weather in Belize? | |
| Belize has tropical weather which is mostly dry. | |
| Who is the Governor General of Belize? | |
| Belize’s Governor General is Sir Calvin Young; OUR 1981 CONSTITUTION provides for a Governor-General who must be a citizen of Belize and who is appointed by the Queen to be her representative in Belize. | |
| What is Belize’s Electricity Rate? | |
| Although most of the electricity is provided by Diesel/Generator Sets, the power is stable at 110 Volts A.C., which is the same voltage as in the United States. | |
| What are the main sports of Belize? | |
| Belize’s main sports are; Basketball, Soccer and cricket. | |
| Where is Belize Located? | |
| Belize is located in Central America, bordered by Guatemala to the south and west, Bordered by Mexico to the north and bordered by the Caribbean sea to the east. | |
| How long will I be able to stay in Belize? | |
Visitors are permitted to stay in Belize for a period not to exceed thirty (30) days. The following category of persons may be granted by the Immigration Department extensions of up to three (3) months at a time. These three months would be after the thirty day period given by the Immigration Officer at the port of entry.
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| What are the business hours in Belize? | |
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| Does Belize offer money transfer services? | |
| Belize offers many ways to transfer money world wide; FedEx, Money Gram, Western Union etc. | |
| Are there any entry requirements to enter Belize? | |
| All adults traveling with minors (age 16 and under) that are neither relatives nor friends should have a consent letter from their parents stating that the parents gave them permission for their children to travel on their behalf. If a child is traveling with a mother or father, then he or she needs to provide a letter from the other parent. If the parents are divorced or separated, then a custody certificate should be presented. | |
| Does Belize have an Entertainment center? | |
| Belize has a number of entertainment center located in almost every district. | |
| What are the laws in Belize? | |
| Belize has several laws; most of them are common throughout the world. | |
| What are national symbols of Belize? | |
| Belize has 6 different national symbols; the national animal, the national flower, the national bird, the national flag, the national tree and the coat of arms. | |
| What is Belize’s political status? | |
| Belize is a parliamentary democracy, a constitutional monarchy and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. | |
| Is Belize an independent country? If so when? | |
| Yes Belize is an Independent country and it was gained on the 21st September, 1981. | |
| What are the best tourist attractions? | |
| Belize has a variety of site seeing areas for tourist to look for; Examples the Maya Ruins, Historic buildings, Museums, Cathedral and Cayes etc. | |
| What music does Belize Entertain? | |
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