- Bound by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the south and west, the 8,886 sq. km. country of Belize enjoys 185 miles of Central America's Caribbean coast-line.
- The Belize mainland is made up of subtropical rainforest in the mountain regions, waterfalls, caverns, scenic flatlands and coastal mangrove swamps.
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| Government: | Formerly known as British Honduras, this politically stable democratic country gained it's independence from Britain in 1981. It has ever remained a member of the commonwealth of nations. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Population: | Approximately 200,000 comprised of Creoles (African-European), Garifuna (African-Indian), Mestizo (Spanish-Indian), Maya, European, North-American, and Asian. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Language: | The official language is English, but Caribe and Spanish are also spoken. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Currency: | Currency is the Belize Dollar, although the US dollar is widely accepted. The current exchange rate is presently fixed at two Belize Dollars per US Dollar. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weather: |
Belize's climate is
subtropical. There is a rainy season which lasts from July through to
January. The remainder of the year is normally quite arid. While the
annual average temperature is about 80° Fahrenheit, summer
temperatures (Late May to the end of September) range between 75°-90°F
degrees. It is rare to see the temperature exceed 95°F. Even though
brisk prevailing winds from the Caribbean Sea also moderate the
temperature, the sun is extremely hot and it is recommended that you
make use of a blocker. During the winter season temperatures vary
between 60° -80°F degrees but can fall below this level when the
north winds blow.
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| Dress: | Light, informal or casual clothing , when jungle and or island excursions are contemplated, thick forest growth and insects must be taken into account. (Applying a liberal amount of insect repellent will minimize the damage.) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Taxes | There is a 7% government hotel tax and a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 15% which is applicable to all services. All purchases in Belize are subject to a 7% VAT tax. Although it is subject to change, there is currently a departure tax of $10.00 US, plus a $1.25 US security tax plus a Protected areas Conservation Trust (PACT) fee of $3.50 US. These taxes are collected at the airport prior to departure. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customs
& Immigration |
Customs and Immigration procedures can be somewhat formal. Along with proof of return, in order to enter into Belize visitors are required to be in possession of a valid passport. While, no visas are required for visitors from the United Kingdom, the United States or Canada, citizens of most other countries will require a visa. Visitors are allowed a one-month stay without requesting an extension. It is strictly forbidden to enter into Belize or to leave the country carrying certain items such as firearms and ammunition. Be sure to check with your travel agent concerning the most up to date information on import allowances. Also, no-one is not allowed to leave Belize with: pre-Columbian articles, marine products (unless processed by the Fisheries Dept.), unprocessed coral or turtle shells. Failure to abide by these regulations will result and in these products being confiscation and could cause your detention by the authorities. |
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| Airlines | Commercial airlines that service Belize City include; Continental Airlines from Houston, American Airlines from Miami and TACA from Miami, Houston, Los Angeles and New Orleans. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Time Zone | Belize operates on Central Standard Time and does not observe day-light saving time. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Communications & Postage |
Direct dial telephone, fax and e-mail service is available. Postal rates to the US are $0.60Bz for letters and $0.50 for postcards. To Europe, $0.75Bz for letters and $0.40Bz for postcards. |
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| Gratuities |
Tipping is voluntary. Usually 10% is acceptable, with 15% for exceptional service. |
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| Health& Emergencies |
Sub-Aquatic Services of Cozumel, Mexico, operates a two-man, twin-lock recompression chamber near to the San Pedro Airport on Ambergris Caye. However, while low altitude air-evacuation to this chamber facility is available from any location inside Belize, the cost for this service can be quite expensive. For this reason Hooked on Diving requires that all of it's diver-tourist guests be Dive Accident Network (DAN) members or equivalent in good standing. Hospital facilities are also located at Belize City, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda. |
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| Electricity | Same as US, 110 volts, 60 cycles AC. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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More Info: |
Should you require more info on Belize, please contact us at; info@hookedondiving.com or:
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