FAQ
Few maps to drive in Belize
from Belize International Airport (BZE) to Belize City - 20 minutes - 15km
from Belize International Airport (BZE) to San Ignacio - 2hrs - 120km
from Belize International Airport (BZE) to Placencia - 3.5hrs - 240km
from San Ignacio to Placencia - 3hrs - 190km
from Belize International Airport (BZE) to Belize City - 20 minutes - 15km
from Belize International Airport (BZE) to San Ignacio - 2hrs - 120km
from Belize International Airport (BZE) to Placencia - 3.5hrs - 240km
from San Ignacio to Placencia - 3hrs - 190km
airport departure fees
An Airport Departure Fee of US$39.25 is required. This consists of a US$18.00 Airport Development Fee, a US$15 Passenger Service Fee, a US$2.50 Security Fee and a US$3.75 Conservation Fee, which is used to promote, enhance and conserve Belize’s protected areas. That Fee might be included in your flight as well, check with the airlines.
ANIMALS
Pets being brought into the country must be accompanied by a veterinary certificate issued by a register veterinarian in the country of origin and should also be accompanied by an import permit that should be issued by BAHA. You can contact BAHA at +501 – 224 5230 or email baha@btl.net for more information on obtaining the permit.
CLIMATE
Subtropical with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The temperature averages 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The rainy season is between June and November.
CURRENCIES & RATES
Local currency is the Belize Dollar or BZD. US$1 dollar is equivalent to BZD$2. Banks and ATM’s throughout the country include Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Heritage Bank and Scotia Bank.
CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES
Importation of Currency: Under the Customs Laws of Belize, each person is allowed to import up to 10,000BZD or foreign currency equivalent. If you are importuning in excess of $10,000BZD or foreign equivalent you must declare this to Customs Officials.
DENOMINATIONS
Most denominations are represented in Belize; the majority being Roman Catholic. There are also Anglican, Methodist, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, amongst others.
DOES AIRPORT OFFER WIRELESS INTERNET ACCESS?
Yes. PGIA offers free Wireless Internet access to passengers who have a computer with built-in Wi-Fi technology.
Does pgia (bzE) have a lost and found?
Yes. Items that are left or found in the Terminals are turned over to our Security Office at Ext. 171. Hours of operation are 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The telephone number is (501) 225 – 2045. If an item was lost aboard an aircraft or baggage claim area, kindly check with your airline.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
Same as US, 110 volts AC power.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
Passports: Both adults and children require passports valid beyond the duration of they stay, plus proof of return.
Anyone travelling with an infant must provide proper documentations for the child, including a valid passport. When travelling with one parent, a notarized letter stating that the parent has authorization to travel with the child must be presented at any entry point.
Visa: Visitors from United States, United Kingdom, most Caribbean countries, Brazil, Argentina, France, German, and Chile in South America, do not require visas to enter. Visitors from other countries should check with their local embassies for visa requirement.
Anyone travelling with an infant must provide proper documentations for the child, including a valid passport. When travelling with one parent, a notarized letter stating that the parent has authorization to travel with the child must be presented at any entry point.
Visa: Visitors from United States, United Kingdom, most Caribbean countries, Brazil, Argentina, France, German, and Chile in South America, do not require visas to enter. Visitors from other countries should check with their local embassies for visa requirement.
GOVERNMENT
Belize is an independent country with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth member.
HOW EARLY SHOULD ARRIVE BEFORE MY FLIGHT?
Passengers are expected to arrive at least 2 to 3 hours prior to scheduled departure of an international flight.
IS PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AVAILABLE FROM PGIA TO DOWNTOWN BELIZE CITY?
Yes. Taxi is $25usd for two people - $5usd/per extra passenger
language
English is the official language and is widely spoken. Other languages / dialects include Creole, Spanish, Maya and Garifuna.
list of duty exemptions
Arriving passengers are entitled to the following exemptions:
Apparel, jewelry, toilet requisites and any portable articles in accompanied baggage or on your person, which you might reasonably be expected to carry for regular and private use.
If 18 years or older (and not returning from a visit to a neighboring Border Town or City), one-liter total of wine or spirits and 250g tobacco or 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes.
IF BELIZEAN:
In addition to the above, you can claim duty exemption on accompanied goods acquired abroad for personal or household use, or as souvenirs of gifts, with a combined value of BZD$200 twice a year through other ports or places of entry.
Apparel, jewelry, toilet requisites and any portable articles in accompanied baggage or on your person, which you might reasonably be expected to carry for regular and private use.
If 18 years or older (and not returning from a visit to a neighboring Border Town or City), one-liter total of wine or spirits and 250g tobacco or 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes.
IF BELIZEAN:
In addition to the above, you can claim duty exemption on accompanied goods acquired abroad for personal or household use, or as souvenirs of gifts, with a combined value of BZD$200 twice a year through other ports or places of entry.
merchandise
Under the customs Laws of Belize, every person importing any goods, whether for commercial, personal or any other use, must declare such goods to Customs and pay the appropriate duties. The total value of all items acquired abroad must be declared.
The amount of duty to be paid will be determined by a Customs Officer. It is serious to evade or attempt to evade Customs duties
The amount of duty to be paid will be determined by a Customs Officer. It is serious to evade or attempt to evade Customs duties
population
The population of Belize is approximately 350,000, comprising of Creole (African – European), Garifuna, Mestizo (Spanish – Indian), Maya, Mennonite, Lebanese, Chinese, East Indian and European. Due to racial harmony and religious acceptance, all of theses cultures have blended successfully.
ports of entry
Land Borders: It is possible to enter Belize through the Northern Border in Santa Elena and the Western Border in Benque Viejo Del Carmen
Sea Ports: The following are seaports where vessels may be entered or cleared: Belize City, Big Creek, San Pedro, Dangriga and Punta Gorda. Additional information is available as you enter by calling VHF channel 16
Airport: All international aircrafts must clear though the Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, Belize.
Sea Ports: The following are seaports where vessels may be entered or cleared: Belize City, Big Creek, San Pedro, Dangriga and Punta Gorda. Additional information is available as you enter by calling VHF channel 16
Airport: All international aircrafts must clear though the Phillip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, Belize.
public hospitals & medical facilities
Medical care is available at hospitals and clinics.
taxes
General Sales Tax is 12.5% is additional
time zone
Belize occupies time zone GMT-6, same as US Central Standard Time. Daylight saving time is not observed.
tipping
Tipping is voluntary. Usually 10% is acceptable with 15% for exceptional service in some cases, a gratuity charge may be added to your bill. This practice varies with each establishment. Be sure to ask before paying the bill.
topography
Belize is an area of only 8,866 square miles. It is situated on the east coast of Central America, on the Caribbean Sea. Belize is bordered by Mexico to the north and Guatemala to the west and south. The Second largest barrier reef in the world (185 miles long) falls within Belize’s territory as well as three of the four coral atolls in the Western Hemisphere.
water
Tap water in Belize is potable
Golf cart in san pedro
Golf Cart Rental prices include tax, insurance, delivery at airstrip, marina or rental, guide to rental no need to go via office, luggage assistance, complimentary drop in any area in San Pedro town. (*some restrictions applies on delivery and drop location - contact me)