Know Before You Go: Travel Tips for Your Visit to Belize January 3, 2023

Straddling the dense jungles of Central America on the west and the colorful Caribbean on the east, Belize is a true tropical paradise. What it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in offerings – with idyllic beaches, lush rainforests, spectacular hiking trails, and the world’s second-largest barrier reef. No matter what brings you to Belize, you should know a few things before you arrive.

Best Months to Visit

Belize enjoys a subtropical climate and balmy temperatures year-round, with average temps sitting around 84°F while the thermometer rarely dips below 60°F. There is no bad time to visit, but there are two very distinct seasons that every traveler should be aware of: The Dry Season and the Wet Season.

December through May is considered the dry season, and it’s also the peak season in Belize. Temperatures are a bit milder, and sunny days are the norm. You may experience cloudy days during this time, but rainfall is not typical.

The wet season spans from June through November, with high temperatures, humidity, and occasional storms as this is also hurricane season. Rain showers typically last for a few hours if there’s no storm. Visiting during this off-season can save you money and help to avoid crowds.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Most visitors do not need a visa to enter Belize. Passport holders from USA, Canada, UK, the European Union, Caribbean Community Member States, and Central American countries are exempt from visa requirements. Visitors can remain in Belize for up to 30 days without a visa.

As of July 12, 2022, travelers no longer need to show proof of vaccination, negative test results, or any other documentation regarding COVID-19.

Note that Belize requires foreign visitors to pay a departure tax when leaving the country. Fees range between 20-55 USD, depending on where you’re departing from. Some airlines include this cost in your airfare, so read the fine print when booking your flights.

Languages

Due to its long tenure as a British Colony, the official language in Belize is English. Belize didn’t gain independence until 1981, so visitors will find it incredibly easy to chat with locals in English. Spanish is also widely spoken, as is Kriol (Belizean Creole).

Currency

The official currency in Belize is the Belizean Dollar. If visiting from the US, you’ll find the currency extremely easy to convert. The Belize Dollar and the US Dollar are fixed, so every US dollar is worth almost exactly 2 Belizean dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is still king in Belize. If you plan on using your credit card, be aware that most establishments charge a fee for every transaction.

Electricity

Belize is a bit of a toss-up when it comes to electricity. Power plugs and sockets are either type A or B. Types A and B are used around North America and will be either two or three prongs. Belize also has two voltage standards, 110 / 220 V, with a frequency of 60Hz. Plug and voltage types can vary from city to city and even resort to resort, so one of the most important Belize tips for visitors is to bring an adapter/converter.

Where to Stay

One of the best Belize tips we can give you is to choose a great place to stay. The quality of your resort will hugely affect your trip, so don’t take any risks. The Chabil Mar Villas sit just steps from the village of Placencia and offer guests an array of spacious villas and upscale amenities, including private beach access, roaming butler service, free shuttles to the village, and more.