Belize is a stunning destination that offers something for everyone: pristine beaches, ancient ruins, lush rainforests, and the world’s second-largest barrier reef. Before you pack your bags, here are essential tips that every American traveler should know to make the most of their Belizean adventure.
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To enter Belize, Americans need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining from the date of entry. You can stay visa-free for up to 30 days, but if you plan to extend your trip, visit the Immigration Office for an extension. Double-check entry requirements before your trip, as they may change.
Don't have a passport but want to travel somewhere tropical and exotic? Checkout our complete list of unique places Americans can travel without a passport!
The official currency in Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD). However, occasionally US dollars are accepted but I wouldn't recommend depending on that. Be sure to get convert enough cash either before you leave home or upon arrival.
Credit cards are widely accepted in Belize, particularly at hotels, restaurants, and major tourist destinations. However, it’s not uncommon to encounter issues with card machines due to spotty internet connections or other technical problems. To avoid being caught off guard, carry cash with you as a backup—especially in smaller towns or rural areas. Also, keep in mind that credit cards will almost always come with an additional percentage added to your bill which many proprietors won't mention when they ask you "cash or card?" at checkout.
The US dollar to Belizean dollar conversion rate is 1 USD = 2 BZD.
Communication is a for Americans since English is the official language in Belize. However, you’ll also hear Spanish, Creole, and other regional languages.
Belize’s transportation options vary depending on where you’re headed. When we visited Belize we were driving the Pan-American Highway in our 1988 Land Cruiser camper so we had our own transportation (and housing) while in Belize. Here's what we learned about transit during our visit and through a lot of research:
Belize is generally a safe destination, but it’s wise to take precautions, especially in cities like Belize City.
It is highly recommended that visitors do not drink the water in Belize. Instead you should stick to bottled or purified water sources only.
Tipping is customary in Belize. Here are some guidelines:
Belizeans are warm and welcoming. Friendly greetings and polite conversations go a long way in fostering good interactions.
Belize’s natural beauty is unparalleled, with incredible destinations like the Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest barrier reef in the world!), Great Blue Hole, and numerous rainforests and wildlife sanctuaries. To help preserve these environments:
When visiting you Belize you have to give their favorite foods and drinks a try. Here are our recommendations for must try foods and drinks in Belize.
Important note: Did you notice that there are two dishes with almost identical names above? It gets more confusing than that because often times locals will drop the "stewed" when referring to beans and rice. I know it sounds crazy but rice and beans and beans and rice are two different dishes!
Belize has a tropical climate, so pack light and smart. We'd recommend packing for Belize like you would any tropical destination vacation.
Checkout our complete packing guide for tropical destination vacations complete with a free download here!
Belize is a melting pot of cultures, including Maya, Creole, Garifuna, and Mestizo communities. Respect for local customs is appreciated:
Belize operates on Central Standard Time (CST) and does not observe daylight saving time. Plan accordingly to avoid scheduling confusion.
The electricity in Belize runs on 110 volts, the same as in the U.S., so you won’t need an adapter for your devices. While Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes, remote areas may have limited connectivity. Consider downloading maps or other essential information before heading off the grid.
Our time in Belize was way shorter than we would have preferred, but we so enjoyed the time we did get there. While most people visit Belize for the beaches, we never saw a single one while we were in the country (it's a long story why...). For being a small country in Central America, it has a truly unique feel and some of the friendliest people we've ever met while traveling. We can't wait to return again one day soon and finally visit some of those beautiful beaches and reefs we keep hearing about.
Have you been to Belize? Share your travel tips and favorite experiences in the comments below!