What Every American Traveler Should Know Before Visiting Belize

Beach and shacks along a island beach in Belize

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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Belize Entry Requirements for Americans

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!

Currency and Money Matters

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.

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Are credit cards accepted in Belize?

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.

Chris walking at Cahal Pech Mayan ruins
Chris walking at Cahal Pech Mayan ruins

What is the US dollar to Belizean dollar conversion rate?

The US dollar to Belizean dollar conversion rate is 1 USD = 2 BZD.

Language

Communication is a for Americans since English is the official language in Belize. However, you’ll also hear Spanish, Creole, and other regional languages.

Getting Around

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:

  • Car Rentals: Consider renting a 4WD vehicle for exploring remote areas, as many roads outside urban centers are unpaved. Always check with your rental car company to be sure they allow their vehicles to be driven on unpaved roads. We learned this is important to always do when we rented a car and roadtripped Iceland's Ring Road.
  • Domestic Flights: Small aircraft flights can save time if you’re hopping between destinations like Belize City and Ambergris Caye.
  • Golf Carts: If you're planning to visit San Pedro (like many tourists do), you may want to rent a golf cart. Golf cart rentals run ~$45 USD per day.
  • Taxis: Uber is not available in Belize so tourists will need to rely on taxis or private shuttles if they need to get from place to place and don't want to drive themselves or use public transit.
  • Public Transportation: Belize seems to have a pretty extensive bus system that locals employ everyday to get to and from work, school, and errands. We never tried the public transit in Belize so I can't speak personally to what it's like to ride these buses, but we did see them all over the place.
Bird flying over water at sunset at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary
Bird flying over water at sunset at Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary

Health and Safety Tips

Belize is generally a safe destination, but it’s wise to take precautions, especially in cities like Belize City.

  • Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
  • Stick to bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues.
  • Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue or Zika by using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves when necessary.

Can I drink the water in Belize?

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 and Etiquette

Tipping is customary in Belize. Here are some guidelines:

  • Restaurants: Leave a 10-15% tip unless a service charge is included.
  • Tour Guides: Show your appreciation with a tip for their expertise.

Belizeans are warm and welcoming. Friendly greetings and polite conversations go a long way in fostering good interactions.

Golf carts on the beach in San Pedro, Belize
Golf carts on the beach in San Pedro, Belize

Discover Belize's Natural Beauty

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:

  • Avoid touching coral reefs or disturbing marine life.
  • Always wear reef safe sunscreen in natural bodies of water.
  • Pay entrance fees to support conservation efforts in national parks and marine reserves.

Food and Drink

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.

  • Stewed Beans and Rice: A local classic dish where the rich and beans are cooked separately. This was my personal favorite in Belize because you could often order it vegetarian and and the ration of beans to rice is higher than the rice and beans dish (see below).
  • Rice and Beans: Belizean's favorite dish! Usually served with your choice of meat (we recommend jerk chicken), for this dish the rice and beans are cooked together and includes coconut milk which gives the dish a really full and delicious flavor.
  • Ceviche: Fresh seafood mixed with lime and spices. Personally I've never been much of a ceviche person, but if you are then you should definitely get it in Belize! No matter where you are in the country you're never more than a couple of hours from the ocean meaning the seafood is always fresh.
  • Belkin Beer: This is Belize's domestic beer that you'll find all over the place. We actually really liked their domestic beer so be sure to give it a try while you're in the area.
  • Rum-based cocktails: Belize is a very Caribbean feeling country and if there's one thing I learned from Pirates of the Caribbean is that rum is beloved in this region of the world (no really, it is). Be sure to try a rum cocktail while in Belize if cocktails are your thing.

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!

Belizean jungle and river from overhead
Belizean jungle and river from overhead

Packing Essentials

Belize has a tropical climate, so pack light and smart. We'd recommend packing for Belize like you would any tropical destination vacation.

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing.
  • Rain gear, especially if visiting during the rainy season (June–November).
  • Reef safe sunscreen and a hat to protect against the strong sun.
  • A waterproof bag for electronics and valuables during boat trips or sudden rain showers.

Checkout our complete packing guide for tropical destination vacations complete with a free download here!

Respecting Culture and Traditions

Belize is a melting pot of cultures, including Maya, Creole, Garifuna, and Mestizo communities. Respect for local customs is appreciated:

  • Always ask for permission before taking photos of locals. This is a big one for me! If we're going to get a photo or video clip of a specific person we'll ask permission. Almost always people are okay having their picture taken but you should always ask!
  • Be mindful when visiting sacred sites, such as Maya ruins. Many of these sites are considered sacred or at least historically significant to cultures thus they should be treated with the utmost respect.

Time Zone

Belize operates on Central Standard Time (CST) and does not observe daylight saving time. Plan accordingly to avoid scheduling confusion.

Electricity and Connectivity

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.

Final Thoughts

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!

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Hi! We're Chris and Sara a husband and wife video making, storytelling, travel loving duo with a passion for sharing travel tips, tricks, and inspiration with others.
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