Even seasoned travelers understand and appreciate the importance of knowing some very basic information about the country they are about to visit. The country of Belize in Central America is no exception. Basic travel tips such as the ones we will provide you here are invaluable assets when you visit the country and by keeping them in mind as you travel you ensure that your trips and vacation will the best it possibly can be.

The first question most people ask when they are visiting a new country is what language is spoken there. English is not the primary language in all countries, but if you are from an English speaking country, you are in luck. The primary and officially recognized language of Belize is English. However, the country is so diversified that you will hear many people speaking Spanish, Maya, Garifuna, and Creole. You will find that the people who and live and work in Belize will communicate with you in English although if a shop keep happens to turn around and speak in another language to their workers, do not be surprised.

Speaking of shop keeps, most commercial, retail, and industrial businesses in Belize are open Monday through Friday from 8am to noon and then from 1pm to 5pm. Whether or not the business is opened on Saturday depends on the individual business itself and these three types of businesses are closed on Sunday. If you need to use a bank in Belize, you will find that the standard hours are Monday through Thursday from 8am to 1pm and Friday from 8am to 4:3pm. The banks are also not opened on Saturday or Sunday and you should verify the hours before visiting the bank. Belize’s national currency is the Belize Dollar which has a fixed exchange rate of $2 to every American dollar. Most places will accept American dollars as well as major credit cards and traveler’s checks. If you use your credit card, expect an additional 5% service charge to be added to the bill.

While most developed areas of Belize have potable drinking water that is safe to drink you should stick to bottled water or boiled water if you are in doubt about drinking the potable variety. If you should happen to get sick while visiting the country there is a hospital in Belize City as well as smaller hospitals and clinics in the outer lying areas. Currently Belize is not under any form of epidemic disease warning and you do not need to receive any inoculations before entering the country. However, if you are going to staying for an extended length of time in the country’s jungle areas you should bring anti-malaria tablets with you.

Getting around the towns, cities and resorts of Belize is fairly easy as there is taxi service available if you chose not to walk or take other forms of public transportation. You can identify the taxis by the green license plates that are on the vehicles. Taxis in Belize do not have meters in them so you need to ask the driver how much the fare will be before you hire them. You should find that the taxis do charge a standard fare.

Finally, there is phone service, including international calling in Belize with service primarily being carried for international calls to the United States and Canada. This does not mean you cannot call other countries; service is simply carried by another carrier. Cellular phone is available on an unlocked GSM phone or you can rent one for the duration of your stay. There are also prepaid cellular phones available for sale in Belize.