Frequently Asked Questions

English is the official language of Belize, although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan are widely spoken throughout the country.

Belize's climate is described as sub-tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year and brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The weather is characterized by two seasons: a rainy (June to November) and a dry season. Annual rainfall ranges from 60 inches in the north to 160 inches in the south. Rainfall is variable from year to year except for in the south. The coldest month is January while the hottest Month is May.

Central Standard Time. Belize does not observe daylight-saving time.

The drinking water in Belize is potable.

Local currency is the Belize Dollar or BZ$.

One US dollar is equivalent to BZ$2.

Before leaving your home country, be sure to notify your credit card company and bank that you will be traveling to Belize. Many companies will decline your credit/debit card when it is used outside your normal shopping area. ATM machines are located countrywide, and most accept credit and debit cards with the VISA, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus logos.

Tipping is voluntary. Usually 10% is acceptable with 15% for exceptional service. In some cases, a gratuity may be added to your check. This practice varies with each establishment. Be sure to ask before paying the bill.

Belize does not have an area code. The country code is 501. To place a call from the U.S. or Canada to Belize, dial 011+501+phone number. To place a call from Belize to the U.S. or Canada, dial 001+area code +phone number.

Postal Rates to the U.S. are BZ$.60 for letters, BZ$.30 for postcards. To Europe, BZ$.75 for letters, BZ$.40 for postcards.

Belize is an independent country with a democratically elected parliamentary government and is a British Commonwealth member. The legal system and rule of law are firmly rooted in the English Common Law, and supplemented by local legislation, with the Privy Council serving as the final court of appeal. Belize has a constitution and a bill of rights.

January 1 - - - - - - - - New Years Day
March 9 - - - - - - - - - - -Baron Bliss Day
Varies - - - - - - - - - - -Good Friday
Varies - - - - - - - - - - - Holy Saturday
Varies - - - - - - - - - - - Easter Monday
May 1 - - - - - - - - - - - -Labor Day
May 24 - - - - - - - - - - - Commonwealth Day
September 10 - - - - - - - - St. George's Caye Day (National Day)
September 21 - - - - - - - - Independence Day
November 19 - - - - - - - - -Garifuna Settlement Day
October 12 - - - - - - - - - Columbus Day
December 25 - - - - - - - - -Christmas Day
December 26 - - - - - - - - -Boxing Day