Tips before you travel to Belize

After traveling through Mexico and Guatemala first; I really had to adjust a couple of days to the different way of traveling, culture, people and costs in Belize. In this travel blog I will describe my experiences and hope you find this useful tips and inspirations on Belize, Central America.

Local kid playing at the beach in Belize, Belize Travel BlogVisa for Belize

As a Dutch citizen we don’t need to request a Visa, we get one in our passport for 3 months when we arrive in the country. Please check your visa status when traveling to Belize.

Vaccinations for Belize

Several websites show different recommendations for vaccinations. For Belize you are required to have these standard essential vaccinations: Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine, Diphtheria-Tetanus-Polio vaccine and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. I got an extra shot of Measles because I was not sure I got it in the past and to make sure I was covered I took a shot. Beside these vaccinations I have the recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Optional vaccinations are Hepatitis B, Yellow Fever and Rabies.

I got a 3 days emergency package of Malaria pills with me for my entire trip to Central America. Have you been feverish or flu-like in the tropics for more than 24 hours? Keep in mind that it may be Malaria. Go to a hospital to have your blood tested for Malaria. Preferably consult with your travel insurance company about a good hospital on the spot. Does research show that you have Malaria; use the emergency package of Malaria pills (Malarone) as treatment; no need to take the pills during the whole trip.

Palm shadow in Belize, Belize Travel BlogSafety in Belize

All I heard when I told people I went traveling to Central and South America: “Is it safe?” “A women all by herself!” And all I can say, you have to be cautious and be prepared. I wrote a separate blog on Safety during my travels; Travel Tips to keep Safe.

The local people in Belize are so great!! It is real mix of a lot of backgrounds; the Mayas, Afro-Caribbean Garifuna people and the English blend too. A real multi culture place; with the most beautiful people I have seen with bright eyes and dark skin. The men could be really persisting, more than I had experienced anywhere else. Very pushy, some almost stalking me to go out with me…. I haven’t felt unsafe in Belize; but I did not visit Belize City for a reason!

Tip: Stay strong, be direct yourself if you don’t like that persisting and pushy behavior.

Accommodations in Belize

I found it very hard to find and book nice accommodation for a reasonable price. Either all was already booked or I could not really find it via Booking.com. I understood from a local that in Belize they use Airbnb more than Booking.com; so open an Airbnb-account before travelling to Belize. Another option is to book the rooms on the spot: advantage is that you can have a good look and feel of the place; disadvantage is that you can’t go directly to your accommodation and wander around with your bags across town.

Tropic Air plane in Belize, Belize Travel BlogTransport in Belize

Not like in Guatemala, I could find real tour shuttles that could bring me from A to B. It is all public busses or private very expensive shuttles. Of course you can book tours, like the ATM or Raggamuffin, where all transport is included. I met people that booked organized tours that had a private driver bringing them from A to B, but I think you have to book that in advance via a tour operator. For traveling by yourself and last minute, local chicken busses are the best transport. They are cheap, a great experience with the reggae music coming loud out of the speakers and meet and talk to the local people in the bus.

Tip: Watch your bags in the bus, you could be an easy target for pick pocking!!

Money in Belize

Compared to other Central American counties, I found Belize expensive. The prices doubled from Mexico to Guatemala, doubled again from Guatemala to Belize. In Belize US dollar bills are accepted; the Belize dollar is even fixed to the USD ( 2B$=1US$). You can get B$ out of the cash machines in Belize, but I bought sufficient US$ to cover all my expenses here and you can pay with all Credit Cards in the main hotels and restaurants (some with additional costs).

Tip: Bring some cash US$ with you in case of emergency.

Caye Caulker from above Belize, Belize Travel BlogOther Tips for Belize

You can buy a SIM card for your phone, but I only used the WIFI at the hotels and restaurants; it’s available everywhere, no need to buy extra data in my opinion.

Before I left to Central America and Belize I already downloaded the app; Maps.me. This is an off-line map provider. You download parts of a country in advance where you intent to go. This was very helpful by walking in the city streets where there was no reception and you still can find your way!

Hibiscus Flower in Belize, Belize Travel BlogHave you already made a decision on your route yet? Check here for more inspirations.

Toucan at the Belize Zoo in Belize, Belize Travel Blog

Belize Zoo & TEC Lodge

When I was planning my trip to Central America and Belize, I wanted to go to the highlights but left some time to do unplanned activities as well....
Read more
San Ingnacio Sign in town of San Ingnacio Belize, Belize Travel Blog

San Ignacio & ATM cave

I arrived in San Ignacio, Cayo District of Belize by bus from Flores, Guatemala. I have to admit I had a culture shock. The nature is almost the...
Read more
The Split view on Caye Caulker Belize, Belize Travel Blog

Colorful Caye Caulker & Blue Hole

The Rastafarian vibe gave me the real holiday feeling on Caye Caulker; nice cooling breeze, palm trees, reggae music, fresh fish, turquoise waters, white sand, clear waters and...
Read more
Painted Chair at beach in Placencia Belize, Belize Travel Blog

Laidback Hopkins & Placencia

Hopkins and Placencia are located in the South of Belize, Central America; both with their own vibe, atmosphere and characteristics. Both very different but both laidback and perfect...
Read more
Sailing view barrier reef during Sailing tour Raggamuffin Belize, Belize Travel Blog

Raggamuffin Sailing Tour

I love sailing!!! After my Panama San Blas sailing experience I wanted to learn sailing and have my own boat one day. I love to be in and...
Read more
Belizean flag in Belize, Belize Travel Blog

Route for 2-3 weeks Belize

In this travel blog inspirations, tips and information on a route through Belize, Central America. Belize is beautiful and different than the rest of Central America. It has...
Read more