Belize Traveler Essentials
- Capital
- Belmopan
- Currency
- Belize Dollar (BZD $)
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from late November to mid-April brings the best weather for diving, beaches, and inland exploration.
Visa requirements
Visitors from the US, Canada, EU, UK, and many other nations can enter visa-free for up to 30 days with a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Getting around
Domestic flights and water taxis connect the cayes, while buses and rental cars cover the mainland; golf carts are the main transport on the islands.
Safety
Tourist areas like Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia are generally safe, but Belize City has high crime so avoid walking alone there at night. Stick to well-traveled areas and use registered tour operators.
Tipping customs
Tipping around 10-15% is appreciated in restaurants and for tour guides, though it is not always automatically added to bills.
Travel tips
US dollars are widely accepted alongside the Belize dollar, which is fixed at 2:1. Cash is essential for small islands and rural areas where card acceptance is limited. Mosquito repellent and reef-safe sunscreen are must-haves.