Mexico & Central America
Belize
English-speaking and easy to navigate: reef diving on the cayes, Maya ruins and jungle around San Ignacio. Pricier than its neighbours, with slow buses and high crime in parts of Belize City.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa105 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyBZDUS$1 ≈ BZ$2.00Details
- Price level53%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English5/5Spoken almost everywhereDetails
- PlugsType A, B, G110 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911All emergencies 911
- Tap waterFilter or boilTowns have treated tap water, but most people drink purified jug water; on the cayes and in rural areas stick to it.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalDecriminalised in 2016.Details
- Internet53 MbpsMedian fixed broadbandDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are valid for up to 3 months; longer stays need a Belize permit. An IDP is recommended.
- Digital nomad visaYesWork Where You VacationDetails
Where to go in Belize
4 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caye CaulkerIsland | 4/5 | $1,900–2,750 | Jan–May | 34/100 |
| Ambergris CayeIsland | 4/5 | $2,250–3,250 | Feb–May, Dec | 23/100 |
| PlacenciaTown | 4/5 | $2,000–3,000 | Jan–May | 26/100 |
| San IgnacioTown | 4/5 | $1,500–2,250 | Feb–May | 45/100 |
When to visit Belize
Dry season December–May is best (whale sharks March–June). June–November is wet and hurricane season, peaking September–October.
Good to know
Entry
- Complete the digital immigration and customs form before flying into Belize City; paper forms are being phased out.
- Visitor stays are extended month by month at Immigration offices, BZ$200 per 30 days.
- Leaving by land or boat costs a BZ$40 (US$20) exit fee at the border; air departure taxes are in the ticket.
- Officers may ask for an onward ticket and proof of funds.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Damaging coral or the reef is a criminal offence with heavy penalties.
- Changing money on the street is illegal; use banks or licensed exchanges.
- Removing Maya artifacts or protected wildlife without a permit is illegal.
Etiquette
- Things run on 'Belize time'; be patient with tours and buses.
- Greet people with 'good morning' before asking questions.
- Don't touch coral or feed marine life on reef trips.
Tipping
10–15% in restaurants unless service is already added; tip tour and dive guides around 10–15%.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Belize
- Government of Canada travel advice: Belize
- Belize Immigration and Nationality Department
- Belize Tourism Board: Work Where You Vacation
- Speedtest Global Index: Belize
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.