Explore
Belize with this essential travel guide, covering culture, safety,
transport, and the best times to visit. Discover Mayan ruins, reef
adventures, island escapes, and unique wildlife across this vibrant
Central American destination.
Country: Belize
Continent / Region: Central America / Caribbean Basin
Capital City: Belmopan
Government Type: Parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy
Population: ~420,000
Official Language(s): English (primary), Spanish, Belizean Creole
Percentage of Population Who Speak English: Around 60–70%
Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)
Time Zone (GMT): GMT-6
Driving Side: Right
Electric Plug Type / Voltage: Type A/B plugs, 110V
Adapter Needed: Yes — UK travellers require an adapter
Emergency Numbers: 911 (police, fire, ambulance)
Travel Time from the UK (London): Approx. 12–14 hours (one or two connections)
Best Time/Months to Travel: December – April (dry season); June – November is hurricane season
Main International Airports: Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport (BZE – Belize City)
Visa Requirements: No visa required for UK citizens
Visa Needed for UK Citizens: Not required for tourism stays up to 30 days
Visa Duration / Cost: Free entry; extensions available locally
Vaccinations Needed: Routine vaccines recommended; hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies advisable; dengue precautions
Embassy Information (UK Embassy for Belize):
Average Daily Costs (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £45 / £100 / £200+ per person
Tipping Culture: 10–15% customary unless service charge included
Public Transport Options: Buses, taxis, ferries, domestic flights
Approx. Cost of Single Fare: Local bus £1–£3; water taxi £10–£20 depending on route
Internet / SIM Availability: Good coverage in cities and islands; Digi and Smart offer SIM/eSIM
Main Climate Type: Tropical climate with wet and dry seasons
Average Temperature Range (by Season):
• Winter (Dec–Feb): 23–28 °C
• Spring (Mar–May): 25–31 °C
• Summer (Jun–Aug): 26–31 °C (humid, rainy)
• Autumn (Sep–Nov): 25–30 °C (highest rainfall, hurricane risk)
Major Cities: Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Orange Walk Town
Natural Attractions: Great Blue Hole, Barrier Reef Reserve System, Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve, Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave
Popular Tourist Destinations: Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Placencia, Hopkins Village
Main Religions: Christianity (primarily Roman Catholic and Protestant)
Cultural Etiquette / Customs: Warm greetings appreciated; relaxed pace of life; modest dress recommended in rural towns; respect Mayan and Garifuna cultural sites
National Dishes / Cuisine Highlights: Rice and beans with stewed chicken, fry jacks, cerviche, conch fritters, tamales, hudut (Garifuna fish stew)
Local Festivals / Public Holidays: Garifuna Settlement Day (Nov 19), Lobster Festivals (June–July), September Celebrations, Belize Carnaval
Famous Landmarks / Heritage Sites: Great Blue Hole, Xunantunich, Caracol, Belize Barrier Reef (UNESCO), Lamanai Archaeological Reserve
Overall Safety Rating: Moderate — Belize City requires extra caution; islands and tourist towns generally safer
Common Scams / Warnings: Overpriced taxis, unlicensed guides, counterfeit tours, pickpocketing in busy areas
Health Risks: Dengue, Zika, malaria in some rural regions; strong sun exposure; waterborne illnesses
Recommended Travel Clinics: Belize Medical Associates (Belize City), Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital
Travel Insurance Recommendation: Strongly recommended, especially for adventure activities and diving
Internet Speed / Connectivity: Good in towns and islands; slower in remote jungle areas
Useful Phrases:
Must-See Attractions: Great Blue Hole, Belize Barrier Reef, Xunantunich, Caye Caulker, Actun Tunichil Muknal
Unique Experiences: Snorkelling with nurse sharks, Mayan chocolate-making, cave tubing, Garifuna drumming workshops
Hidden Gems / Off-the-Beaten Path: Rio Frio Cave, Crooked Tree Wildlife Sanctuary, Sarteneja Village, Glover’s Reef Atoll
Popular Areas to Stay: Ambergris Caye (resorts), Caye Caulker (budget-friendly), Placencia (beaches), San Ignacio (jungle lodges)
Average Hotel Prices (Budget / Mid-range / Luxury): £35 / £90 / £200+ per night
Book A Hotel: You can book your accommodation right here.
Popular Nightlife Areas: San Pedro (Ambergris Caye), Placencia beach bars, Belize City waterfront
Local Drinks / Bars to Try: Belizean rum, Belikin beer, coconut cocktails, local beachfront bars
Entertainment Options: Live reggae and Garifuna music, night snorkelling, cultural performances, beach parties
Car Rental Availability: Available; many rural roads unpaved — 4x4 recommended
Domestic Flights / Trains: Domestic flights through Tropic Air & Maya Island Air; no train system
Average Taxi / Ride Share Costs: £2–£5 for short rides; island golf carts also common
Best Markets / Districts: San Ignacio Market, Belize City artisan stalls, Placencia boardwalk
Local Crafts / Souvenirs: Mayan textiles, wooden carvings, Garifuna crafts, hot sauces, cacao products
Local SIM Card Providers: Digi, Smart
Typical Business Hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat mornings; island shops operate flexibly
Tap Water Safety: Not recommended; use bottled or filtered water
Local Apps to Download:
Did You Know?: Belize is home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef — a UNESCO site stretching over 185 miles along the coast.