BELIZE

Visas, Embassies & Border Crossings

The departure fee is now $30.00 BZ or $15.00 US and for Pete's sake! don't pet the nice dog.
Cathy York, US (Apr 99)

Travel Tips

There are now full service banks (Atlantic Bank, in both Caye Caulker and Placencia Village. We found that they exchange traveller's cheques and US currency in small denominations. They best rates were through local business where you get the straight 2-1--the banks charge 1.5% .
A very important note: The Placencia tourism board now employs a citizen to clean up the village and beaches full time! He's done a fabulous job, and the village and beaches are quite beautiful.
Cathy York, US (Apr 99)

The second you step off the boat onto the jetty at Caye Caulker you will be relentlessly bitten by sandflies. None of the usual stuff, like jungle strength insect repellent will work...the only thing that works is baby oil. Take plenty of it with you and POUR it on. If this doesn't work nothing will!!!! They sell it at the local supermarket. Within about 30 secs your body will be covered in little black dots...but don't worry, at least this means they're dead!! Apart from this, Caye Caulker is a beautiful island, with plenty of 'out of this world' diving and snorkeling.
Wendy, (Feb 99)

Gems, Highlights & Attractions

When in Belize, go to Placencia! We hesitate to even tell you since it's so tempting to try to keep this little "secret" to ourselves. We literally didn't wear shoes for a week. Go! and dive or snorkel with the crew at Seahorse, and stay at the Tradewinds. If you're there during the full moon in May, you'll likely see migrating whale sharks while out near the reef. US$ widely accepted and in fact preferred. In addition, Placencia is trying to start a library, and any book donations are appreciated. This is the place to lose those paperbacks you're carting around. The same goes for Caye Caulker.
Pat and Jen, (Jan 99)

There is a brilliant snorkeling tour on Caye Caulker that is run by a guy called Ras who can be found most nights in the Sandbox Bar with a rum in his hand (he's the one in the grass hat). He will take you out to swim with nurse sharks and stingrays and even an eagle ray. There is no time limit, he will bring you back whenever! It is very relaxed and there is great snorkeling and sea horses. It is will worth the $20.00 US.
Racheal Keller, (Jan 99)

Scams and Warnings

When travelling to the jungle bring a strong deet based insect repellent AND a small can of insecticide. The insecticide is for spraying on your boots and socks (after you have tucked your light cotton pants into them) to keep your legs chigger free.
You might want to avoid Garifuna Day festivities. An amusing part of the celebration has turned into the nasty practice of spray painting caucasians. This is especially true in Belize City.
Janes V. Du Bois - (Dec 98)

For more news, views and the odd bit of gibberish, drop in on the soc.culture.latin-america and rec.travel.latin-america newsgroups.

For detailed up-to-date travel information check out Lonely Planet's Destination Belize.