Advice For Traveling To Belize?

Question

In April I'm heading to Belize and I've never been outside of the US in this fashion before. I'm doing alot of research in the area and I'll be staying in the Abergris Caye section of the country, andmy friends are helping me out (since they are going) with the hotel and etc. But what about safety, costs, currency, transportation, etc?

Any suggestions from people who've been?

Answer 1

I have been to Belize twice recently and stayed out on the cayes...It is beautiful there! You may know some of this info but I will tell you what I know. You do have your passport, right? Currency is easy, $2BZ to $1US. You can usually use US dollars on Ambergris and get money exchange at the banks too. Ambergris is much more developed compared to Caye Caulker where I stayed so I am not sure about bathing situations, but just so you know, the water in the bathrooms where I stayed is salt water, which after a while you get used to, so don't worry about it. Always drink bottled water there and always be sure to ask if the ice is bagged before you order a drink with ice at a restaurant.

Unless you have your own way to get around, the best means of transportation from island to island is Caye Caulker water taxi and they go back and forth to Belize City all day as well. And just so you know, San Pedro is the drop off on Ambergris caye.

As far as safety goes, as in any country, just pay attention to what is going on around you. I found almost all of the people there to be friendly and helpful, even the drug dealers who approached us were respectful and when we told them no thanks they went on thier way. I think if you go with an open mind and open heart it makes a lot of difference. I have heard of people having bad experiences on the cayes or in the city but ours was wonderful.

Cost at most restaurants is very cheap. We ate great suppers nightly for around $5.00US. Grilled chicken, grilled snapper, mashed potatoes, rice and beans, salad. We ate meat pies from the guy who sells meat pies on the corner for breakfast 5 for $2US..YUMMY. And at night the little kids come around and sell all kinds of sweets thier moms made for about $.50US. Everything was soooo tasty. Just explore and you will find your own meat pie guy! Also, if you drink beer, try the Belizean Beer, pretty darn good and cheap too.

Take lots of insect repellent. The tropical breezes keep the biting flies off of you BUT when the breeze stops, you becme a gourmet meal. You need strong stuff with DEET in it. Buy it here and take it with you cuz if you try to buy any toiletries over there it is very expensive. Remember NOT to take aresol spray repellent cuz it will leak or burst in flight. Take the pump kind.

Be sure to take in some diving and/or snorkeling to the reef and go see the rays and sharks and manatees. You simply cannot miss it.

Have fun!!!....I am so jealous right now! ;)