TRAVEL TIPS
Everyone travelling to Belize requires a passport which is valid for at least 6 months. If you are travelling from the USA or Canada, a visa is not required. In fact, travelers from most origins do not need a visa including the European Union, citizens of the Caribbean Community Member States, Costa Rica, Chile, Guatemala, Iceland, Mexico, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland, Tunisia and Uruguay. Citizens of most of the Commonwealth Realms and Monarchies do not require a visa. Please consult with your embassy if you are unsure.
Decide where you are going and how you will get around. There are several car rental agencies in Belize City. We recommend Jabiru Auto Rentals located across the parking lot from your arrival in Belize City. Flights out of Belize City are operated hourly by Maya Island Air and Tropic Air into the Placencia Airstrip where you can rent a car or get a taxi to your destination. We may have a vehicle available depending on the time of your visit.
The Belize dollar is two to one to the US dollar. Bring US dollars in small denominations for tipping and shopping.
Packing Tips: Pack several t-shirts, a long-sleeved shirt, a pair of pants that can double for outings/hiking, 2 or more pairs of shorts, bathing suits, beach cover-ups, sarongs or sun dresses for the ladies, and a hat with a brim to protect you from the sun and rain. You don't need sweaters or hoodies from December through September. It's a warm, humid climate. You may wish to wear your boots and jacket if you are leaving a warm climate, just to prevent using up this space in your suitcase. Switch to your flip flops and bring a couple of plastic bags so you can stow your boots up in the carry-on area once on board.
You may want to bring bug spray or sunscreen (water resistant and reef friendly) though these items are available in most grocery stores. Bring your important prescriptions, sunglasses and prescription glasses, hiking or walking shoes and sandals or flip flops. The mood here is casual but you may want one dressy outfit for a night out in the village. Bring binoculars, camera, backpack, small ziploc bags, cell phone and chargers for your devices. Bring a USB stick or storage device to back up your photos!
If you are a snorkeling fan, bring your flippers and mask as there is plenty of reef to explore. You may want to bring a telescopic fishing rod that can compact down to fit your suitcase. We have snorkel gear you can borrow while out front.
Talk to locals, smile, say hello, accept invitations ... people here are very friendly.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
International flights land in Belize City. From there, you can get a small connecting flight to Placencia with Maya Island or Tropic Air, take a bus, a cab or even a shuttle or rent a car and drive down the scenic Hummingbird Highway to Placencia. With national airlines like Westjet and Southwest Airlines adding new flights directly to Belize City, your trip just got a whole lot simpler! Car rental is available directly at the airport. Just look across the parking lot from your arrival area!
CAR RENTAL AGENCIES at the International Airport in Belize City include the following:
Jabiru Auto Rental 501-225-3630
AQ Car Rental 501-222-5122
Crystal Auto Rental 936-307-1325
FLIGHTS
Book a flight from Belize to Placencia on Tropic Air or Maya Island Air
BUS LINES
Bus schedules are available here, updated fairly frequently:
https://belizebus.wordpress.com
James Bus Line info here:
www.jamesbusline.com
Ritchies Bus Line info here:
www.ritchiesbusservice.com
OTHER RENTALS
Other rentals such as golf carts, cars etc on the peninsula:
www.barefootservicesbelize.com/transfer_services.html
Taxis are also available at the airport, just ask a porter for assistance. Remember to tip!