Currency:

Belize currency exchange is extremely easy for American visitors. The Belize dollar is locked at $2 Belize = $1 USD. So it's very easy to see how much something is costing in USD when you go shopping. Most accommodations and tours are listed in US$ prices, and most restaurants, shops, etc. are listed in BZ$. Nearly everyplace readily accepts USD currency. Most also should accept traveller's checks as long as you write your passport number or driver's license number on the back.

ATMs are also available across the country, particularly in most tourist destinations- including Placenica,Punta Gorda, Belmopan, Dangriga, Belize City, San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk, San Ignacio and Corozal.

Geography:

Belize is located in Central America and it is bordered to the north by Mexico, to the south and west by Guatemala and to the east by the Caribbean Sea. It is a diverse country with various cultures and languages. Belize also has the lowest population density in Central America with 35 people per square mile or 14 people per square kilometer.

Belize is also known for its extreme biodiversity and distinctive ecosystems. On the coast, there is a swampy coastal plain with mangrove swamps. In the south and interior there are hills and low mountains. Most of the land is undeveloped and is forested with hardwoods. It is a part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot and it has many jungles, wildlife reserves, a large variety of different species of flora and fauna and the largest cave system in Central America. Some species of Belize's flora and fauna include the black orchid, the mahogany tree, the toucan and tapirs.

Language:

Come to Belize and you’ll hear familiar words of the English language. In fact, it is the only English language-speaking country in the Central Americas. While English is the official language of Belize, Kriol is the language generally spoken.

In Belize though there is a diverse range of languages spoken. These include Spanish, Mandarin and German.

History:

The first people to develop Belize were the Maya around 1500 B.C.E. As shown in archaeological records, they established a number of settlements here. The first European contact with Belize occurred in 1502 when Christopher Columbus reached the area's coast. In 1638, the first European settlement was established by England and for 150 years, many more English settlements were set up.

In 1840, Belize became a "Colony of British Honduras" and in 1862, it became a crown colony. For one hundred years after that, Belize was a representative government of England but in January 1964, full self-government with a ministerial system was granted. In 1973, the region's name was changed from British Honduras to Belize and on September 21, 1981, full independence was achieved.

Weather:

One of the nicest things about visiting Belize is the weather. With an average yearly temperature of 84° F (29°C), it’s always warm, yet comfortable. Costal sea breezes as well as the jungle and rainforests keep you cool even in the hottest summer months while winters can be cool but never very cold. In short, the climate is pretty much near perfect. Even in winter (November-March) the temperature in Belize rarely falls below 60°F (16°C), while the summer (May-September) is around 86°F (30°C). Humidity is also fairly consistent at around 85 percent.

Belize’s dry season is between February and May and has significantly lower rainfall than the rest of the year. When it does rain, it is usually in mild, short bursts.

June through December is the wet season, when parts of the country can on occasion receive heavy rainfall usually associated with the Caribbean. The most frequent rainfall usually happens in June or early July and is punctuated by a break in late July or August known as the "little dry."

Travel:

There are a number of airline providers eager to make your journey to, from and all around Belize a memorable and comfotable experience.

Commercial airlines all land at the Phillip Goldson International (PGIA) airport in Ladyville. This is just minutes from Belize City.

Private arilines require clearance through the Belize Airport Authority and Civil Aviation Department at the PGIA. Please visit the Belize Tourism website link for further details: https://www.travelbelize.org/getting-here/flights-and-airlines

Getting around Belize:

Transportation in Belize includes local airlines, helicopter, rental car hire, tour operators and buses. This all combines for travel around Belize being accessable for all.

For a relatively small nation, Belize has a well planned highway and road system that connects all mainland towns, villages and attractions.

Click the Belize Travel link for further details: https://www.travelbelize.org/getting-around.