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Belize,
known as the Central American gateway to the Caribbean, is situated
along the eastern coastline of Central America, bordered by Mexico
and Guatemala.
The major airlines servicing Belize are American Airlines, US Airways,
Continental, Delta and TACA. International flights to Belize go
through Miami, Dallas, Houston, Charlotte, Newark and Los Angeles.
A charter flight out of Toronto is now available.
Local airlines Maya Island Air and Tropic Air have daily flights
to the Placencia Airstrip. We recommend renting a vehicle which
gives you maximum flexibility in what you can see & do at Ocean's
Edge and is an excellent way to see Belize. The drive through Hummingbird
Highway is spectacular. We can assist you in booking your flight,
or renting your vehicle. You also have the option of taking a local
bus, this takes several hours with many stops.
A valid passport is required for entry into Belize and proof of
return. Visitors are allowed a 30 day visit. You must apply at the
Immigration Office for extensions.
You will be required to pay a departure tax of $36.50 US per person
in cash when leaving the Belize International Airport. Some airlines
already have this fee incorporated in their tickets.
Belize is subtropical with an average mean temperature of 80 degrees
F. Dry season is typically from Feb-May and rainy season from June
- November. Summer highs are in the 90's, winter lows are seldom
below 60.
The time zone is Central Standard.
Electricity is 110 Volts A.C. as in the United States and Canada.
Rainwater is collected and filtered, which is perfectly safe to
drink. We do not have pipe water therefore during dry season we
may ask you to conserve water.
The Belize dollar has a fixed rate of $ 2 BZ to $1 US. US currency
is accepted everywhere. Visa, MasterCard and Travelers checks are
accepted at most places. You can get a cash advance on your credit
card at the Atlantic Bank or Scotiabank in Placencia. (You will
need to present your passport) Banking hours are indicated in the
beach house information binders. Please be aware that using your
credit card, the exchange rate may be slightly more than 2-1, depending
on your bank's currency conversion fees. If you are planning to
use Mastercard, call your credit card company before arriving in
Belize to allow any charges over $500US to go through. You should
bring Mastercard's phone number (preferably a collect number) to
call in case your charge is declined while in Belize.
There are no serious epidemic diseases in Belize. It is advisable
to have current tetanus and Hepatitis A shots. If you are planning
an extended stay in the jungle consult with your physician regarding
malaria medication.
There
is a part-time doctor available in Placencia and a hospital in Dangriga.
Air evacuation is available should there be a serious medical problem.
There is a pharmacy in Placencia however it is advisable to bring
whatever medications you require.
Sand flies may be a problem during certain times of the day. Be
sure to bring insect repellent, anti-histamines, anti-itch cream.
Toothpaste and rubbing alcohol also help reduce the itching.
Belize is a very informal country and it is advisable
to leave your expensive jewelry at home. Bring cool, comfortable
clothing; shorts, t-shirts, bathing suits, hat, light weight rain
poncho, sandals, and comfortable shoes for tours. For jungle tours,
light weight cotton pants, long sleeved shirt and comfortable shoes
are recommended.
Don't forget sunscreen, sunburn lotion, insect repellents, anti-histamines,
personal medications, sunglasses, camera, extra film and batteries,
flashlight, alarm clock (for early morning excursions), knapsack
for day trips, cash in small denominations & snorkeling gear.
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