General Information

Banking

Banking Banks are open on weekdays, Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 am to 1:00 p.m, and on Fridays from 8:00 am to 12:00pm and 3:00pm to 6:00pm.There are four commercial banks that serve the country of Belize. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 1:00pm and on Friday until 4:30pm. All banks have branches in the six districts but services are more limited.

The Belize Bank Limited
Market Square, Belize City
Telephone: 77132

Atlantic Bank Limited
Albert Street, Belize City
Telephone: 77301

Bank of Nova Scotia
Albert Street, Belize City
Telephone: 77027

Barclays Bank PLC
Albert Street, Belize City
Telephone: 77211

Climate

The climate is sub-tropical, with a brisk prevailing wind from the Caribbean Sea. The average annual temperature averages about 80 degrees. The rainy season is between June and August.

Duty Free

U.S. residents are permitted a $400.00 duty-free tax exemption per person. They can also return with 200 cigarettes and citizens 21 years or older can bring back one quart of alcohol duty free. Belizean dollars may be used in duty-free shops. Duty free shops are located at the airport and the Mexican/ Belize border.

Electricity

Power is provided to the country of Belize by Belize Electricity Limited. A Hydro system will soon be running. The electrical system is the same as in the United States, 110 Volts A.C. Electricity is supplied to both households and businesses in the country. Service is fair and it is necessary for hotels wanting to deliver luxury class service to install backup generators. Continuity of electricity is between 90% and 95%. The electricity rate is approximately US$0.19 per KWH.

Entry Requirements

Visas

Visas are not required for most nationalities, including citizens of the United States, the United Kingdom and British Commonwealth countries, as well as most members of the European Union. All people from these countries need are a valid passport and an onward or round-trip ticket. A Visitor Permit is required of nationals of China and India. Check with the local Belizean Consulate, Belize Embassy, British Counsel, or contact the Department of Immigration and Nationality, Belmopan, Belize, Central America Tel (501-8- 22611).

To apply for an extension contact the Immigration Office Mahogany Street, St. Martin Deporres, Belize, Central America Telephone : (501) 2-24620, Fax (501) 2-44483. A moderate fee is charged and applicants must demonstrate sufficient funds for for the remainder of their stay, as well as an ongoing ticket.

If you are crossing into Belize from Mexico by land, visas to enter Belize can be obtained from the Belizean Consulate in Chetumal, Avenida Alvaro Obregon #226A, Chetumal Q.R., Tel: (52) 983-22871.

Geography

If the world had any ends, [Belize] would certainly be one of them. It is not on the way from anywhere to anywhere else. It has no strategic value. It is all but uninhabited. - Aldous Huxley

Belize lies on the eastern or Caribbean coast of Central America, bounded on the north and part of the west by Mexico, and on the south and the remainder of the west by Guatemala. The inner coastal waters are shallow and are sheltered by a line of coral reefs, dotted with islets called 'cayes', extending almost the entire length of the country. The area of the mainland and cayes is 8,867 square miles. The country's greatest length from north to south is 280 kilometres and its greatest width is 109 kilometres.

Language

English is the official language and the language of instruction in schools but almost everyone speaks an English dialect, or Creole patios, the vernacular of the country. Spanish is also widely spoken. It is taught in primary and secondary schools in order to further develop bi-lingualism. In certain areas of the country, such as Orange Walk and Corozal District in the north and the Cayo district in the west, Spanish is spoken as a mother tongue by the majority of the people. In the southern districts of Stann Creek and Toledo, there are people whose first language is Garifuna or Maya.

Population

1993 population census put Belize's population at approximately 205,000. The average annual growth rate is 2.6%. The main ethnic groups are Creole (African Descent), Mestizo (Spanish-Maya), and Garifuna (African Descent). There is also a number of people of Spanish and East Indian descent. The ethnic groups, however are heavily intermixed. There is also a small Mennonite community of European origin. The multi-racial make-up of the Belizean society includes Chinese, Arabs and other ethnic groups. Up to June 1994 some 9,000 refugees had settled in Belize. Populations of the major area are as follows:

Public Holidays

Some holidays may be celebrated on a different date than they actually fall on.

Religion

About 58% of the population are Roman Catholics, the other 34% are Protestants (this includes Anglican, Methodists, Seventh Day Adventists, Mennonites, Nazarenes, Jehovah's Witnesses, Pentecostal and Baptists). There are also small groups of Bahais and Muslims. The remaining 8% are of the other denominations. In addition to their partnership with the Government in running the educational system, denominations provide many social and family welfare services. The constitution provides for the freedom of religion.

Shopping

Everybody goes home with something from Belize. Shopping is as diverse as the country. Don't expect glitz and glitter. Do expect an incredible array of designer perfumes, watches, hand-carved slate, woodcarvings, baskets, world-class hot sauces and jungle healing potions. Many depart wearing their new "You Better Belize It" T-shirts. When you leave Belize, the duty-free shops in the airport departure lounge will send you on your way. Perhaps the biggest assortment of gifts, souvenirs and luxury items is in Belize City. Downtown on Albert Street, shops for every whim and flavor line the sidewalks.

Ambergris Caye has a wealth of gift buying opportunities. Strolling down the main street with sand between your toes and your credit cards in hand, you will be surprised at the plethora of shops and boutiques.

A word of caution. One is not allowed to leave Belize with certain items. These include pre-Columbian articles, marine products(unless permitted by the Fisheries Department), unprocessed coral or turtle shells.

Telecommunications

The Belize Telecommunications Limited (BTL) owns the automatic telephone services which covers the entire country. BTL operates a regional service to Mexico, Guatemala and Central and South America , as well as all other external services. A recent expansion programme has doubled the capacity of the telephone system. A satellite earth station in Belmopan provides high quality telecommunications with the outside world. The office of Telecommunications acts on behalf of the Government in monitoring and regulating all telecommunication services within Belize, including the assignment of frequencies. A cellular network has now been introduced in its preliminary stage. BTL's services include:

International Direct Dialing
Telegraph/Telex
Belize Direct
USA Direct
Canada Direct
UK Direct
Hong Kong Direct
Public Payphone Service
Fax Service
Mobile cellular service
Paging service
Prepaid card phone
Internet.

The international dialing code for Belize is 501. Hotels have fixed rates for local and international calls.

Weddings

You must reside in Belize for three days before you can apply for a minister's license to marry. One day's prior notice is needed. You will need proof of citizenship (certified copy of birth certificate, signed by a public notary, which includes father's name) ; proof of divorce if applicable (certified copy or original certificate of divorce); copy of death certificate for widow or widower. You don't need a blood test or parents consent if over 18.

The ceremony is performed by the Registrar General in Belize City or by a Justice of the Peace in other areas. The General Registry can be contacted at telephone 501-2-77377, Supreme Court Building, Belize City.

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