We found Belize to be a laid back, Caribbean feel type country. A couple things we didn’t know that might be helpful if your planning a trip:
- As of now you don’t need to exchange currency. The exchange rate is about 2:1 (2 Belize dollars for 1 US). They gladly take US dollars and give you the 2:1 exchange rate. This can save you ATM fees and foreign transaction fees if you just bring USD.
- Lots of sunscreen and bug spray and keep reapplying! The sun seems extra hot. I burned more here than even in Costa Rica (which I don’t understand). We also got many bug bites. Sunscreen and bug spray seem to be the more expensive items here as well.
- Be prepared to pay exit fees. It was $20 per person when we left.
- If you cross over the boarder to Guatemala there are guys there that will exchange your Belize dollars to Guatemalan quetzals. It’s not the best exchange rate in the world but it’s not horrible and a good way if you have a little extra currency to not be stuck with it.
- There are no ATMs at the boarder in Guatemala so you need to be prepared with some type of cash (like I mentioned the guys at the boarder will exchange what currency you have) to get your transportation when you cross over. They only take quetzals so make sure you have cash crossing over.
- Eat rice and beans (they are awesome) 😊