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	Government and Taxes

Frequently Asked Questions
About Belize

Government and Taxes

Q: Is there a tourism board for visitors?

A: The Belize Tourist Board is a good place to go for additional information about Belize. They distribute free up-to-date bus schedules, city maps, a visitors' magazine, and a comprehensive list of accommodations. They're located on the second floor of the Central Bank building in Belize City. You can telephone them at 501-2-31913.

Q: What type of government is in Belize?

A: Belize has been an independent nation since 1981 but remains a member of the British Commonwealth. Parliamentary democracy with two major political parties, the United Democratic Party (UPD) and the Peoples United Party (PUP). UDP currently holds power, led by Prime Minister Manuel Esquivel. Belize has a Constitution, which includes a Bill of Rights.

Q: How much tax is charged on purchases and services?

A: Belize currently has a 9% hotel tax for accommodations and a  9% sales tax on meals, transfers, expeditions, and store purchases. Some hotels also add a 10-15% "service charge" to the bill so inquire about this when checking hotel prices.

Please note that the Government of  Belize will be implementing a new General Sales Tax, or GST as it will be referred to, of 10% and this will be added to all services and accommodations. This comes into effect July 1, 2006. Therefore, this new tax will change the total amount that you will pay for your reservations and bookings. We recommend that you pay the difference directly at the lodge or at the hotels where you will be staying since you may have already prepaid in full by this time.

Q: What time zone is Belize in?

A: Belize is on Central Standard Time, however, they do not observe Daylight Savings Time. The local time is Greenwich mean time minus six hours.

Also click here to find general information about
Belize, its location, climate and culture.