Belize Jungle Lodge Questions

Cool, comfortable, casual clothing such as shorts, T-shirts, and/or camp shirts, lightweight cotton pants, and sundresses will cover all your clothing needs.

For tours, you will need well-treaded sneakers or hiking boots, lightweight long pants and shirts that allow for movement and can get wet, and mosquito repellent. Please check the tours you are interested in to see if there are other items that will be required.

A knapsack or daypack is a great idea for day trips and expeditions. In it you can carry water bottles, snacks, camera, and other essentials such as sunscreen and insect repellent. The intensity of the sun makes polarized sunglasses, good sunscreen, and a brimmed hat essential.

Just in case there’s an unexpected (or maybe very expected) rain shower, include lightweight raingear in your suitcase as well. Your valuables are best left at home.

A flashlight is useful for getting around the property at night.

Belize has a full postal service although it’s not known for its delivery speed. First class mail between Belize and the US averages 8-10 days for delivery. International Express mail from the US to Belize usually arrives in 3 Business days.

The country code for Belize is (501) and there are currently 17 area codes within Belize. Remote jungle lodges usually have short wave radio communications linked to a cellular service. The main communications company is the Belize Telemedia Limited, a private company which owns the telephone service that covers the entire country. A satellite earth station in Belmopan provides high quality telecommunications with the outside world. A cellular network is available country wide.

Electrical power is 110 volts, which is the same as the United States and Canada. Many places provide electricity via diesel generator equipment so a small surge suppresser is highly recommended for computers and other sensitive equipment.

Atlantic Bank Ltd., Bank of Nova Scotia, First Caribbean Bank, Heritage Bank, and the Belize Bank are the main banks in Belize, primarily located in Belize City but some can be found in other areas throughout Belize. Banks are generally open Monday-Friday 8 AM-1 PM and Saturdays, 8 AM-11 AM. ATM machines are located at most branches throughout Belize.

Nearly all hotels, restaurants, and shops in the major towns and tourist areas take all major credit cards. Street vendors, smaller establishments in remote areas, or those hotels in the jungle environment may accept only cash or traveler’s checks. Representatives of VISA, MasterCard, and American Express can be contacted at the four commercial banks in Belize City.

Local currency is the Belize Dollar. One U.S. dollar is worth two Belize dollars. The Belize dollar is fixed to the U.S. dollar so this rate of exchange does not fluctuate. You can use US dollars anywhere in Belize (paper currency not coins).

Belize currently has a 9% hotel tax for accommodations and a 12.5% GST or general 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.

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). Belize has a Constitution, which includes a Bill of Rights.

The Belize Tourist Board is a good place to go for additional information about Belize. 

Belize was the only British colony in Central America, so today, it is the only country in the region where English is the official language. All signs and printed information will be in English, but Spanish is widely spoken as well, especially in areas near the border with Mexico or Guatemala. Other languages spoken in Belize by different communities include Plattdeutsch, Chinese, Maya, and Garifuna.

Most Belizeans speak what is called Creole (sometimes spelled Kriol) at home and with their friends, which is similar to but still quite distinct from standard English.

YES Absolutely! Caves Branch is an active supported of local organizations and schools. The most needed items are school supplies and books. Click here for details.