Interesting Belize facts

Full Name -Belize

City -Belmopan

Area -22,966 sq km/8,867 sq miles

Population -287,730

Time Zone -GMT/UTC -6

Religion -49.6% Roman Catholic, 27% Protestant, 23.4% other

Currency -Belize Dollar (BZ$)

Electricity -110/220V 60HzHz
Electric Plug Details
-British-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade
-American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin

Country Dialing Code -501

A valid passport is necessary for entry into Belize. A 30 day visitors permit will be issued to you upon arrival. Citizens of the British Commonwealth (India excepted), the United States, Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the European community do not require visas for travel to Belize. All other citizens should contact the nearest Belizean Consulate or embassy for more information.

Visitors are permitted to stay in Belize for a period not to exceed 30 days. Extensions are routinely granted at Immigration offices located in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, Punta Gorda, Belmopan, Orange Walk, and Belize City at a cost of US$12.50 per month. For more information the Immigration & Nationality Department in Belmopan can be contacted at 501-8-22611/-22423.

Philip S. Goldson International Airport is situated 10 miles from Belize City, in Ladyville. Regular international services to and from the United States, Central America, and Mexico are maintained by a number of airlines, including American, Continental and Taca . Taxi fare from the International airport to Belize City is around $US20.

Belize Telecommunications Limited, a private company,now provides a cellular network and is available country wide. BTL provides telephone, direct dial and Internet connection services for Belize.

Visitors, especially those who plan on renting a vehicle, may want to consider bringing their own cellular phones to Belize and activating them at BTL's airport location, or renting a cellular phone directly from BTL at its airport location. Phone cards can also be purchased there or at any BTL office. Also, you can easily pick cards up at a number of resorts and shops throughout the country. Using an international phone card, you can access ATT, MCI, Sprint, Canada Direct and UK Direct.

WHEN IN BELIZE DIAL:
113 for Directory Assistance
114 for Local and Regional Operator assisted calls
115 for International Operator assisted calls

Climate is sub-tropical, tempered by trade winds. Extreme temperatures in coastal districts range from about 10oC (50oF) to about 35.6oC. (96oF). Belize has an annual mean temperature of 79 degrees Fahrenheit.

Annual Rainfall in Belize varies from an average of 50 inches in the north to 180 inches in the extreme south. The dry season usually extends from February to the end of May, with a possible dry spell in August.