AMBERGRIS CAYE - FAQ
How do I get from the airport to my hotel? Ambergris Caye is served by John Greif II Airport (IATA code SPR), which is located in San Pedro on the island of Ambergris Caye. Unless your resort or hotel provides airport pick up you will likely want to take a taxi. They are readily available outside Tropic Air baggage claim area. If you are not staying too far from town a taxi will cost you in the 7 BZD range. Further south will cost you in the 15 BZD range. If you have to take one north then expect to pay 35 BZD or more. Many taxi drivers have a printed rate sheet for the southern and the northern destinations so feel free to ask to see it. Be sure to set a price with your cab driver no matter how short the ride. No, if you are staying on Ambergris Caye, you can get around by walking, bicycle, taxi or golf cart. If you plan on exploring the Belize mainland, you can rent a car at several locations in Belize City. Ambergris Caye is a great place to get around by foot. The town of San Pedro is about 1 mile long by 1/2 mile wide. The town is lined with restaurants, hotels, dive shops, internet cafes and shops along the main road. No, Ambergris Caye is a very safe area to visit. Most of the crimes committed are petty and rarely violent. When walking around, keep your passport safely locked away in your hotel room. Pickpockets have been known to target tourists, so make sure your purses, bags, and wallets are close to your body at all times. Stay alert and contact the police immediately if you are the victim of a crime.
The currency of Belize is the Belize dollar. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Belize dollars upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
I do not speak Spanish. Will many people speak English in Belize?Yes, English is the official language of Belize and about 63 percent of Belizeans speak English as their first language. Other languages common to Belize are Creole and Spanish.
Do I need a visa to visit Belize?No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize for stays of up to 30 days, with renewals of up to 6 months.
Are Vaccinations required to visit Belize? Are there any other precautions I should take?No, there are currently no vaccination requirements to visit Belize. There is no risk of yellow fever in Belize. The government of Belize requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US.
Zika is a risk in Belize. Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause serious birth defects, women who are pregnant should not travel to Belize. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika virus during and after the trip. For the latest updates visit the CDC page https://www.cdc.gov/ on the internet.
What kind of food is available in Belize?A typical breakfast is hearty and consists of Meat Pies, beans with eggs, cheese and flour tortillas, burritos, tacos, and stuffed fry jacks (a flour tortilla deep fried and filled with your choice, eggs, cheese, beans, chicken, ham, or bacon for example). Lunch is solid too, the typical fare includes rice and beans with your choice of meat, varying from chicken, pork, fish, lobster, beef, shrimp or conch (shell fish) stewed, baked, fried or grilled.
For supper, pupusas are a Belizean favorite. Pupusas are a thick corn tortilla stuffed and grilled, tostadas, garnarches (a fried corn tortilla, fried beans cheese and onion and cabbage sauce with tomato sauce). Dinner menus also include BBQ, (usually chicken or ribs) soups, and rice and beans. For drinks, because of the sub-tropical climate, there is a wide variety of fruits to choose from such as orange, lime, watermelon, cantaloupe, and banana depending on the season.
Can I drink the water in Belize?No, the water is not drinkable in Belize. We suggest that you carry bottled water with you. Most tourist areas will have bottled water available for purchase.
