Yes, there is one. But I wouldn't necessarily rely on it if I didn't have to (the machine on Caulker went down on the weekend, and I was told it was customary). If you're coming from the US, just bring dollars -- they work just fine everywhere!

And you'll need lots of cash, because there's a surcharge (5% if I recall) to use a credit card in most places in Belize (including hotels, restaurants, water activities, etc. -- and that's before your credit card imposes its own surcharge for ringing you up in Belizian dollars!). So there's a real incentive to pay cash. A different mentality than in the US.

Thank you so much for these tips IAHPHX.

Great thread started by iahphx and added to by many FT'ers incuding PSUhorty among others

Wanted to create a friendly bump as I have an upcoming trip this week and looking for any updates- don't have plans finalized- thinking about visiting Caye Caulker, and possibly somewhere else, but relaxing with surf and sun sounds good too. Love to snorkel, and am on a bit of a budget. 5 nights and nothing set in stone yet besides arrival and departure into BZE.

I'm also in the same position. Nothing set on stone and my trip is coming this weekend. Doing a trip with my partner. We are both young and energetic. Our big problem is that We only have two days in Belize.

If you had only two days in Belize (more like a day and half), where would you go?

I'm thinking on going for a day trip to some Mayan ruins and cavings. The cayes look like a fun place to go but going on a plane or water taxi doesn't seem the best use of time/money.

Is there anything interesting to see in Belize city?

Hello, I work for an Airline here in Belize. I came from LAS America West / US Air. If you do the ruins or jungles stay on the mainland...But nothing to do in Belize City... Go to Caye Caulker or San Pedro...

BZE itself does sound a bit dry...

Wanted to extend a big welcome to Flyertalk as well- always nice to have folks who actually work for airlines and not just think they do

I met a couple who are Alaska Air flight attendants yesterday here in San Pedro. They said they had a great time.

Wade, was one a flight attendant(female) and the other in logistics?(male) for AS ?.. I believe I flew back with them to Dallas on Monday.

If it was...small world.


HP

Thanks for the helpful information! We do want to see the Mayan ruins and jungle in such a short period of time. I suspect we'll miss the night life of the caye caulker or san pedro, since it seems both are islands

Is there any nice B&B or hotel near the Mayan ruins or Belize city that anyone recommend? Would renting a car be recommended or should we stick with taxi/tour?

The best place to go in Belize, is Southern Belize. The town of Placencia has great beaches, hotels ect. There is also an award winning development Sanctuary Belize that is a must see for anyone looking to invest in real estate.

Just returned from 10 days in Belize. Here are some updates:

Duty free in BZE Arrivals has a big sign that allows each person to bring 4 bottles in to the country. The store only has larger bottles, i.e. 750ml. For something more compact, I saw 5 Barrel in a 200ml size at Brodie's.

Taxi from BZE to Belize City or even only to Best Western Hotel (which is outside the central city area) is still US$25.

Taxi from Municipal airport to Radisson Hotel is only US$5.

Tropic Air's office in Dangriga has A/C and free wifi.

Hotel shuttle from Radisson to BZE must be booked at least one day in advance and is US$13.50 per person. They can add it to your room charge.

BZE's US$39.50 departure tax is now included in your airline fare even though they haven't removed the big sign inside the terminal that states otherwise.

The Tropical Education Center has a new dining hall building as of this year (according to my guide). The food is actually pretty good and the service is friendly compared to the above 2 hotels. The dorm style bunk rooms are adequate but a bit dimly lit. Bring a head lamp. The night tour at the zoo is interesting and offers the chance for closeup photos. The guide feeds them chicken pieces through the fence. In the daytime I think the animals are too shy. Our outfitter got us a special rate of US$10 for the night tour instead of the US$15 rate listed on the website.

Some folks had land tours further south that had to be adjusted due to heavy rain and flooding.

Bump. I see that this thread has not gotten any love in a couple of years.

I am going to Belize, this time in March with my pre-teen daughters. Any updates are appreciated. We will spend three nights in Placencia, then five nights on Ambergris.

Here are a few minor updates from my own visit there a couple of years ago:

There are very little chain hotels, so there are not many opportunities for points redemptions.

Buying a round-trip ferry ticket to Ambergris saves about $5 vs. buying two one-ways.

Rental cars are expensive.

Thanks in advance!!