Belize On A Budget: Planning Your Weekly Cash Needs

Belize is a beautiful Central American country with jungles, ruins, wildlife, beaches, and friendly locals. However, it can be an expensive place to visit, with prices comparable to those in the US. The cost of your trip to Belize will depend on your travel style, the activities you do, and the time of year you visit.

A budget traveller can expect to spend around $50 per day or $420 for a week in Belize, excluding flights. This involves staying in hostels, eating at local restaurants or street food markets, and taking public transportation.

On the other hand, a mid-range budget traveller may spend approximately $160 per day or $1,120 for a week, excluding flights. This includes staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of local restaurants and mid-range restaurants, and participating in popular tours.

It's worth noting that Belize has a rainy season from June to November, which is also the low season for tourism. During this time, accommodation and tour costs may be slightly cheaper, and it may be possible to negotiate discounts.

Food and drink: $29 (BZ$57) per day

Belize is a small Central American country that imports the vast majority of its goods, which results in higher prices. The price of food in Belize is fairly steep and more in line with what you'd pay in the US. However, it is still possible to save money by eating at street stalls instead of sit-down restaurants.

A typical meal with one or two drinks will cost you anywhere from $15 to $40, depending on the place. A meal in a cheap restaurant will cost you around $6.80, while a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant will be around $30. A simple but filling meal of rice, beans, and some kind of protein from a street stall will cost you around $5-7, while a seafood BBQ will set you back $15-20.

In a sit-down restaurant, prices go up, often substantially depending on how fancy it is and what you order. Expect to pay around $10 for standard breakfasts like sausage and eggs or a breakfast burrito. Prices for stuffed fryjacks, a local specialty of deep-fried dough stuffed with egg, cheese, and meat, are usually $8-10 for a plateful. Later in the day, you’ll pay around $10 for jerk chicken, $15 for a burger, $20 for a shrimp curry, and $25 for a rack of ribs and sides.

Some specific examples of food and drink prices in Belize are:

• Bottle or carton of milk (1 liter): $1.40
• Popular yellow cheese (1 kg): $4.70
• A bottle of beer from a known brand: $1.30
• A sausage or cold cuts (1 kg): $4.70
• A mid-range wine (one bottle): $7.40
• Domestic Beer (0.5-liter draught): $2.50
• Imported Beer (0.33-liter bottle): $4.00
• Cappuccino (regular): $3.20
• Coke/Pepsi (0.33-liter bottle): $1.20
• Water (0.33-liter bottle): $0.83
• Water (1.5-liter bottle): $1.10

Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, the average cost of food in Belize is $29 (BZ$57) per day.

Local transportation: $21 (BZ$42) per day

Local transportation in Belize is varied, with options including buses, water taxis, local airlines, private shuttles, and car rentals.

Buses

Buses are the primary form of transportation for most Belizeans. In larger towns and cities, such as Belize City and Belmopan, buses can be caught from designated terminals, whereas in smaller places, they can be flagged down on the road. Buses are also more frequent on the Northern and George Price Highways than on smaller highways and other roads. In some small towns, buses may only run once a day. The bus system is cheap, but it can be slow and buses are often jam-packed.

Water Taxis

Water taxis are a fun and affordable way to get around Belize. They are the most affordable way to travel to popular destinations such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. There are two water taxi companies in Belize City, both with daily departures, and water taxis can also be taken in Placencia and Dangriga to visit more secluded cayes.

Local Airlines

Local airlines fly small Cessna aircraft to the major towns in the six districts of Belize. This is the fastest and most convenient way to get around, but it can be expensive.

Private Shuttles & Car Rentals

Renting a car or taking a private transfer is a comfortable way to get around Belize, and it gives you the freedom to arrange stops to see certain attractions. This option is not inexpensive, but it is cheaper than local flights.

Based on the spending habits of previous travellers, it is recommended that you budget $21 (BZ$42) per person, per day, for local transportation in Belize.

Accommodation: $93 (BZ$186) per day

When it comes to accommodation in Belize, there are a variety of options to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences. The average price paid for accommodation by past travellers is $93 (BZ$186) per day for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room. This price can vary depending on the location, date, season, and level of luxury.

If you're looking for a budget-friendly option, there are hostels available, with the average price paid for one person being $46 (BZ$93) per day. For a family of five, monthly rental prices can range from $367 per day to over $700 per day for larger accommodations with more bedrooms and bathrooms. November is the cheapest month to book, with prices starting at $46 per day.

On the other hand, if you're looking for a more luxurious stay, there are beachfront resorts, pet-friendly hotels, and party hotels available. The average hotel room price in Belize is $159 (before taxes and fees) per night.

It's worth noting that Belize is a small country, so it's fairly easy to explore and get around by public transportation. This can help you save on accommodation costs by staying in one location and taking day trips to other areas.

Additionally, if you're travelling with a larger group, consider renting a house instead of a hotel. Houses can accommodate medium-sized groups and families more comfortably, and you can find options with private pools, large kitchens, and plenty of space to relax.

When planning your accommodation budget for a week in Belize, consider your travel style, the number of people in your group, and your desired level of comfort and convenience.

Entertainment and activities: $34 (BZ$69) per day

Belize has a wide range of entertainment and activities to offer, and you can expect to spend an average of $34 (BZ$69) per day on these. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect and some tips to make the most of your budget:

Tours and Attractions

Belize is known for its stunning natural attractions, ancient ruins, and diverse wildlife. Here are some popular options:

• Exploring the ancient Mayan ruins, such as Xunantunich, with entrance fees ranging from $5 to $15.
• Visiting the Great Blue Hole, a diver's paradise, with full-day diving trips costing around $200 to $500.
• Snorkelling or swimming with nurse sharks at Caye Caulker, with prices starting from as low as $20.
• Embarking on a sacred cave adventure through the Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, with guided tours costing around $90 to $100.
• Discovering the largest Mayan site in Belize, Caracol, with guided tour costs ranging from $75 to $150.
• Getting up close with Belize's wildlife at the Belize Zoo, with affordable entrance fees ranging from $10 to $15.
• Enjoying the coastal charm of Placencia, offering fishing trips and boat tours starting from $50.

Outdoor Activities

If you're an outdoor enthusiast, Belize offers plenty of options to explore its natural beauty:

• Hiking through national parks and discovering local markets.
• Swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters to explore the vibrant marine life.
• Cave tubing in the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave, a unique mix of swimming and cave exploration.
• Horseback riding to Xunantunich ruins for a fun and adventurous experience.

Cultural Experiences

For those interested in immersing themselves in the local culture:

• Indulge in the local cuisine, including delicious fry jacks, tamales, and fresh seafood.
• Engage with the friendly locals and learn a few words in the Creole language.
• Dance the night away to the rhythmic beats of Punta music, embracing the laid-back vibe of Belize.
• Explore the vibrant street art and architecture of Belizean towns and cities.

Saving Tips

To make your budget go further:

• Opt for budget-friendly alternatives like street food and local markets instead of fancy restaurants.
• Use public transportation, such as buses or shared shuttles, which are much cheaper than taxis.
• Visit during the off-peak season (June to November) when accommodation prices are lower, and you may find discounted tours and flights.
• Look for accommodation away from popular tourist areas, as prices tend to be higher in these locations.
• Ask vendors about cash discounts, especially for tour operators, as you may get a few dollars off the posted rate when paying in cash.

Tips: $4.12 (BZ$8.29) per day

Tipping in Belize is welcomed and appreciated, but it is not mandatory or always expected. The average cost for tips and handouts in Belize is $4.12 (BZ$8.29) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Belize is 5%–15% of the overall bill.

In restaurants, the tip is usually 15% of the overall bill, though 10% is generally considered the minimum. In some restaurants, you may have the option to add a gratuity when paying by card, but it's better to tip in cash to ensure the money goes to the waiting staff.

In hotels, a 10% service charge is often added to the bill during checkout, but this doesn't always find its way to the staff. It's better to tip bellboys, maids, and porters directly in cash—around 5%–10% of the overall bill. Spa staff are usually tipped 10%–15% of the bill for the service provided.

Tour guides are generally tipped 10%–15% of the overall cost of the tour, or BZ$5–10 per oxygen tank for scuba diving tours. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped, but you may wish to give them a small amount if they help with your luggage.

Frequently asked questions