Belizean Blend: A Guide To Fitting In In Belize

Belize is a diverse country in Central America, with a unique blend of cultures and languages. With a population of around 400,000 people, it is the least densely populated country in Central America. English is the official language, but you'll also hear a variety of other languages, including Spanish, Mayan, Garifuna, and Creole.

The country is bordered by Mexico to the north, Guatemala to the west and south, and the Caribbean Sea to the east, offering a mix of coastal and jungle experiences. The people of Belize are known for their warm hospitality and the country is often regarded as one of the friendliest tourist destinations in the world.

Belize offers a range of attractions, from exploring ancient Maya sites and enjoying water sports to immersing yourself in the local culture and cuisine. The country's natural beauty, including its lush jungles and the world's second-largest barrier reef, makes it a biodiversity hotspot.

Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, Belize has something for everyone.

Learn some basic Belizean Creole phrases

To blend in anywhere, it's always a good idea to learn some basic phrases in the local language. In Belize, the official language is English, but the most diverse language in Belize is Kriol (Belizean Creole). It's a beautiful language to listen to and try to make sense of, and it's a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and break the ice.

Kriol is a descendant of West African dialects mixed with English, Miskito, Mayan Native American languages, and Bantu languages. It's a unique chopped-up mix, with a distinctive accent, intonation, and choppy grammar. The National Kriol Council, created in 1995, has worked to ensure that Kriol is properly studied, written, and recorded as a language, helping to instill a sense of identity and cultural pride in Belizeans.

• "Gud mawnnin!" or "Mawnin!" — Good morning!
• "Weh di gaan an?" or "Weh di goan?" — What's up?
• "Aarite." — All right.
• "Cho!" — What on earth! or Is that so?
• "Weh yuh naym?" or "How yuh name?" — What's your name?
• "You da Belize?" — Are you from Belize?
• "Weh gaan ahn gyal?" — What's up, girl?
• "Da weh time?" — What time is it?
• "Mi naym da..." — My name is...
• "Lata!" — See you later.
• "Ah tayad/mi tayad" — I'm tired.
• "Weh/weh-paat..." or "Weh pawt ih deh?" — Where is...?
• "Evryting gud/aarite." — Everything's fine.
• "Haul your rass!" — Get the hell out of here!
• "Fu chroo?" — Really? (Is that right?)
• "Mi love Bileez!" — I love Belize!

So, if you're planning a trip to Belize, start practising these phrases today. You'll fit right in, and your efforts to speak the local language will surely be appreciated by the locals!

Understand the currency and how to exchange it

The official currency of Belize is the Belize dollar (BZD), which is divided into 100 cents. Banknotes come in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, while coins are available in $1, 50 cents, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, and 1 cent. The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 2 BZD to 1 USD, so you don't need to worry about calculating fluctuating exchange rates. This means that two Belizean dollars will always be equal to one US dollar.

US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, especially in tourist destinations, and most accommodations and tours are listed in US dollar prices. However, if you pay with US dollars, you will likely receive change in Belize dollars at the 1 USD to 2 BZ exchange rate. It is not necessary to exchange your US dollars to BZD, as this may not be advantageous, and BZD is generally worthless outside of Belize.

If you do wish to exchange currency, you can do so at most banks and some upper-end hotels. ATMs are also available across the country, particularly in popular tourist destinations. These usually work with American, European, and Canadian bank cards, and charge a nominal fee of 3-5 BZD for international card withdrawals. Credit cards are widely accepted at supermarkets, hotels, and by tour operators, but local shops and restaurants are mostly cash-only.

Belize law allows individuals to bring a maximum of $5,000 USD into the country, in any form (cash, cheques, etc.), and this must be declared upon entry.

Know the best ways to get around the country

Belize is a small country, so it's easy to get from one place to another within just a few hours. However, the best way to get around will depend on your budget and your desired level of convenience.

By plane

Local flights are a great way to save time when travelling between places like Corozal, Orange Walk, San Pedro, Dangriga, Placencia, and Punta Gorda. There are two domestic airlines in Belize: Tropic Air and Maya Island Air. While flying is not the most environmentally friendly option, it does offer incredible views of the jungle canopy, sweeping savannahs, and colourful coastline. Flights are not overly expensive, and the airlines are accommodating if your flight is delayed.

By bus

Belize's bus network is made up of retired Bluebird buses—1950s American school buses painted in Caribbean colours. They are a good-value way to get to most major towns and villages, and you can experience local life and culture by travelling in this way. The buses traverse the major highways on the mainland, including the Northern, Southern, Western, and Hummingbird highways. They go through Belize City, San Ignacio, Dangriga, and Punta Gorda, with major connections at the bus station in Belmopan. The longest bus ride is from Belize City to Punta Gorda, which takes seven hours and costs BZ$27 (around US$13). There is no standard bus system in Belize City, and the buses are often jam-packed and slow, but they are very cheap. You can flag down a non-express bus anywhere along their route, and you can ask the driver to let you off anywhere that's convenient for you. Just be sure to bring cash, as there are no passes or digital payment methods.

By boat

Belize has nearly 200 miles of Caribbean coastline, and many Belizeans navigate these waters in their daily lives. Visitors typically use boat transport to visit the various cayes, or to stay at resorts that employ their own boats. The most common way to do this is by taking a water taxi to and from Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. The San Pedro Belize Express water taxi station is located in Belize City, and the water taxi works like a ferry, shuttling guests on a regular schedule. There is also a daily service to Chetumal, Mexico. Tickets cost between $21 and $31 one way, and you can buy them in advance online or at a small discount in person.

By taxi or shuttle

Taxis are an affordable and convenient way to get around Belize. They are more prevalent than buses, and you can flag them down or find them at bus stations, water taxi terminals, and downtown areas. You can also ask your hotel to call one for you, and drivers will often share their phone numbers so you can call them when needed. Taxis are best for shorter rides within a single town or region. Shuttle services are also available, and they are a great way to get to and from the airport. Belizing is a popular shuttle service, offering clean, well-maintained vans with wi-fi.

By car

Renting a car is a great way to visit harder-to-reach destinations and to have the freedom to make road trip stops. However, you will need to acquire an international driving permit, and it's a good idea to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle as some roads can be rustic and challenging to navigate. Most car rentals take place at the airport, and a local favourite is Crystal Auto Rental. Be aware that roads and buildings are not always well marked, so don't be afraid to ask for directions.

Be aware of the different cultures and languages

Belize is a diverse country with a variety of cultures and languages. The official language of Belize is English, and it is the only English-speaking country in Central America. However, Belizeans also speak the Kriol language (also known as Belizean Creole), and many are Spanish-speaking.

The country's diverse languages also include Spanish, Garifuna (an African-based language), Maya-Kekchi, Mopan, Mandarin, German, Mayan, Lebanese, and Arabic. The Maya people in Belize also speak Yucatec, Mopán, and Kekchí.

Belize is home to more than eight diverse cultures, including Maya, Mestizo, Kriol, Garifuna, East Indian, Mennonite, Arab, and Chinese. The country has a rich history, with the Maya being the first people to develop Belize around 1500 B.C.E. and establish several settlements, including Caracol, Lamanai, and Lubaantun.

Belize has a long history of colonisation, first by the Spanish and then by the British. This has influenced the country's culture and languages, with the British influence leading to a large Protestant population and the Spanish influence noticeable in the architecture and cuisine of places like Orange Walk.

Belize's food is diverse and influenced by its history, with spicy Creole creations, standard English corned beef, and Mayan delicacies such as fried paca. Rice and beans are a staple, and coconut milk, plantains, and hot peppers are commonly used ingredients.

Know the best places to visit for ecotourism

Belize is a major ecotourism destination, with more than 70% of the country covered in forest and a plethora of picturesque landscapes. The country has over 100 protected areas, many of which serve as animal sanctuaries.

Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

This nature reserve is located in the Mountain Pine Ridge area, which is known for its cool rivers and waterfalls. It is a great place to escape the heat of the lowlands and explore the natural environment.

Xunantunich Mayan Ruins

Xunantunich is an ancient Mayan centre that sits on an impressive hilltop near the border of Belize and Guatemala. A tour of these ruins will allow you to discover the beauty of Belize's rainforest and learn about Mayan culture.

Barton Creek Cave

Accessible only by canoe, Barton Creek Cave is the entrance to the Maya Underworld. This peaceful and ancient realm offers a unique perspective on Mayan history and culture.

Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

Hol Chan is one of the oldest marine protected areas in Belize and is known for its diverse marine life. A snorkelling trip here will allow you to explore the popular channel and see a variety of fish, sharks, and coral.

The Lodge at Chaa Creek

The Lodge at Chaa Creek is one of Belize's original eco-resorts and has won numerous awards for its sustainability practices. It is situated on a 400-acre private nature reserve and offers accommodations for every budget, including villas, cottages, tree-top suites, and riverside eco-pods.

Copal Tree Lodge

Located in the Southern Belizean jungle, Copal Tree Lodge boasts a 12,000-acre nature reserve and an organic farm and rum distillery. The lodge offers luxury private suites and is committed to preserving the environment through initiatives such as a yearly tree-planting program.

Hamanasi Adventure and Dive Resort

This beachfront eco-resort is located on the mainland, providing easy access to the Belizean coral reefs and Caribbean atolls. It is also a short drive from the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's only Jaguar preserve.

Black Rock Lodge

Black Rock Lodge is an off-the-grid eco-lodge that relies on renewable energy sources. It offers tourists the chance to go on bird-watching adventures with some of Belize's top birding guides.

Table Rock Jungle Lodge

Table Rock Jungle Lodge provides fabulous farm-to-table dining and on-site canoeing expeditions. The eco-lodge features charming cabanas with handcrafted furniture and panoramic jungle views.

Rio Bravo Conservation Area

The Rio Bravo Conservation Area is an excellent birding destination, with opportunities to spot a variety of bird species, including the colourful Keel-billed Toucan, Belize's national bird.

Frequently asked questions