Belizean Treasures: Authentic Souvenirs To Seek Out

Belize is a country of diverse natural beauty, from its secluded beaches to its steamy rainforests. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its low cost of living, economic stability, and slow pace of life. If you're planning a trip to Belize, there are several things you can bring back home with you.

Cameras, computers, and electronic equipment are allowed to be brought into the country duty-free. You can also bring in personal items such as clothing, medicines, toys, and books. If you're planning to engage in water activities, you can bring your own diving gear, but leave the drones at home as they are prohibited in Belize.

When it comes to food, you can bring in small amounts of most packaged foods, but some items like meats, rice, beans, sugar, and peanuts require an import license. Alcohol is permitted within limits—you can bring in up to 1 litre of wine or hard liquor duty-free.

It's important to note that there are restrictions on what you can take out of Belize. It is illegal to remove any pre-Columbian artefacts or jaguar products from the country. So, if you're thinking of bringing back any ancient Maya artefacts, think again!

Food and drink

Belize's culinary scene is a mix of Caribbean, Mexican, African, Spanish, and Mayan influences. The country's strongest suit is its seafood, with fresh fish, lobster, shrimp, and conch widely available, especially in beach and island destinations. Belize has historically been a major exporter of lobster, but overharvesting has caused its population to decline. It is still readily available and relatively inexpensive during the lobster season, which runs from June 15 to February 14.

Belize's national dish is stew chicken, along with its close cousins stew beef and stew fish. These Kriol-based recipes are dark stews that derive their colour from a variety of spices and red recado, made from annatto seed or achiote. A similar stew found across Belize is chimole, sometimes called black gumbo.

Another distinctive element of Belizean cuisine is Marie Sharp's Hot Sauce, which can be found on almost every dining table. The original sauce is made from a base of habanero peppers, carrots, and onions, but the brand now offers a wide range of hot sauces, jams, and chutneys.

Belize also has a variety of wild game on its menus, including gibnut (also known as "The Queen's Rat" or "The Royal Rat" as it was served to Queen Elizabeth during a visit), iguana, wild boar, armadillo, and sea turtle. However, sea turtles are endangered, and it is illegal to export them, so it is best to avoid ordering them.

Common drinks in Belize include major soft drink brands, fresh lime juice (limeade), and orange juice. You can also find fresh shakes made with tropical fruits like papaya, pineapple, or mango. One unique drink is the seaweed shake, made from dried seaweed, evaporated and condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ice, sometimes with a shot of rum or brandy.

Belize's national beer is Belikin, which comes in several varieties, including lager, premium, and stout. Rum is the liquor of choice, with several brands and distilleries producing it in the country. Prestige is considered the finest Belizean rum, while 1 Barrel is one of the most popular.

Belize does not produce any traditional wines of note due to its climate and soil being unsuitable for growing the right types of grapes. However, some wineries import grape juice to produce their own wines, and several different fruit wines are made using native fruits like pineapple and banana. These fruit wines are very sweet and more of a novelty.

When it comes to bringing food and drinks into Belize, there are some restrictions. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat products are not allowed. However, small amounts of prepackaged snack foods, protein shakes, and name-brand snacks are generally allowed. Duty-free allowances for alcohol include 1 litre of liquor and one carton of cigarettes per person.

Electronics

Belize has a range of electronics stores, both online and physical, that sell a variety of electronic devices.

MayaSelectronics

MayaSelectronics is an electronics store located at 51 Albert St, Belize City, Belize. They offer a wide range of products, including:

• Connector cables and adapters
• Earphones and headsets
• Computers and accessories
• Cellphones and telephone accessories
• Power adapters and batteries
• Surveillance and security equipment
• Musical instruments

BelizeON

BelizeON is an online retailer that specialises in selling international electronics to Belize residents. They offer a variety of products, including:

• Smart TVs
• Tablets
• Smartwatches
• Headphones
• Cellphones

ShopCourts

ShopCourts is an online electronics store in Belize that offers a range of products, including:

• Gaming consoles and accessories
• Sound systems and speakers
• Smart home devices
• Headphones and earphones
• Gaming headsets
• Bluetooth speakers
• Cables

When purchasing electronics in Belize, it is important to consider the country's strict gun control laws and regulations regarding drones. It is also advisable to check the latest import and export restrictions to ensure that your purchases can be safely transported back to your country of residence.

Cash

Belize has strict rules about the amount of cash you can bring into the country. The law states that you can bring a maximum of $5,000 USD per adult individual. This limit applies to cash, cheques, and other negotiable instruments. If you are travelling as a family, it is best to carry no more than $5,000 USD in total, though some sources suggest a limit of $10,000 USD. It is important to declare the amount of money you are bringing into the country on your Disembarkation Card and to present this to the Belize Customs Authority when you enter Belize.

If you bring more than the allowed amount into the country without declaring it, the authorities may confiscate your money and fine you. The fine for violating this rule can be as high as triple the amount of undeclared funds.

It is best to carry smaller US bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) as larger denominations can be difficult to change, especially in smaller villages or shops. US currency is accepted everywhere in Belize, and the exchange rate is usually $2 BZD to $1 USD. However, some places may give a slightly better rate, offering $2.05 BZD to $1 USD.

It is also important to ensure that your US bills are in good condition, without any marks or tears, as these may not be accepted.

While credit cards are accepted in many places, especially in larger towns and cities, it is still a good idea to carry some cash with you. ATMs are available in major tourist destinations and urban centres, but they may charge fees for using foreign cards, and there are usually limits on the amount of cash you can withdraw. Additionally, credit cards are generally only accepted for purchases over $20 BZD, and they often incur fees for the merchant, so cash is always preferred.

Snorkel gear

If you're planning a trip to Belize and want to bring back snorkel gear, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to ensure that you have well-maintained and properly-fitting equipment for your safety and comfort. While you can rent snorkel gear in Belize, having your own mask that fits you well can enhance your snorkelling experience.

When considering whether to rent or buy snorkel gear, it's worth noting that renting equipment may not be very costly. However, rental masks may not always fit perfectly, and you might spend your excursion trying to adjust the seal and fit. Therefore, purchasing your own mask and snorkel can be a good investment, especially if you plan to snorkel regularly. On the other hand, fins can be heavy and bulky to carry, so renting or borrowing them might be more convenient.

If you decide to purchase snorkel gear, it's recommended to buy good-quality masks that will last for years with proper care. While prescription lenses for masks are not necessary unless you have very poor eyesight, they can enhance your vision underwater if your budget allows. Additionally, snorkels with one-way valves are preferable to prevent or minimise seawater inhalation.

When bringing snorkel gear into Belize, it's important to be aware of customs regulations. Used snorkel gear may be considered a prohibited item if you intend to leave it behind. Customs may assess a tax on such items, and some resorts that request guests bring used snorkel gear may not inform guests of this duty. Therefore, it's advisable to check with customs regulations and be prepared to pay any applicable duties to avoid potential issues.

School supplies

Belize has a great school system with dedicated teachers, but many families, especially those in remote communities, cannot afford basic school supplies. Therefore, bringing back school supplies from Belize can be a thoughtful way to help those in need.

• Pens, pencils, and erasers: These are essential for writing and drawing. You can bring a variety of colours and types, such as ballpoint pens, mechanical pencils, and coloured pencils.
• Notebooks and paper: Exercise books, spiral notebooks, wide-ruled pads, and loose-leaf paper are all useful for note-taking and assignments.
• Pencil cases and pouches: To keep all the pencils, erasers, and sharpeners organised.
• Pencil sharpeners: Manual or twist-and-sharp pencil sharpeners are always handy.
• Highlighters: Highlighters are great for colour-coding notes and underlining important information.
• Markers: Washable markers are ideal for young students, while permanent markers have a variety of uses for older students.
• Folders and binders: Plastic folders and three-ring binders help keep loose papers organised and protected.
• Glue and tape: Glue sticks and white-out tape are useful for correcting mistakes and attaching items to paper.
• Scissors: Both blunt-tipped and standard scissors have a variety of uses in the classroom.
• Calculators: Standard calculators are useful for basic calculations, while graphing calculators are ideal for more advanced mathematics.
• Rulers: A ruler is essential for drawing straight lines and measuring distances.
• Planners and organisers: Personal planners and organisers help students stay on top of their assignments and deadlines.
• Backpacks and lunch boxes: These are essential for carrying books and supplies, and lunch boxes or bags help keep food fresh and organised.
• Art supplies: Construction paper, sketch pads, paintbrushes, and crayons are great for creative projects.
• Books: Storybooks in English or Spanish can be enjoyable for children, while used textbooks can be a valuable resource for teachers.

Frequently asked questions