Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, but generally, the following vaccinations are recommended for Belize:
Routine Vaccines: MMR, DTP, Varicella, Polio
Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers
Hepatitis B: Consider for long-term stays or frequent visits
Typhoid: Especially if you’re adventurous with street food
Rabies: If you plan on exploring caves or interacting with wildlife
Malaria is not a major concern, but consider mosquito repellent for dengue prevention. Always check for the latest updates before your trip.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Belize, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for BelizeCulture & Customs
Respect personal space in Belize; a friendly handshake is common for greetings. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas and during religious visits. Show politeness by using ”please” and ”thank you” often.
Avoid discussing politics or religion with strangers. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion in rural areas, as attitudes can be conservative. Women may receive unwanted attention; a firm ”no” usually works, but it’s best to stay in groups after dark.
Tipping is generally expected, around 10-15% in restaurants, unless service charge is included. Always ask before photographing locals or private property.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Belize.
- Rice and Beans: A staple in Belize, this dish is a comforting mix of rice cooked with coconut milk and kidney beans. Often served with stewed chicken or fish, it’s a Sunday favorite and a symbol of the country’s Creole influence.
- Stew Chicken: This dish is all about tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, brown sauce made with local spices. It’s a key player in traditional Belizean meals, usually paired with rice and beans.
- Fry Jacks: These are deep-fried dough pieces, typically served at breakfast with refried beans, eggs, or cheese. Loved for their fluffy texture, they represent the simplicity and heartiness of Belizean breakfast cuisine.
- Hudut: A Garifuna specialty, this dish consists of mashed plantains served with a coconut milk-based fish stew. It’s a tribute to the Garifuna community’s cultural heritage and coastal lifestyle.
- Boil Up: Often dubbed the national dish of Belize, it includes boiled eggs, fish, and ground provisions like cassava and sweet potatoes, all cooked in a tomato and coconut milk sauce. It’s a wholesome, hearty meal reflecting the diverse cultural influences in Belize.
- Chimole: Also known as ”black dinner,” this is a flavorful soup made with chicken and vegetables, colored with black recado paste. It’s a Creole dish often served at family gatherings and special occasions.
Tap water in Belize is generally safe for locals, but tourists might want to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any potential stomach issues. Bottled water is widely available and cheap, so it’s a hassle-free option. If you have a portable filter, that’s a good backup too.
In Belize,
English is the official language and is widely spoken throughout the country. This makes it particularly accessible for English-speaking travelers. Most Belizeans are bilingual, often fluent in both English and Spanish, along with various indigenous languages such as Kriol and Garifuna.
In urban areas and tourist destinations like Belize City, San Pedro, and Caye Caulker, English is the primary means of communication, and you will find that locals, service workers, and business owners are comfortable conversing in English. Even in more rural areas, English is commonly understood, although you may encounter some variations in dialect and local expressions.
While English is prevalent, it’s also beneficial to learn a few basic phrases in Kriol or Spanish, as this can enhance your interactions with locals and enrich your travel experience. Overall, English-speaking travelers will find it easy to navigate Belize, making it a welcoming destination for those who primarily speak English.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Belize is BZD$.
ATM Access: You’ll find ATMs in Belize, but mostly in larger towns and tourist spots. Remember, fees can be steep, so try to withdraw as much as you can at once to minimize costs.
Cash or Card: Cash is still king in many areas, especially off the beaten path. While cards are accepted in more touristy regions, smaller shops and local eateries might not take them.
Currency: Stick to Belizean dollars (BZD) or US dollars. The exchange rate is easy to remember—2 BZD to 1 USD, and most places accept both. Avoid euros, as they’re a hassle to exchange.
Exchanging Money: If you need to exchange cash, do it at banks or official exchange offices in cities. Avoid street exchanges to steer clear of scams.
In Belize, tipping is generally expected in the service industry. A standard tip is about 10-15% of the bill in restaurants and for taxi services. Hotel staff, like porters or housekeeping, usually appreciate a couple of Belizean dollars per service.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.