Belize & San Pedro Travel Tips
Entry Requirements
- A valid passport is required for entry into the country of Belize. Canadian and US citizens do not need a visa.
- Non-US citizens, please contact the nearest consulate or embassy of the country to which you are traveling to determine your entry/visa requirements.
- US citizens are allowed to bring back $400 worth of merchandise duty-free.
Currency
- Currency is the Belizean dollar, which currently trades at a fixed rate of BZ$2 to US$1.
- US Dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize.
- ATMs are available near Blue Tang Inn and local banks in San Pedro.
- Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express are accepted at the Blue Tang Inn.
- Traveler’s Checks are not widely accepted in Belize.
- The bank changes a rate of $1.9825Bz (no longer $2Bz – $1US)2). When depositing, it takes 3 days for the money to be reflected into the hotel bank account.
Time Zone
- The time zone is Central Standard Time (US and Canada)
Transportation to the Island
Travel by air from Belize International (BZE) to Ambergris Caye:
- Blue Tang Inn is happy to arrange air travel for our guests from Belize International Airport to Ambergris Caye. Contact us at info@bluetanginn.com for more information and reservations.
- If Blue Tang Inn reserves your local flight to San Pedro, they provide complimentary roundtrip taxi transfer from the San Pedro Airstrip to the Blue Tang Inn.
- If you reserve your own transportation to the island, you can take any taxi when you arrive in San Pedro to Blue Tang Inn. Cost is approx $10 USD one-way.
Travel by water from Belize City to Ambergris Caye:
- You will have to take a taxi from the airport to The San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi. They also offer a shuttle service.
- The boat takes 1.5 hours from Belize City to San Pedro and stops at Caye Caulker on the way.
- To make reservations or receive additional information, go to belizewatertaxi.com
Transportation in San Pedro
- Golf carts, bicycles and walking are the main mode of transportation on Ambergris Caye. Golf carts are available for rental.
- Taxis are also available in San Pedro when needed. Rates should be negotiated in advance when you get in the taxi.
Language
- English is the official language of Belize, although Spanish, Creole, Garifuna and Mayan are widely spoken throughout the country.
Electricity
- 120 volts/60 cycles, which is compatible with the US
- Hair dryers are provided in each guest bathroom at Blue Tang Inn
Health and Safety
- Blue Tang Inn is safe and comfortable. There is a safety deposit box in each suite.
- There are 5-gallon jugs of bottled water located on each floor of the Blue Tang Inn. Feel free to refill the pitcher in your refrigerator with bottled water for drinking.
- You can feel comfortable brushing your teeth and showering with the water at the Blue Tang Inn.
- Bring sun block and drink lots of water in the tropical heat.
- Mosquito repellent is good to apply during dusk, as that is the most bothersome time for bugs.
Climate
- The climate in Belize is sub-tropical, with a brisk breeze from the Caribbean Sea.
- The annual temperatures average a warm 80 degrees. Trade winds blow along the coast and cayes most of the year, keeping temperatures comfortable, even in the hottest months.
- November to January are traditionally the coolest months with a 75°F average and May to September are the warmest at about a 81°F average.
Cell Phones
- If you have an International Plan with your cell phone, international calls from Belize are very expensive. You will be charged for all calls and outgoing texts. We suggest connecting to Wi-Fi at Blue Tang Inn and using WhatsApp, Skype or FaceTime. Most local businesses use WhatsApp.
Calling All CANADIAN Travelers
Your Tropical Escape is Closer Than You Think.
Direct Flights from Canada
Getting to the white sands of Ambergris Caye has never been easier. Skip the long layovers with seasonal direct flight options:
- From Toronto (YYZ): Enjoy direct service via Air Canada or WestJet. In just over 5 hours, you can go from the GTA to the Caribbean Sea.
- From Calgary (YYC): WestJet offers convenient seasonal direct flights, making the escape from the Rockies to our reef a seamless journey.
Why Canadians Love Blue Tang Inn
- The Perfect Winter Thaw: Trade the snow for the world's second-largest barrier reef. Our ocean-view suites provide the vitamin D you've been missing.
- Stress-Free Currency: The Belize Dollar is pegged at $2 BZ to $1 USD. US cash is accepted everywhere, making it easy to budget your island adventures.
- No Visa Required: Canadian citizens do not need a visa to enter Belize for stays up to 30 days — just pack your passport and your flip-flops!
Travel Tip: When booking your local hopper flight from Belize City (BZE) to San Pedro, let us know! We can help coordinate your puddle jumper or water taxi so your transition to the island is as smooth as a Belizean sunset.
If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
