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Frequently Asked Questions:
What's the Language?
English is the official language of Belize, which offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to travel comfortably around the country. Most people learn English in schools, but speak Creole, Garifuna, or a Mayan dialect at home, so you'll hear lots of different accents and words everywhere
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What's the Currency?
The Belizean Dollar is tied to the US Dollar at exactly 2:1. When traveling in Belize, particularly in the smaller towns and villages, be sure to have small change with you - many people can't change more than BZ$10
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Can I Use Credit Cards?
Few hotels and businesses accept credit cards in Southern Belize, and those that do will charge you a 5-7% commission to cover their costs. Do not count on using your credit cards-cash works best, though the bank and other businesses around town will change traveler's checks.
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What's the Weather?
In general the dry season runs from December through May, and rainy months are from June into November. Southern Belize is the wettest area of the country, receiving 170 inches of rain annually. Luckily though, most of the rain seems to fall at night, leaving days clear and sunny. Locals actually prefer the rainy season, because part of every day is clear, and yet the dust gets knocked down daily by refreshing rains.
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Can I Drink the Water?
The water in Belize is astonishingly potable. You can drink from the tap in PG, but we recommend you use bottled water when in Mayan villages or other remote areas. Bottled water is almost always available.
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What Clothing is Appropriate?
Shorts and short-sleeved shirts are definitely the norm at any time of day or night. Getting dressed up in Southern Belize means long pants or a simple skirt, though locals often dress up to go dancing on the weekends. Nights rarely get cooler for a long sleeved shirt; days are usually pretty hot and humid, so the lighter your clothing the better. In the villages more conservative clothing is preferred.
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What to bring:
Bug Spray/insect repellent; hat/caps; diving/snorkeling equipment; binoculars; rain coats; Passport, visa (if applicable), prescription drugs; personal items; spare eyeglasses; sun glasses; sun tan lotion; sun screen; sun burn cream; beach wear; camera and films; batteries; flashlights, cash; traveler's check, credit cards.
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How Do I Get to PG?
By Air Two domestic airlines operate small planes multiple times daily between Belize City and PG. It's an absolutely gorgeous introduction to southern Belize, flying over countless rivers that link inland mountains to emerald cayes. The flight takes about an hour to an hour and a half, with stops en route in Stann Creek and Placencia. Their schedules work well with both international flights and other domestic connections.
By Land The Southern Highway is the only road connecting PG with northern and central Belize. Only 26 miles of remains unpaved. The drive, though time consuming, is beautiful. It will take you about four hours by rental car to drive from Belize City to PG.
Rental Cars are available in Belize City for travel throughout the country, though some agencies restrict travel into southern Belize because of the unpaved roads. There are no agencies that offer just one-way rentals, so if you rent, plan on returning the vehicle to its starting point.
Two bus lines travel from Belize City and Belmopan (the country's capital) to PG several times daily. James Bus Line and Southern Transport leave for PG beginning at 4:00 am daily. The eight-hour trip is a bit rough but certainly the most economical option.
By Sea One Belizean company offers daily service to Puerto Barrios, Guatemala, from which you can easily connect to Livingston or Rio Dulce. Requena's Charters leaves PG at 9:00 am and returns at 2:00 pm daily (1 pm on Sundays); the crossing takes about an hour. Pichilingo also runs boats to Guatemala departing at 4:00pm daily and returning to PG at 10:00am.
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Once in PG, How Do I Get Around?
One of the local taxi drivers is usually at the airport, bus station, or ferry to greet incoming passengers. Believe in these drivers. They do know everyone in town, and everything to do. Rides within town usually cost BZ$ 5 a person.
PG is a small community of about 4700 people with streets and roads spread out north and south along the sea. You can easily walk from one end of town to the other in half hour, though most walks will only take you a few minutes.
Bike rentals are another popular option for visitors. You can take a ride out to Boom Creek village to go for a swim in the river, out of town to Cerro Hill or simply 'circle' the town like the locals. Bikes can be rented for $10US/day.
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