Belize Travel Tips

• Bring all medications that would normally be taken in the USA like hypertension medications, cholesterol medications, diabetes medications, etc. Be sure to pack these in a separate carry-on bag.
• Be certain to bring regular items such as - skin lotion, toothbrush, mouthwash, vitamins, floss, aspirin, etc.
• Bring medications specific for Belize as advised to include - chloroquine, Pepto- Bismol or lomotil, sun screen (> 30 SPF), natural aloe gel in case of sunburn, insect repellant, clothes treated with Permethrin.
• Pack clothing specific for a tropical climate - light shirts and trousers, t-shirts, shorts, comfortable walkinglhiking shoes, sandals, swim suits, eye protection (polarized sunglasses), etc.

Belize is a very informal country, with a very casual lifestyle. Leave your jewelry and expensive watches at home because you will not need them. If you must have a watch, bring an inexpensive watch that is suitable for hiking. Mostly comfortable summer clothing should be worn. However, you may want to include the following articles:

• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Swim suits
• Comfortable tennis shoes, deck shoes, sandals, and/or "wet" shoes
• Sunglasses
• Loose fitting cotton shirt
• Light colored cotton pants (khakis) andlor shorts
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Hat with a wide brim (protection from the tropical sun as well as from a tropical shower)

Currency:  Belize Dollar (BZ$)

Exchange Rate: US$1.00 = BZ$2.00

How much should I bring?:  US$200

Note: All meals and transportation will be provided; however, if you will be purchasing souvenirs or additional food items you may want to bring extra money. As a rule of thumb, an average souvenir will cost approximately US$15. Food items are comparably priced to US food items. It is easy to change US dollars just about anywhere in Belize . However, US dollars may be spent anywhere in the country. It is always best to travel with small denominations ( $1's and $5's). Belize ATMs will not accept foreign bank cards; however, they will accept major credit cards. Haggling is not a popular pastime in Belize, but it might be worth a try if business looks slow. Remember that you represent the US and the University of Louisville, so do not go overboard to embarrass yourself and your colleagues. Upscale restaurants, bars, and clubs are likely to expect a tip - 10% is the current acceptable rate. Cash or major credit cards are accepted.