DISCOVER BELIZE 1

Olivia Clark, Madison Drew, Jack Erickson, Jessica Gan & Jake Nichols
Belize is Better, Inc.
Travel Channel, The Beauty of Belize 2017
 DISCOVER BELIZE 2

Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Before You Go 4
Things to Know 5
Things to Do 6
While You’re There 7
Foods 8
Living Accommodations 8
Transportation 9
Interacting with the Locals 9
While You Work 10
Attire 11
Addressing & Greeting Others 12
Meeting & Negotiation Protocol 12
Gift Giving 12
Cultural Elements 13
Government & Economics 14
Type of Government 15
Population 15
Components of the Economy 16
International Relations 17
References 18
Maps 18
Contacts 20
Common Phrase Translations 20
Fun Things to Do 21
Citations 22

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Introduction

Welcome to Belize!
This booklet will be your guide while you travel to and stay in Belize. It will provide you with the
knowledge needed to have a successful and productive trip to Belize for the company. The next 5 sections
cover things to know and do before you go, information for while you are living and working in Belize, Beliz-
ean government & economics, maps, contacts, and common phrase and hand signal guides.
The first section, “Before You Go” covers everything you will need to do and know before you leave
the United States. Topics that will be covered include visas, vaccinations, language, currency, geography,
climate, safety, flights, and additional paperwork.
The second section, “While You’re There” covers information you will need to know while living as a
Belizean. Topics covered include transportation, foods, living accommodations, and how to interact with
locals accordingly.
The third section, “While You’re Working” covers appropriate business behavior and conduction for
while you are working in Belize. Topics covered include attire, addressing and greeting others, meeting and
negotiation protocol, and cultural elements.
The fourth section, “Government & Economics”, covers the type of government, components of the
economy, and international relations. This includes topics such as Gross Domestic Product, trade,
commodities, etc.
The fifth section, “References”, includes maps, contacts, common phrase translations, and common
hand signals to help make your stay in Belize run as smoothly as possible.
Good Luck on your endeavors and remember, we want to help you in anyway we can!

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Before You Go….

> Things to Know
> Things to Do

SECTION ONE

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Things to Know

What language do they speak?

Fortunately for you, you won’t have to learn an additional language! English is the national language
of Belize. In addition to English, most Belizeans are trilingual and speak Kriol and Spanish as well.

What currency do they use?

The currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD). The conversion rate is
1 USD to 2 BZD. However, USD are accepted throughout the country and in
some places the BZD is not. Mexican Pesos are also negotiable in stores.
Valgardena.com

How’s the weather down there?

Be sure to pack for warm weather and bring your umbrella! The average daily temperature in Belize is
84F. Lows are not below 60F and highs are not above 86F, usually. June through December is the wet season,
where you can expect up to 150 inches of rain. During the dry season, January through May, short,
intermittent, rain showers should be anticipated. Humidity stays around 85% year round.

Where is Belize?

Belize is located on the Caribbean coast between the borders of Mexico

and Guatemala. The country covers 22,960 square km of wetlands, in
the north, and the Maya Mountains, in the south. It’s largest city is its
capital, Belize City. See the maps located in the back of this booklet for
specific geographic detail.

Pinterest.com

What about Safety?

While in Belize, you need to keep your personal safety as a priority. Crime rates are high in Belize.
There has been an increase in crimes such as theft, hotel room invasion, burglary, and pick pocketing in recent
years. Most crime is centralized in Belize City, but can occur anywhere. Though Americans have not been
specifically targeted, it is suggested by the US Embassy that visitors stick to groups and stay in main areas.

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Things to Do
Do I need a Visa?
United States citizens are not required to get a Visa in order to enter Belize.
You will need to have a valid Passport and you will be granted a 30-day Visa upon
entry, which can be extended as time passes. A driver’s license or birth certificate is
NOT a valid form of identification, ONLY passports will be accepted.

International.ku.edu

Which vaccinations do I need?

Though no vaccines are required for you to visit Belize, the Center for Disease Control recommends
multiple vaccinations. These include: -MMR (mumps & measles) -Hepatitis A & B
-Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis -Typhoid
-Chickenpox -Rabies
-Malaria -Yellow Fever

How will I get there?

Your flight from the U.S. will land in Philip S. W. Goldson International
Airport in Belize City, Belize, the largest airport in the Belize. From the airport
to the center of Belize City is about a 30 minute drive. If you want more
information about airport, what is it in the airport
or airline list, the website for the airport is
http://www.pgiabelize.com/1.html

Is there anything else?

One more thing for you to remember is currency declaration. Belizean law requires that any amount of
money brought into the country must be declared upon entry. They also strictly prohibit any amount of money
over 5,000 USD. Fees can incur if these laws aren’t obeyed. But don’t worry! We can always wire you
additional money if you need.

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While You’re There….

> Foods
> Living Accommodations
> Transportation
> Interacting with the locals

SECTION TWO

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Foods
Staples in the Belizean diet include rice and beans, with a choice of beef, chicken, pork, lobster,
shrimp, or game meat. Often, food is spiced up with recado, a native reddish herb, and garlic to add a little
kick of flavor to every meal.

Traditional Meals
Ceviche’s ingredients in-
Chicken Escabeche is a clude shrimp or conch
traditional mayan dish. It is cooked and marinated in
basically a spicy chicken soup citrus juices and then
with hot peppers. served with fresh
tomatoes and cucumbers.

Rice & Beans is a plain Cochinita Pibil consists

but traditional entrée in of slow roasted pork,
Belize. Its ingredients are cooked in orange juice
simple yet provide quality and recado, wrapped in
nutrition and flavor. a plantain leaf.

Living Accommodations
Housing
The most cost effective approach for accommodations in Belize are either a budget hotel or an Airbnb.
Starting prices for budget hotels range from 70-100 BZD per night. We highly recommend renting a room
from a local Belizean on Airbnb. A shared room on Airbnb averages 50 BZD per night. Renting an entire
home averages 150 BZD per night.

Internet & Technology

Don’t expect to be on your phone or laptop a lot! While internet is somewhat widely available in
Belize, the connection is typically very poor and hard to reach because very few places pay for higher speeds.
Internet is free in most hotels; however, if you’re paying to connect, satellite internet costs about 120 USD a
month and DSL internet, which is at a higher speed, is about 350 USD a month.

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Transportation
The greatest means of travel around Belize are by car, water taxi and plane. Taxis and rental cars are the best
ways of transportation around Belize City. If you would like to access secret beaches and coves hop on a Hop-
per plane to popular islands like Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Water taxis are the absolute best mode of
passage to Belize's numerous cays. There are commuter buses that transport passengers to popular things to do
in Belize. However, these buses are typically run-down and routes can be difficult to navigate.

Belizewatertaxi.com

Interacting with Local Belizeans

How do I greet a local?
The norm is to shake hands and have a simple oral exchange in a formal or semi-formal setting. If you have
previously met the person, a handshake or kiss on the cheek is acceptable.

What should I talk about?

Small talk is acceptable, and there are no specific taboo topics. Belizeans tend to be indirect and dislike con-
frontation. Typically, dialogues begin with an exchange of small talk and cover neutral subjects such as the
weather. Belizeans say what they mean in a tactful way but avoid communicating negatives.

When should I arrive?

Punctuality is a loose term in Belize. Meetings times are set with expectation that only a few will arrive on
time. Meetings typically start 30-60 minutes after the designated start time. This stands with both social and
business meetings. You should arrive on time but expect locals to arrive later.
What should I wear?
The culture is very laid back, and dress codes are rarely enforced. You will want to look presentable and arrive
on time, but you should expect that the Belizean locals will likely arrive 15-20 minutes late.

How about when I’m dining?

The dining rules are standard but relaxed. In terms of gratuity, you should tip servers 10-15%

What about Personal Space?

Belizeans are not sensitive in terms of personal space and do not seem to follow any discernable rules in terms
of protecting personal space in both personal and business settings.

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While You Work….

> Attire
> Addressing & Greeting Others
> Meeting & Negotiation Protocol
> Gift Giving
> Cultural Elements

SECTION THREE

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Attire
The dress code for business attire in Belize is casual. In facts, dressing too professionally can be con-
sidered inappropriate. Most Belizean business people do not tuck their shirts in and dress to better accommo-
date the weather and stay comfortable. The only time a suit would be appropriate to wear would be if you are
a high government official or are attending a high profile meeting. Below are some gender specific examples
for you to use to guide you in your wardrobe choices.

Men
Men typically wear cotton or khaki pants with a collared or knit shirt. Another appropriate outfit for
warmer weather is nice Bermuda shorts with a collared shirt. Sandals are typical for footwear. However,
flip flops are not appropriate.

Women
Women typically wear Capri-length cotton or khaki pants with a knit shirt. Other appropriate wear
would include a knee-length sundress or knee-length skirt with knit top. Footwear is the same for women as it
is for men - sandals are typical, but flip flops are inappropriate.

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Meeting & Negotiation Protocol

It is respected and appreciated to be on time as a guest, but views on punctuality are not very strict in
Belize - you may be kept waiting.
It is typical to start a meaning with friendly small talk - this establishes a positive relationship quickly.
Appropriate topics for small talk include family, sports, and places of interest. Do not talk about politics, reli-
gion, and other controversial topics. After small talk, you should allow your host to begin the business discus-
sion.
When it comes to negotiations, decisions are usually reached from the top-down. Therefore, it may take
several meetings before any final decisions are made.

Gift Giving
Gifts are not expected in business situations. However, if invited to someone’s house, you should bring
wine, spirits, or dessert as a kind gesture.

Addressing & Greeting Others

The rules for addressing and greeting others are not much different from what you are used to in the
United States. When greeting someone, use their title - Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr. - followed by the person’s last
name. Sometimes, people will use “Mr./Mrs. etc.” followed by the person’s first name if they know that per-
son well. It is considered inappropriate to address someone by their first name unless they have given you
permission to do so. That being said, people in the same relative position typically address each other on a
first name basis. For example, you would call a co-worker by their first name, but you would address a CEO
as “Mr./Mrs.” Greetings are the same in professional settings as they are in more casual settings.

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Cultural Elements
The following are scores based off of Globe Study which refer to different elements of culture,
perceptions of members of that culture, and what they mean.
Performance orientation– refers to the level of which knowledge correlates with success according to
individual perception.
Score: 3.8 out of 7 (Low)
Meaning: Charisma and stature are viewed better than knowledge and training, it’s based off of who you know
not what you know, this results in unqualified people in high positions.
In-group Collectivism– refers to the degree in which individuals express importance of family.
Score: 5.5 out of 7 (Average)
Meaning: In general, Belizeans have more collectivism within families in comparison to business members.
Institutional Collectivism– refers to degree in which individuals express importance of business and
communal relationships.
Score: 3.8 out of 7 (Low)
Meaning: Outside of the family there is little to no collectivism in communities.
Future Orientation– refers to degree of which future-oriented behavior is encouraged by society.
Score: 3.5 out of 7 (Low)
Meaning: Belizeans, in general, work towards maintaining what they have instead of maximizing their
potential.
Assertiveness– refers to the level in which individuals are assertive.
Score: 4.1 out of 7 (Average)
Meaning: Belizeans are assertive and upfront and will not hide feelings in conversation, they also have little
concern for political correctness.
Humane Orientation– refers to the degree in which “humane” behavior leads to societal and business
promotion.
Score: 4.0 out of 7 (Average)
Meaning: Subordinates are offered promotions for creativity and altruistic behavior but often kept at low
positions.
Uncertainty Avoidance– refers to the degree in which uncertainty is tolerated.
Score: 3.6 out of 7 (Low)
Meaning: Subordinates want leaders to tell them what to do and how to do it.
Gender Egalitarianism– degree in which genders are treated equally.
Score: 3.4 out of 7 (Low)
Meaning: Men usually work outside of the home and women stay at home, cleaning cooking and taking care
of children.

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Government
& Economics
> Type of Government
> Components of the Economy
> International Relations

SECTION FOUR

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Type of Government
Government Type
Belize has a parliamentary constitutional democracy, As a member of the Commonwealth of Nations,
Belize holds Queen Elizabeth II of England as the head of state. The Governor-General acts as Queen
Elizabeth’s representative, and the elected Prime Minister serves as the head of the government.

Government Officials
Head of State: Governor-General: Prime Minister:

Queen Elizabeth II Sir Colville Young Dean Barrow

Population
There are currently 372.386 people living in Belize. Below are charts showing
the concentration and changes in population across the country.

Concentration of Population Change in Population Per City

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mom

Components of the Economy

Gross Domestic Product
The GDP for 2017 in Belize was $3.0 Billion , which was a 1.5% growth from 2016 and a 2.5% 5 year
compound annual growth. GDP per capita was $8,373. Inflation was 0.6%.

Exports
Exports for 2016 were valued at $519.5 million dollars. Export commodities include sugar, bananas, citrus,
clothing, fish products, molasses, wood, and crude oil.

Imports
Imports for 2016 were valued at $895.5 million dollars. Import commodities include machinery and transport
equipment, manufactured goods, fuels, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food, beverages, tobacco.

Labor Force
The 2016 Belize labor force was 120,500 people. By occupations, 10.2% of the labor force was in agriculture,
18.1% in industry, and 71.7% was in services.

Trade
Trade is extremely important to Belize’s economy; the value of exports and imports taken together
equals 126 percent of GDP. The average applied tariff rate is 10 percent. Bureaucratic barriers may discourage
foreign investment. The financial system is small but growing.
Foreign Policy Trends: In order to strengthen its potential for economic and political development, Be-
lize has sought to build closer ties with the Spanish-speaking countries of Central America to complement its
historical ties to the English-speaking Caribbean states. In 2005 Belize joined other Central American coun-
tries participating in the Cooperating Nations Information Exchange System (CNIES), which assists in locat-
ing, identifying, tracking, and intercepting civil aircraft in Belize's airspace. Belize and other Central American
countries signed the Conjunta Centroamerica-USA (CONCAUSA) agreement on regional sustainable develop-
ment. Belize held the presidency of the Central American Integration System (SICA) for a 6-month period in
2010. Belize is a member of CARICOM, which was founded in 1973, and held the chairmanship of
CARICOM for a 6-month period in 2008. Belize became an OAS member in 1990.

U.S. Relations
Belize has close and cordial relations with the United States, which is a leading trading partner and principal
source of foreign investment and economic assistance.
However, Tourism is a huge economic driver in
Belize. It’s responsible for nearly 1 in 7 jobs and
accounts for some 22 percent of the country’s GDP.
Around 250,000 overnight tourists visit Belize each
year, with the vast majority coming from the
United States.
Tourism is the number one foreign exchange earner
in this small economy, followed by exports of ma-
rine products, citrus, cane sugar, bananas, and gar-
ments. The government's expansionary monetary
and fiscal policies, initiated in September 1998, led
to GDP growth averaging nearly 4% in 1999-2007.
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References
> Maps
> Contacts
> Common Phrase Translations
> Fun Things to Do

SECTION FIVE

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MAPS

Taken from Belize.com

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Contacts
Police: 911
Coast Guard: 225-21-25
National Security: 225-20-87
US Embassy: 501-822-4011
-Email: ACSBelize@state.gov
-Address: Floral Park Road - Belmopan, Cayo - Belize
Cinderella Taxi Stand Belize: 501-203-3340
Majestic Taxi: 501-203-4465
San Pedro Belize Express Water Taxi: 011-501-223-2225
Belize is Better Incorporated, US Office: 555-123-4567

Common Phrase Translation

English Spanish Kriol

Please/Thank You Por Favor/ Gracias Sivouple/ merci

Hello/Goodbye Hola/Adios Bonjou/ babay

How are you? Como Esta? Komon ou ye?

Do you speak English? Habla ingles? Eske ou pale angle?

I need/ I would like…. Yo neccesito/ Me gustaria…. Mwen bezoin/ mwen vle...

The bathroom? El bano? Latrin la ye?

Where is The telephone? Donde esta El telefono? Ki kote Telefon la ye?

An English speaker ? Se habla engles? Se yon moun ki pale angle?

I don’t understand Yo no entiendo Mwen pa konprann

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Fun Things to Do
If you find yourself with some free time in Belize we have some suggestions
that could accommodate your fun seeking desire.

Ambergris Caye
Is a 25-mile island off the coast of northern Belize and has attractions such as
snorkeling and scuba diving. After your swim, you can enjoy the beachside
shops and restaurants.

Great Blue Hole

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the top scuba destinations in
the world. It used to be the roof to a channel of underground caverns and
tunnels that collapsed, revealing 410 feet of coral reefs and old stalactites.

Cayo District
Just west of Belize City, you can find the mysterious ruins left by the Mayans
back in 1200 B.C. Once done with the site seeing you could take a leap over
to San Ignacio, a small town known for its culinary dishes.

Altun Ha
If you are in the mood to hike, check out Altun Ha - a Mayan site with scat-
tered temples and pyramids that house elite priest kings, along with pottery
and jade artifacts. There is also a large amount of wildlife along the trail - ex-
pect to see foxes, deer, and even crocodiles.

Belize Zoo
Lions, Tigers, and Bears; Oh My! Take a trip to this large, 29-acre
zoo that houses 45 different species from tropical birds to jaguars.

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Citations

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We Hope your stay is

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