Q. Do I need a passport to visit
Belize?
A. Yes! All foreign nationals need a passport
to enter Belize. Citizens of some countries also require a visa. Citizens
of the United States, Canada and most western European countries
do not require a visa. Please check and secure necessary
documents before your trip.
Q. In which time zone is Belize?
A. Belize is on Central Standard Time,
like Chicago. However, we do not have daylight savings.
That means we have no time change in the summer months.
During those months we are on Mountain Standard Time, like
Denver.
Q. Do I need any vaccinations before I visit Belize?
A. As always, please check with your doctor.
We recommend that you have an up-to-date tetanus/diphtheria
vaccination, which you should have anyway! The vast majority
of our guests do not get any special vaccinations before
coming to Belize nor do they take any malaria preventatives.
We strongly encourage you to bring an adequate supply of
any medications that you may need.
Q. Can I drink the water?
A. While the tap water technically is safe
to drink we do not recommend that you do so. We provide
bottled water in all of our rooms, the restaurant and on
our tours. Please stay hydrated! Our ice, salads and other
uncooked food items are safe for consumption.
Q. What kind of electricity do you use?
A. Voltage is 110 like in the USA. Outlets
are the same as in the USA.
Q. Are there bugs in Belize?
A. Yes, though most are not a problem.
Sand flies, or noseeums, are tiny creatures that bite like
mosquitoes. When there is little or no breeze, they come
out and can even get through screen. Occasionally, we get
mosquito “hatches”. At these times we will have
a lot of mosquitoes for a couple of days. We recommend that
you wear DEET based insect repellant at all times. A pair
of lightweight pants and a long sleeve shirt are also good
should the bugs be really bad. You might consider bringing
hydrocortisone cream and/or Benedryl to help stop itching.
We also have other visitors on occasion. You might come
across a scorpion, ants or sometimes a spider. Our rooms
are very clean, but sometimes bugs find their way in. Stay
calm! Find the nearest shoe or one of us can come to your
rescue!
Q. Is it ok to bring young children to Belize?
A. Yes, it is safe. However, children are
more likely to have stronger reactions to bug bites and
illnesses. Please take necessary precautions and keep a
close eye on them!
Q. What language do they speak in Belize?
A. The official language of Belize is English.
In our area people also speak Garifuna, Creole, Mopan Mayan,
Ketchi Mayan and Spanish. In other parts of the country
people also speak low-German and Chinese, as well as Yucatec
Mayan.
Q. Is Belize safe?
A. Yes! Belize is a safe country. However,
like everywhere else, you need to exercise caution. Do not
wear flashy jewelry and carry large amounts of cash. Do
not walk alone at night. If something seems questionable
or too good to be true, it probably is. A little common
sense can go along way!
Q. Where is Hamanasi situated?
A. Hamanasi is located on the mainland
beach south of Dangriga and north of Placencia. We are one
mile south of the village of Hopkins.
Q. What kind of nightlife to you have in your area?
A. Hopkins is a fairly quiet town. However,
there are several bars with pool tables, as well as some
local restaurants offering delicious Belizean fare. During
weekend nights there are often villagers playing drums at one
of the local watering holes. Occasionally, Hamanasi has
Garifuna drummers and dancers perform on our veranda –
an excellent cultural performance.
Q. Do you recommend driving in Belize?
A. Yes… and no. In general it is
safe to drive here. However, many roads are unpaved and
are best with a four wheel drive vehicle. There are many
unmarked speed bumps. Additionally, there are numerous one-lane
bridges without advance warning signs. During the rainy
season some roads are prone to flood. We do not recommend
driving at night.
Q. On what side of the road do you drive in Belize?
A. We drive on the right side of the road,
like in the USA. (Sometimes we drive on the smoothest side
of the road!)
Q. What is the currency rate of exchange? How can I change
money?
A. The Belize dollar exchange rate is approximately
US $1 = BZ $2. Most hotels can change money in small amounts.
Banks also change money. US dollars are widely accepted
throughout the country in smaller denominations (20s and
under), although US coins are not. Hamanasi accepts traveler’s
checks in US dollars. Personal checks are not accepted.
Q. What should I bring with me to Belize?
A. For a list
of items to consider bringing to Belize, click here.
Q. Do you have TVs or phones in the rooms? AC?
A. All of our rooms have air conditioning.
We have no TVs or phones in the rooms. We want you to get
away from it all and relax! If you really need to use the
phone or check email we have those services available at
the front desk. In the village there are some restaurants
and bars with TVs.
Q. What are check in and check out times?
A. Check in time is 3:00 PM. Check out
time is 11:00 AM.
Q. How can I pay my bill when I check out?
A. You can pay in Belize or US dollars
or by MasterCard and Visa. We do not accept American Express
cards or checks in Belize.
Q. What about tipping?
A. Most of Hamanasi’s rates include
a service charge. Bar service and meals that are not included
in a package do not include gratuity. Tipping is customary
in Belize and 10-15% is standard. As always, tipping is
at your discretion.
Q. Can I dive if I am not a certified diver?
A. Yes, if you take a Discover Scuba or
Open Water diving course. If you are already certified you
must bring your dive card or we will not let you dive!
Q. Can I swim in the sea?
A. Yes! Our water is warm and has almost
no undertow. We do have some turtle grass off the beach.
Sometimes this gets stirred up and washes up on the beach,
but it is still safe to swim. The good thing about turtle
grass is that manatees feed on it! When in the sea be sure
to shuffle your feet so that you won’t step on a stingray
that might be in the area. Of course, you can always swim
in the pool!
Q. What is the water temperature?
A. The water temperature is 75-86 degrees
Fahrenheit year round.
Q. What is the Weather like?
A. The weather is similar to Southern Florida
with slightly warmer winters and summers. In the winter
we get occasional “northerns” whenever a storm
system moves across the USA. At these times it can be overcast
and choppy on the water. Our dry season is April and May.
The official rainy season in June through November, but
the bulk of the rain comes in September and October. The
summer and fall are wonderful times to be here! It generally
is sunny throughout the day and rains at night. (Great sleeping
weather!) Hurricanes are fairly rare in Belize and generally
do not pose a great threat. The sea is calmest in August
and September.
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