Volunteer in Belize FAQ
Travel Logistics
Health and Safety
Accommodations and Meals
Technology
Cultural Concerns
Miscellaneous
How
long can I volunteer?
The recommended minimum time to volunteer is 2 weeks. The
recommended maximum time to volunteer is 12 weeks.
What is the
best time to volunteer in Belize?
Except for the months of greatest rainfall -- somewhere between June and October -- Belize is much the same year-round, with average daytime high temperatures in the low to mid-80s. The Cayo District averages about 125 days of rain per year, which is less than other areas, and many of these rainy days in reality are only quick showers during the very early morning (called "night rains" by locals).
Do I need
to obtain a visa before traveling to Belize?
Citizens of many countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, etc.) – for stays of 30 days or less -- need only a passport (valid for at least three months beyond the anticipated stay) prior to arrival in Belize. For longer stays, and for citizens of other countries, a visa will be required. In either case, evidence of an onward or return home ticket must be presented. For inquiries contact the applicable Embassy or Consulate, or telephone the Belize Immigration and Nationality Department in Belmopan at ++ 501-822-2423; Fax ++ 501-822-2662.
Embassy of Belize (U.S.) website
Official site of the Belize Tourism Board
Where
can I find the information I will need to complete my visa
application, if I need one?
If you plan to stay in Belize beyond 30 days, or are from one of the few countries where a visa is required beforehand, we provide two documents that will help you complete your
visa application: Travel Considerations and Belize
Contact Information.
To access these documents, please login to My
Village. Scroll to the Travel Preparation section of the
My Village main page, and select Belize. The Travel Considerations
and Belize Contact Information documents are both located in
the "Before you leave..." section.
Please note that you won't have access to these
documents until we have received your
deposit.
Can you
recommend a service that can expedite my passport or visa?
In the US, expedited passport and visa services are provided
by A Briggs and PassportsandVisas.com.
Can
you recommend a travel agent?
For low cost airfares, check the websites below or contact travel agent and Village Volunteer alumni Micki Anderson at Bisoux Travel. Micki is able to obtain highly competitive prices, plus she waives her commission.
Micki: travel@bisouxtravel.com
Expedia.com
Kayak.com
Orbitz.com
SideStep.com
For excursion options in and around Belize, volunteers should make their own arrangements.* Barzakh Falah recommends the following tour agency, located in nearby San Ignacio:
Mayawalk Tours
[*Excursions are not coordinated through Village Volunteers]
Which airport
should I fly to and depart from?
Volunteers fly in and out of Philip Goldson International Airport, which is about 1.5 hours from Barzakh Falah. The airport is located in the town of Ladyville, about 11 miles northwest of Belize City, which is commercial hub of the nation and its biggest city.
Will
there be someone to meet me at the airport?
Yes, you will be met at the airport by a staff member from
the partner organization, inside the airport's Arrival Lounge. They will be recognizable by a Barzakh Falah shirt, and/or a V.V./Barzakh Falah sign. Together,
you and the staff member will travel to your volunteer destination.
What
are the in-country transportation costs?
Your transportation
is included in the Volunteer Program fee. However, if you chose to depart
from the program for independent travel or personal reasons,
please be prepared for additional costs.
Upon departure from Belize, expect to pay approximately $40.00 USD in fees at the airport.
Will there
be time to see the sights of Belize?
Yes, however we recommend that you do this on weekends. Weekend excursions, or tours before/after your volunteer period can be coordinated through Barzakh Falah with San Ignacio tour agent Mayawalk Tours (see website link above in "Can you recommend a travel agent").
What
safety precautions should I take when traveling in Belize?
The villages
are generally very safe and hospitable for volunteers; however,
travel to larger cities should be treated with a degree of caution.
While in Belize City or Belmopan, like any larger municipality, vigilance is advised, as it is in portions of resort areas.
Will
I need any immunizations or medications?
Yes. Be sure
to consult a physician at least two months prior to
your departure from your home country. You may also want to
consult the Center
for Disease Control and Prevention website for additional
information.
What
are the accommodations like in Belize?
To learn about the accommodations, please click on:
» Barzakh Falah
What
if I am a vegetarian or have food allergies?
When you complete your volunteer application, you will have
an opportunity to let us know of your specific dietary needs.
This information will be forwarded to our partners overseas
so they can prepare your meals accordingly.
Will I have
email access while in Belize?
Until recently, access to the Internet was available only in the main town of San Ignacio, about 20 minutes away from Georgeville, where most volunteers stay. But now Georgeville itself boasts a small Internet cafe.
Will
I be able to use my cell phone in Belize?
Check with your service provider. You can use a local phone on a pay-by-the-minute basis. There are plenty of places to charge your phone.
Will I be
able to charge my digital camera and batteries in Belize?
Yes you will have access to power for charging whatever you need, and the area experiences few electrical blackouts.
Will
I need an adapter or converter in Belize?
Most of the electrical power Belize is 110 Volts A.C., same as the U.S. & Canada. Travelers from those areas typically do not need adapters or converters.
Do people in Belize speak English?
Of all the countries in Central and South America, Belize is particularly attractive to English-speakers because English is the country's official language. It is estimated that three-quarters of the population speak English at least to some degree, although fluency decreases away from major cities and towns. And while many people speak Spanish or one of several regional languages, the local Creole language ("Kriol") is spoken by about seventy percent of Belizeans.
What are a few
basic customs I should be aware of?
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Handshaking is done more in the cities than in the country, where a nod of the head in acknowledgement is often sufficient. |
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It is always preferable to ask permission before photographing
or filming local people. |
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Cars drive on the right side of the road, as in Canada and the U.S. |
I have
more questions.
More in-depth
orientation materials are available for volunteers after
the application process has been completed. For assistance,
email our team at info@villagevolunteers.org.
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