What
You Should Know …
THE TIME IN BELIZE Central Standard Time
year round – same time as Houston, Texas.
CURRENCY The Belize dollar is tied
to the US dollar at a rate of 2 to 1. This means you get $2 Belize for every $1 US.
Bring as much US Cash with you as you feel comfortable carrying – the rest in
Travelers Checks. Some smaller face value ($20) and the remainder larger face value ($50
& $100).
Atlantic Bank has a branch office in Placencia.
CLOTHING We are very
informal at Green Parrot Beach Houses. You need to bring only casual summer clothes. Most
of us don’t wear shoes ! A light windbreaker in the event of rain is a good idea
– as well as a long sleeve shirt and pants in case the bugs are out. Sandals are
perfect most of the time except when you head into the Rainforest – then running
shoes or hiking boots are necessary for foot protection and support.
P.S. Pack light so travelling is more fun !
SUNSCREEN & INSECT REPELLENT Need I
say more ? 
Don’t forget a hat!
(I know, I know, I sound like your Mother….)
SNORKELING EQUIPMENT We do have adult
size masks/snorkels and fins – however – many people do bring
mask/snorkel and fins.
SCUBA DIVING EQUIPMENT Many
divers like to bring their own BC, regulator, fins and mask. Leave
the weights at home. Spearguns will be confiscated at the
airport.
FISHING EQUIPMENT The local fishermen
call this your ‘gears’. Rod and tackle are important to bring. See the comments
and picture on the page TOURS – Fishing for the
recommendations from Local Fishermen.
CAMERAS & FILM Brings lots of film
– we do try to keep a stock in our Gift Shop however it is expensive. Bring your camera and film in a Zip-Loc bag for protection from water
and humidity damage.
FLASHLIGHT A small flashlight & extra
batteries are a great idea ! It is dark here by 6:30 PM and a pocket flashlight is
convenient.
MEDICAL ATTENTION at Green Parrot Beach
Houses:
A
part time doctor is available in Placencia
The British Forces helicopters are available 24 hours a day for Emergency situations
– arrival time to Green Parrot is 20 minutes.
In Belize City, a Private Medical Clinic is adjacent to the new Hospital.
No Pharmacy in this area – please remember your medications.
IMMUNIZATIONS No immunizations are required for Belize as long as
you are up to date on all normal inoculations. Malaria medication is not necessary for
your stay at the Green Parrot. You should consider Malaria medication for extended stays
in the jungle. But please, do consult your local Health Unit.
SAND FLIES & MOSQUITOES Mosquitoes
are noticeable after a lot of rain but sand flies are much more common. The insect
repellent has already been mentioned, but some people need more than a spray of OFF. Sand
Flies can cause most people to react with red ‘dots’ but there are some people
who are more sensitive to insect bites. It is a smart idea to bring anti-histamines to
reduce the reaction, anti-itch cream to stay sane and a topical steroid cream for those
few who really react. I’m not trying to discourage you – being prepared and
staying comfortable is smart, after all – IT IS A JUNGLE OUT THERE !
WATER We collect and filter rain water
for each Beach Cabana so that Drinking Water is safe and tastes good !
ELECTRICITY 110 volts A.C. , same as
North America.
GROCERIES & COOKING The grocery store
in Placencia has a limited selection of food. We work very hard to gather our cooking
ingredients from all over Belize. It is not realistic to plan on "going to the local
market" and cooking full meals in the Beach Cabanas. Snacks and lunch food are a great
idea if you are so inclined.
LINES OF COMMUNICATION Please do leave
our phone number, fax number and e-mail address with your people at home in case of
emergency. No problem at all! We do have an e-mail service for you to send and receive
e-mails. If you want to call home – bring your Calling Card and we can connect you
with a North American operator to place your call, or you could purchase
pre-paid phone cards at our gift shop.
Jupiter says: "If you insist....bring some pistachio nuts
for Stupiter....Oh! Did I say "Stupiter"?
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