San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize

BELIZE MISSION TRIP

Good Things to Bring

Things to Bring- Revised 7/15/07

Things provided:  (wherever your group is staying)
    Sheets
    Towels
     Pillows
    Toilet paper
    Floor fans and/or AC
    Screens in windows
    Electricity – same as in the US.  No adapter is needed.

Group Leader should bring:
     First Aid Kit – should contain: Band-Aids, antibiotic ointment, anti-itch
medication, Benadryl, eye wash, aspirin/Tylenol, pepto bismal,
sore throat drops, Excedrin pm, athlete foot medication, baby
powder, etc.
Belize Phone Numbers:  Francis Wilson - 011-501-610-3421
Diocesan Office - 011-501-227-3029
            Hotel____________________ and Address ____________________________
            Devotional material – Bible, Prayer Book
            Copy of everyone’s passport – the picture page
            Emergency number for every member
            Emergency cash

If anyone in your group is under the age of 18, he/she MUST have a notarized permission letter signed by BOTH parents.  Letter must also contain the name of the responsible person (usually the group leader) while the minor is in Belize and the effective dates of travel.  If a minor is traveling with one parent, he/she must still have a notarized letter from the absent parent.  If only one parent is living, a notarized letter or copy of the death certificate must be presented.  Immigration does not always ask for these documents but when they do, you better have them or they will send you back home!!

Everyone should bring:
      PASSPORT
      Cash or traveler’s checks – credit cards are widely accepted in San Pedro
       Personal medication – prescription and over-the-counter
       Sunscreen
       Sunburn medication like Solarcane or Aloe
       Sunglasses
       Sweat bands
       Hat
       Water bottle - wide mouth for easy refill
       Sturdy shoes and socks
       Work gloves
       Tee-shirts and shorts for work site
       Bathing suit
       Extra towel
       One nice outfit for Church IF you will be worshiping at the Cathedral in Belize City – women: skirts/dresses; men: sports shirt/long pants.  Services in San
             Pedro are very informal - shorts are fine.
       Insect repellent

Contact wearers – sweat and dust are hard on contacts.  Bring a pair of glasses!

Everyone might want to bring:
      Disposable cameras
       Address book
       Pictures of home, Church, family
       Favorite snack food
       Bible

Please, DO NOT bring:
    Skimpy halter tops or tops that show midriff
    Low slung shorts or pants
    Expensive jewelry
    Electronic games, computers,  ipods, DVD players, etc.
    Expensive cameras - unless you are the group ‘photographer’

A few other things:
1)  US money works great in San Pedro - no need to exchange money at the Airport.

2) You might want to rent a cell phone.  They are available at the airport and cost about $5US per day plus the cost of a phone card.  You will need to leave a credit card imprint – very safe.  It’s much cheaper for folks in the States to call you than visa-versa.  You can set up a phone tree then call one person at home with the cell number.  You can receive an unlimited number of calls at no cost.  Rent a cell phone at BTL right outside the Airport Terminal and across the parking.

3) I strongly recommend Traveler’s Health Insurance as personal health policies may not cover you and probably will not pay if you need to be medically evacuated.  There are good private health facilities throughout Belize.  All doctors expect payment when service is hindered (they will accept credit cards).  Once you are home you can apply to your insurance company for reimbursement.

4) Credit cards are widely accepted in San Pedro and ATM machines are available.  Many credit card company charge a “service fee’ for converting Belize dollars into US dollars - a real rip off.  Check with your credit card company before leaving the US and complain if the charge appears!

5) There are several Internet Cafes in San Pedro and prices are reasonable.