Green Parrot Frequently Asked Questions
- Clothing & Equipment
- Communications
- Currency
- Electricity
- Groceries & Cooking
- Healthcare
- Immunizations
- Insects
- Photography
- U.S. State Department
- Time Difference
- Trip Insurance
- Water
Clothing & Equipment
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 light-weight 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. Don't forget a hat! Also, pack light so traveling is more fun!
Equipment
SNORKELING EQUIPMENT
We do have adult size masks/snorkels and fins - however - many people do
bring their own masks/snorkels and fins. On Snorkel tours, equipment is
provided.
SCUBA DIVING EQUIPMENT
Many divers like to bring their own BC, regulator, fins and mask. Leave
the weights at home. Spear guns are not allowed.
FISHING EQUIPMENT
The local fishermen call this your 'gears'. Rod and tackle are important
to bring. See the comments and picture on the page for
Tours to see the recommendations
from Local Fishermen.
Communications
Please 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 you could purchase pre-paid phone cards at our gift shop.
MOST CELL PHONES WILL NOT WORK IN BELIZE.
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. U.S currency works well in Belize.
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 and Scotia Banks have branch offices in Placencia. ATM's are not easy to find in our area.
Also, we can charge all of your tours, meals and gift shop purchases via either Master Card or Visa (sorry no American Express is accepted).
NOTE: Many credit card companies are NOT giving 2 for 1 exchange. They give less, so your bill in dollars will be higher. If that happens call your credit card issuer, NOT the Green Parrot… as we have NO control over how your credit card company posts the charges.
Electricity
Electrical outlets have 110 volts A.C., same as North America.
Groceries & Cooking
The grocery store down the road 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.
Healthcare
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 the Green Parrot is 20 minutes.
In Belize City, a private medical clinic is adjacent to the new Hospital.
There is 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 innoculations. 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 healthcare provider.
Insects
SAND FLIES & MOSQUITOES
Mosquitoes are noticeable after a lot of rain but sand flies are much more common. Insect repellent is incredibly important, 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. If you experience a strong reaction to insect bites, we recommend a set of light weight long pants to cover your legs and socks. Wear them at sun down to keep the critters away. Insect repellent impregnated clothing also seems to help. I'm not trying to discourage you - being prepared and staying comfortable is smart, after all -
IT IS A JUNGLE OUT THERE!
Photography
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-Lock bag for
protection from water and humidity damage.
(We try to keep some underwater disposable cameras in our gift shop.)
U.S. State Department
Attention: All Citizens of the United States of America
The Staff of the Embassy of the United States of America in Belize welcomes you to beautiful Belize. The U.S. Embassy has a representative (warden) in the Placencia and Stann Creek area to help you if you encounter any difficulties:
Deborah Coston: 523-8001 or 614-7252
Lost Passport:
- Police Report
- You must first report the loss to the local police station. If you think it was stolen, please inform the police. The Placencia police telephone number is 523-3129. Other local police departments: Independence: 523-2022; Seine Bight: 523-4022.
- Following that, please notify the U.S. Embassy at 227-7161, Consular Office, so the loss may be properly recorded.
- Replacement
- You may come to the U.S. Embassy, Hutson Street entrance, Belize City, any Monday through Thursday afternoon, 1:00-4:00, or Friday morning, 9:00-11:00, to report your lost passport and file an application for a replacement.
- Please bring two passport photos (2 inches x 2 inches, white background). You will have to pay the fee of U.S. $97.00 or Belize $194.00 (cash only; we are not able to accept credit cards or traveler's checks) for a new passport and you will be required to file a lost/stolen report with the Embassy.
- Your replacement passport may be ready the following day, so please plan accordingly. If there is NOT an emergency, the passport will be processed in the U.S. and will take 8 working days.
- You will be responsible for changing flight plans if required to do so.
- Arrest or Detention by Belize Police:
- All detainees are allowed one telephone call.
- 8:00-5:00 a.m. - Monday through Friday - please call the U.S. Embassy, Consular Office at 227-7161. If you are not able to get through to the Embassy for some reason, please call the warden listed above.
- Week-ends and evenings - Please call the U.S. Embassy, 227-7161, and your call will be forwarded to the Duty Officer. The Duty Officer will request full name, date of birth, circumstances of arrest, and immediately forward this information to the Consular Officer.
- Please note that the U.S. Embassy does NOT provide bail or bond services. Detainees will be provided with a list of lawyers. The U.S. Embassy representative will make telephone calls to the U.S. as requested for assistance.
- Death or Accident:
- The closest Police Department will be the first on the scene.
- You should immediately notify the U.S. Embassy, 227-7161, if a death occurs, providing full name and date of birth of deceased, and circumstances of the accident to the Duty Officer or Consular officer. Please call the warden listed above. The warden will be able to provide valuable assistance in dealing with police and processes at the scene. The U.S. Embassy will assist with the required processes following the death of a U.S. citizen: autopsy, cremation, certificate of death, and transport to the United States.
Time Difference
The time in Belize is Central Standard Time (CST) year round - same time as in Houston, Texas.
Trip Insurance
We frequently get asked our opinion about trip insurance. Many people are concerned about paying a lot of money for a vacation - only to have to cancel it due to health problems, weather problems, or some type of civil unrest.
While we do not sell the insurance - we can provide you some things to consider if you are contemplating buying the insurance. These helpful hints and comments were taken from the August 22, 2006 Wall Street Journal, Section D-1. The key point in this article is: READ THE FINE PRINT!!
Many types of events are not covered by travel policies.
- For example: If a bombing in London makes you afraid to come to Belize - your travel insurance won't help. There is no insurance coverage for fear.
- Two companies: M.H. Ross and TravelSafe will provide "cancel for any reason" policies - where they cover up to 73% of your costs --but you will pay about 40% more for the coverage.
- Recent events in Lebanon were not covered by many companies, because they determined it to be an "act of war", which precludes coverage.
- What about Hurricanes? Once a storm gets named, policies sold after the naming date are not covered because the storm is no longer an "unforeseen event". If you decide not to travel because you are concerned about possible storm damage --sorry, the policies will not cover you unless the storm actually hits the location.
- Some companies post lists of financially troubled airlines whose tickets they won't cover if the airline goes into bankruptcy.
One piece of advice is for you to follow is the "rule of the burning building." You can not buy fire insurance once your house starts to smoke. And once a storm is named, a war breaks out, an airline announces it is having financial problems, or the State Department puts out a travel warning --you can not insure against these events.
So - KNOW WHAT YOU ARE BUYING! Check out the fine print in the policies. We don't want you to waste your money --you work too hard for it. The Wall Street Journal recommended a couple of locations for some comparison shopping:
Perhaps these sites can assist you in your trip planning.
The Green Parrot will do its best to work with you if there are events that disrupt your trip. First, we will try to rebook you at a later date. We can do this at no charge. We can alter domestic airline flights, at no charge. Second, we will try to keep you posted on events that might impact your trip --just check our home page for the information updates and alerts. So we can help "insure" your stay is enjoyable, by working with you if there are any problems.
Water
We collect and filter rain water for each Beach Cabana so that drinking water is safe and tastes good! We have a water dispenser in the restaurant. You can buy bottled water in the restaurant. Municipal water is now available to the resort from Placencia.