345 replies to this topic

[fairfield59]

There is a lot of info about Ambergris Caye at www.ambergriscaye.com. Click on the message board link and the Ambergris Caye forum, there is a ton of stuff posted by locals and frequent travelers to the island about everything you could possibly imagine. Banks, laundry, restaurants, bars, carts, etc.

Edited by fairfield59, 30 April 2009 - 06:23 AM.

[georoc01]

Getting closer...counting hours.

How much cash should I bring? Are there ATMs around to get some local money?

Some local banks downtown with ATM will despense local cash( actually did not use), I brought down $500US cash, kept most in hotel lobby safe deposit boxes and used about $200 on island but I'm not one to go out for high end dinners every night. I tend to use Mastercard for drinks and foods where accepted. MC seemed more useful that American Expressb but my hotel took AMEX no problem.$ 300-500 should cover you.

You can get local money via the airport or often at the hotel for decent rates. Our buddy Peter who lives on island probably knows where the best exchange rate is and will advise.

My personal preference is I never use a credit card. I get hit with foreign exchg fees and extra processing fees on the good side and many resorts charge 5-7% extra to use a credit card. On the worst side your card shows up being used in other parts of the world.

That being said I do not want to engage in an argument as to how safe it is or is not to use your credit card. Card numbers of some of our members have been used inappropriately on several of our trips so I am offering MY OPINION which is I only use cash and no credit on trips.

In the realm of cash you'll need cash for tips approx $15 to $20 per day depending on service and number of dives. You may wish to leave a few bucks for your maid service and of course for meals. Prices in Belize can be 'island prices' meaning very low $10-15 or less for a meal or more like US prices averaging $20+ for a meal. Your breakfast and lunches are included so you'll only have lunch on non-diving days NOT included and dinners. Plan an extra $100 for emergencies or cool stuff you find you want to buy.

And usually the bank of Kamala has a bit extra if you need it. We've been to many a place where they do not take credit cards at all and my little bank has been quite busy! LOL!

Isn't there a departure tax of $40 as well? Going to want to make sure you have set aside that beforehand as well.

[o2dive12]

WW, SP, Et Al,

I was wondering what school supplies are most needed, yet least brought?? Thanks, Jeff

[fairfield59]

WW, SP, Et Al,

I was wondering what school supplies are most needed, yet least brought?? Thanks, Jeff

This is the latest I found, though its from March.....

"Mrs. Paula says these are composition books, they come large and small and they could use both. They have a hard cover and the pages are blank. If you cant find that type get any type of notebooks, with blank pages will due fine. Normally you can find these at the dollar store. They also need flash cards, rulers, pencils, chalk and other school basics for teachers and students. Anyone that would be interested in volunteering to be a teacher or substitute would be warmly welcomed."

[h2ofria]

Does the hotel have safes in the rooms or deposit boxes in the office. Do we need to bring our own locks?

[h2ofria]

I just checked the 10 day weather forecast for Belize. Highs in the mid 80's and lows in the high 70's with scattered thunder storms every day. Not to bad.

[WreckWench]

WW, SP, Et Al,

I was wondering what school supplies are most needed, yet least brought?? Thanks, Jeff

This is the latest I found, though its from March.....

"Mrs. Paula says these are composition books, they come large and small and they could use both. They have a hard cover and the pages are blank. If you cant find that type get any type of notebooks, with blank pages will due fine. Normally you can find these at the dollar store. They also need flash cards, rulers, pencils, chalk and other school basics for teachers and students. Anyone that would be interested in volunteering to be a teacher or substitute would be warmly welcomed."

Thats great!

[WreckWench]

REMINDER:



School Supplies....


Please do not forget to bring your school supplies for the kids!

[h2ofria]

Here is a direct link to the Ambergriscaye.com guidebook:

http://ambergriscaye...CooleBookAC.pdf

[fairfield59]

Does the hotel have safes in the rooms or deposit boxes in the office. Do we need to bring our own locks?

I emailed The Tides and here is there response...

Hi Gerry ,
Greetings from The Tides

Yes we do have a deposit box for storing you personal things.
Have a good night,

Thank You,
Asareli
Reservations
The Tides Beach Resort

[fairfield59]

I've got to get less stuff, or a bigger suitcase.

[WreckWench]

I've got to get less stuff, or a bigger suitcase.

[WreckWench]

Does the hotel have safes in the rooms or deposit boxes in the office. Do we need to bring our own locks?

I emailed The Tides and here is there response...

Hi Gerry ,
Greetings from The Tides

Yes we do have a deposit box for storing you personal things.
Have a good night,

Thank You,
Asareli
Reservations
The Tides Beach Resort

Thank you!

[fairfield59]

Packed and ready. See you all tomorrow!

[ScubaPunk]

Payment Update:

1. Garrette aka pefitness ww got your ck for nitrox and for paypal fees!