Things to Know About

Things to know:

Our Cobia Beach Guest House is in the middle of a Garifuna Fishing Village, not a walled off resort. You WILL experience local village culture at our place, walking distance to everything.

• Everyone speaks English in Hopkins. If you go toward northern and western borders of Belize, you will want to know Spanish. English is the official language.

• $1usd = $2bze.    Belize $ is directly tied to the USD 2/1.  You can spend USD everywhere, typically they will give you change in BZE, you can ask for change in USD. (all prices below are in USD) There is an ATM in Hopkins. You can also ask James at the grocery store behind us and he will give you cash for a small fee after charging your credit card.

• Everything is listed  or told to you in Belize dollars. Only real estate and tourist spots are listed in USD.    EX: taxi = usd.   Bus= Bze.  (only tourists use taxis, locals use buses)

• Hopkins population is Garifuna, Mayan, Canadian & American expats.

• Tipping: Tipping has become expected now, but don't expect appreciation or better service. 

• You must ask for your bill, it is rude for them to bring it to you without you asking first.

• If you order a hamburger, you will get a bun with ham on it. Order a "beef burger"

• Hopkins has a Catholic church and school,  Also a Garifuna church (I would describe it as pentecostal) , and a  Jehovah witness church.

• All the way north and all the way south of village has resorts where food can be as high as $50 per plate. Resorts can be as high as $500 per night per room. In the village a meal can be as low as $4, and a bed as low as $20 per night per person. You can find anything in between those price ranges. Average is $10 per meal. $50 per night on the road. $150 per night on the sea. (per couple)

• Street food is safe and good, but use common sense if something doesn't look right, move on.

• Google maps works good for reviews and restaurant / business suggestions.

• We brush our teeth with tap water but we still recommend drinking bottled water. (provided)

• Local beers and Liquor are very good and cheap. They do sell imported liquor and beer but more expensive.

• Do NOT hand out any charity, especially not to kids. They don't need it and it hurts tourism when you create a "beggar" culture. If they get you a coconut and cut it open for you, you can tip them a couple dollars.

• Dogs are annoying to some and fun for others.  DO NOT FEED THE DOGS!! (if you do, we will keep your deposit) (we will know if you do, because they won't go away) Do not pet them, please chase them away. The next guests will appreciate it. Thanks!