AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Travel departure fee

We just returned from AC and had to pay the departure tax in Belize City. $32.50 us per person. We flew Continental and I asked for clarification b/c I was under the impression that it was included in our flight costs (as mentioned in a previous post as well) and the lady said it wasn't and it needed to be paid. I didn't have any proof or anything so we paid it and went on our merry way.

Interesting update to us having to pay the departure tax when we traveled with Taca last month - American Express Travel (who apparently book through Travelocity) ended up refunding us half of what we paid upon departure. We disputed the charges when we returned, and even though they said they had no record of me calling beforehand (even though when you call, they mention that your phone conversation will be recorded for quality assurance purposes), they gave us a refund. It was only half of what we paid, but at least it was something, I guess.

Continental in July included the departure taxes. Did you book directly through Continental? If not, like in our situation, maybe the middle entity did not charge you, but the airline did.

We always fly AA, and have had two times when they included the departure tax, and a whole bunch when they didn't. I think it depends of where you book, through the AA system, or through a booking agent. Sometimes, on places like "cheaptickets.com" they will say price includes all taxes and fees. In this instance, they should be included. Read the fine print if you buy online. One never knows, tho, until you pass through that line on your way out. Better to keep a bit of $$ tucked in the passport, just in case.

I am quite sure that people are being charged a departure fee that they should not be charged. I have been charged additional fees, varying from departure to departure, on leaving Belize.

Here is a quote from an email I just received from Taca. I will be very interested to see what happens when I leave next time.

"Thank you for contacting us Mr. Warren,

We would like to inform you that all taxes are included on your ticket already, so don't worry cause you won't have to pay anything at the moment of your departure from Belize.

Best Regards,

Atte,
Mirna Alicia Bonilla
Agente Helpdesk Comercial"

I would suggest more of us research this.

We have traveled on AA and Delta and never paid the exit fee directly.

We did pay the crummy US$1 or US$2 to fund whatever.

I'll let the travel agents comment - as they are most knowledgeable, but I believe there have been many changes made by the airlines recently.

I flew AA in late November, and knew I needed to pay the exit fee. You can check your taxes and fees on your ticket to see if in fact fees have been included (there are tax codes).

I have flown to BZE 8 times - all on AA, and I've had to pay the exit tax about half the time.

my experience is the same as you Gela, about half the time

Just flew US Airways a few weeks ago back to the US. About half the fee was included in my ticket price...I had to pay $17.50USD at the airport. And maybe $6 Belize to some sort of conservation fund.

Believe it was 32.50 a couple of weeks ago. But US$ only, the do NOT accept BZD........

I wonder what would happen if you say .... NO
Someone is pocketing this... hmmmmm