Belize Cruising Fees ?

[dpons]

Originally Posted by dana-tenacity

What's meager to you may be a significant percentage of someone else's budget, or do you think only "wealthy" people should be allowed to go cruising.

Good. You are free to avoid fees and marinas on your travels and it's fine. The only thing that bothers me is the tone that these fees are somewhat unjust. Each country is free to do what they want in their territory. As an example, the US (where I reside) has a >$100 fee for the application of a tourist visa, whether or not is granted. In London it cost you about $10 a day to drive in the city.

Latinamerican countries have very low income taxes, and they make up with fees. Maybe your country has high income taxes and low fees, and you are not used to pay for the stuff you use.

[Adino]

Another thing to consider is the collapse in the value of the dollar. I spent last week in Belize and talked to a couple of local business owners. As they explained they are forced to live with the fixed exchange rate of 2bze for 1USD. However the foreign banks such as Scotia are now only giving 1.78 bze for 1usd. so yes fees are rising but in reality the cause is that the dollar is buying less. Should these other countries such as BZE have to eat the results of our governments poor management? Yes fees will go up as long as the dollar is falling and our government cant cut costs and start paying down their debts.

[captain58sailin]

maybe they could use the royalties from the oil there to pay down their debts like they promised to.

[Syserenity]

Well consider this: Latinasmerican countries consider if you have done well in your lifetime and can afford to come to their country, they don´t see why they should give away for free their biggest asset, which is their country. The rest they have given for free to Industrialized countries all the time since Multinational companies exploit their grounds.... it´s kind of a fair return