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There are several differences between the countries of Belize and Dominican Republic with the language spoken being a key item.
Belize is an English Speaking country while Spanish is the official language of Dominican Republic.
In this article, we compare and contrast Dominican Republic with Belize to help you determine which destination is better for your vacation.
As a general rule, Belize is ideal for travelers seeking a superior diving and snorkeling experience in a more laid back destination. Alternatively, Dominican Republic is perfect for individuals seeking to relax and unwind on pristine white sand beaches in a destination with lively nightlife.
Read on for more information on Belize and Dominican Republic from the perspective of a Caribbean national.
Belize Vs Dominican Republic- Which Destination Is Bigger
Dominican Republic is significantly larger than Belize being 18,704 square miles while Belize has landmass of 8,867 square miles.
At the time of publication, Dominican Republic had the greater population of 11, 072,084 inhabitants according to worldometers while Belize was 412,313.
Both countries have mountainous terrain however Dominican Republic has the steepest peak in the Caribbean region.
The highest point of elevation in Belize is Doyle’s Delight which stands at an elevation of 3, 670 feet.
Pico Duarte is the highest peak in the entire Caribbean region in Dominican Republic and the 16th highest point of elevation compared to other islands worldwide.
Belize Vs Dominican Republic- Which Destination Gets More Tourism Arrivals
Dominican Republic is a major tourist destination than Belize in the Caribbean.
According to tourism analytics, the destination recorded a total of 6,446,036 stop over visitors in 2019.
Alternatively, according to the same source, Belize received 503,166 stop over visitors and 1,171,098 cruise passengers in 2019.
Belize Vs Dominican Republic- Is It Easy To Visit Other Countries
Both destinations offer the possibilities to visit other countries overland.
Belize is bordered by Mexico to its North and Guatemala to the West and South. This allows a visitor to access these countries via taxi or bus.
From Guatemala, a visitor can continue overland to El Salvador and Honduras.
Likewise, Dominican Republic shares the landmass of the island of Hispaniola with Haiti.
It takes about 7 hours via bus to Port Au Prince which is the capital city of Haiti from Santo Domingo. This time may increase due to the volume of persons at the border.
At the time of publication, the cost of the bus was approximately USD$80.00.
Furthermore, there is a ferry service to Puerto Rico which is restricted to select days each week from San Juan to Santo Domingo.
Belize Vs Dominican Republic- What Are The Official Currencies
Each destination has its unique official currency, issued and managed through a local central bank.
The official currency used in Belize is the Belizean dollar.
Bank notes are available in $2, $5, $10, $20, $50 and $100 denominations. Alternatively, coins are available in 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 cents and $1.
From 1978, the Belizean dollar has been pegged to the US Dollar at a rate of BZ$2 to $1 USD.
Contrastingly, the official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso.
Its symbol is $ with RD$ being used to prevent confusion with other currencies.
The Dominican Peso is issued and managed by the Central Bank of Dominican Republic and is available in bank notes and coins.
Bank notes are available in 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 bills. Alternatively, coins are available in 1, 5, 10 and 25 peso.
Nonetheless, the US dollar is widely accepted for financial transactions in both destinations. Change is usually given in local currencies.
Belize Vs Dominican Republic- Which Country Has Better Nightlife
Dominican Republic has greater nightlife than Belize and is a major party destination in the Caribbean.
Nightlife typically consists of discos, restaurants, and night clubs.
As a Spanish speaking nation, the music genres primarily are reggaeton, electro and latino music.
Salsa dancing is extremely popular as well on the island.
Some of the popular places for nightlife in Dominican Republic are Onno’s Zona Colonial and La Bodega Bar.
Upscale restaurants tend to enforce a dress code for attendees. Therefore, if you are planning on having dinner, pack something a bit more formal.
On the other hand, nightlife in Belize is concentrated more in the San Pedro region on the island of Ambergris Caye.
Sunset Lounge and Carlo & Ernie’s Runway Bar are two locations to check out for entertainment in San Pedro.
Belize Vs Dominican Republic- Which Country Has Better Beaches
The destination you choose in this category truly depends on the goal of your vacation.
If you want to relax and rest on white sand beaches with clear waters, then Dominican Republic is the perfect island to consider.
Some of the key spots to explore include Juanillo Beach, El Corecito Beach and Uvero Alto Beach.
Contrastingly, for extraordinary diving and snorkeling experiences Belize is the better destination.
Some of the top spots in the country to consider include Turneffe Atoll, Belize Barrier Reef, Hopkins and Placencia.
Furthermore, Belize has 300km of barrier reef system which is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef which is the second largest system in the world.
This country of Belize is truly a diver’s paradise.
Belize Vs Dominican Republic- Unique Things To Do In Both Destinations
Green Iguana Conservation Project, Belize– this is located in San Ignacio at the san Ignacio Resort. The goal of the project is to preserve the green iguanas on the island.
The project began in 1996 and is an ideal activity for families especially children.
Lake Enriquillo, Dominican Republic– is the largest lake in the Caribbean which covers 135 square miles.
In the middle of the lake, there are crocodiles, flamingos and various species of birds.
Final Thoughts
On a whole, Belize is ideal for visitors seeking a superior diving and snorkeling experience in places such as the Great Barrier Reef. Alternatively, Dominican Republic is perfect for individuals seeking to relax and unwind on pristine white sand beaches with clear and turquoise waters.
Need More Information?
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Feel free to use the search bar located at the top of this page for more information about the various destinations.
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