Banks and exchange The main branches of Atlantic, Barclays, Belize and Scotia banks (all Mon-Thurs 8am-2pm, Fri 8am-4.30pm) are on Albert Street. Barclays does cash advances on Visa with no surcharge (Belize Bank charges US$7.50) and has an ATM which accepts foreign-issued cards. US dollars are usually readily available from the banks, and many shops, hotels and restaurants change travellers' cheques and cash. Guatemalan and Mexican currency is often difficult to obtain, except at the borders, though Sunny's, in the Marine Terminal, usually has quetzales and pesos.

Books Both the Book Center, 2 Church St, opposite the BTL office, and Angelus Press, 10 Queen St, have a wide range of Belize-related books and maps.

Car rental The following companies are in Belize City and will arrange vehicle pick-up and drop-off anywhere in the city or at the municipal or international airports at no extra charge: Avis tel 223-4619; Budget tel 223-2435; Crystal (whose cars you're allowed to take over the Guatemalan border) tel 223-1600.

Embassies and consulates Though the official capital is at Belmopan, some embassies remain in Belize City; they're normally open Mon-Fri mornings. Current addresses and phone numbers can be checked under "Diplomatic Listings" in the green pages of the telephone directory. Canada, 83 North Front St (tel 223-1060); Costa Rica, Driftwood Bay (tel 223-2878); El Salvador (tel 223-5162); Guatemala, 8a Street, Kings Park (tel 223-3150); Honduras, 91 N Front St (tel 224 5889); Mexico, 18 North Park St (tel 223-1388); Panama, Mahogany St (tel 222-4551); USA, 29 Gabourel Lane (tel 223-1462).

Immigration The Belize Immigration Office (Mon-Fri 8.30am-noon & 1-3.30m; tel 222-4620) is in the Government Complex on Mahogany St, near the junction of Central American Blvd and the Western Highway. Extensions of permitted stay cost US$12.50 and are valid for 30 days only.

Laundry Central America Coin Laundry, 114 Barrack Rd (Mon-Sat 8.30am-9pm, reduced hours on Sun).

Medical care Dr Gamero, Myo-On Clinic, 40 Eve St (tel 224-5616); Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital, Princess Margaret Drive, near junction with the Northern Highway (tel 223-1548).

Photography For prints, slides and fast passport photos, try Spooners, 89 North Front St.

Police On Queen Street, a block north of the Swing Bridge (tel 227-2210). Alternatively, contact the Tourism Police (tel 227-2222 ext 401). The nationwide emergency number is 90.

Post office In the Paslow Building, on the corner of Queen St, immediately north of the Swing Bridge (Mon-Fri 8am-noon & 1-4.30pm).

Supermarkets Brodies and Romacs are opposite each other on Albert St, just beyond the park.

Telecommunications and email There are payphones and cardphones dotted around the city, or visit the main BTL office, 1 Church St (Mon-Sat 8am-6pm), which also has fax facilities and the city's best-value email service.

Travel and tour agents The following travel agents are the best for information and bookings on flights and connections throughout the region; all can arrange tours within Belize: Belize Global Travel, 41 Albert St (tel 227-7363, bzeadventur@btl.net ); Belize Travel Adventures, 168 N Front St (tel 02/33064, www.belize-travel.net ).