Traveling To Belize? Phone Charger Compatibility Explained

If you're travelling to Belize, you'll want to make sure you can keep your phone charged. The good news is that US travellers won't usually need a converter or adapter in Belize, as the country uses the same voltage and frequency as the US. However, there are a couple of things to bear in mind. Firstly, some areas of Belize run power at 220V, so it's worth checking the local voltage before plugging in your devices. Secondly, while US plugs are compatible with Type A sockets, Type G sockets with three prongs will require an adapter.

Phone charging in Belize

Belize has three types of power outlets: type G, type A, and type B. Type G has three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern, type A has two thin slots next to each other, and type B has two slots with a semicircular hole below. The country's voltage is 110/220V, and the standard frequency is 60Hz.

If you're travelling to Belize, you'll need to consider what type of power adapter you'll need to bring with you to charge your phone. If you're from the US, your plug will be type A or B, so you may need a type G adapter for Belize's type G outlets. However, some areas in Belize may have type A or B outlets, so it's worth checking before you travel.

It's important to note that the power supply in Belize is inconsistent, and some locations have access to different voltages. While the standard voltage in the US is 120V, in Belize, it can vary between 110V and 220V, depending on the region. Therefore, you may need a voltage converter if you're bringing any electrical devices that are not dual voltage. Most modern devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, are dual voltage, so you should be able to charge them in Belize without a converter. However, high-powered electronics like hairdryers or curling irons may require a converter.

To charge your phone in Belize, you'll need to use a USB charging port or a power adapter that fits the country's outlet types. Some hotels in Belize may only have one wall outlet, so it's recommended to bring a travel USB wall charger or a power strip if you need to charge multiple devices at once. Additionally, power outages are common in Belize, so it's a good idea to pack a portable power bank to ensure your phone stays charged during blackouts.

If you have an unlocked cell phone, you can also consider purchasing a local SIM card or a prepaid plan from a local provider in Belize. This will allow you to stay connected without incurring high international roaming charges.

US to Belize power adapters

When travelling to Belize from the US, you will need to consider your electronic conversions and how to pack with intention. The voltage range for Belize is 110/220V, while the standard frequency is 60Hz. Belize is unusual in that it has multiple voltage types depending on the region or city. The power supply is inconsistent throughout the country and some locations run power at 220V, while others run it at 110V.

Belize has three compatible plug types:

• Type A: This has two parallel, flat pins (mainly used in the US, Central America, China, and Japan)
• Type B: This has two parallel, flat pins and a round grounding pin (this also works with type A sockets)
• Type G: This has three rectangular pins formed in a triangle (a British plug that only works with type G)

US plugs are compatible with Type A sockets (and the voltage of the US is 120V at 60Hz), so US travellers will not usually need a power adapter in Belize, except in instances where the power supply is 220V. However, in rare cases, Belize outlets may have a Type G socket with three prongs, which will require an adapter.

Since there are many diverse regions and electrical systems in Belize, it is recommended to carry a universal power adapter that will work in 100+ countries worldwide.

US travellers do not typically need a voltage converter in Belize. However, you will require a voltage converter if the voltage exceeds the maximum limit of your devices, or if it is far less than the standard voltage in your native country.

Converters are only required for devices that are not dual-voltage. Generally, the personal electronics that we use day-to-day (such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops, cameras, etc.) are almost always dual voltage and can be used on any power supply without a converter. Converters are only needed with high-powered electronics that can cause a power outage or short a fuse (such as hair dryers, curling irons, rotating fans, boilers, etc.)

Voltage and power supply in Belize

Belize has three types of power supply: type G, A, and B. The primary power supply is type G. The standard voltage is 110V, but some locations run power at 220V. The standard frequency is 60Hz.

Type G Power Supply

The type G power supply can be recognised by its three rectangular holes in a triangular pattern. It is sometimes known as a Type G power outlet or a UK power adapter.

Type A Power Supply

The type A power supply has two thin, adjacent slots where the twin plug socket pins go. It is also known as an ungrounded wall outlet.

Type B Power Supply

The type B power outlet has two slots where the twin plug socket blades go, with a semicircular hole beneath for the ground pin. It is also known as a NEMA 5-15.

Using Your Mobile Phone in Belize

Most US carriers offer service in Belize, but it is expensive. If you are unsure whether your mobile phone will work in Belize, you can use the Will My Phone Work tool. Alternatively, you can check if your phone is available in Belize or on your home network.

Wireless internet is available in Belize, but the signal is weaker than in the US or Canada. You can also get a landline to make and receive calls.

If you have an unlocked cell phone, you can purchase a local SIM card or buy a prepaid one from a local provider. DigiCell has a wide coverage area, whereas Smart! is only available in small villages.

Using a US Phone in Belize

US plugs are compatible with type A power outlets and the US voltage of 120V is compatible with Belize's 110V. Therefore, US travellers will not usually need a converter or adapter in Belize, except where the power supply is 220V. However, as Belize has multiple voltage types depending on the region, it is recommended to bring a universal power adapter that works in 100+ countries.

Using a US phone in Belize

Belize has a standardised seven-digit phone numbering system, and there are no city or area codes to dial from within the country. To call Belize from the US, dial the international access code (011) followed by the country code (501).

Using Your US Phone in Belize

US citizens can use their phones in Belize, but it is an expensive option. Most US carriers offer service in Belize, allowing you to make and receive calls as if you were in the US. However, if you don't have an international calling plan, using your US phone in Belize can be very costly.

Buying a Local SIM Card in Belize

If you have an unlocked phone, you can purchase a local SIM card or buy a prepaid one from a local provider. Belize Telecommunications Limited (BTL) and their cellular division DigiCell offer affordable packages for SIM card activation. DigiCell sells local prepaid phone cards in various denominations, although the initial SIM card and activation cost BZ$45, including BZ$20 of calls. You can buy subsequent minutes by topping up in grocery stores or on the DigiCell website. Calls within Belize are BZ50, and you are not charged for incoming calls.

Internet Access in Belize

Belize has wireless internet access, but the signal is not as strong as in the US or Canada. You can visit one of the many internet cafes to use your mobile phone, or get a landline to make and receive calls.

Power Adapters for Your US Phone Charger

Belize uses standard US-style two- and three-prong electric outlets with 110-volt AC current. However, some areas in Belize do not have access to electricity and suffer from power blackouts, so it is recommended to pack a portable power bank if you want to recharge your phone.

Internet and Wi-Fi in Belize

Belize has decent internet coverage, but it is slow and expensive. The country has many internet service providers, which offer various services, including satellite providers that cater mainly to rural areas. There is also DSL, cable, and fibre optics.

Wi-Fi is quite accessible in Belize. You can have free or paid access at specific locations called hotspots, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops.

If you are bringing your own phone, you can get a prepaid plan. You can get a SIM card with a local Belize number, and then top up your internet minutes and buy data. When using a lot of data, you may spend around $80 a month on your cellphone in Belize, but most people can get away with half that. The cell reception is pretty good throughout the country, but you will find spots in the Mayan villages, in the jungles, and in the mountains where there is no cellphone coverage.

In Belize, most people use Skype, WhatsApp, and Facebook to communicate.

Internet Service Providers in Belize

• Belize Telemedia Ltd
• Smart
• Centaur Cable
• Beeline
• CBC
• NetKing

Frequently asked questions