Using Wireless Connections While Traveling In Belize

Wireless internet is available in Belize, but the signal is not as strong as in the US or Canada. Most top resorts, restaurants, lodges, and hotels offer high-speed wireless internet for customers. For residents, internet service is available from DigiCell, BTL, and Smart, including monthly subscriptions and affordable prepaid cards that work across the country. Wireless internet is also available from both DigiCell and Smart, including prepaid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for cell phones, tablets, and personal computers.

Wireless internet availability in Belize

Wireless internet is available in Belize, but the signal is not as strong as in the US or Canada. The country has made significant strides in its telecommunications system, with the national phone company providing good coverage, including 4G services in certain areas.

Belize has a national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia Limited, and several mobile phone companies that provide fairly good coverage. The major telecommunication company is the government-owned Belize Telemedia Limited, which offers its cellular service under the "Digicell" brand. The second company is SMART SPEEDNET, a privately held company.

All top resorts, restaurants, lodges, and hotels in Belize offer high-speed wireless internet for customers. For residents, internet service is available from DigiCell, BTL, and Smart, including monthly subscriptions and affordable prepaid cards that work across the country. Both DigiCell and Smart offer wireless internet with prepaid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for cell phones, tablets, and personal computers. They also offer "combo" plans that include unlimited text messages, internet data usage, and minutes for voice calls.

Wireless internet is also available from local carriers, which have established Wi-Fi towers in areas frequented by tourists. You can purchase data from most places in Belize, including supermarkets, gas stations, and corner shops.

While wireless internet is available, it is important to note that the speed and reliability may not be the same as in other developed countries. In addition, international roaming service is not cheap in Belize, and it is recommended to use Wi-Fi to get online via messaging and social media apps.

Using a US phone in Belize

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

Most US carriers offer service in Belize, but it is an expensive option. If you are unsure if your cell phone will work in Belize, you can use the Will My Phone Work tool to see if it is compatible. Alternatively, check if your phone and carrier are available in Belize.

Belize uses both GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks. If your phone is on a GSM or CDMA system, and you have a world-capable multiband phone (such as newer iPhones and many Android phones), you can make and receive calls across most of the country.

If you want to use your US phone in Belize, you can activate an international plan on your account—data and calling prices will vary depending on your provider.

If you don't want to use an international plan, you can bring your own phone and do everything over Wi-Fi. International roaming service is not cheap in Belize, so it is recommended to use Wi-Fi to get online and make phone calls and send text messages at no charge. Many hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and tourist facilities in Belize offer hotspots, often displayed via QR codes.

If you have an unlocked cell 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 have a virtual monopoly on GSM cellular service in Belize. DigiCell offers affordable packages for SIM card activation, with local prepaid phone cards available in various denominations. The initial SIM card and activation costs BZ$45, including BZ$20 of calls. You can buy subsequent minutes by topping up in grocery stores or on the DigiCell website. Calls anywhere within Belize are BZ50, and you are not charged for incoming calls. The SIM chips and calling cards are sold at their desk at the airport or at one of their many outlets around Belize.

Smart! is another cellular company in Belize, but it has very limited services and is only available to visitors staying in small villages.

Local SIM cards in Belize

Belize has two mobile operators: Digi (formerly DigiCell) and Smart!. Digi has the best coverage and fastest speeds, but is more expensive than Smart!. Smart! is popular with the Belizean youth because of its youth-specific postpaid plans.

You can buy a Digi SIM card for 22.50 BZD (Belize Dollar) with 10 BZD credit and 1 GB of data (valid for 10 days) in Digi stores. Smart! SIM cards are available for 15 BZD in Smart! stores. During promotions, you sometimes get 10 BZD credit and 1 GB of data.

Tourist SIM cards are also available from both operators. Digi's tourist SIM costs 20 USD (or 40 BZD) and features 5 BZD credit, 4 GB of data, 300 local minutes, and 300 local SMS – all valid for 14 days. The SIM card itself gets deactivated after 21 days, and it cannot be extended. Smart! offers two tourist SIM options: 45 BZD (22.30 USD) for 35 USD worth of calls, 130 SMS, and unlimited data with a 10-day expiry, or 20 BZD (9.90 USD) for 11 USD worth of calls, 25 SMS, and unlimited data with a 24-hour expiry.

SIM cards can be purchased in official stores, gas stations, convenience stores, and electronic repair shops. Tourist SIM cards are not sold at the airport.

Topping Up

Top-up vouchers for both Digi and Smart! are sold in stores, grocery stores, corner shops, and electronics shops throughout Belize. Top-ups can also be purchased online with (international) debit and credit cards.

Coverage

Despite Belize’s changing landscapes and modest infrastructure, voice coverage is pretty stable throughout the country. However, data coverage can be spotty, especially during the rainy season, which lasts from June to October.

Registration

Belize introduced a mandatory registration scheme for mobile users in 2013. All unregistered lines have been discontinued. You will need to show an ID or passport when purchasing a SIM card.

Internet speeds in Belize

Belize has several Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offering different types of connections, including satellite, DSL, cable, and fiber optics. The two biggest companies offering WiFi in Belize are SMART and BTL DIGI. Their WiFi is very good and costs less than $100 BZD a month for a DSL line of high-speed internet. DigiCell and Smart also offer wireless internet with pre-paid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for cell phones, tablets, and personal computers.

Most restaurants and bars in Belize will have speeds of 5-15 Mbps, while hotels and businesses will have speeds of 30 Mbps or more. According to Speedtest.net, Belize's internet speed rank for December 2022 is as follows: Ambergris Caye, Placencia, and Caye Caulker have the best WiFi, while small towns and remote places may have slower speeds or no access to paid WiFi.

In terms of mobile operators, Digi delivered the fastest median download speed at 17.50 Mbps in Q4 2023. For upload speeds, Digi also had the fastest median upload speed at 9.28 Mbps.

Overall, while internet speeds in Belize have improved, there are still some areas with less consistent connections.

Internet costs in Belize

Wi-Fi and Internet Cafes

Wi-Fi is readily available in Belize, especially in tourist hotspots like hotels, restaurants, and coffee shops. Many of these locations offer free Wi-Fi access, while others may charge a fee. If you don't have access to a smartphone or laptop, internet cafes are also available in most Belizean cities, offering affordable web access.

Mobile Service Providers

Mobile service providers in Belize, such as DigiCell and Smart, offer internet connection plans for mobile phones and smartphones. These plans typically include bundles with text messages, internet data, and voice call minutes. Prepaid and monthly subscription options are available, with prices starting at around $27.50 per month for unlimited internet in select locations.

DSL (ADSL)

DSL, or ADSL, is a traditional home telephone line that provides high-speed broadband internet access. This option is popular among retirees in Belize, allowing them to stay connected, stream movies, and manage businesses. DSL cable is offered by both DigiCell and the national telephone company, Belize Telemedia Limited, with prices starting at $39 Belizean dollars (approximately $19.50 USD) per month.

Satellite Internet

Satellite internet is an ideal option for those residing in rural areas or the cayes (islands) of Belize. It provides reliable internet access without the need for a physical ground connection. Satellite internet plans offer unlimited use for about $120 USD per month, with speeds of approximately 2 Mbps up and 25 Mbps down. However, setting up a satellite dish can be more complex and may require a technician.

Fiber Optic

Belize has also made strides in its internet infrastructure by introducing fiber optic technology. DigiNet, a subsidiary of Belize Telemedia Ltd., offers various plans with speeds ranging from 20Mbps to 150Mbps. The DigiNet Entry Plan, for example, provides 20Mbps for $49, while their DigiTriple Boost plan offers 150Mbps for $199.

Frequently asked questions