Belize's Wifi: What To Expect When Visiting The Country

Belize has decent internet coverage, with Wi-Fi available throughout the country. However, it can be slow and expensive. There are two main Wi-Fi providers, and most people can access the internet in bars, restaurants, hotels, and internet cafes. While it may not be as fast as in other countries, it is sufficient for everyday online activities such as sending emails, using social media, and streaming.

Internet speeds in Belize

Belize has several internet service providers offering different types of connections, including satellite, DSL, cable, and fiber optics. Satellite internet is a popular choice for people in rural areas and the cayes (islands) as it does not require a physical ground connection. Instead, it operates through a satellite dish that transmits and receives data from a satellite orbiting the Earth. The speed of satellite internet in Belize is about 2 Mbps for uploads and 25 Mbps for downloads.

Fiber optic internet is available country-wide, including in most rural areas. DigiNet offers a range of plans with speeds ranging from 20Mbps to 150Mbps. Belize Telemedia's all-fiber optic solution can handle even higher speeds, with 2 Gigabits for downloads and 1 Gigabit for uploads.

Mobile service providers also offer internet connections for smartphones and mobile devices. They provide a small hotspot device called a mi-fi that uses a cell phone signal to provide a Wi-Fi signal to any Wi-Fi-enabled device. These are commonly used in rural areas that may not have DSL or cable access.

Overall, while internet speeds in Belize are improving, they are still slower and more expensive compared to other countries in the Caribbean.

Cost of internet access

The cost of internet access in Belize varies depending on the speed and type of connection. While it is claimed that internet access in Belize is widely available at affordable prices, other sources state that it is slow and expensive.

The national telephone company, Belize Telemedia Limited, offers high-speed broadband internet via DSL cable in select locations, with prices starting at $39 Belizean dollars (US $19.50) per month for 256k speed, up to $350 for 16MB speed. DigiCell and Smart are two other major telecommunications companies offering internet access in Belize. DigiCell offers unlimited internet starting at $55 Belizean dollars (US $27.50) per month in select locations.

Satellite internet is another option, particularly for those in rural areas. While it provides connectivity in remote locations, it is not cheap. Prices for satellite internet start at about US $120 per month for unlimited use, with speeds of about 2 Mbps up and 25 Mbps down.

For mobile users, a small hotspot device called a Mi-Fi can be used to provide a Wi-Fi signal to any Wi-Fi-enabled device. These devices can be purchased for around $175 Belize dollars and then operated on a Pay-as-You-Go plan. Credit can be purchased from providers such as Smart, with $135 Belize dollars buying 12MBs and $220 buying 25MBs.

Overall, the cost of internet access in Belize can range from US $12.50 per month for the slowest speed of 156k, up to US $350 per month for the highest speeds of 16MB.

Internet availability in rural areas

Belize has decent internet coverage, but it is often slow and expensive. There are many internet service providers in the country, offering various services, and this is hoped to result in increased speeds and lower prices. Belize has the second slowest internet in the Caribbean, but internet popularity is growing, and most young people have smartphones. Improvements are being made to bring higher speeds and lower costs.

There are several internet service providers in Belize, offering different types of connections. Satellite providers primarily provide services to rural areas, and this is an excellent choice for people in these parts of the country and the cayes (islands) as it does not require a physical ground connection. Instead, it operates through a satellite dish that transmits and receives data to and from a satellite orbiting the Earth. This feature makes it particularly beneficial for individuals living in remote areas, as it ensures dependable internet access even in locations with limited infrastructure.

The internet is widely available in Belize for affordable prices. All 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. Many people choose to get a DSL line in their homes, which functions much like a traditional telephone line, giving access to high-speed broadband internet. Both DigiCell and Smart offer several tiers of service, including unlimited internet starting at just 55 Belizean dollars (US $27.50) per month in select locations. The national telephone company, Belize Telemedia Limited, also offers high-speed broadband internet via DSL cable in select locations starting at just 39 Belizean dollars (US $19.50) per month.

Wireless internet is also available from both DigiCell and Smart, including prepaid bundles and monthly subscriptions suitable for mobile phones, tablets, and personal computers. Both companies also offer “combo” plans that include unlimited text messages, internet data usage, and minutes for voice calls. There is also the option of using a MiFi device (wireless router) that allows users to connect all of their devices to the internet anywhere in the country, including the offshore islands.

Using a smartphone in Belize

Belize has decent internet coverage, but it is slow and expensive. The country has many internet service providers, which offer various services, and most young people have smartphones.

If you're visiting Belize, you can connect to the WiFi available at most hotels, restaurants, bars, the airport, and even some shuttles. Make sure your data is turned off to avoid roaming charges.

If you need to make local calls, you can get a local SIM card from BTL, which will require ID and possibly a passport. Almost everyone in Belize is on a prepaid plan, and you can top up your phone with credit at most grocery stores or by downloading the eCredit Belize app.

If you're staying for a short time, you can activate international roaming on your mobile phone, but be aware that international call prices can be very high. Alternatively, you can buy a new local phone or rent one from electronics stores or mobile phone companies.

If you want to use your own smartphone, make sure it's unlocked before you travel. You can then buy a SIM card from either BTL (which uses GSM) or SMART (which uses CDMA).

There are two main mobile companies in Belize:

• BTL (Digicell): Offers 4G services in certain areas and provides permanent cell numbers.
• SMART: A private company that offers slightly lower prices than Digicell.

Most US carriers also offer service in Belize, but it is expensive.

Apps for Communication

If you're happy to just use WiFi and don't need a local phone number, there are several apps you can use to communicate:

• Facebook Messenger: Allows you to call, text, and send pictures for free.
• Skype: Allows you to call anywhere in the world at a very low cost.
• IMessage and Facetime: If you have an iPhone, you can call or Facetime anyone else with an iPhone for free.

Security

It is highly recommended that you put a code lock on your phone, especially when travelling. You should also download a "find my android/iPhone" app, which is free and can help locate your device if it gets lost or stolen.

The best places to work remotely in Belize

Belize has decent internet coverage, although it can be slow and expensive. However, there is WiFi available everywhere throughout the country, and it is more than adequate for online activities. Here are some of the best places to work remotely in Belize:

Placencia

Placencia is a small, isolated fishing village-turned-resort, known for its sandy beaches and great scuba diving and snorkelling spots. It is a hotspot for those looking for water activities and a laid-back pace of life. Placencia has reliable WiFi and is home to Noma Collective, a remote work travel program that welcomes travelling professionals from all over the world.

Where to work remotely in Placencia:

• Above Grounds Coffee: a family-owned coffee shop sourcing beans and ingredients from local farmers
• Placencia Yacht Club: a restaurant, bar, lounge, and marina with waterfront views
• Itz’ana Resort: a hotel with free WiFi access across the property
• Umaya Resort: a beachfront resort with remote work options from your veranda, under thatched huts by the pool, or cabanas on the beach

Ambergris Caye

The biggest caye in Belize, Ambergris Caye is well-known for its beaches and direct access to the Belize Barrier Reef. It has a 'big city' feel compared to the rest of the country and offers a nice mix of island life with all the creature comforts of a small city/large town, as well as fast WiFi.

Where to work remotely in Ambergris Caye:

• Estel’s Dine by the Sea: grab a bite to eat at your picnic table on the beach under the palm fronds
• Pelican Internet Cafe: a no-frills internet cafe with mini computer cubicles
• Sanbar Beachfront Hostel: a waterfront hostel with an onsite bar and restaurant
• SunBreeze Suites: a beachfront hotel where you can work remotely from your balcony, poolside, or at their open-air restaurant

Cayo, San Ignacio

Cayo, and more specifically San Ignacio, is one of the most popular places to visit on Belize’s mainland. It is the eco-tourism hub of the country, rich with natural wonders, Mayan ruins, caves, hikes, waterfalls, and cultural diversity.

Where to work remotely in Cayo, San Ignacio:

• Ka’ana Resort: a nature-inspired luxury adventure outpost in the jungle, with a private pool villa and a resort pool, bar, and restaurant
• Bambu Tee: an urban-jungle bubble tea and coffee shop
• Vivian’s Coffee: a casual and quaint cafe

Hopkins

Hopkins is home to Garifuna culture and is located on the southern coast of Belize. It will charm you with its customs and natural beauty, offering a more local, cultural experience than tourist hotspots like Placencia and Ambergris Caye. Hopkins is on the mainland, so the WiFi is likely more reliable.

Where to work remotely in Hopkins:

• The Funky Dodo: a 16-bed dormitory and 10-bed private room hostel, with free WiFi and walking distance to nearby cafes, bars, and the beach
• Kat’s Coffee: slow coffee made in a cute little pink shack

Caye Caulker

A tiny but mighty island, Caye Caulker is popular with backpackers, budget travellers, snorkelers, and scuba divers. You won't find any resort-like accommodations, but there are small hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. The island is entirely sand, and golf carts run the streets.

Where to work remotely in Caye Caulker:

• Ice N Beans: a coffee shop on the beach, offering outdoor seating and free WiFi
• Namaste Cafe: an open-air coffee shop on the ground floor, with a rooftop yoga studio
• Travellers Palm Backpackers: a super colourful hostel with rooftop and waterfront views

Frequently asked questions