Using Metropcs In Belize: What You Need To Know

If you're a MetroPCS user and are planning a trip to Belize, you may be wondering if your phone will work there. MetroPCS, now known as Metro by T-Mobile, does not include international perks with their plans, unlike their parent company T-Mobile. While they offer various international add-ons, Belize does not seem to be included in these packages. However, you may be able to activate international roaming on your mobile phone during your stay in Belize, although this may result in high international call prices. Alternatively, you can purchase a local SIM card or rent a phone during your time in Belize.

MetroPCS international coverage is limited

MetroPCS, now known as Metro by T-Mobile, does not offer international plans outside of the US, Canada, and Mexico. However, the company does provide certain international add-ons and calling services for an additional cost.

Metro by T-Mobile's international coverage is limited to select countries, and even within those countries, availability and quality of coverage cannot be guaranteed. The company does not provide service outside of the United States, and its international roaming service is provided through agreements with third-party carriers.

For customers who frequently travel to Mexico and Canada, Metro offers an unlimited add-on for $5 per month, which includes unlimited calling, texting, and a data allotment in these countries.

For other international destinations, Metro offers Global Voice add-ons, which provide a specific number of minutes and texts to select countries. These add-ons start at $10 per month and are only available for $30 and above Metro plans. The number of minutes and the countries included vary with each add-on.

Additionally, Metro offers My World add-ons, which provide a set number of minutes for calling select countries without texting. These add-ons start at $10 per month and are only available for the $40 Metro plan or higher.

It is important to note that these international add-ons may not work in areas served by roaming partners, and customers are responsible for ensuring that their phones can legally operate outside the United States.

Belize's telecommunications system

The telecommunications sector in Belize is considered underdeveloped compared to world standards and neighbouring Caribbean countries. The main telecommunications company is Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), which was established in 1972 and became the leading provider in the 1980s and 1990s. BTL offers telephone, internet, and fixed-line and mobile broadband packages. However, the sector has experienced gradual growth since the early 2000s, and the government has taken steps to improve conditions for consumers and promote information and communication technology (ICT).

In terms of mobile cellular usage, Belize had approximately 164,200 lines in 2012, resulting in a mobile-cellular teledensity of nearly 70 per 100 persons in 2011. The main mobile phone provider in the country is Digicel.

For internet access, Belize has several internet service providers (ISPs), including BTL, Speed Net, and others. In 2012, there were around 81,930 internet users in Belize, representing 25.0% of the population. However, broadband subscriptions, both fixed and wireless, were relatively low, with 10,077 and 419 subscriptions, respectively, in the same year.

Regarding international calling and texting services, Metro by T-Mobile (formerly MetroPCS) does not include international perks with their basic plans. However, they offer various international add-ons, such as Canada Unlimited and Mexico Unlimited, as well as Global Voice and My World add-ons for calling and texting other countries.

Using a MetroPCS phone in Belize

Metro by T-Mobile (formerly MetroPCS) does not include international perks with their plans. However, you can add on international services to your Metro plan to be able to call or text abroad. Unfortunately, Belize is not one of the countries included in Metro's international add-ons.

International Calling Options

If you are travelling to Belize and want to use your MetroPCS phone, you have a few options:

• Contact MetroPCS to see if they can offer an add-on for the country.
• Activate international roaming on your mobile phone. However, be aware that international call prices can be very high.
• Get your phone unlocked and buy a local SIM card when you arrive in Belize.
• Rent or buy a mobile phone or landline when you arrive in Belize.
• Use wi-fi calling if your phone has this setting. You can receive calls and texts anywhere for free as long as you have a wi-fi connection.

Telecommunications in Belize

Belize has a national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia, Limited, and several mobile phone companies providing good coverage. The national phone company offers 4G services in certain areas, but there are still places with no cell phone coverage, mostly in remote, small villages, protected areas, and uninhabited areas. There are two major mobile companies in Belize: BTL, which uses GSM, and SMART, which uses CDMA. You can purchase 'credit' for prepaid service at most stores, or get postpaid service with a deposit.

Calling Belize from Abroad

To call Belize from abroad, you will need to dial your country's exit code, followed by Belize's country code, 011, and then the local number.

International phone usage

Metro by T-Mobile (formerly MetroPCS) offers a range of international add-ons to their cell phone plans, including Canada Unlimited and Mexico Unlimited. These add-ons provide unlimited calling, texting, and data in Canada and Mexico respectively for an additional $5/month each. Unlike Metro's parent company, T-Mobile, whose plans often include international features, Metro by T-Mobile does not include international perks with their standard plans. Therefore, if you are travelling to a country outside of Canada and Mexico, you will need to purchase an additional plan to access calling, texting, and data services.

For example, if you are travelling to Belize, your MetroPCS phone will not work without an international add-on. Belize has a national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia, Limited, and several mobile phone providers offering good coverage. However, there are still some remote areas without cell phone coverage. Before travelling to Belize, it is recommended that you get your phone unlocked by your service provider. Once in Belize, you can purchase a local SIM card or a new phone number for BZ $45. The two major mobile companies in Belize are BTL, which uses GSM, and SMART, which uses CDMA. You can purchase prepaid credit for your phone at most stores, or opt for postpaid service with a deposit.

If you are only visiting Belize for a few days, you may choose to activate international roaming on your MetroPCS phone. However, be aware that international call prices can be very high. Metro by T-Mobile offers Global Voice add-ons, which allow you to call select countries around the world. These add-ons vary in price and the number of minutes included. For example, the Global Voice 50+ add-on offers 100 minutes and unlimited texting to select countries for $20/month. Metro's My World Add-Ons are similar but do not include texting and are only available for the $40 plan or higher.

If you are looking for a more affordable option, you can utilise Wi-Fi calling by connecting to a Wi-Fi network and activating this feature in your phone's settings. This will allow you to make and receive calls and texts for free as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection. Alternatively, you can purchase an unlocked phone and use a local SIM card during your travels.

MetroPCS international add-ons

MetroPCS, now known as Metro by T-Mobile, does not include international perks with its plans. However, it does offer a range of international add-ons for its cell phone plans.

Canada and Mexico Unlimited

For $5 per month, the Canada Unlimited add-on includes:

• Unlimited calling to and from Canada
• Unlimited data in Canada at 5Mbps
• Unlimited texting in Canada

The Mexico Unlimited add-on, also $5 per month, includes:

• Unlimited calling to and from Mexico
• Unlimited data in Mexico at 5Mbps
• Unlimited texting in Mexico

Global Voice

Metro by T-Mobile's Global Voice add-on allows you to call select countries around the world. The main differences between each plan are the number of minutes included and the countries included. Global Voice add-ons are only available for $30 and above Metro plans. They do not apply when roaming and cannot be combined with any other Metro international add-ons, except for the Mexico and Canada Unlimited add-ons.

Global Voice options include:

• Global Voice Unlimited Landline: unlimited minutes to call landline numbers in various countries for $10 per month
• Global Voice Unlimited: unlimited minutes and texts to any number in China (excluding Taiwan and Hong Kong) for $10 per month
• Global Voice 15 Minutes: 15 minutes of talk to numbers in Cuba for $10 per month
• Global Voice 15+: up to 30 minutes of talk to numbers in Cuba for $20 per month
• Global Voice 50 Minutes: talk minutes and unlimited texting to numbers in places including the British Virgin Islands and United Arab Emirates for $10 per month
• Global Voice 50+: 100 minutes and unlimited texting to numbers in the British Virgin Islands and United Arab Emirates for $20 per month
• Global Voice 100 Minutes: 100 minutes and unlimited texts to number in various countries for $10 per month
• Global Voice 100+: 200 minutes and unlimited texts to number in various countries for $20 per month
• Global Voice 200 Minutes: 200 minutes and unlimited text to number in various countries for $10 per month
• Global Voice 200+: 400 minutes and unlimited text to number in various countries for $20 per month

My World

My World add-ons are similar to Metro’s Global Voice add-ons in that they provide an allotment of minutes to call select countries around the world. However, they do not include texting, and service is not available while roaming. My World add-ons are only available for Metro’s $40 plan or higher.

My World options include:

• My World 100 Mobile to Landline Minutes for $10 per month
• My World 200 Mobile to Landline Minutes for $20 per month
• My World 60 Mobile to Mobile Minutes for $10 per month
• My World 120 Mobile to Mobile Minutes for $20 per month

Haiti Calling Service

Metro’s Haiti Calling Service add-ons, available for Metro’s $40 plan or higher, allow you to call Haiti. For $10 per month, you get 40 minutes, or for $20 per month, you can talk for up to 80 minutes. Texting is not included and service is not available when roaming.

Frequently asked questions