Ting In Belize: Does It Work?

Belize has a well-developed cellular network, with two major providers, Digicell and SMART, covering most of the country and certain marine areas close to major coastal population centres. Most US carriers also offer service in Belize, although it is a very expensive option. Both Digicell and SMART offer eSIMs to their customers, and it is possible to purchase a local SIM card or a prepaid phone from a local provider.

Violent crime in Belize

Belize is a country in Central America, sharing borders with Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. It has a population of almost 400,000 people and is considered part of the Caribbean region.

Belize has moderate rates of violent crime. Criminal activity, including murder, armed robbery, home invasions, mugging, and sexual assault, is a significant problem throughout the country. The majority of violence in Belize stems from gang activity, which includes trafficking drugs and people, protecting drug smuggling routes, and securing territory for drug dealing.

In 2023, Belize recorded 87 murders, giving the country a homicide rate of 19.7 murders per 100,000 inhabitants. The same year, there were 34 reported cases of rape, 170 robberies, 628 burglaries, and 118 cases of theft.

The Southside of Belize City (south of Haulover Creek Canal) is particularly dangerous, with a high level of gang-related violence, including murders and shootings. Gang members often use weapons to resolve disputes, and clashes occur frequently as gangs attempt to gain control of territories for their illegal activities.

In addition to gang-related violence, muggings are common, especially in Belize City and other urban centres. Tourists are also warned about the risk of armed robberies around the Mayan ruins at Caracol and near the border with Guatemala.

To protect themselves from violent crime, visitors to Belize are advised to take certain precautions, including not carrying more cash than necessary, using reputable tour companies, avoiding travelling alone (especially after dark), and paying close attention to their surroundings.

While Belize has made some progress in addressing violent crime, the country continues to struggle with gang activity and insufficient police resources to respond effectively to serious incidents.

Belize's legal system

The Chief Justice, who is responsible for the administration of justice in Belize, heads the judiciary. There are three Supreme Court Judges: the Chief Justice and two other judges, known as Puisne Judges. The Court of Appeal is made up of a President and three Justices of Appeal, with a panel of three Justices sitting at any one time.

The appointment of the Chief Justice is made by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition. Justices of the Supreme Court, other than the Chief Justice, are appointed by the Governor-General, who acts on the advice of the Judicial and Legal Service section of the Public Services Commission and with the Prime Minister's concurrence. Justices of the Court of Appeal are appointed by the Governor-General, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister and after consultation with the Leader of the Opposition.

The legal system in Belize recognises legislation, Acts, or statute law as a primary source of reference. The Parliament is responsible for the law-making process.

Belize's healthcare system

The public health sector, which includes eight major hospitals and around 60 public clinics, is underfunded, understaffed, and under-supplied. The hospitals and clinics provide very low-cost and almost free healthcare services, but this often results in long waiting queues. Despite the large population, Belize City offers the highest level of care.

The private health sector has grown over the last few years, especially in urban areas, and offers more comprehensive coverage, although at a higher cost. The private sector includes three main hospitals and over 50 for-profit clinics.

The MoH has implemented several reforms to improve the healthcare system, including the Health Sector Reform Project (HSRP) in 2000, which aimed to increase access to care, improve quality, and ensure efficient and equitable delivery of care across both sectors. The MoH has also introduced a National Health Insurance (NHI) program and the Belize Health Information System (BHIS), an integrated comprehensive health information system.

While public healthcare in Belize is available to all, a large portion of funding has been allocated to Belize City. Outside of Belize City, there are seven additional hospitals that provide public healthcare, including three regional hospitals. Belize also has a network of approximately 60 public health clinics that provide primary medical and dental care to rural areas. However, most of these clinics suffer from inadequate staffing, lack of financial resources, and a lack of equipment and medicine, resulting in reduced access to care.

The Belizean government has made significant changes to the healthcare system, and as a result, the country has shown improvements in several areas, including a reduction in vaccine-preventable deaths. However, there are still challenges, such as a high prevalence of communicable diseases, a high mortality rate from non-communicable diseases, and limited equity in access to healthcare and distribution of resources.

Telecommunication companies in Belize

Belize has several telecommunication companies that offer a range of services, including radio, television, fixed and mobile telephone lines, and internet access. Here is an overview of the telecommunication landscape in Belize:

Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL)

Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), formerly known as Belize Telecommunications Limited, is the leading telecommunication provider in the country. Established in 1972, BTL offers both wired and wireless telecommunication services under the Digi brand. The company was nationalized by the Belizean government in 2009, and it holds a dominant position in the market.

Speed Net

Speed Net is another prominent telecommunication company in Belize. They provide internet services and compete directly with BTL after the latter's nationalization. Speed Net offers a range of services, including basic telephone, cellular, and data networks.

Other Telecommunication Providers

In addition to BTL and Speed Net, there are other telecommunication companies operating in Belize. These include smaller internet service providers (ISPs) such as BTL, as well as television and radio broadcasters. Belize has approximately 25 radio stations and 8 privately-owned television stations, providing a range of media options for its citizens.

Telecommunication Infrastructure

Belize also has the necessary infrastructure to support its telecommunication industry. It is a landing point for the Americas Region Caribbean Ring System (ARCOS-1), a fiber-optic telecommunications submarine cable that connects the country to South and Central America, parts of the Caribbean, and the US. This infrastructure enables high-speed data transmission and facilitates international connectivity.

In summary, Belize has a diverse telecommunication landscape with multiple companies offering a range of services. The industry is supported by critical infrastructure, such as the ARCOS-1 fiber-optic cable, ensuring that Belizeans have access to modern communication technologies.

Belize's currency

Belize's official currency is the Belize dollar (BZD), which is normally abbreviated with the dollar sign $, or BZ$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. The Belize dollar has been pegged to the US dollar for over 25 years at a fixed exchange rate of 2:1, meaning that $2 Belize dollars are equal to $1 US dollar. This makes it extremely convenient for American visitors to exchange currency.

Belize was a former British colony, and as a result, the country's banknotes and coins feature a prominent image of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Belizean banknotes include the $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 bills, with the largest bill colloquially known as a blue buay (blue boy). The largest coins are $1 and $2, with smaller denominations of 50 cents, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, and 1 cent.

While the Belize dollar is the official currency, US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, especially in tourist destinations. However, if you pay with US dollars, you will likely receive change in Belize dollars at the $1 US to $2 BZ exchange rate. It is important to note that US coins are not accepted in Belize. Credit cards are gaining popularity but may not be widely accepted outside of major hotels, restaurants, tour offices, and bars. ATMs can be found across Belize in most towns and cities, and they are a good way to access Belizean money. However, there are usually two separate fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs.

Frequently asked questions