Belize's Cigarette Costs: A Smoker's Guide

The price of cigarettes in Belize varies depending on the brand. Local brands can cost around $3.00 per pack, while Marlboro Lights are reportedly much more expensive. On Ambergris Caye, cigarettes range from 5-10 BZ depending on the brand, but some smokers say they are so bad that they make trips to Guatemala to buy cigarettes.

Local cigarettes are around $6.50 for a pack of 20

If you're a smoker travelling to Belize, you might be wondering how much a nicotine fix will cost you. Local cigarettes are around $6.50 for a pack of 20, which is pretty expensive compared to the rest of Central America. If you're thinking of bringing your own cigarettes into the country, you're allowed to bring up to 200 without paying duty.

It's worth noting that cigarettes in Belize are reportedly "absolute garbage". One traveller commented that they were so bad, they made trips to Guatemala to buy cigarettes. If you're thinking of doing the same, be aware that Mexican Ambassador to Belize Carlos Quesnel Meléndez has recently publicly condemned Belize's cigarette smugglers.

If you're looking for a particular brand, you might be out of luck. One traveller reported that Marlboro Lights were available but "considerably more expensive" than local brands. Another said that Marlboro cigarettes were unavailable.

If you're flying into Belize, it might be worth buying cigarettes at duty-free either in your home country or at Belize International Airport, which has a small duty-free shop in the arrivals terminal.

Marlboro Lights are considerably more expensive

Cigarette Costs in Belize

Cigarettes in Belize vary in price depending on the brand. Local brands tend to be cheaper, with a pack of 20 cigarettes costing around $3. Marlboro Lights, on the other hand, are considerably more expensive. While the exact price of Marlboro Lights is not known, they are known to be pricier than local brands, which cost around $3 per pack. This price discrepancy can be significant, especially for those on a budget or who smoke regularly.

Belize has a reputation for expensive cigarettes, with some smokers opting to purchase cigarettes from duty-free shops or even crossing borders to find more affordable options. The high cost of cigarettes in Belize may be due to various factors, including taxes, import duties, and the country's economy. Additionally, the availability of cigarettes in Belize can vary, with some sources mentioning the challenge of finding specific brands like Marlboro.

For smokers travelling to Belize, it is essential to be aware of the local laws and regulations regarding cigarettes and tobacco products. While Belize may have more relaxed laws compared to some countries, it is crucial to respect the local rules and only purchase cigarettes from authorised sellers. The illegal cigarette trade in Belize has been a concern, with neighbouring countries expressing their worries about the issue.

In summary, while cigarettes in Belize can vary in price, Marlboro Lights are known to be more expensive than local brands. This price difference can impact smokers' budgets and choices. It is important for travellers to be aware of the local laws and the potential challenges in finding specific cigarette brands in Belize.

Cigarettes can be purchased for $5-10BZ depending on brand

Cigarettes in Belize can be purchased for $5-10 BZ, depending on the brand. This is for a pack of 20 cigarettes. While this is the general price, it is possible to buy single cigarettes for 25 cents at small grocery stores.

The price of cigarettes in Belize is dependent on the brand and the location. For example, on islands such as Caye Caulker, certain goods, including cigarettes, can be more expensive.

It is worth noting that some travellers have commented that cigarettes in Belize are of low quality. As a result, some people choose to buy cigarettes from duty-free shops when entering the country or make trips to Guatemala to purchase cigarettes.

Additionally, it is important to be aware of the illegal cigarette trade in Belize, which has become a growing concern for the country and its neighbours, Mexico and Guatemala.

Cigarettes are more expensive on Ambergris Caye

If you're a smoker heading to Belize, you might want to stock up on duty-free cigarettes at the airport or bring your own supply from home. Cigarettes in Belize are some of the most expensive in Central America, and prices on Ambergris Caye are even higher than on the mainland.

A pack of 20 local cigarettes in Belize will set you back around $6.50, or about £1.90/ $3.25. In comparison, a similar pack in the UK or the US would cost you less than half of that.

On Ambergris Caye, cigarettes can range from 5-10 BZ dollars, depending on the brand. That's about $2.50-$5, a significant difference from mainland prices.

The high prices are due to Belize's economy, which is artificially linked to the US dollar. This makes the country very expensive for those on a budget, especially when it comes to accommodation and certain goods on the islands.

One traveller commented that the cigarettes in Belize are "absolute garbage", and they make trips to Guatemala to buy better-quality cigarettes at a lower price.

If you're set on smoking during your time in Belize, it might be worth considering other options, such as vape pens or roll-your-own cigarettes, to save money and get a better smoking experience.

So, if you're planning a trip to Ambergris Caye and you're a smoker, be prepared to pay a premium for your cigarettes or consider alternative options to satisfy your nicotine cravings.

Cigarettes can be purchased from small grocery stores or duty-free

If you're a smoker travelling to Belize, you'll be able to purchase cigarettes from small grocery stores or duty-free. The current adult smoking prevalence in Belize is 8.5%, with 15.3% of men and 1.8% of women smoking tobacco.

When entering Belize, you're allowed to bring 200 cigarettes, or one US carton, without paying duty. Local brands of cigarettes cost around $3.00 USD per pack, while Marlboro Lights are available but considerably more expensive. Cigarettes in Belize are some of the most expensive in Central America, with a pack of 20 local cigarettes costing $6.50 BZD, or $3.25 USD.

If you're looking to quit smoking, electronic cigarettes are currently legal to sell and use in Belize, with no tax on them at the moment. However, the National Drug Abuse Control Council Belize (NADCC) is working on a new Tobacco Control Act that may heavily regulate e-cigarette sales and public use and add a substantial tax to the final sale price.

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