Belize Sim Card Costs: A Traveler's Guide

How Much is a New SIM Card in Belize?

Belize is a captivating destination for travellers, known for its majestic beaches, lush jungles, and vibrant culture. If you're planning a trip to this tropical paradise, you may be wondering about the best way to stay connected during your visit. Buying a local SIM card is an excellent option as it allows you to access affordable data, make local calls, and send SMS without incurring high roaming charges.

The cost of a new SIM card in Belize depends on the provider and the plan you choose. SIM cards are typically priced between BZD 5 and BZD 20. Data plans start from around BZD 10 for smaller bundles, with larger data volumes available at higher prices. Tourist SIM cards can be purchased for BZD 20 to BZD 45.

There are two main mobile operators in Belize: DigiCell, a subsidiary of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), and Smart, owned by Speednet Communications Limited. Both providers offer a range of prepaid plans with flexible data bundles and competitive rates. DigiCell SIM cards are available at their retail stores, kiosks in major cities, and the airport, while Smart SIM cards can be purchased at their outlets or authorised dealers.

It's important to note that SIM cards may not be available at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), so it's recommended to buy one after arriving in Belize or purchase a global prepaid SIM card online before your trip.

SIM cards can be purchased in-person at Belizean stores, supermarkets, post offices, and small retailers

If you're looking to purchase a SIM card in person while in Belize, you have several options. SIM cards can be purchased in-person at Belizean stores, supermarkets, post offices, and small retailers.

DigiCell and Smart! are the two main mobile network operators in Belize, and both offer a range of prepaid SIM card plans and data bundles. DigiCell is available at many convenience stores and service stations/gas stations, and while Smart! signs are less frequent, you can find their SIM cards at the airport.

If you're staying in Belize City or headed to the Cayes, you can easily pick up a SIM card in town at the locations mentioned above.

It's worth noting that SIM cards are not sold at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE) in Belize City, so make sure you purchase one before leaving the airport if that's your preferred option.

The cost of a prepaid SIM card in Belize varies depending on the provider and plan chosen, but they are typically priced between BZD 5 and BZD 20. Tourist SIM cards are sold from BZD 20 to BZD 45.

When purchasing a SIM card in Belize, you may need to provide identification, such as your passport. Additionally, SIM cards come in different sizes, so ensure you know which size is compatible with your phone.

By purchasing a local SIM card, you can take advantage of local rates for calls, texts, and data usage, which are usually more affordable than international roaming charges.

You can also buy a SIM card online via websites like Amazon

If you're looking to buy a SIM card for your travels to Belize, you can buy one online via websites like Amazon. This is a great option if you want to have your SIM card ready for your arrival.

On Amazon, you can find different plans to suit your needs. For example, OneSimCard works in over 200 countries and offers data for $0.01 per MB, including Belize. You can also find plans that offer data, calls, and texts.

When buying a SIM card online, be sure to check that Belize is included in the list of countries the SIM card works in. Additionally, keep in mind that you may need to provide your passport when buying a SIM card, whether online or in person.

• Network coverage: DigiCell and Smart! are the two mobile networks in Belize. DigiCell has a wider reach and is available in many places like convenience stores and service stations. Smart! signs are less frequent, but they do offer a tourist SIM card with unlimited data options.
• Data packages: Data services in Belize can be expensive compared to some European countries. Both DigiCell and Smart! offer 3G and 4G services with good signal coverage in major cities and tourist locations.
• SIM card activation: If you buy a SIM card in Belize, you may need to officially register your account and provide an address to activate it. This can be done at a BTL store or online, depending on the provider.

Tourist SIM cards are available from DigiCell and Smart! outlets

DigiCell offers a range of prepaid plans tailored to different usage needs, including data, voice, and text options. Their Tourist SIM card costs $20 USD (BZ$40) and includes 25GB of data, 500 domestic minutes/texts, and 50 international minutes/texts. The SIM card expires after 21 days, and the call, text, and data allowance lasts for 10 days.

Smart!, owned by Speednet Communications Limited, is the other major mobile operator in Belize. Their outlets are fewer in number compared to DigiCell, and their services are more limited. Smart! SIM cards are also not available at the Belize City-Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE).

Smart! offers various prepaid plans with flexible data bundles and competitive rates, catering to both residents and visitors. They have two plans specifically for tourists:

• $45 BZD ($22.56 USD) for $35 USD worth of calls, 130 SMS, and unlimited data with a 10-day expiry.
• $20 BZD ($10.03 USD) for $11 USD worth of calls, 25 SMS, and unlimited data with a 24-hour expiry.

Both DigiCell and Smart! networks offer 3G and 4G services and provide good signal coverage in the main cities and tourist locations such as Belize City, San Ignacio, and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.

eSIMs are available from Airalo, but they are expensive and only offer small data packs

While this may be a good option for those who need immediate access to data, it is not ideal for those who require more data. In this case, a physical SIM card would be a better choice. DigiCell and Smart! are the two main providers in Belize, with DigiCell being the more popular option due to its wider coverage and availability.

DigiCell SIM cards can be purchased at various locations, including official stores, gas stations, convenience stores, and electronic repair shops. Their prepaid plans offer a range of data allowances to suit different needs. For example, their M plan provides 680MB of data for 3 days for BZD 5 ($2.51), while their XXL plan offers 7.5GB for 30 days for BZD 45 ($22.56).

Smart!, on the other hand, offers a tourist SIM with unlimited data for 10 days for BZD 45 ($22.56) or 1 day for BZD 20 ($10.03). However, their coverage and authorised agents for topping up or troubleshooting are more limited compared to DigiCell.

Therefore, while Airalo's eSIM may be a convenient option for some, it is more expensive and offers less data than the physical SIM card options available from DigiCell and Smart! in Belize.

SIM cards are not sold at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport

If you're travelling to Belize and are looking to purchase a SIM card upon arrival at the airport, you may be disappointed. SIM cards are not sold at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City. However, this doesn't mean you need to be disconnected during your stay in Belize. Here's what you need to know:

Where to Buy a SIM Card

Firstly, it's important to note that there are only two mobile operators in Belize: Digi (formerly DigiCell) and Smart!. While both offer SIM cards and have stores throughout the country, their availability and coverage differ.

Digi has the widest coverage in Belize, especially in rural areas. Their SIM cards can be purchased from their stores for 22.50 BZD (approximately 11.15 USD), which includes 10 BZD credit and 1 GB of data valid for 10 days. Digi also offers a Tourist SIM card for 20 USD (40 BZD) with more benefits, but this may not be available at all stores.

Smart! is a good option for those looking for cheaper plans and is popular among the youth for its youth-specific postpaid plans. Their SIM cards can be purchased from their stores for 15 BZD, and during promotions, you may get 10 BZD credit and 1 GB of data. However, their 4G/LTE coverage is still lacking outside of populated areas.

Both Digi and Smart! have stores and authorised dealers throughout Belize, including in major cities like Belize City, San Ignacio, and San Pedro. You can also find them at gas stations, convenience stores, and electronics shops.

Benefits of Buying a SIM Card in Belize

Buying a local SIM card in Belize offers several advantages:

• Diverse Plans: Both Digi and Smart! offer a range of prepaid plans to suit different usage needs and budgets.
• Convenience: There are multiple purchase points, including retail stores and convenience stores, making it easy to find a SIM card.
• Reliable Coverage: Both operators provide extensive coverage across Belize, ensuring you stay connected during your travels.
• Affordable Rates: Local SIM cards allow you to take advantage of local rates for calls, texts, and data, which are often much cheaper than international roaming charges.

Tips for Buying and Using a SIM Card in Belize

• Bring your passport: You will likely need to provide identification when purchasing a SIM card, so have your passport ready.
• Check your phone's compatibility: Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the local networks.
• Compare plans: Both Digi and Smart! offer various plans, so take the time to compare and choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
• Consider an eSIM: If your device supports eSIM functionality, this can be a convenient option, although it may not be widely available in Belize.
• Register your SIM card: In some cases, you may need to officially register your SIM card and provide an address to activate it.
• Top-up options: Both Digi and Smart! offer various ways to top up your credit, including vouchers, online top-ups, and in-person top-ups at authorised dealers.

Frequently asked questions