Chetumal Calling: A Guide To Dialing Chetumal From Belize

To call Chetumal from Belize, you need to follow the international dialling format. The dialling format is the same for calling a landline or mobile number. To call Chetumal from Belize, dial: 00 52 [area code] landline number or dial: 00 52 11-digit mobile number.

The ISD code or country code of Mexico is 52. There are 385 area codes in Mexico. If there is an area code, dial the area code of the city in Mexico you are calling after dialling ISD code. If there is no area code, dial the recipient's telephone number after the ISD code.

Chetumal's location and history

Chetumal is a city on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It is the capital of the state of Quintana Roo and the municipal seat of the Municipality of Othón P. Blanco. In 2020, it had a population of 169,028 people.

The city is situated on the western side of Chetumal Bay, near the mouth of the Río Hondo. It is an important port for the region and operates as Mexico's main trading gateway with its neighbouring country, Belize.

Chetumal was founded on the site of a former Mayan settlement. During the colonial era, control of the city was fiercely contested between Spanish conquistadores and indigenous Maya. In the 19th century, the Maya smuggled arms and forest products through the port, which was renamed Payo Obispo in 1898; the name was never widely accepted and it was renamed Chetumal in 1936.

Chetumal became the territorial capital in 1902 when Quintana Roo was separated from Yucatán state, and has served as the state capital since 1974. The contemporary city, which largely postdates a devastating hurricane in 1955, has few cultural institutions apart from the University of Quintana Roo, a museum of Mayan culture, and a city museum.

Chetumal is a growing city with an international airport. Its economy has been influenced by its proximity to the border with Belize.

Chetumal's economy and tax-free zone

Chetumal, the capital of Quintana Roo, is located on the border with Belize and has been designated a free economic zone until 2030. The city was previously a free zone from 1934 until the introduction of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994.

The free zone status provides fiscal incentives for businesses, including an import tax exemption for goods entering the municipality of Othón P. Blanco, where Chetumal is located. The decree also outlines a range of other tax benefits for businesses located in Chetumal, such as exemptions from paying Mexico's value-added tax (IVA), income tax (ISR), and taxes related to importation.

The tax incentives aim to stimulate the regional economy and encourage the import and commercialisation of goods in Chetumal. The city was once a commercial centre, distributing imports at economical prices and using the port of Belize City for trans-shipment. However, this trade was disrupted when Belizean politicians increased demurrage charges on Mexican trans-shipments.

Chetumal's free zone status is expected to attract consumers seeking to purchase goods from all over the world at low prices. The potential market includes the local population, Belizean visitors, and residents of nearby Mexican states. Additionally, travellers on the Tren Maya are anticipated to contribute to the local economy once the last sections in the southern zone are completed.

Chetumal's economy is also supported by its role as a gateway to the Maya world, with well-maintained archaeological sites and colourful communities in the surrounding area. The city itself offers modern amenities, including malls, a busy downtown shopping area, museums, hotels, and restaurants.

How to call Chetumal from Belize

Calling Chetumal from Belize is easy. Simply dial the exit code for Belize, which is 00, followed by Mexico's country code, 52, and then the number you wish to reach. If you are calling a landline number in Chetumal, you will need to include the area code followed by the landline number. If you are calling a mobile number, you will need to dial 11 digits after the country code.

For example, to call a landline number, the dialling format would be: 00-52-Area Code-Landline Number. To call a mobile number, the dialling format would be: 00-52-11-Digit Mobile Number.

It is important to note that there is a time difference between Chetumal and Belize. Belize is one hour ahead of Chetumal, so be sure to take this into account when making your call.

In addition to dialling codes, there are a few other transportation options to get from Chetumal to Belize. These include travelling by plane, bus, car, or rideshare. The distance between Chetumal and Belize is approximately 62 miles, and the road distance is 100 miles.

Travelling by bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing around $8 to $13. The bus journey takes about 5 hours, and there are direct buses departing from Chetumal to Belize City several times a day.

If you prefer a faster option, flying is the quickest way to get to Belize from Chetumal, with a flight time of around 47 minutes. However, this option is more expensive, with prices ranging from $70 to $170.

For those who want more flexibility, renting a car and driving from Chetumal to Belize is also possible. The driving distance is approximately 100 miles, and the journey takes about 2 hours and 26 minutes.

Alternatively, you can use a ridesharing service, which costs around $11 and takes about 3 hours and 48 minutes.

Chetumal's population and demographics

To call Chetumal from Belize, you must first dial 00, which is the exit code for Belize, then 52, which is the country code for Mexico. After that, dial the area code for Chetumal, which is 983, and then the landline number or mobile number.

Chetumal is a city on the east coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. It is the capital of the state of Quintana Roo and the municipal seat of the Municipality of Othón P. Blanco. The city is situated on the western side of Chetumal Bay, near the mouth of the Río Hondo. It is an important port for the region and operates as Mexico's main trading gateway with neighbouring Belize.

Chetumal's population has grown significantly over the years. In 1950, the population was around 5,000. By 2000, it had increased to 208,164, and in 2020, the population was 233,648. The most recent estimate for 2024 puts the population at 344,169.

The population is almost equally split between men and women, with 49.3% men and 50.7% women. The city has a notable indigenous population, with 12,900 inhabitants speaking indigenous languages, particularly Maya, Ch'ol, and Tsotsil. In recent years, Chetumal has also seen an influx of migrants, with the largest number coming from Belize (469 people), followed by the United States (275 people), and Guatemala (84 people).

Chetumal has a diverse economy, influenced by its proximity to the Belizean border. It has a significant retail sector and is a notable destination for people from other parts of Mexico seeking to purchase goods free of government duty charges. The city also has a large public sector, as it is the location of all the state's central offices, resulting in a substantial population of government employees.

Chetumal's climate and weather

To call Chetumal in Mexico from Belize, the international dialling format is as follows:

00 - 52 - Area Code - Land Phone Number or 00 - 52 - 11-Digit Mobile Number.

The climate in Chetumal is hot and oppressive year-round, with the summers being long, wet, and overcast, and the winters short, warm, and mostly clear. The temperature typically varies from 68°F to 90°F, and the best time to visit is during the drier months of February, March, and April. August is the hottest month, with an average maximum temperature of 33°C, and June is the wettest month, with 213 mm of rainfall.

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