Sending Texts To Belize: A Quick Guide

If you want to send a text to Belize, the process will depend on whether you are texting a US or a Belizean phone number. If you are texting a US number, you can simply text the number as you usually would. However, if you are texting a Belizean number, you will need to add the country code for Belize, which is 501, in front of the number. When sending a text to a Belizean number from outside of Belize, you will first need to dial the international access code for your country (for example, 011 for North America or 00 for the UK) and then the country code and number.

International access code

To send a text to a mobile number in Belize, you will need to dial the international access code for your country. International access codes, also known as international call prefixes, are typically only required when dialling from a landline. When using a mobile phone, the network operator will usually provide the access codes automatically.

The international access code will depend on the country from which you are sending the text. For example, if you are texting from North America, you will need to dial 011, whereas if you are texting from the UK or another European country, you will need to dial 00.

Once you have dialled the international access code, you will then need to dial the country code for Belize, which is 501. Finally, you can dial the mobile number in Belize, excluding the 0 at the beginning of the number.

So, the dialling format to send a text to Belize from abroad will be: International Access Code - 501 - Mobile Phone Number.

Country code

Belize's country code is 501. This is the code you will need to dial to send a text message to a mobile phone number in Belize. Country codes are typically dialled after the international access code, which varies depending on the country from which you are sending the message. For example, if you are sending a text to Belize from North America, you would first dial the international access code, 011, followed by 501, and then the mobile phone number in Belize. It is important to note that you should exclude the initial 0 from the Belizean phone number.

The international access code is essentially the exit code of the country from which the call or text is being made. It is the code that allows you to dial out of your country and connect to another country's telephone network. For instance, the international access code for the United States and Canada is 011. On the other hand, countries like the UK and other European nations typically use 00 as their international access code.

In some cases, you may also use a "+" sign instead of the international access code. This is a universal code that can be used to replace the access code when dialling a number from a mobile phone. For example, to text a Belizean number from a cell phone, you can dial +501 followed by the local number, excluding the initial 0. This method often works interchangeably with the standard international access code format.

Mobile number

To send a text message to a mobile number in Belize from the USA, you will need to follow these steps:

Firstly, you must dial the international access code for your country. From North America, this is 011, whereas from the UK and other European countries, you will need to dial 00. This is known as the exit code.

Next, you will need to dial the country code for Belize, which is 501.

Finally, dial the mobile number in Belize, excluding the 0 at the beginning of the number.

Therefore, the dialling format should be: International Access Code - 501 - Mobile Phone Number. For example, 011 + 501 + 2 + XXX + XXXX.

The country code is sometimes written as +501, and this, along with 011501, often works interchangeably from cell phones.

International texting apps

WhatsApp

WhatsApp is a free text messaging app available worldwide for all kinds of devices and operating systems. It has over 2.5 billion global users and 2 billion monthly active users, making it the most popular messaging app globally. WhatsApp allows users to send text messages, make calls, video calls, and share documents and multimedia files. It is an efficient and very popular app, but it relies on the other person also having the app installed.

Viber

Viber is another free app that allows users to call or text any other Viber user anywhere in the world. It integrates seamlessly with existing contacts and has great sound quality. However, like WhatsApp, it requires contacts to have Viber installed and needs a data connection.

Google Voice or Skype

Google Voice and Skype offer international texting apps for iPhones and Android devices, using a data connection to send and receive texts internationally. Competitive rates are available.

MyLine

MyLine is an international texting and calling app that doesn't require an internet connection. With MyLine, you can make calls, send texts, and exchange multimedia messages anywhere in the world. You can choose your plan and buy minutes or top up your account for as low as $2.

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is a free text messaging app with cross-platform availability. It offers new ways of interaction and can be accessed over a browser or downloaded as an app. However, both the sender and the recipient must have the Google Hangouts app for free texting.

IMessage

For iPhone users, iMessage is a built-in feature that works as a cellular network messaging app and an over-the-Wi-Fi messaging app. iMessage allows iPhone users to communicate with other iPhone users worldwide without additional charges. However, the availability of free international texting depends on the coverage plan.

Texting US numbers abroad

To text a US number currently in Belize, you can simply text the number as you usually would.

However, if you are texting a Belize phone number from a US number, you will need to add the country code for Belize in front of the number. The country code for Belize is 501. To do this, simply dial the international access code for North America (011), followed by 501, and then the mobile number in Belize, excluding the 0 at the beginning of the number. For example, if the number in Belize is 0800 12345, you would text 01150180012345. The + sign can also be used in place of the international access code, so you could also text +50180012345.

If you are texting a Belize number from a country other than the US, you will need to first dial the international access code for the country you are in, followed by Belize's country code and then the mobile number. For example, if you are texting from Kenya, you would dial 254 501 [mobile number], excluding the 0 at the beginning of the number.

Frequently asked questions