Unlocking Your Digicel Sim Card In Belize

If you're travelling to Belize, you may want to consider purchasing a local SIM card to stay connected. The two mobile networks in Belize are DigiCell and Smart!, with DigiCell being the dominant carrier in the country. Both offer 3G and 4G services and provide good signal coverage in major cities and tourist locations.

It's important to note that data services in Belize can be expensive compared to some other countries, so if you need internet access, you'll need to budget accordingly.

To use a local SIM card, you'll need an unlocked phone. You can purchase a DigiCell SIM card for $22.50 BZD, which includes $10 BZD worth of credit. Alternatively, Smart! offers a tourist SIM with unlimited data for $20 BZD, valid for 24 hours, or $45 BZD, valid for 10 days.

SIM cards can be bought at the airport, in town at supermarkets, post offices, or small retailers, and at DigiCell and Smart! stores.

Unlocking a carrier-locked phone

Unlocking your phone from your carrier's network is a straightforward process and, according to the Federal Communications Commission, it should be provided free of charge once you've fully paid off the device or paid an early termination fee. Unlocking your phone allows you to switch to a new carrier without having to buy a new phone. This can be especially useful when travelling abroad or trying to get the best price for your phone when selling it.

Steps to unlocking your phone:

Check compatibility with the new network:

Before switching carriers, ensure that your phone is compatible with the new network. Most phones can work with any carrier in the US, but some older devices may be confined to specific network types. You can confirm compatibility by checking the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) number on the new carrier's website.

Prepare necessary information:

Have the following information ready: the IMEI number, account number, account holder's name and Social Security number, and the phone number associated with the device. If you're in the military and will be deployed overseas, you can expedite the unlocking process by providing proof of deployment.

Contact your current carrier:

The process for unlocking your phone will vary depending on your carrier. Below are the steps for some of the major carriers:

• AT&T: Go to AT&T's unlock page and submit an unlock request. Ensure you meet the eligibility requirements, including having no past due or unpaid balances. After submitting the form, you'll receive a confirmation email with an unlock request number. Click the link in the email within 24 hours to confirm the request. AT&T will respond within two business days to confirm that your phone is unlocked.
• T-Mobile: T-Mobile will notify you when your phone is ready to be unlocked. To be eligible, your device must be a T-Mobile phone, not reported lost/stolen/blocked, attached to an account in good standing, and fully paid for. You can unlock your phone through their website, app, or by calling their customer service.
• Verizon: Verizon automatically unlocks phones 60 days after purchase to prevent theft and fraud. After this period, your phone should be unlocked without any additional steps. You can confirm that your phone is unlocked by dialling 611 or contacting Verizon's customer service.
• Metro by T-Mobile: Formerly known as Metro PCS, Metro by T-Mobile phones can be unlocked via their unlocking portal. Prerequisites include being a Metro device, not reported lost/stolen/blocked, and having active service for at least 180 consecutive days. Military personnel can visit a corporate store with deployment papers to receive an unlock code.
• U.S. Cellular: Most U.S. Cellular phones are sold unlocked. For devices that are locked, they will generally unlock automatically after a 120-day lock period. You can contact U.S. Cellular's customer service to request an unlock code if your device is not unlocked after this period.

Unlocking a Digicel SIM Card in Belize:

If you're specifically interested in unlocking a Digicel SIM card in Belize, you will need to contact your service provider for assistance. Digicel offers a Tourist SIM option for travellers to Belize, which provides temporary access to their network for a set number of days.

Buying a DigiCell Tourist SIM card

DigiCell Tourist SIM cards are a great option for those travelling to Belize who want to stay connected with friends and family. For only $20 USD, you get Talk, Text and Data allowances on a 4G LTE Network. This SIM card is valid for 21 days after first use, with the allowances lasting for 10 days.

You can purchase a DigiCell Tourist SIM card at any Digi Store or authorised Tourist SIM Agent. This includes the Belize Telemedia Limited office, which is located in town just south of the Police and Fire Station. You will need to bring your passport or another form of photo ID to set up the SIM card.

If you have a carrier-locked mobile device, you will need to contact your service provider to assist in unlocking your device before purchasing a DigiCell Tourist SIM card.

DigiCell also offers a range of prepaid data plans to suit your needs. From a 24-hour plan of 225 MB for $2.00 BZD to a 30-day 5000 MB (5GB) plan for $40.00 BZD, there are plenty of options to choose from. You can purchase additional data by dialling *400# or *100# and following the prompts.

So if you're heading to Belize, be sure to pick up a DigiCell Tourist SIM card to stay connected with ease!

Registering your SIM card

To register your SIM card in Belize, you will need to go to the Belize Telemedia Limited office in the town, just south of the Police and Fire Station. This is the only place to register your SIM card, so take your passport or other photo ID with you.

SIM cards can be purchased from many places, including the airport, convenience stores, supermarkets, post offices, small retailers, and service stations. However, it is recommended that you buy your SIM card directly from the mobile provider store, as you may need your passport to buy one.

DigiCell is the most popular network in Belize, with signs for the company spotted throughout the country. SIM cards can be purchased from DigiCell in many places, and the company offers a range of prepaid plans with data, calls, and text options.

Smart! is the other main network provider in Belize, although signs for this company are less frequent. Smart! offers a tourist SIM card with calls, text, and unlimited data. This can be purchased at the airport and other outlets.

It is important to note that data services in Belize are not as cheap as in some European countries, so expect to pay a premium for internet access.

Buying a SIM card at the airport

If you're planning a trip to Belize, you may be considering buying a local SIM card to stay connected during your visit. Here's a detailed guide on buying a SIM card at the airport and other relevant information.

Where to Buy a SIM Card

You can buy a SIM card at the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize, specifically at a shop called TC, located across the road from the terminal and the car rental companies. This is a convenient option if you're planning on renting a car and want to ensure you have a working connection for Google Maps before you start your journey.

SIM Card Cost and Options

The cost of a SIM card in Belize depends on the provider and the plan you choose. At the airport, you can purchase a SIM card from Smart!, one of the two mobile networks in Belize. Smart! offers a tourist SIM with two options:

• $45 for $35 worth of calls, 130 SMS, and unlimited data with a 10-day expiry
• $20 for $11 worth of calls, 25 SMS, and unlimited data with a 24-hour expiry

DigiCell, the other major provider, does not appear to have a presence at the airport, but their SIM cards can be purchased at various locations across the country, including convenience stores and service stations.

Registration Requirements

When purchasing a SIM card in Belize, you will need to provide identification and complete a registration form. A passport or other valid photo ID is required, and you will need to provide an address, which can be your hotel address.

SIM Card Sizes

SIM cards come in three different sizes:

• Standard SIM (15 x 25mm)
• Micro SIM (12 x 15mm)
• Nano SIM (8.8 x 12.3mm)

Most SIM cards are now manufactured as 3-in-1 adapters, so you should be able to get the appropriate size for your phone.

Unlocking Your Phone

It's important to ensure that your phone is unlocked before using a local SIM card in Belize. This means that your phone is not locked to a specific network provider, allowing you to use a different SIM card. Contact your home network provider for assistance in unlocking your device if necessary.

Topping Up and Data Plans

Both DigiCell and Smart! offer various prepaid plans and data options. DigiCell offers a Tourist SIM for $20 USD, which includes talk, text, and data allowances for 21 days. Smart! offers a range of data plans with different validity periods, such as 24 hours or 30 days. You can top up your credit online or at authorised retailers.

Coverage and Signal Strength

Both DigiCell and Smart! offer 3G and 4G services, and they generally provide good signal coverage in major cities and tourist locations like Belize City, San Ignacio, and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye. However, keep in mind that DigiCell is known to have better coverage, especially in rural areas.

Tips for Using Your SIM Card

• Data services in Belize can be expensive compared to some other countries, so choose a plan with sufficient data to avoid additional charges.
• Adjust your data usage settings to monitor your data consumption and avoid unexpected charges.
• Ensure that cloud services like iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Photos are set to backup only when connected to WiFi.
• Disable automatic downloads for apps and podcasts to prevent unintended data usage.
• Download offline maps before your trip to navigate without relying on data.

By following these instructions and tips, you can stay connected during your time in Belize, making the most of your local SIM card purchase at the airport.

Using a local SIM card

Pros

Cost savings: International roaming charges can be very high. Local SIM cards usually offer more affordable rates for calls, texts, and data usage, helping you manage your expenses and avoid bill shock when you return home.

Enhanced network coverage and connection reliability: Local SIM cards are designed to operate on local networks, providing better network coverage and more reliable connections. This makes it easier to stay in touch with people back home.

Easy access to local services and information: A local SIM card gives you access to local phone numbers and services, which is useful when arranging transportation, accommodations, or dining reservations. Some local apps and services may also offer exclusive promotions or discounts to users with a local number.

Facilitating communication with locals: With a local number, locals can call or text you without incurring international charges, making it easier to navigate unfamiliar areas, seek advice, or make new friends.

Improved privacy and security: Using a separate number for travel limits the exposure of your personal information, reducing the risk of identity theft or scams.

Cons

Switching SIM cards and managing contacts: You will need to temporarily replace your home SIM card, back up your contacts, and inform important contacts of your new number. This can be inconvenient, especially if you rely heavily on your device for communication.

Compatibility issues: Not all mobile devices are compatible with SIM cards from other countries. Your device may need to be unlocked to accept a foreign SIM card, and in some cases, it may not be possible to use a local SIM card at all.

Language barriers: Setting up a local SIM card can be challenging if you don't speak the local language. Instructions and customer support may not always be available in English, making it hard to navigate the activation process or understand the terms and conditions.

Limited availability and varying quality: In some countries, finding a reliable local SIM card provider or a suitable short-term plan can be difficult. Quality and coverage can vary, and some providers may not cater to travellers' needs.

Hidden charges and unfamiliar contracts: Some providers may have confusing billing structures, and you may unknowingly use services not included in your plan, leading to unexpected costs.

Local SIM Cards in Belize

If you decide to use a local SIM card in Belize, you have two main options: Digi and SMART. Digi, or Digicell, is operated by the government-owned Belize Telemedia Limited, while SMART SPEEDNET is a private company. Both offer postpaid and prepaid plans.

Digi's Tourist SIM costs $20 USD and includes talk, text, and data allowances for 21 days (or 10 days for the allowances). You can purchase it at any Digi Store or from an authorized Tourist SIM Agent, but you will need an unlocked device to use it.

A new Digi SIM card for a local number costs $22.50 BZD ($11.25 USD) and includes $10.00 BZD worth of credit. You can buy it at the Belize Telemedia Limited office, where they will register your SIM and cut it to size if needed. Don't forget to bring your passport or another form of photo ID.

With Digi, you can buy a certain amount of credit that lasts for 30 days and extend it by "Topping Up" for as little as $2.00. Local calls cost $0.47 BZD to other Digi numbers and $0.50 BZD to the other local carrier. Incoming calls are free. You can also buy prepaid data, ranging from a 24-hour plan of 225 MB for $2.00 to a 30-day plan of 5 GB for $40.00 BZD ($20.00 USD).

SMART offers similar services to Digi but uses the CDMA network spectrum and has slightly lower prices.

Frequently asked questions