Unlocking Your Us Phone For Use In Belize

If you're travelling to Belize and want to use your American phone, there are a few things you should know. First, check if your phone is compatible with Belize's telecommunication system, and get it unlocked by your service provider if necessary. You can use your phone in Belize if it supports GSM technology, which is used by the country's major telecommunication company, Belize Telemedia Limited, under the `Digicell` brand. Alternatively, your phone may be compatible with SMART SPEEDNET, the second telecommunication company in Belize, which uses the CDMA network spectrum.

Check compatibility and coverage

To check compatibility and coverage, it's important to understand the telecommunication system in Belize. The country has a national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia Limited, which offers cellular service under the brand name "Digicell". Digicell operates on GSM dual-band 850/1900 MHz technology and a 4G LTE network.

The other major mobile company in Belize is SMART SPEEDNET, which uses the CDMA network spectrum.

To use your American phone in Belize, it's crucial to ensure that it's compatible with these networks. If your phone supports GSM technology, you're in luck, as both T-Mobile and AT&T use GSM. However, if you have a smartphone, you may be able to use it in Belize regardless of the network.

On the other hand, if your phone doesn't support GSM, you'll need to purchase an unlocked model that supports CDMA technology. An unlocked phone will give you the most coverage options in Belize.

Additionally, you can use online tools like "Will My Phone Work" to check compatibility. This tool will help you determine if your specific device will work in Belize.

It's worth noting that even if your phone is compatible, you may still encounter areas in Belize without cell phone coverage, especially in remote, small villages, protected areas, and uninhabited regions.

International roaming and charges

International roaming charges can be a frustrating and expensive surprise when travelling abroad. Here is some information on how to avoid these charges and keep your phone costs down when travelling from the USA to Belize:

Check Your Plan

Before you travel, it is important to check with your mobile provider to see if your plan includes free roaming and data in Belize. Many US providers include free roaming in certain countries, so you may not need to take any further action. However, it is always worth confirming this with your provider, as plans can change.

International Roaming

If your plan does not include free roaming in Belize, you can add international roaming to your plan. This will allow you to use your mobile device while travelling, but there may be additional charges for calls, texts, and data. Check with your provider to see what their international roaming rates are, as these can vary significantly.

Buy a Local SIM Card

Another option to avoid roaming charges is to purchase a local SIM card when you arrive in Belize. Both of Belize's major mobile providers, BTL and SMART, offer SIM cards and prepaid plans. This will give you a local number and allow you to make calls and use data at local rates, which are likely to be much cheaper than international roaming charges.

ESIM

If you want to ensure you have a connection as soon as you land in Belize, you can purchase an eSIM before you depart. An eSIM is a virtual SIM card that can be activated without the need for a physical card. eSIMs are compatible with most modern smartphones and allow you to switch between different mobile plans as you travel.

Data Passes

If you need high-speed data or want to share data by tethering, you may need to add an international data pass to your plan. A data pass will give you access to higher data speeds and may include unlimited calling to and from certain countries.

Block International Roaming

If you do not intend to use your phone while travelling, you can block all international roaming on your device. This will prevent any accidental usage and associated charges.

In summary, there are several options for avoiding international roaming and charges when travelling from the USA to Belize. It is important to plan ahead and understand the options available from your mobile provider, as well as local alternatives in Belize, to ensure you stay connected without incurring excessive charges.

Local SIM cards and costs

There are two main mobile operators in Belize: DigiCell, a subsidiary of Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), and Smart, a newcomer to the market. Both DigiCell and Smart 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.

The cost of a prepaid SIM card in Belize varies depending on the provider and the plan chosen. SIM cards are typically priced between BZD 5 and BZD 20. Tourist SIM cards are sold from BZD 20 to BZD 45. Data plans usually start from BZD 10 for smaller bundles, with larger data volumes available at higher prices.

DigiCell offers a range of prepaid plans, including data-only and combo plans with calls and texts. Their SIM card costs BZD 20 and comes with BZD 10 in credit. One of their standout combo bundles is the L All-in-One package, which includes 1.5GB of data, 90 minutes of domestic calls, and unlimited texts for BZD 12, valid for ten days. For data-only options, prices range from BZD 1 for 130MB to BZD 45 for 7.5GB.

Smart also offers tourist SIM cards with unlimited data. Their Explore Belize Bundle 1 costs BZD 45 and includes BZD 35 talk time, 130 SMS, and unlimited data for ten days. The Explore Belize Bundle 2 costs BZD 20 and includes BZD 11 talk time, 25 SMS, and unlimited data for 24 hours.

It is important to note that SIM cards may not be available at the airport, and it is recommended to purchase them from mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online. Additionally, registration is necessary, and a passport must be presented to the issuer.

Phone rental and purchase options

If you're staying in Belize for a short time, you can use your hotel's phone. If you're staying for longer, you have a few options: buy or rent a mobile phone, or get a landline.

Renting a Phone

If you're an infrequent international traveller, or a student, renting a phone may be a good option. Companies such as OneSimCard offer international cell phone rental bundles, which include free incoming calls in 162 countries, free incoming SMS text messages everywhere, 24/7 technical support, and mobile data service from 2c/MB. You can also buy or rent a local phone in your destination from companies like Mobal or Cellular Abroad.

Buying a Phone

If you're staying in Belize for a longer period, it may be more cost-effective to buy a phone. You can purchase a phone from one of the cell phone companies or from a local shop. Belize Telemedia Ltd offers phones on monthly loan payment plans that work out at about 35% above the cost of purchasing a phone from a local distributor.

Using Your Own Phone

If you want to use your own phone, you can buy a SIM card from either BTL or SMART, Belize's two major mobile companies. BTL, which uses the GSM network, offers SIM cards for BZ$45, including BZ$20 of calls. SMART, which uses the CDMA network, offers slightly lower prices. You can buy prepaid cards or 'credit' in most shops and supermarkets.

International Roaming

If you're only staying in Belize for a few days, you could activate international roaming on your mobile phone. However, international call prices can be very high.

Calling within and outside Belize

Belize has a standardised seven-digit phone numbering system, and there are no city or area codes to dial from within Belize. To call a Belizean number, simply dial the seven-digit number.

To call Belize from the US or Canada, dial the international access code (011), followed by Belize's country code (501), and then the seven-digit number. The format is: 011-501-XXXXXXX.

To make an international call from Belize, dial 00, followed by the country code, area code, and number. For example, to call the US or Canada, dial 00-1, followed by the area code and number. Note that calling a 1-800 number in the US from Belize is not toll-free and will cost the same as an overseas call.

Cellular service in Belize is provided by two major companies: Belize Telemedia Ltd, which operates under the Digicell brand, and SMART, which is privately held. Both companies offer prepaid and postpaid plans. If you're staying in Belize for an extended period, you can purchase a local SIM card from either of these providers. Ensure your phone is unlocked before travelling to Belize to use a local SIM card.

If you're staying in Belize for a short period, you may want to activate international roaming on your mobile phone. However, be aware that international call prices can be very high. Alternatively, you can purchase or rent a mobile phone from local electronics stores or mobile phone companies.

Frequently asked questions