Belize City has a reputation for poverty and crime, with gang wars and violent crime being commonplace. However, tourists are advised to exercise caution and avoid the southern parts of the city, where gang activity is concentrated. The northern part of Belize City, including the airport, is generally considered safe. The airport has security checks and screenings in place, but these can be slow and cause long lines. Overall, while the city has a high crime rate, the airport is safe as long as travellers remain vigilant and follow security protocols.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Overall safety | Medium risk |
Transport & taxi safety | Medium risk |
Pickpocket risk | High risk |
Natural disaster risk | Medium risk |
Women travellers risk | Medium risk |
What You'll Learn
Ladyville is a safe area near the airport
Ladyville, Belize is a safe area near the airport. While Belize City has a reputation for poverty and crime, tourists can stay safe by staying in the northern part of the city and avoiding the southern part where gang wars occur. Ladyville is located eight miles northwest of Belize City and is considered a suburb of the city. It is the largest village in Belize, with a population of 5,458 as of the 2010 national census.
Ladyville is an affordable option for tourists, offering a range of accommodation options such as renting a whole house, staying in a small local hotel, or finding a hostel. It is also conveniently located near important archaeological sites such as the Maya ruins of Altun Ha, which are some of the most intact in Central America.
The village is surrounded by marshland and is close to the coast, offering a range of outdoor activities such as hiking and exploring the nearby mangrove forests. It is also home to several educational institutions, including the Ladyville Technical High School and the Tubal Trade Institute.
Ladyville is served by several bus companies that operate both locally and nationally, and the airport is easily accessible via the Philip Goldson Highway. The village is also home to several businesses, including the headquarters of the Belize Brewing Company and a Coca-Cola bottling plant.
Overall, Ladyville is a safe and convenient option for tourists looking to explore the adventures that Belize has to offer while staying in an affordable and authentic setting.
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Violent crime is common in Belize City
Belize City has a bad reputation for poverty and crime. The city's overall risk is rated as "medium", with violent crime being common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. This includes sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder. A significant portion of these crimes are gang-related.
The southern part of Belize City is especially dangerous, with several gang wars taking place at night. Tourists are warned to avoid this area if possible. The local police lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, and most crimes remain unresolved and unprosecuted.
Despite the high crime rate, tourists can take some comfort in the fact that violent criminal acts in Belize City usually involve gangs, and there is no record of tourists being attacked. However, tourists should still be aware of the risk of petty crime, including robberies and muggings, which are common in the country. Women walking alone at night and unwary individuals in crowded places are often targeted.
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Tourists are advised to avoid the southern parts of Belize City
Belize is a very popular tourist destination, with its natural and nautical attractions, Mayan ruins, and water sports. However, the country's largest city, Belize City, has a reputation for poverty and crime, with gang wars and violent crimes such as sexual assault, robberies, and murders, even in broad daylight and in tourist areas. While tourists are generally advised to exercise caution and take standard safety precautions, the southern parts of Belize City are particularly notorious for gang-related activities and are best avoided.
The southern part of Belize City, south of Haulover Creek Canal and continuing south to Fabers Road, is known for its high crime rate and gang presence. This area is not a typical tourist destination, and visitors are advised to stay away to reduce their exposure to crime-related risks. Local police lack the resources and training to effectively address serious criminal incidents, and most crimes go unresolved and unprosecuted. Therefore, tourists are warned to be vigilant and take necessary precautions when visiting Belize, especially the southern parts of Belize City.
Belize City's reputation for crime and gang activity is a concern for tourists. The southern part of the city is considered unsafe, with gang wars and violent crimes occurring regularly. Tourists are advised to avoid this area unless necessary and to take precautions such as using licensed radio taxis, being vigilant in crowded areas, and not wearing flashy items or displaying signs of wealth. It is also recommended to stick to the touristy parts of the city and avoid isolated areas, especially at night.
While the northern part of Belize City is generally safer, tourists should still be cautious and follow basic safety guidelines. Violent crimes and gang activity are not limited to the southern areas, and petty crimes such as robberies and muggings can occur anywhere in the city. Additionally, public transportation, including buses and taxis, can be unreliable and unsafe, with reports of criminal incidents and assaults on tourists. Therefore, it is advisable to book licensed radio taxis, especially when travelling to the southern parts of the city.
In conclusion, while Belize is a wonderful tourist destination, it is important to be aware of the safety concerns in Belize City, especially in its southern parts. Tourists are advised to avoid the southern areas unless necessary, remain vigilant, and follow safety guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
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Public transport is unreliable and dangerous
Public Transport in Belize City: Unreliable and Dangerous
Public transport in Belize City is generally considered unsafe and unreliable. Tourists are often warned about the dangers of taking public buses in Belize City due to the presence of criminals and lawbreakers. Reports of assaults by taxi drivers on tourists have also been made, but licensed radio taxis are still advisable, especially for travel to the southern parts of the city.
The public buses in Belize City are mostly repurposed North American school buses, such as the Bluebird line. While these buses are incredibly sturdy and driven at high speeds, they are not always timely and can take up to three hours to reach their destination. The buses are also known to be very crowded, with people standing in the aisles, which can make it easier for pickpockets to operate.
Belize City has a problem with gang activity and corresponding violent crime, and tourists can be affected if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tourists are advised to stick to the tourist areas in the northern part of the city and avoid the southern parts, where gang wars happen during the night.
Overall, while Belize City can be a fascinating place to visit, with attractions such as the world's only manual swing bridge and the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America, it is important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings when using public transport in the city.
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Pickpocketing is frequent in Belize City
Belize City has a reputation for poverty and crime, and tourists are warned to exercise caution when visiting. While violent crime is a concern, it is mostly gang-related, and tourists are advised to avoid the southern parts of the city where gang wars occur. The main threat to tourists is petty theft, with pickpocketing being particularly common in crowded tourist sites and on public transport.
Belize City is the country's largest city and only real urban centre, with a population of 57,169. It is not a typical tourist destination, as Belize's main attractions are natural and nautical, including water sports and Mayan ruins. However, it does have some notable sights, such as St John's Cathedral, the Swing Bridge, and the Museum of Belize.
To avoid becoming a victim of pickpocketing in Belize City, it is important to be vigilant and cautious. Keep a close eye on your belongings at all times, and be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Avoid carrying valuables with you when possible, and try to blend in with the locals to avoid standing out as a tourist. It is also recommended to use licensed radio taxis, especially when travelling to the southern parts of the city.
In addition to pickpocketing, muggings are also common in Belize City, with unaccompanied individuals being the main targets. If you are confronted by a mugger, it is advisable to comply with their demands and hand over your valuables to avoid the risk of violence.
By taking these precautions, you can help reduce the risk of becoming a victim of pickpocketing or other crimes during your visit to Belize City.
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Frequently asked questions
Belize is generally considered safe to travel to, but tourists are advised to exercise caution due to the prevalence of violent crime and gang activity in the country, particularly in Belize City.
Security screenings at the airport in Belize City can be slow, with some travellers reporting rude and unprofessional behaviour from security staff. It is recommended that you arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight to account for potential delays. Some carry-on luggage may be inspected after going through the x-ray machine, and there may also be random carry-on checks before boarding.
Tourists are advised to avoid the southern parts of Belize City, where gang wars frequently occur at night. Licensed radio taxis are recommended for travel, especially to the southern parts of the city. It is also important to be vigilant and cautious to avoid petty crimes such as pickpocketing and mugging, which are common in crowded tourist sites and on public transportation.
The airport is located in the suburb of Ladyville, which is considered a safe area. Recommended accommodations in this area include the Global Village Hotel and the Bamboleo Inn.