Belize City: Paradise Or Danger Zone?

Belize is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists, from its lush jungles and waterfalls to its rich Mayan cultural heritage. However, it's important to consider safety when planning a trip to Belize, as the country has a high crime rate and issues with gang-related violence.

The US State Department and other governments advise travellers to exercise caution and vigilance when visiting Belize, especially in certain areas. Southside Belize City, in particular, is highlighted as a dangerous area due to frequent gang-related violence and is best avoided by tourists. Additionally, border areas, such as those with Guatemala and Honduras, are also considered risky due to increased criminal activity.

While tourists are not usually the target of violent crimes, petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing are common, especially in tourist areas. It's important to stay vigilant, avoid secluded areas, and not wear or display valuable items.

Overall, with proper research and caution, it is possible to have a safe and enjoyable trip to Belize. However, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest safety advisories and follow recommended safety precautions.

Southside Belize City

Belize City, located in the small Central American country of Belize, is known for its striking waterfalls and rivers, lush jungles, and rich Mayan cultural and historical heritage. However, despite its breathtaking natural beauty, Belize has a less-than-stellar reputation when it comes to safety. The country has a high crime rate and struggles with violent crimes and gang-related activities, with Belize City being a particular area of concern.

Belize has around 40 active gangs, with at least eight of them considered very powerful and dangerous. Most of these gangs are concentrated in Belize City, making it the country's major crime centre. The city has a reputation for being dirty and dangerous, with a high prevalence of gang and drug-related activities. However, it is important to note that the rest of the country, including popular tourist destinations such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker, is generally considered safer.

When visiting Belize, it is recommended to take certain precautions to ensure your safety. These include travelling in groups, avoiding deserted areas, not going out at night, and refraining from displaying valuables. Additionally, it is advised to use only registered taxis with green licence plates and to avoid unauthorized transportation. While Belize may have stunning attractions, it is always important to prioritise your safety and follow official travel advisories when visiting areas with high levels of gang-related violence, such as Southside Belize City.

Border areas

The US State Department advises citizens to exercise increased caution if travelling to Belize, due to a high prevalence of crime. The UK Government website states that there is a high incidence of violent crimes such as armed robberies in Belize City and that Belize consistently finds itself in the top 10 countries in the world for homicide rates.

The Government of Canada has issued a warning to avoid non-essential travel to Southside Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek River, due to gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings.

The Australian Government also advises a "high degree of caution overall" when travelling to Belize, due to the high crime rate.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended that you remain aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, maintain a charge on your cellphone, and if you are threatened, hand over your cash and valuables without resistance.

Public transport

Buses

The majority of Belizeans travel the country using public buses as their primary form of transportation. Most buses are repurposed North American school buses. They are incredibly sturdy but are not always timely and can take up to three hours to reach their destination. They are also not considered very safe, with reports of criminals and lawbreakers on board.

In larger towns and cities, there are bus terminals, while in smaller places there are bus stops. However, the most common way of catching a bus is by flagging it down on the road. On the Northern and George Price Highways, bus service is more frequent than on smaller highways and other roads. In some small towns, buses may only run once a day.

Buses are classified as either Regular runs (usual prices) or Express runs (faster, for slightly higher prices).

Water taxis

There are two major "water taxi" companies that operate out of Belize City: San Pedro Belize Express and Ocean Ferry Water Taxi. Both offer daily services between Belize City, Caye Caulker, and San Pedro.

Airlines

The two main airlines in Belize are Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, who both operate small planes. They offer scheduled and charter flights to many destinations across the country, including Belize City, Caye Caulker, Caye Chapel, Corozal, Dangriga, Placencia, Punta Gorda, San Ignacio, and San Pedro. Tropic Air also offers international services to El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico.

Medical care

Belize has a relatively well-established public and private healthcare system, with government-operated hospitals or polyclinics in every major city, town, and village. However, the quality of medical care in Belize does not meet North American or European standards. With a population of over 400,000, more than half of whom live in poverty, the country lacks the economic resources to provide advanced medical care. There is no level-one trauma centre in Belize, and foreign nationals are advised to verify their medical coverage, including the cost of medical evacuation, before visiting.

Standards of health and hygiene in Belize are similar to those of other Caribbean countries. While tropical diseases like malaria and dengue fever are present, they are rare, and most visitors do not require special vaccinations or precautions. However, it is recommended to keep routine vaccinations up to date and take malaria prophylaxis for extensive mainland travel, especially in remote areas. Contaminated water is a common cause of illness among travellers in Central America, and drinking water straight from the pipe is not recommended in Belize. Bottled water is widely available, and treating water is only necessary in remote areas.

Belize City, the nation's largest population centre, offers the highest level of medical care in the country. The city is home to the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, a modern public hospital that provides basic medical specialties and charges under $250 per day for a private room. Several dental and private medical, lab, and diagnostic facilities are also available in Belize City.

There are two well-regarded private hospitals in Belize City: Belize Medical Associates and Belize Healthcare Partners. These facilities offer superior and more comprehensive medical care, including emergency and trauma services, and are favoured by expatriates and tourists. The cost of medical care in Belize is roughly half that of North America, with a visit to a medical practitioner for basic ailments costing around $70, including medication.

While medical care in Belize has been improving, the country still faces challenges. Most expats and locals agree that more healthcare facilities, specialised physicians and staff, and better equipment are needed. The quality of hospitals varies significantly, with some, like the Western Regional Hospital in Belmopan, offering more advanced services and technology.

In terms of cancer treatment, Belize has limited options. There is no resident oncologist or facility for radiation therapy in the country. Biopsies are costly and time-consuming, as samples must be sent overseas. However, a small cancer clinic in Dangriga, operated by a Belizean-American oncologist, provides chemotherapy services to underprivileged Belizeans.

Natural disasters

Belize is highly susceptible to natural disasters, including hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, and drought. The hurricane season in Belize typically lasts from June to November, and the country experiences frequent tremors from earthquakes in neighbouring countries.

Belize is often affected by hurricanes and tropical storms, with Hurricane Mitch (1998), Tropical Storm Chantal (2001), Hurricane Dean (2007), Tropical Storm Arthur (2008), Tropical Depression #16 (2008), and Hurricane Richard (2010) causing extensive flooding and damage to the country's agricultural sector. These storms particularly impacted the banana, sugarcane, papaya, rice, corn, and vegetable industries.

Belize is also vulnerable to flooding, with the village of Calla Creek, located along the banks of the Mopan River, being especially at risk. Drought is another common natural disaster in Belize, affecting villages such as Concepcion and Santa Martha, which are home to sugarcane farmers.

While Belize is susceptible to natural disasters, there is no significant risk from dangerous earthquakes or tsunamis. However, it is essential to stay informed about the weather and follow local guidelines and advisories to stay safe during the hurricane season.

Frequently asked questions