Belize Car Rental: Understanding The Risks And Rewards

Renting a car in Belize is a great way to explore the country's breathtaking beaches, Mayan ruins and caves. However, there are a few things to consider before hitting the road. Here's an introduction to the key points about renting and driving a car in Belize.

First of all, renting a car in Belize can be expensive, with daily rates ranging from $60 to $120 for an economy car or a full-size 4x4 SUV respectively. It's recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially during the high season from December to April, to secure the best prices and availability. When renting a car, you'll need a valid driver's license, passport, and credit card. The minimum age to rent is usually 21, with an additional fee for drivers under 25.

Driving in Belize has its challenges. The country has only four major roads, and many roads are unpaved and bumpy, especially in rural areas. A 4x4 vehicle is often necessary, especially during the rainy season, to navigate the rough terrain. Driving is on the right, and while road signs are in English, navigating can still be confusing. Speed bumps, or sleeping policemen, are common, and it's important to obey speed limits and drive cautiously, especially at night due to poor lighting and wildlife.

Overall, renting a car in Belize can provide a unique and flexible way to explore the country, but it's important to be prepared for the local driving conditions and potential costs.

Driving in Belize: Is it safe?

Belize is a small but diverse country along the Caribbean coast. Renting a car is a great way to explore the breathtaking beaches, Mayan ruins and caves. However, there are a few things to consider before hitting the road.

Driving in Belize is generally considered safe, especially when compared to other Central American countries. Belizeans tend to respect traffic rules and, outside of the cities, the roads are often quiet with little to no traffic. That being said, it's important to keep in mind that road conditions can vary greatly and there are plenty of speed bumps, so it's best to take it slow and keep a cautious eye out for pedestrians and animals.

While Belize does have a few paved highways, it also has many dirt and gravel roads. Highways and main roads that connect cities are generally paved and well-maintained, but some rural roads can be bumpy and unpaved. In the rainy season, some roads can become muddy and hard to pass without a 4-wheel drive vehicle.

Belize drives on the right side of the road and, as a former British colony, all road signs are in English. The speed limit is generally 55 mph on highways and 25 mph in towns and villages. However, one odd rule to keep in mind is that, when turning left on a highway, you must first pull over to the right-hand shoulder and wait for oncoming and following traffic to clear before making your turn.

To rent a car in Belize, you will need a valid driver's license from your home country, a passport, and a credit card for the deposit. An international driver's license is not required. It's recommended to book your rental car in advance, especially during the high season from December to April, as cars can sell out.

• It's important to carefully inspect your rental car for any existing damage and document it with photos before driving off.
• Gas is relatively expensive and not always readily available, so be sure to fill up when you have the chance.
• While it's not necessary to obtain an international driving permit, liability insurance is mandatory in Belize and should be included in the rental rate.
• It's best to avoid driving at night as highways are not well-lit and it can be hard to spot potholes, speed bumps, pedestrians and wildlife.

Renting a car in Belize: Requirements, costs, and insurance

Requirements

To rent a car in Belize, you will need:

• A passport
• A valid original driver's license from your home country (most countries' driver's licenses are accepted in Belize)
• A credit card for the deposit

The minimum age to rent a car in Belize is 21 years old, but there is a young driver surcharge applied to all renters under the age of 25. The maximum age to rent a car in Belize is 75.

Costs

The cost of renting a car in Belize depends on the type of vehicle, the length of the rental period, and when you're booking. Overall, Belize is a bit more expensive than other Central American countries.

On average, renting a car in Belize in 2023 costs around $60 per day for an economy car and up to $120 per day for a full-size 4x4 SUV. These prices are only a ballpark daily rate for the car and don't include any extras or added insurance.

Renting a car at the airport will be more expensive due to airport taxes and fees. The cheapest time to rent a car in Belize is typically during the low season, which runs from May to November. The most expensive time is during the high season, from December to April, with prices around Christmas and New Year's being the highest.

Insurance

Belize requires all drivers to have basic third-party liability insurance, which is usually included in the rental rate. However, some companies may charge this separately at around $20 per day.

Additional insurance options are available, such as collision waiver (CDW) insurance and zero-deductible coverage for damage to windshields, tires, keys, and additional liability. The cost of additional insurance can add up, so check with your credit card company to see if they offer any coverage benefits before purchasing.

When renting a car in Belize, it's important to check the terms and conditions carefully and understand what is and isn't included in the rental price.

Driving rules and road conditions in Belize

Driving in Belize is on the right-hand side of the road, and while the official language is English, making road signs easy to understand, it's important to be aware of some unusual driving practices. For example, when turning left, some drivers will signal right and pull to the right-hand side of the road, waiting for vehicles behind them to pass before completing their turn.

The speed limit in Belize is generally 55 mph on highways and 25 mph in towns and villages. However, speed bumps, or 'sleeping policemen' as they're known locally, are common and often unmarked, so it's important to drive slowly when entering residential areas.

Belize has a mix of paved highways and unpaved dirt roads. Major roads such as the Northern Highway, Western Highway, and Southern Highway are generally in good condition, but secondary roads are mostly unpaved. Driving conditions can also be affected by the weather, with some roads becoming inaccessible during the rainy season.

When renting a car in Belize, it's recommended to choose a 4WD vehicle, especially if you plan to drive on unpaved roads or during the rainy season. It's also important to carefully inspect the vehicle before driving away and to purchase the appropriate insurance coverage.

While driving in Belize, it's important to be aware of pedestrians, cyclists, and animals on the road, especially when driving at night. It's also illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless it's a hands-free device.

Recommended rental companies in Belize

While there are many car rental companies in Belize, some are recommended more than others. Here is a list of some of the recommended car rental companies in Belize, along with some additional information:

• Crystal Auto Rental: Located at the international airport and on the Goldson Highway in Belize City, Crystal Auto Rental is one of the few rental companies that allow their vehicles to be taken into Guatemala. They also provide renters with a cell phone and cooler at no additional charge. They have a large selection of vehicles and their prices are slightly cheaper than the big chains.
• Budget: With offices at the international airport, on the Goldson Highway in Belize City, and in Placencia, Budget is a well-known and reputable car rental company.
• Alamo: With offices at the international airport and in Belize City, Alamo is another option for car rental in Belize. They offer a range of vehicles, including SUVs and smaller cars.
• AQ Auto Rental: With locations at the international airport, in Belize City, and Placencia, AQ Auto Rental is another option for car rental in Belize.
• Hertz: Hertz has offices at the international airport, in the Fort George area of Belize City, and an affiliated agency in Placencia. They are a well-known and established car rental company.
• Rentalcars: While not a traditional car rental company, Rentalcars is an online platform that allows users to compare different car rental providers and book their rental cars. They have a smooth and easy booking process, and users can avoid the hassle of negotiating insurance with possibly dishonest companies.

When renting a car in Belize, it is recommended to book in advance, choose the right car for the terrain (such as a 4WD vehicle), and carefully inspect the car for any existing damages before driving away. It is also important to be aware of the local driving laws and tips, such as the speed limits and the rules for turning at red lights.

Driving in Belize: Pros and cons

Pros

• Driving in Belize is a great way to experience the country and its culture.
• It can be more cost-effective than using shuttles or tour guides.
• It allows you to explore at your own pace and make stops whenever you want.
• Driving gives you the flexibility to get off the beaten path and discover hidden gems.
• It can be a good way to practice social distancing, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Renting a car can be cheaper than other transportation options like private shuttles and domestic flights.
• Driving in Belize is not as scary as it seems, and road signs are in English.
• It is relatively easy to rent a car in Belize, and you can do it online before your trip.
• An international driving permit is not required, and your regular driver's license is sufficient.
• Liability insurance is included in the rental rate, and rental companies provide guidance and assistance.
• Driving on the right side of the road is similar to the US and Canada.
• Highways and main roads connecting cities are generally paved and well-maintained.
• Gas stations can be found in all major towns and tourist destinations.
• There are no tolls, except for a small toll bridge when accessing Orange Walk Town from Belize City.

Cons

• Renting a car can be expensive, with daily rates ranging from $60 to $120 for an economy car or a full-size 4x4 SUV.
• Gas is expensive in Belize, costing around $6 per gallon.
• Some roads, especially in rural areas, are unpaved and bumpy, requiring a 4-wheel drive vehicle.
• Driving at night is not recommended due to poor lighting, wildlife, and pedestrians.
• Some areas, like Belize City, have high crime rates and should be avoided after dark.
• The rental process can be confusing, with additional insurance options and requirements.
• Driving on the left side of the road is different from the UK and may take some adjustment.
• Roads can be narrow and busy, especially in cities like Belize City and San Ignacio.
• Speed bumps, roundabouts, and heavy traffic can slow down your journey.
• Finding parking in popular tourist destinations may be challenging.

Frequently asked questions