Belize City's Safe Exploration: A Guide To Walking With Confidence

Belize is a beautiful country with white-sand beaches, turquoise and sapphire waters, and a vibrant mix of Latin, Caribbean, and old English culture. However, it is important to be cautious when visiting Belize City, the country's largest city and former capital, due to its high crime rate.

While tourists are not usually the target of violent crimes in Belize, it is important to be vigilant, especially in Belize City. Violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. Gang-related activities and the high disparity between rich and poor contribute to the crime rate. The US State Department advises citizens to reconsider travel to Belize City, especially the Southside, which has historically been a hotspot for gang activity and violent crimes.

To stay safe while walking in Belize, it is recommended to avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, especially at night. Stick to busy tourist areas, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not wear valuable items or expensive clothing that can make you a target for theft or robbery. Always keep a small amount of cash and avoid carrying bank cards or displaying valuables.

By taking these precautions and staying vigilant, you can enjoy the beauty and culture of Belize while minimising the risk of encountering any issues.

Avoid walking around at night

Walking around Belize City at night is not recommended. The city has a high crime rate, and violent crimes such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder are common, even during the day and in tourist areas. Most violent crime is gang-related, and the south side of Belize City is particularly dangerous and should be avoided.

Walking alone at night anywhere in Belize is not advised, as muggings and assaults commonly occur after dark. It is recommended to take a taxi if you need to go anywhere after sunset. Even in the daytime, it is advised to stick to busy tourist areas and avoid wandering into side streets on your own.

If you do find yourself walking in Belize City at night, there are several precautions you can take to increase your safety. Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. Do not wear any expensive jewellery or designer clothes that may make you a target for thieves. Keep your money and valuables secure and out of sight. Avoid isolated or poorly lit areas, and stay away from anyone who appears to be intoxicated.

If you are a female walking alone, it is advised to be extra cautious. Sexual assaults and harassment are common in Belize, and women are advised to avoid travelling alone at night and stay away from dark side streets. If you encounter catcalling, a polite greeting or acknowledgement is recommended to avoid any potential conflict.

Stay away from gangs and gang-related activity

Belize City has a reputation for being a hotspot for gang activity and violent crime. While tourists usually aren't the targets of gang-related violence, it's still important to take precautions to stay safe when visiting the city. Here are some tips to help you stay away from gangs and gang-related activity in Belize City:

• Avoid the Southside of Belize City: The Southside of Belize City, particularly the area south of Haulover Creek Canal and continuing south to Fabers Road, is known for having a high concentration of gang activity and violent crime. It's best to avoid this area altogether if possible.
• Stick to tourist areas: Tourists mostly spend their time in safer areas of Belize City, such as the main tourist part of town. Staying in these areas reduces the risk of encountering gang-related activity.
• Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Gang-related violence can happen anywhere in the city, so it's important to stay vigilant.
• Avoid walking or driving at night: Gang activity and violent crimes often occur at night. It's best to avoid walking or driving after dark to reduce the risk of encountering these incidents.
• Don't wear valuable items or display signs of wealth: Gangs and criminals may target individuals who appear wealthy. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, watches, or other valuable items, and try not to carry expensive devices like phones or cameras when walking around.
• Avoid isolated areas: Gangs and criminals often target isolated individuals, especially at night. Stay in well-lit, crowded areas as much as possible to reduce the risk of being singled out.
• Follow local news and advisories: Stay informed about the latest gang activity and crime hotspots in Belize City by following local news and travel advisories. This can help you identify areas to avoid.
• Report suspicious activity: If you see any suspicious activity or individuals exhibiting gang-like behaviour, report it to the local police or authorities. They can assess the situation and take appropriate action.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) : Enrolling in STEP can help the local authorities locate you in case of an emergency and provide you with important safety updates during your stay in Belize.
• Be cautious near borders: Belize has a long-standing border dispute with neighbouring Guatemala, and the border areas are more vulnerable to criminal activity. Exercise extra caution when travelling near these areas.

Be vigilant in crowds to avoid pickpocketing

Belize City is known for its rich history and culture, natural attractions, and water sports. However, it also has a reputation for poverty and crime, with a high risk of pickpocketing and mugging. To avoid being a victim of these crimes, it is important to be vigilant, especially in crowded tourist sites and on public transportation.

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, especially in crowded areas. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach.
• Do not wear flashy items or expensive jewellery. Try to blend in with the locals to avoid attracting attention from pickpockets.
• Carry a spare wallet with a small amount of cash, and keep the rest of your valuables locked up in your accommodation.
• Be extra cautious during peak tourist seasons, such as spring break and winter holidays, when the frequency of petty crimes tends to increase.
• Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, as they can make you more vulnerable to muggings. Stay in well-lit, crowded areas whenever possible.
• Consider investing in a money belt to keep your cash and valuables safe and concealed under your clothes.
• If you are travelling by bus, keep your luggage with you at all times. Never leave your bag unattended, especially at the back of the bus.
• Be cautious when using ATMs, as thieves may try to steal your credit cards.
• If you are staying in a hotel, use the safe to store your valuables. If there is no safe, leave your valuables with the reception for safekeeping.
• Stay informed about the areas to avoid in Belize City, such as the southern part of the city, which is known for gang activity.

Don't wear anything flashy or expensive

When visiting Belize, it is important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in Belize City, which has a reputation for gang-related violent crime and petty theft. To avoid becoming a target for thieves, it is recommended that you do not wear anything flashy or expensive. Here are some tips to help you avoid attracting unwanted attention:

• Avoid wearing expensive jewellery, watches, or other valuable accessories. Leave your fine jewellery at home or locked in a hotel safe.
• Dress modestly and try to blend in with the locals. Avoid designer clothes or anything that might make you stand out as a tourist.
• Keep your phone out of sight. Avoid waving it around or using it in public places, as this can make you a target for thieves.
• Don't carry large sums of cash. Use debit or credit cards for most purchases, and only carry a small amount of cash for street vendors or small shops.
• Use a money belt or a hidden pocket to keep your cash and valuables safe and out of sight.
• Be cautious when visiting banks or ATMs, as these areas may be targeted by thieves.
• Stay in well-reviewed accommodations and stick to tourist areas. Avoid isolated or sketchy areas, especially at night.
• If you must carry valuables with you, keep them secure and out of reach of potential pickpockets.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and try to stay in busy, well-lit areas with other tourists.

By following these tips and using common sense, you can help ensure that you don't become a target for thieves and have a safe and enjoyable trip to Belize.

Stick to tourist areas

Belize City is considered relatively safe to walk around during the day, as long as you stick to the tourist areas. The north side of Belize City is considered the safest and most prosperous area, with good hotels, casinos, and museums. The south side has a couple of tourist attractions, including the historic St. John's Cathedral and the House of Culture.

The tourist areas in Belize City are generally safer than other parts of the city. The north side, in particular, is considered the safest and most prosperous area. Here you will find good hotels, casinos, and museums. The main tourist part of town is relatively safe, and if you don't wander too far, you should be fine. The busy areas with tourists are the best places to avoid being singled out by potential muggers. However, these areas also make you a target for petty theft and pickpocketing, so it is important to always be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables secure.

Belize City's cruise ship and marine terminals, as well as the Old Belize Beach, are located a couple of miles outside the city and are considered safe for tourists. The city also has four bridges joining the north and south sides, with the Belize City Swing Bridge being the only functioning manually operated bridge in the world. Walking along these bridges and the surrounding areas can provide a safe and interesting experience.

It is important to avoid certain areas in Belize City, such as the Yarborough Cemetery, which is located near St. John's Cathedral. This area is known to be gang-infested, so it is best to stay away. Additionally, it is not safe to walk around Belize City at night, especially in isolated areas.

While walking around Belize City, it is recommended to avoid wearing shiny jewelry or designer clothes and not to mention that you are a tourist. Blending in with the locals and being vigilant can help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Belize City.

Frequently asked questions