Taxi Services In Belize: What You Need To Know

There are plenty of taxi services in Belize City, the largest seaport in Belize and one of the most visited cities in the country. Official taxis have green license plates and can be hailed from the street, found at taxi ranks, or ordered over the phone. There are also water taxis available for travel along the coast or to the nearby islands.

Belize City taxi services

Belize City is a great place to start your trip to Belize if you want to explore the country or relax by the sea. The city is easy to navigate on foot, but if you need to travel further, a taxi is a good option.

Finding a Taxi

There are plenty of licensed taxis in Belize City, and they are easy to find. You can hail one from the street, or look for a taxi rank near popular locations like tourist attractions and the port. You can also call one of the local operators that offer an on-demand service, or pre-book a personalised private transfer.

Appearance

There is no standardised look or colour to taxis in Belize City. They come in different sizes, and many are old, some are sedans, and some are vans. Most are in some state of disrepair. The only way to be sure a taxi is licensed is to look for green license plates, and some also have roof ornaments or "TAXI" written on the doors.

Fares

Official taxis are regulated by the local taxi association to ensure locals and tourists aren't overcharged, but there are no set rates or fixed fares. The average in-city fare is around €5 (BZD 10), and a 20-minute ride is about €30 (BZD 65.80) for four passengers. Some operators charge an additional fee per passenger, while others charge a set fare for the whole group based on distance. It's best to ask the driver how much the fare will be before you get in, or pre-book for a fixed fare.

Water Taxis

Belize City also has a water taxi service, which is a fun and practical way to get to coastal destinations and nearby islands.

Recommended Taxi Services

• Abe Gutierrez Taxi Service – arrives early, has a spotlessly clean vehicle, and is a great source of local information.
• Elias Guerra Transfer Service – a trustworthy, funny, and accommodating driver with excellent knowledge of Belize.
• Belize Paradise Shuttles – +501 621 9845
• Majestic Taxi – +501 203 4465
• Cinderella Plaza Taxi Stand – +501 203 3340
• Taxi Garage Services – +501 227 3031

Taxi safety in Belize City

Belize City is known for being unsafe for visitors, so it's important to take precautions when travelling around the city. Here are some tips to ensure your safety when taking a taxi in Belize City:

• Stick to busy sections of downtown and obvious tourist districts, such as Fort George, and avoid walking anywhere at night, except in well-lit areas like the downtown hub of budget hotels and restaurants.
• Only use licensed taxis, which have green license plates and sometimes roof ornaments or "TAXI" written on the doors.
• Ask your hotel or travel agent to recommend a reputable taxi company or driver.
• Negotiate the fare in advance, as taxis in Belize City don't use meters and there are no standardised rates. A ride within the city should cost between BZ$6 and BZ$14 (US$3-US$7/£1.60-£3.70).
• If you need to call a taxi, try Cinderella Plaza Taxi Stand (203-3340), Taxi Garage Services (227-3031), or Majestic Taxi (203-4465).
• When taking a taxi, be discreet with your valuables and avoid making visible cash transactions.
• If you have any issues with a taxi driver or suspect you are being overcharged, you can report them to the Belize City Council at +501 280 2308. Try to note down the driver's name, registration number, license plate, and the company they work for, if applicable.
• If you're travelling with a wheelchair, organise your trip through a travel agency that provides accessible transportation, as standard taxis are not equipped to accommodate non-foldable wheelchairs.
• If you're heading to or from the airport, consider pre-booking a private transfer with a company like Welcome Pickups, which offers fixed rates, English-speaking drivers, and 24/7 email and phone support.
• If you're travelling with others, consider booking a private transfer for your group, which can be more cost-effective and convenient than taking separate taxis.
• If you're looking for a more scenic route, consider taking a water taxi to reach coastal destinations or nearby islands.

How to hail a taxi in Belize City

Belize City is the largest seaport in Belize and remains one of the most visited cities in the country. It has a range of transport options, including taxis, which are a great way to get around the city quickly and comfortably.

Finding a Taxi

To hail a taxi in Belize City, you can either flag one down from the street or look for a taxi rank near popular locations, such as tourist attractions or the port. Official taxis have green license plates and sometimes have roof ornaments or "TAXI" written on the doors. They come in various sizes and conditions, from sedans to vans, and most are older vehicles.

If you can't see any taxis nearby, you can call one of the local operators that offer an on-demand taxi service. Some options include:

• Belize Paradise Shuttles: +501 621 9845
• Ocean Ferry Belize: +501 223 0033
• Cinderella Plaza Taxi Stand: +501 203 3340
• Taxi Garage Services: +501 227 3031
• Majestic Taxi: +501 203 4465

Additionally, there are water taxi services available for travel along the coast or to the nearby islands.

Fares and Payment

There are no set rates or fixed fares for taxi rides in Belize City, so be sure to ask the driver how much the fare will be before getting in. The average in-city fare is around €5 (BZD 10), and a 20-minute ride usually costs about €30 (BZD 65.80) for four passengers. Some operators charge an additional fee per passenger, while others charge a set fare for the whole group based on the distance travelled. It's always a good idea to carry cash in the local currency and in small bills to ensure you have the correct change.

Tipping taxi drivers is not expected in Belize City, but you can round up the fare if you're pleased with the service.

Additional Considerations

Taxis in Belize City do not use taximeters, so it's essential to negotiate the fare in advance. Sharing rides with other passengers is common, so the driver may stop to pick up additional people along the way.

While most areas in downtown Belize City and the Fort George neighbourhood are safe to walk, some parts of the city have a reputation for being unsafe for visitors. When walking, be cautious of narrow and poorly maintained sidewalks, and avoid walking at night outside of well-lit and busy areas.

Taxi fares in Belize City

Belize City is the country's largest city and a popular destination for tourists. The city has a range of transportation options, including taxis, which are considered a popular choice for getting around.

Taxi Availability

Official, licensed taxis in Belize City can be identified by their green license plates. They come in various sizes, from sedans to vans, and are usually found near busy locations like tourist attractions and the port. They can also be hailed from the street or called over the phone.

Taxi Fares

There are no set rates or fixed fares for taxi rides in Belize City. The average in-city fare is around BZD 10 or €5. For a 20-minute ride, a group of four passengers can expect to pay around BZD 65.80 or €30.

The cost of a taxi ride depends on the destination and distance travelled. Taxi rates in Belize City typically range from BZD 6 to BZD 14 (approximately USD 3 to USD 7 or GBP 1.60 to GBP 3.70). It is important to agree on a price before getting into the taxi, as they do not have fixed meter rates.

Additionally, some taxi operators charge an extra fee per passenger, while others charge a set fare for the whole group based on the distance travelled. It is recommended to carry cash in small bills and local currency to ensure you have the correct change.

Alternative Transportation Options

Belize City also offers water taxi services, which are a fun and practical way to reach coastal destinations and nearby islands. For those looking to rent a car, well-known rental companies like Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Thrifty have offices near the city's two major airports.

Private taxi transfers in Belize City

Belize City is a great place to start your trip to Belize, whether you want to relax by the sea or explore the surrounding areas. Getting a taxi in Belize City is easy, and there are plenty of licensed taxis available 24/7. Official taxis have green license plates, and you can hail them from the street or find them at taxi ranks near popular locations like tourist attractions and the port.

Pre-booking a Private Taxi

If you want to ensure a stress-free arrival at the airport, you can pre-book a private taxi transfer in advance. This option offers a premium, personalised experience with a professional driver, and you can also pre-pay for your transfer to secure a competitive fixed rate.

Finding a Taxi in the City

If you prefer to find a taxi when you arrive, there are a few ways to do so. You can hail a taxi from the street, call one of the local operators for an on-demand service, or ask your hotel for assistance. When you stand by the side of the road, taxis will honk or flash their lights to signal that they are available.

Taxi Fares

It's important to note that Belize City taxis don't have set rates or use meters. The average in-city fare is around €5 (BZD 10), but the cost of your ride will depend on your drop-off location and the number of passengers. Some operators charge per passenger, while others charge a set fare for the whole group based on the distance driven. Be sure to ask for the price before getting into the taxi or pre-book for a fixed fare.

Water Taxis

In addition to regular taxis, Belize City also offers water taxi services, which are a fun and practical way to reach coastal destinations and nearby islands.

Recommended Taxi Services

While there are many reliable taxi services in Belize City, here are a few that have been recommended by travellers:

• Abe Gutierrez Taxi Service
• Elias Guerra Transfers Service
• Belize Shuttles
• Belize Paradise Shuttles
• Majestic Taxi

Frequently asked questions