The Ultimate Taxi Experience In Belize City: A Guide To The Best Rides

Belize City is a great place to start your trip to Belize. The city is compact and easy to navigate on foot, but it's also known for being unsafe for visitors, so it's recommended to stick to the busiest sections, such as downtown and tourist districts. The best way to get around is by taxi, which is affordable and easy to flag down. Official taxis have green license plates and can be hailed from the street or found near popular locations. While there is no standard meter rate, rides typically cost between BZ$6-BZ$14 (US$3-US$7/£1.60-£3.70). Abe Gutierrez Taxi Service and Elias Guerra Transfer Service are two highly recommended taxi services in Belize City.

Taxi drivers in Belize City

Belize City is a great place to start your exploration of Belize. Being the country's largest seaport, it is one of the most visited cities in Belize. The city's downtown hub is compact and easy to navigate on foot, but it is recommended to stick to the busiest sections and tourist districts, as some areas have a reputation for being unsafe.

Taxis are a popular mode of transportation in Belize City, and they are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. The average in-city fare is around BZD 10 (approximately $5 to $7.50). Licensed taxis have green license plates and may have roof ornaments or "TAXI" written on the doors. They are usually old vehicles, and some are sedans while others are vans. Most are in some state of disrepair, but the drivers are typically friendly and helpful.

You can hail a taxi from the street, or look for a taxi rank near tourist attractions and the port. If you can't see any taxis, you can call one of the local operators for an on-demand service. Some recommended taxi services include Abe Gutierrez, who offers a prompt and reasonably priced service, and Elias Guerra Transfers, whose drivers are described as trustworthy, funny, and accommodating.

When taking a taxi in Belize City, it is important to agree on a price before getting in, as there are no fixed meter rates or consistent vehicle appearances. Taxi drivers rarely have change for bills larger than $20 BZD, so it is best to have small bills or the exact fare ready. Tipping is not expected but is appreciated, especially for trips outside the city.

In addition to regular taxis, water taxis are a fun and practical option for travelling along the coast or to nearby islands. There are two water taxi companies in Belize City, offering daily departures to Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and St. George's Caye.

Taxi safety and complaints

While taxis in Belize City are not metered, they are regulated by the state, so you can expect a reliable service. However, it is always a good idea to ask the driver how much the ride will cost before you get in to avoid any surprises. Official taxis have green license plates, making them easy to spot.

If you need to report a pricing issue or a driver for inappropriate or unprofessional behaviour, you can contact the Belize City Council at +501 280 2308. It is helpful to write down as much information about your experience as possible, including the driver's name, registration number, license plate, and the company they work for, if applicable.

Taxi fares typically range from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately $5 to $7.50). However, regular taxis do not have a fixed meter rate or a consistent look, so it is important to agree on a price before getting into the taxi.

When taking a taxi in Belize City, keep in mind that sharing rides with other passengers is common. The driver may stop along the way to pick up additional passengers. It is also standard to carry cash in small bills to ensure you have the correct change. While tipping is not expected, you can round up the total fare if you are happy with the service.

How to get a taxi in Belize City

Belize City is a great place to start your exploration of Belize. The largest seaport in the country, it is one of the most visited cities. Getting around by taxi is a popular option for many, including locals.

Finding a taxi

There are plenty of licensed taxis in Belize City, and they are easy to find. Official taxis have green license plates, and some have roof ornaments or "TAXI" written on the doors. They are available 24/7 and can be found near busy locations such as tourist attractions and the port. You can also hail a taxi from the street or look for a taxi rank near popular locations.

If you can't see any taxis, you can call one of the local operators offering an on-demand service. Some examples are:

• 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

Water taxis

Belize City also has water taxis, a fun and practical way to travel along the coast or to the nearby islands. There are two water taxi companies in the city, with daily departures.

Fares and payments

There are no set rates or fixed fares for taxi journeys in Belize City. Taxi drivers will usually honk or flash their lights to indicate they are free, and you can wave them down. It is best to ask the driver how much the fare will be before you get in, as they don't use meters. The average in-city fare is around BZ$10 (approximately US$5). Some drivers charge per passenger, while others charge a set fare for the whole group. It is best to have small bills, as taxi drivers often can't change anything larger than a BZ$20 note.

Safety and complaints

Taxis in Belize City are regulated by the state, but if you have any issues or complaints, you can contact the Belize City Council on +501 280 2308. It is helpful to note down the driver's name, registration number, license plate, and company details.

Other transport options

Other ways to get around Belize City include renting a car, using a shuttle service, or taking a bus.

Taxi fares in Belize City

Taxis are a common mode of transportation in Belize City. They are considered affordable, with fares typically ranging from BZ$10 to BZ$15 (approximately $5 to $7.50). However, it is important to note that regular taxis do not have a fixed meter rate or a consistent look. It is recommended to agree on a price with the driver before getting into the taxi.

Official Belize City taxis are regulated by the local taxi association to ensure that both locals and tourists are not overcharged. The average in-city fare is around €5 or BZD 10. Some taxi operators charge an additional fee per passenger, while others might charge a set fare for the whole group based on the distance driven. It is always a good idea to ask for the price beforehand or pre-book your taxi for a competitive fixed fare.

Taxi rates in Belize vary depending on the destination and distance travelled. The base rate for taxis in Belize is around $3.80 USD, with a price of approximately $4 USD per kilometre. If you need to make any stops or wait for the driver, there is usually a waiting charge of $15 USD per hour.

When it comes to finding a taxi in Belize City, they are readily available 24/7. You can hail one from the street, look for a taxi rank near popular locations, or call one of the local operators for an on-demand service. Official taxis can be identified by their green license plates.

Belize City also offers water taxi services, which are a practical and fun option for travelling along the coast or to nearby islands. There are two water taxi companies in the city, providing daily departures.

Tips for Taking a Taxi in Belize City

• Taxis in Belize City do not use taximeters, so be sure to ask about the fare before getting into the taxi.
• Taxi rides are commonly shared in Belize City, so the driver may stop to pick up additional passengers along the route.
• It is recommended to carry cash in small bills to ensure you have the exact fare and to get change if needed.
• Tipping the driver is not expected, but you can round up the fare if you are pleased with the service.
• If you are standing by the side of the road, taxis will honk or flash their lights to indicate that they are available.
• If you need to report any issues with pricing or driver behaviour, you can contact the Belize City Council at +501 280 2308.

Taxi alternatives in Belize City

There are several alternatives to taxis in Belize City, including shuttle services, car rentals, buses, and water taxis.

Shuttle Services

Shuttle services are a popular alternative to taxis in Belize City. Several companies offer shared or private shuttle services to and from the airport, as well as to popular destinations such as San Ignacio, Placencia, and Hopkins Village. Some well-known shuttle service providers include Belize Shuttle by William, Belize Ground Shuttle, Discounted Belize Shuttles and Tours, and Belize Shuttles and Transfers.

Car Rentals

Renting a car is another option for getting around Belize City and exploring the country. Car rental services are easily available near the city's two major airports, and it is recommended to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle due to the rustic roads and rainy weather conditions.

Buses

Bus travel is the cheapest way to get around Belize, but buses can be jam-packed and slow. There is no standard bus system in Belize City, and prices vary depending on the distance, company, and type of service. However, dozens of bus companies operate along the Northern, Western, Hummingbird, and Southern highways.

Water Taxis

Water taxis are a unique and fun way to get around Belize City, especially when travelling to the nearby islands and coastal destinations. They are also the most affordable way to travel to popular destinations such as Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. There are two water taxi companies in Belize City, and water taxis can also be accessed in Placencia and Dangriga for trips to more secluded cayes.

Frequently asked questions