Best Phone Service In Belize

Belize has a national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia Limited, and several mobile phone companies providing good coverage. The two major mobile companies are Belize Telemedia Ltd (BTL), which uses GSM technology, and SMART, which uses CDMA. DigiCell is BTL's cellular division, and it offers affordable packages for SIM card activation. If you have an unlocked GSM phone, they sell local prepaid phone cards in various denominations, although the initial SIM card and activation cost BZ$45, including BZ$20 of calls.

SMART, a private company, began operating in 2005 and offers much the same service as DigiCell, except at slightly lower prices. It operates a national cellular system and has offices in Corozal Town, Orange Walk Town, Belmopan City, San Pedro, and Benque Viejo.

If you're staying in Belize for a short time, you can use your hotel's phone. If you're staying longer, you can buy or rent a mobile phone or get a landline.

Using a US or Canadian phone in Belize

Belize has a standardised seven-digit phone numbering system, with no city or area codes required when dialling from within the country. The country code for calling Belize from the US or Canada is 501, and the international prefix is 011.

Belize uses both GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) networks. If your phone is on a GSM or CDMA system, and you have a world-capable multiband phone (such as newer iPhones and many Android phones), you can make and receive calls across civilised areas around much of the globe.

If you're planning on using your US or Canadian phone in Belize, you should activate an international plan on your account, as data and calling prices will vary depending on your provider. For example, Verizon charges $10/day for roaming in Belize, and AT&T charges a per-minute roaming fee of over $3. You can also buy a local international calling card, which will be billed at approximately BZ$1 (US50¢/25p) per minute for calls to the US, or BZ$1.40 (US70¢/35p) per minute for calls to much of the rest of the world.

If you have an unlocked GSM phone, you can purchase a local prepaid phone card from Belize Telemedia Ltd.'s cellular division, DigiCell, in various denominations, although the initial SIM card and activation costs BZ$45, including BZ$20 of calls. You can buy subsequent minutes by topping up in grocery stores or on the DigiCell website. Calls anywhere within Belize are BZ50, and you are not charged for incoming calls. The SIM chips and calling cards are sold at their desk at the airport or at one of their many outlets around Belize. Their website also has information on setting up your home phone for roaming in Belize.

Alternatively, you can purchase an international SIM card before you travel, such as Airalo eSIM cards.

Buying a local SIM card

Belize has two mobile operators that offer prepaid services accessible to travellers: Digi by Belize Telemedia Limited (formerly DigiCell) and Smart!. Both providers offer 3G and 4G services and good signal coverage in major cities and tourist locations such as Belize City, San Ignacio, and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye.

You can purchase a Digi SIM card for 22.50 BZD (11.15 USD) with 10 BZD credit and 1 GB of data (valid for 10 days) in Digi stores. Digi also offers a Tourist SIM card for 20 USD (40 BZD) with 5 BZD credit, 4 GB of data, 300 local minutes, and 300 local SMS, valid for 14 days.

Smart! SIM cards are available for 15 BZD (7.40 USD) in Smart! stores, and they sometimes include 10 BZD credit and 1 GB of data. Smart! also offers a Tourist SIM card for travellers:

• 45 USD (90 BZD) for 35 USD worth of calls, 130 SMS, and unlimited data, valid for 10 days
• 20 USD (40 BZD) for 11 USD worth of calls, 25 SMS, and unlimited data, valid for 24 hours

SIM cards are not sold at the Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE), but you can purchase them at shops, supermarkets, post offices, and small retailers in Belize City and the Cayes.

Registration and Requirements

It is a requirement for tourists to complete a registration form and provide an address when purchasing a SIM card. A hotel address will suffice, and you will need to show your passport as identification.

SIM Card Sizes

SIM cards come in three different sizes:

• Standard SIM (15 x 25mm)
• Micro SIM (12 x 15mm)
• Nano SIM (8.8 x 12.3mm)

Most SIM cards are now manufactured with a convenient 3-in-1 SIM adapter, so you should be able to get a SIM card in any size.

Topping Up

You can top up your prepaid SIM card by purchasing prepaid cards from Smart! or Digi showrooms, certified prepaid card agents, or authorised agents. Online top-up options are also available for both providers, and you can use (international) debit and credit cards.

Important Considerations

• Ensure your phone is unlocked before using a local SIM card in Belize.
• Check that your phone is compatible with the local telecommunication system. Belize Telemedia Ltd. uses GSM, and SMART uses CDMA.
• International roaming rates can be very high, so purchasing a local SIM card is a more cost-effective option.
• Data services in Belize are not cheap, so consider your data needs and select an appropriate prepaid plan.
• If you plan to visit rural areas, be aware that reception may be lacking or non-existent.

Phone service providers in Belize

Belize has a national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia Limited, which offers cellular service under the "Digicell" brand. This is available throughout most of the country and certain marine areas close to major coastal population centres. The company offers both post-paid and pre-paid plans.

Digicell's post-paid plans are attractive to business people, Belizeans, and expatriates as the cell number is permanent. If your phone or SIM card is lost, damaged, or stolen, you can get a replacement SIM for a small charge, keeping your original number. As of April 2023, Digicell offers eSIMs to its customers.

The second company is SMART SPEEDNET, a privately held company that offers much the same service as Digicell, except that it uses the CDMA network spectrum. SMART generally offers slightly lower prices compared to Digicell.

Both companies offer 4G cellphones and devices at discounted prices, as well as monthly loan payment plans.

If you are staying in Belize for a short time, you can use your hotel's phone. If you plan to stay longer, you can buy or rent a mobile phone or get a landline.

If you are planning to stay in Belize for a few days, you may want to activate international roaming on your mobile phone. However, international call prices can be very high.

If you have an unlocked cell phone, you can purchase a local SIM card or buy a prepaid one from a local provider. DigiCell has a wide coverage area, whereas SMART! has very limited services and is only available to visitors staying in small villages.

International Calls

To make international calls from Belize, first dial 00, then the country code, followed by the area code and number. For example, to call the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., you would dial 00-1-202-588-7800.

Telephone Numbers in Belize

Telephone numbers in Belize consist of 7 digits. There are no city or area codes to dial from within Belize. The area code for Belize is 501, and the country code for calling into Belize is 011.

Internet Access

Belize enjoys decent internet coverage, although it is slow and expensive. Most businesses in Belize offer high-speed Wi-Fi access, but "high-speed" in Belize is not the same as in North America, so expect slower, often spotty service.

Phone service costs in Belize

Belize has a national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia Limited, and several mobile phone companies providing fairly good coverage. The country's telecommunications system is making progress towards being more developed, with the national phone company providing good coverage, including 4G services in certain areas. However, there are still some remote areas without cell phone coverage.

Landlines in Belize

Landlines in Belize are mainly used by residents and companies in larger cities. To subscribe to a landline, you must have a residence permit or be willing to put forth a substantial deposit. Landline telephone numbers in Belize consist of 7 digits, with an area code of 501 and a country code of 011 for incoming calls.

Mobile Phones in Belize

There are two major mobile phone companies in Belize: Belize Telemedia Ltd. (BTL), which uses GSM technology, and SMART, which uses CDMA. Both companies offer postpaid and prepaid plans.

Postpaid Plans

Postpaid plans are available for those with a current passport or Belize Social Security Card. Non-Belizean residents must provide evidence of intended residence in Belize for the next 12 months, and a deposit may be required. Postpaid plans offer the advantage of a permanent cell number and the ability to replace a lost or damaged phone or SIM card for a nominal charge.

Prepaid Plans

Prepaid plans are also widely used in Belize, where people buy unlocked phones, insert a local SIM card, and recharge the SIM with credit as needed. Prepaid SIM cards are available for BZ $45, and calls can be made for as low as BZ $0.25 (12.5 US cents) per minute. Prepaid plans offer flexibility, but the cost can add up with frequent use.

International Roaming

For short stays in Belize, international roaming may be a more convenient option. However, international call prices can be very high. It is essential to check with your mobile provider for specific rates and options.

Phone service coverage in Belize

Belize has a national telecommunications company, Belize Telemedia Limited, which offers fairly good coverage across the country, including some marine areas close to major coastal population centres. It provides 4G services in certain areas, but there are still some remote villages, protected areas, and uninhabited areas without coverage. Belize Telemedia Ltd. offers its cellular service under the "Digicell" brand, a digital service on the GSM dual-band 850/1900 MHz technology, and on a 4G LTE network.

The second company is SMART SPEEDNET, a private company that offers similar services to Digicell, except it uses the CDMA network spectrum. SMART generally has slightly lower prices compared to Digicell. Both companies offer prepaid and postpaid plans, with postpaid plans being more attractive to businesspeople, expatriates, and long-term residents.

If you are visiting Belize for a short period, it is recommended to use your hotel's phone or activate international roaming on your mobile phone. However, international call prices can be very high. Alternatively, you can purchase a local SIM card or a prepaid phone plan from either Digicell or SMART, which are available at the airport or in most major towns.

It is worth noting that most US carriers offer service in Belize, but it is a very expensive option. If you plan to stay longer in Belize, you may want to consider buying or renting a mobile phone or getting a landline. Landlines are mainly used by residents and companies in larger cities, and you would need a residence permit or be willing to put down a substantial deposit.

When choosing a phone company, consider factors such as coverage in your area and the type of phone you want to use. Additionally, make sure your mobile phone is unlocked and compatible with Belize's telecommunication system.

Frequently asked questions