Belize's Safe Havens: Where To Stay

Belize is a beautiful country with friendly people, tasty food, great rum, diving, fishing, and lots of sun and sand. However, it's important to be aware of safety concerns when visiting. Violent crime, such as sexual assault, home invasions, armed robberies, and murder, is common in Belize, even in tourist areas and during daylight hours. Belize City, particularly the Southside, has the highest crime rate in the country and is a hotspot for gang activity. To stay safe in Belize, it's recommended to avoid isolated areas, be aware of your surroundings, avoid wearing flashy items or jewellery, and take precautions to secure your valuables. In addition, it's important to follow local laws, be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and avoid walking or driving at night.

Avoid the Southside of Belize City

Belize City is the country's largest population centre, with over 80,000 inhabitants. The city is divided into two areas: the Northside, which is considered the safest and most prosperous part of the city, and the Southside, which has a reputation for being dangerous.

The Southside of Belize City, south of the Haulover Creek and continuing south to Fabers Road, is known for its high crime rate and gang-related violence. This area does not overlap with the typical tourist areas, but visitors are advised to exercise caution and avoid travelling there if possible.

Crime in Belize City

Belize has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, and violent crime—including sexual assault, armed robbery, shootings, and murder—is common, even during daylight hours and in tourist areas. A significant portion of violent crime is gang-related, and the local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious incidents. As a result, most crimes go unresolved and unprosecuted.

Safety Precautions

If you must travel to Belize City, it is important to take certain precautions to stay safe. Here are some recommendations:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and avoid walking or driving at night.
• Do not wear expensive jewellery or display signs of wealth, as this can make you a target for theft or robbery.
• Use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank, and keep your valuables out of sight.
• Only use registered taxis with green licence plates, and always ask for the fare before getting in.
• Follow the advice of your hotel and local authorities, and report any incidents of crime to the police by calling 911.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Avoid isolated areas, especially at night, and stick to crowded tourist areas.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempts, and always hand over your valuables if confronted by an armed robber.

Alternative Places to Stay

There are several safer alternatives to Belize City that are worth considering for your stay in Belize. Here are some recommended areas:

• Caye Caulker: A popular Caribbean island known for its relaxed atmosphere, relatively cheap prices, and wild nightlife. It offers a range of accommodation options, from hostels to luxury resorts, and is a great place for snorkelling, scuba diving, and nature adventures.
• Corozal: A tropical paradise located in the northernmost district of Belize. It is considered one of the safest places in the country due to its large expat population, although you should still watch out for pickpocketing.
• San Pedro: Located on Ambergris Caye, the largest island in Belize, San Pedro offers stunning views, beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and unbeatable snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. Petty theft and pickpocketing can occur, so it's important to keep an eye on your belongings.

Avoid isolated areas

When visiting Belize, it is important to be vigilant and take precautions to ensure your safety. One crucial precaution is to avoid isolated areas, especially at night. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:

• Stay in well-populated areas: Crowds provide safety in numbers and reduce the risk of being targeted by potential robbers.
• Be cautious in crowds: While staying with the crowd can protect you from muggers, it also makes you a target for petty theft and pickpocketing. Keep your valuables secure and out of reach.
• Avoid flashy items: Don't wear expensive jewellery, watches, or other flashy items that can attract unwanted attention. Try to blend in with your surroundings to reduce the risk of becoming a target for thieves.
• Use authorised transportation: When travelling at night, take a taxi instead of a bus. Make sure to use authorised taxis with green license plates.
• Be vigilant at all times: Always be aware of your surroundings, whether you are in a busy area or an isolated location. Stay alert to minimise the chances of being caught off guard.
• Carry minimal valuables: Only carry the essentials with you, such as a small amount of cash and the items you need for the day. Leave the rest of your valuables locked up in your accommodation.

By following these tips and staying informed about safety precautions, you can help ensure that your time in Belize is both enjoyable and secure.

Be aware of your surroundings

When travelling to Belize, it's important to be aware of your surroundings at all times. This is especially true in crowded areas, where tourists are usually easy targets for pickpockets. In popular tourist areas, make sure your valuables are secure and out of reach. Petty theft is the most common threat in Belize, so try not to wear any flashy items such as jewellery or watches, and don't wave your phone around.

If you're somewhere isolated, you're at a greater risk of getting robbed, especially at night and in the cities. Try to stay where the crowds are, as this is the best way to avoid being singled out by potential muggers.

If you happen to find yourself a victim of armed robbery, follow the instructions of the robber and give up your valuables. Your possessions aren't worth your safety.

Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and don't display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewellery.

If you're spending the day at the beach, don't leave your belongings unattended while swimming or walking along the sand. Locals and tourists alike can easily swipe your valuables.

If you're in Belize City, be aware that this is the most dangerous place in Belize. The former capital has the highest crime rate in the country and has some sketchy neighbourhoods that have been taken over by local gangs. There are, however, some relatively safe areas, such as the main tourist part of town. If you don't wander too far from there, you should be fine.

Don't wear flashy items

When visiting Belize, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take certain precautions to ensure your safety. While the country offers a plethora of exciting activities and destinations, from its Caribbean coastline to its dense jungles, it is also known for violent crimes and gang-related activities, particularly in Belize City. To minimize the risk of becoming a target for theft or robbery, it is recommended not to wear flashy items or display signs of wealth. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you stay safe during your trip to Belize:

• Avoid wearing any flashy or expensive items, such as jewelry, watches, or designer clothes. These can make you a target for petty theft or robbery. Instead, opt for loose-fitting and lightweight clothing made from breathable fabrics to stay comfortable in the hot and humid climate.
• Remove any valuable items like jewelry or watches before leaving your accommodation. Lock them up in your room or hotel safe to reduce the risk of losing them.
• When visiting popular tourist areas, keep your valuables secure and out of reach. Tourists are often targets for pickpockets, so it's important to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
• If you happen to find yourself in an armed robbery situation, it is crucial to follow the robber's instructions and give up your valuables. Your life and safety are more important than any material possessions.
• Consider carrying a spare wallet with only a small amount of cash in it. Keep the rest of your cash and cards locked up back at your accommodation. This way, if you are robbed or pickpocketed, they won't get away with all your belongings.
• Be cautious when using public transportation, especially at night. Keep your valuables secure and consider taking a taxi instead, especially if you're traveling alone at night.
• Avoid isolated areas, especially after dark, as they can increase your risk of being robbed. Stick to well-lit and crowded places as much as possible.
• If you're spending time on beaches or walking along the sand, don't leave your belongings unattended. Locals and tourists alike can easily swipe your valuables if you're not paying attention. Consider taking turns with friends to watch over each other's things.
• Don't wear camo print clothing in Belize. While it may be comfortable for the hot climate, wearing camouflage is illegal and reserved for the military in Belize.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and try to blend in with the local culture as much as possible. Avoid standing out as a tourist, as it can make you a target for theft or other crimes.

Avoid the bus at night

When travelling in Belize, it is recommended that you avoid taking the bus at night. If you need to get somewhere after dark, it is safer to take a taxi. Ask your accommodation to call the taxi for you and make sure it has a green license plate, which indicates that it is authorised. If you are a solo female traveller, it is recommended that you travel with other people at night, even in taxis.

Public buses in Belize, known as "chicken buses", are colourfully decorated school buses that have been converted for public transportation. They are often extremely slow, crowded, and not always in the best condition. Theft is common on night buses, so it is best to avoid them if you can.

If you must take public transit, keep your valuables on you and well secured. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and avoid wearing expensive watches or jewellery.

Frequently asked questions