Belize: Paradise Lost?

Why you shouldn't visit Belize

Belize is a small country in Central America with a rich natural landscape, vibrant culture, and growing tourism. However, there are several reasons why you might not want to visit Belize. Firstly, if you're looking for a typical tourist experience with busy nightlife, all-inclusive resorts, and familiar American or European conveniences, Belize will not meet your expectations. The country lacks the mega-malls, chain restaurants, and fancy resorts found in places like Cancun or Miami Beach. Instead, Belize offers a more natural and authentic experience, which may not appeal to those seeking a conventional vacation.

Another reason to avoid Belize is the high crime rate, particularly in Belize City and areas near the Guatemalan border. While tourists are not usually the target of violent crimes, gang activity, drug trafficking, and petty theft are common. Additionally, the country has a high rate of murder and violent crimes such as armed robberies. Although the overall crime rate is decreasing in some tourist areas, it is important to remain vigilant and take precautions to ensure your safety.

Furthermore, Belize lacks some of the modern conveniences that travellers may be accustomed to. For example, there are limited movie theatres, bowling alleys, or arcades, and the country experiences frequent power outages, which can affect the availability of air conditioning. Transportation can also be challenging, with poorly maintained roads, unreliable public buses, and unsafe driving conditions, especially at night.

In conclusion, while Belize has much to offer in terms of natural beauty and cultural experiences, it may not be the ideal destination for those seeking a conventional tourist experience or those concerned about safety and modern amenities.

No tourist infrastructure

Belize is a small country with a very low population density of around 380,000 people. It is the most sparsely populated nation in Central America. The country's infrastructure, including roads, bridges, hospitals, and tourist facilities, is lacking in some regions. However, this is part of the allure of serious ecotourism.

Belize does not have the typical tourist infrastructure that you might find in places like Cancun, Miami Beach, or Punta Cana. There are no mega-grocery stores, malls, or fancy resorts at the best beach locations. The beaches are also not easily accessible, and there is a lack of clean and functional bathrooms throughout the country.

Belize has a lot of small, locally-owned cabanas and boutique hotels, but they may not offer the same amenities as high-end, branded resorts. The country is also developing its ecotourism infrastructure, with financial help from international organizations, and is committed to protecting its natural wonders.

If you are looking for a laid-back, authentic, and simple vacation, Belize could be a good option. However, if you are expecting a typical tourist experience with well-developed infrastructure, you may be disappointed.

Poor transport links

Belize has a range of transport options, but the quality of transport links varies. The country has no railways and a lack of paved roads, which can make getting around difficult. Most Belizeans travel by bus, but these are often poorly maintained, contributing to traffic fatalities.

Buses

Public buses are the primary form of transportation for most Belizeans. In larger towns and cities, such as Belize City or Belmopan, there are bus terminals, while smaller places have designated bus stops. However, the most common way to catch a bus is by flagging it down on the road. Buses are classified as either Regular runs (usual prices) or Express runs (slightly higher prices for faster journeys). The major national bus lines are James, WestLine and BBOC.

Taxis

Taxis are identifiable by their green license plates and are considered safer than buses. However, it is recommended to negotiate the fare in advance as there are no meters.

Flights

Belize has an international airport, Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville, and a smaller airport in Belize City. Two airlines, Tropic Air and Maya Island Air, provide domestic flights within the country.

Waterways

Belize has some navigable waterways, and water taxis are available from Belize City to San Pedro, Caye Caulker, and other islands.

Driving

Belize has no driving schools, and driving accidents are common due to speeding and improper passing. Most roads are two-lane, and outside of towns, traffic is light. However, driving at night is not recommended due to poor lighting and speed bumps that can be difficult to see.

Walking

Walking at night is not advised, especially in areas without sidewalks, as drinking and driving are common.

In summary, while Belize has a range of transport options, the varying quality of transport links and safety concerns may pose challenges for visitors.

High crime rate

Belize has a high crime rate, with one source noting that it has one of the world's highest per capita murder rates. In 2021, the country's crime rate was 31.25, a 20.98% increase from 2020. While the overall rate of major crimes is decreasing in Belize, the crime rate has increased along its western border and into the northern part of the country.

Belize City, in particular its south side, is a hotspot for gang and drug-related violence, including murders and shootings. The area has a rough neighbourhood where gang activities take place, and it is best for tourists to avoid non-essential travel to this part of the city. The Belize Defence Force regularly patrols these dangerous areas, but police capacity to respond to violent incidents is limited, and many crimes go unsolved.

Tourists are not usually targeted, but it is still possible to find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Violent crime is also a concern in other parts of the country, such as Belmopan. Firearms are the main weapon used in murders, with eight out of ten murders committed with a firearm in 2022.

In addition to violent crime, petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is also common in Belize, with criminals often operating in groups and targeting individuals travelling alone. Credit card and ATM fraud occur frequently, especially in San Pedro, and it is important to be cautious when using debit or credit cards.

To avoid becoming a victim of crime in Belize, it is recommended to remain aware of your surroundings at all times, avoid travelling after dark, keep your belongings secure, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash or displaying signs of wealth.

Poor healthcare

Belize's healthcare system is comprised of both public and private sectors. The public healthcare system is run by the Ministry of Health (MoH), which is the largest provider of public health services in the country. The MoH offers affordable care to the majority of Belizeans, with a strong focus on providing quality healthcare through various public programs and institutions. On the other hand, the private health sector provides care to a smaller portion of the population, albeit at a relatively low cost and with a similar emphasis on quality.

Despite these efforts, medical care in Belize does not meet the standards of North America or the European Union. The country's healthcare system has been described as "poor," with a lack of healthcare facilities, specialized physicians and staff, and advanced equipment. With a small population and a significant portion living in poverty, Belize's economic situation hinders the development of advanced medical services. There is no level-one trauma centre in the country, and foreign missions recommend that visitors verify their medical coverage, especially for catastrophic events and medical evacuation, before travelling to Belize.

Belize's healthcare shortcomings become evident when comparing its hospitals to those in more developed nations. The country's hospitals often lack the quality care, advanced equipment, and specialized services found in hospitals in the US and neighbouring countries. As a result, many expats and locals seek medical treatment outside of Belize for more complicated or advanced procedures.

The public healthcare system in Belize City, the nation's largest city, faces significant challenges. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital, the nation's premier public healthcare provider, struggles with equipment problems, medical supply shortages, and operation management issues due to insufficient funding. Outside of Belize City, seven additional public hospitals provide healthcare services, including three regional hospitals. However, these hospitals offer a more limited range of medical services compared to those in the capital.

Belize also has a network of approximately 60 public health clinics that provide primary medical and dental care to rural areas. Unfortunately, these clinics often suffer from inadequate staffing, financial constraints, and a lack of equipment and medicine, resulting in reduced access to quality care. Additionally, individuals in rural areas sometimes opt for non-Western medicine instead of seeking public health services, making it difficult to fully assess the standard of healthcare in Belize.

While the country has made efforts to reform and improve its healthcare system, the lack of resources and infrastructure remains a challenge. As a developing country, Belize faces issues related to infrastructure, standard of sanitation, and a general lack of education and awareness about health conditions. Historically, the country has struggled with malaria, dengue fever, cholera, and HIV/AIDS, and there are concerns about future outbreaks due to the fragile infrastructure and low population.

In summary, Belize's healthcare system, while showing some improvements, continues to face challenges due to economic constraints and a lack of resources. The public healthcare system, particularly outside of Belize City, struggles with inadequate funding, staffing, and equipment. As a result, many locals and expats seek medical treatment outside of the country for more advanced or specialized procedures. These issues highlight the disparities in access to quality healthcare between Belize and more developed nations.

Poor driving conditions

Road Conditions

Belize's road conditions differ significantly from those in developed countries. The roads vary from two-lane paved roads to dirt or gravel tracks. The few paved roads are often high-crowned, with a slight point in the middle and sloping sides, making it easier for vehicles to lose traction and overturn. There are also few lane markings, even in urban areas, leading to confusion and multiple lanes being created by motorists. Additionally, bridges on major highways are often single-lane, and the Manatee Road (Coastal Road) from Belmopan to Dangriga is mostly unpaved and prone to flooding.

Vehicle Maintenance and Safety

Poor vehicle maintenance is a significant issue in Belize. Many vehicles lack functioning safety equipment such as turn signals, flashers, or brake lights. While seatbelt use is mandatory for drivers and front-seat passengers, child car seats are neither required nor widely available. Drunk driving is also a common occurrence, and speeding is rampant, with speed limits rarely observed or posted.

Driving Culture

Belize has a unique driving culture that may be unfamiliar to foreign drivers. For example, when making a left turn, some drivers signal right and pull to the right before turning across traffic. Additionally, it is common to see passengers, including small children, riding in the open beds of trucks. Bicycles are also a common sight and pose a traffic hazard, as bicyclists often ride against traffic and do not obey basic traffic laws or use lights or reflective clothing at night.

Services and Assistance

Roadside assistance can be challenging to obtain due to the limited number of public telephones and unreliable emergency telephone numbers. While cell phone service is generally reliable, reception in remote areas may be spotty or non-existent. Finding skilled mechanics can also be difficult, although tire changes are readily available.

In summary, driving in Belize can be hazardous due to a combination of poor road conditions, inadequate vehicle maintenance, a unique driving culture, and limited emergency services. It is essential to exercise caution and be prepared for unexpected challenges when driving in this country.

Frequently asked questions