Belize : Safety by CityBelize, the country located in Central America, is a self-governing country full of rich history and culture.
Its largest city is Belize City with a very small population of 57,169 people.
The Belize River flows through the city.
The city does not belong to the most visited tourist destinations because the country’s main attractions are natural and nautical.
What also affects tourists coming to Belize is the fact that the city has a bad reputation for poverty and crime.
However, Belize’s attractions are water sports and the Mayan ruins.
Some sights that are worth seeing are St John’s Cathedral, Swing Bridge and the Museum of Belize.
Warnings & Dangers in Belize City
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Tourists are often warned that Belize City is only safe in the northern part taking into consideration the fact that several gang wars happen during the night in the southern part of the city. Tourists need to be extremely watchful and avoid visiting southern parts if it is not necessary.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Public buses are frequently unreliable and dangerous because there can be criminals and lawbreakers. Also, there were reports on a taxi driver’s assault on tourists, but still, licensed radio taxis are always advisable, especially if you need to go to the southern parts of the city.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
This is the city where pickpocketing is frequent and even consider normal in crowded tourist sites and public transport. Pay attention to the suspicious people around you and never leave your belongings.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Taking into consideration the fact that Belize City has been struck by two hurricanes, tourists need to be aware of the possibility of the hurricane, especially during the hurricane season from June to November. Earthquakes and flooding are also some of the problems in the rainy season.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
The same as with pickpocketing, muggings often happen in Belize City. Unaccompanied people are the main targets, and in case this happens to you, it is advisable not to fight back, but to give what they want to avoid further and even worse problems.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
Although there have not been any terrorist attacks in Belize in recent years, that cannot be predicted.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Taxi drivers sometimes take advantage of tourists, thieves try to rob them in crowded areas or to steal their credit cards while at the ATMs. So, tourists should remain vigilant and cautious during their stay in Belize City.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Many women travel safely to Belize. However, sexual assaults are not impossible, since there has been some information on those issues. Female tourists should avoid being alone at night or taking unlicensed taxis.
So... How Safe Is Belize City Really?
Belize City can be proud of the only manual swing bridge in the world and the oldest Anglican cathedral in Central America.
It is regarded as a very fine tourist destination for a family holiday since it is affordable, small and kids-friendly.
However, it is not the exception to the crime.
Violent criminal acts involve gangs and there is no record of attacking tourists, while petty crime including robberies and muggings are common in this country and tourists should be aware of them.
Victims are usually women walking alone at night or unwary people in crowded places.
Standard safety precautions are suggested in Belize, so tourists need to watch out for crime in tourist areas.
The government is doing its best to protect both the inhabitants and visitors of the city and make them feel safer while in Belize.
During recent years, the situation has improved.
How Does Belize City Compare?
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Belize City | 37 |
| La Paz (Bolivia) | 52 |
| Sao Paulo (Brazil) | 45 |
| Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) | 43 |
| Sofia (Bulgaria) | 73 |
| Siem Reap (Cambodia) | 63 |
| Phnom Penh (Cambodia) | 61 |
Useful Information
Visas
For the inhabitants of most countries, visas are not obligatory. Those who need one can get it before going to Belize via their travel agent or the hotel that they have booked. Tourists can find information about visas on the Internet.
Currency
The official currency is Belize dollars (BZD) which do not have any value outside of Belize, except in some bordering towns. Visitors with US dollars do not need to exchange their money because US dollars are also gladly accepted. ATMs and can be found only in major cities. Even though bargaining is not common in Belize, when business is not on a high level, it's possible to get a discount on hotels, rentals and other tourism services.
Weather
A tropical monsoon climate in Belize is characterized by tropical and humid weather. The wet season starts from May and lasts up to January, while the dry season covers a period from February to May. The Hurricane season starts in June and ends in November. Average monthly temperatures are constant throughout the whole year from 23 °C to 28 °C.
Airports
Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport is located in Ladyville, northwest of Belize City, which is 30 minutes from the city's center. It is the largest and busiest international airport. There is also another smaller one, Belize City Municipal Airport, located in the city itself, but it is mostly used for travelling to Belize's Cayes.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is one of the most ignored items of most travelers. Nevertheless, when visiting Belize, even the most experienced travelers should take out a travel insurance policy that covers theft, loss of their luggage and medical problems.
Belize City Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 29 | 28 |
| Low °C | 20 | 21 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 22 | 21 |
| High °F | 82 | 84 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 84 | 82 |
| Low °F | 68 | 70 | 72 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 75 | 72 | 70 |
Belize - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Belize City | 37 |
Not a great trip for us...
My wife and I had gone to Belize City in 2017. While I can’t say it was the best experience I have had, it was not the worse. There are issues within the city few people seem to talk about. It is easy to get swept away in the weather and attractions. My wife and I ended up cutting our trip short however as my wife’s belongings had gone missing. We believe someone at the hotel we were staying in robbed us. We were refunded for our stay but because we had to book different tickets to go back home, we ended up losing money. Not worth it.
Yummy streetfood
The cheapest way for going around from our experience was a bus, although I would say if you shell out a bit more a private car would give you a better time as it would be easier to go around. Also if you are on a budget you would get your money’s worth with the streetfood! They are great and affordable.
Always a blast
Belize, like Greece, is one of our two favorite destinations for the summer months when kids are off school and we can travel as a family.
Most of the crime reported in Belize City is either gang-related or has something to do with people finding themselves in foolish situations. I won’t go for a midnight stroll in NYC in Midtown, no matter how touristy it might be during the day. Extrapolating this, when you’re in Belize you should avoid the neighborhoods that have gang issues and in this case, not that much potential for tourists. Almost anyone will tell you that the southern part of the city should be off limits and you have to listen. Heck, even locals don’t strut around there when it’s dark.
If you use drugs, recreational or not, you might end up in a world of trouble so don’t do it. As for drinking, never let the drink out of your sight.
With tourism being a big chunk of their GDP, you will notice that everyone is extremely friendly and helpful. From bar staff to hotel employees, everyone will go above and beyond to help you. Don’t take this for granted and be a generous tipper, they need the extra cash.
If there’s barely a living soul around, change direction asap. Keeping your jewelry to a minimum, and if possible less fancy stuff is perfect. The same applies for cash, keep the bare minimum in your wallet and don’t flash it around. Obviously, this applies to those who are not staying in a resort. In a resort you just lay in the sun all day long and enjoy the warm weather.
Stay within the boundaries recommended by the hotel/travel agency and enjoy your time in Belize, you will want to come back for sure, trust me.