Last Updated: 2/2/2020 | February 2nd, 2020
Whether it’s unwinding on a picturesque beach, checking out Mayan ruins, or snorkeling the world’s second longest barrier reef, you’ll find that Belize is full of amazing as well as adventurous things to do. The country is one of the most distinct destinations in central America as well as among my preferred countries in the region. It’s likewise where I did my very first solo backpacking trip and, because that very first trip, I’ve liked every minute I’ve spent there.
From the Latin culture of the interior to the Caribbean Rasta vibe of the coastline to the old English feel of a few of the islands, Belize is a mash-up of dynamic as well as historic cultures.
The country is prominent with backpackers, vacationers, dive enthusiasts, as well as honeymooners alike, providing something for each travel style as well as interest.
And tourism is on the rise, too.
In 2018, Belize saw an all-time high of 1.5 million visitors — which is a great deal for a country of just over 400,00 people! tourism will no question continue to boost right here as Belize is one of the safest countries in the area to visit.
But just since it’s risk-free doesn’t imply you can let your guard down fully. right here are some suggestions to assist you stay risk-free during your visit:
9 security suggestions for Belize
1. prevent isolated areas – If you’re somewhere isolated, you’ll be at a higher danger for getting robbed, particularly at night as well as in the cities. try to stay where the crowds are — that’s the very best method to prevent being singled out by prospective muggers.
2. Be conscious of your surroundings while in crowds – While staying with where the crowds will assist you prevent getting mugged, it will likewise make you a target for petty theft. Tourists are typically simple targets for pickpockets, so when you are in the prominent traveler areas make sure your valuables are secure.
3. Don’t wear fancy products – Petty theft is the most typical risk here, so eliminate any type of fashion jewelry or watches, as well as don’t wave your phone around. Do your finest to blend in, so you don’t ended up being a target for pickpockets. If you occur to discover yourself a sufferer of armed robbery, comply with the directions of the robber as well as provide up your valuables; these material products can be replaced — however your life cannot.
(I discovered this lesson the difficult method in Colombia.)
4. Don’t leave your products unattended – If you are costs the day on the beaches of Placencia Peninsula, Hopkins Village, or Caye Caulker, do not leave your possessions unattended while swimming or walking along the sand, as locals as well as tourists alike can quickly swipe your valuables. If you can, discover buddies at your hostel to hit the beach with so you can take turns viewing over each other’s things while you swim as well as relax.
5. prevent the bus at night – If you requirement to get somewhere at night, take a taxi. It will be safer than any type of public transportation. have your lodging phone call the taxi for you so you can be sure you’re getting a reputable driver. Make sure you get in a taxi with a eco-friendly permit plate, as those suggest authorized taxis. If you’re a solo female traveler, make sure you travel with other people at night (even in taxis).
6. Be cautious on public transit – If you should take public transit, keep your valuables on you as well as well secured, particularly on “chicken buses” (colorfully embellished institution buses that have been converted to public transportation for products as well as people). Theft is typical on night buses, so prevent them if you can. (Buses likewise tend to not run on time, as well as in some cases they are incredibly slow, packed, or both. Be gotten ready for the experience!)
7. Don’t do medications – Cartels in Belize have made life extremely challenging for the regional population. Don’t support them by purchasing their products. medication penalties are likewise severe in the region, as well as you don’t want to end up in jail!
8. stay with the touristy parts of Belize City – Belize City (the largest city) has some sketchy communities that sadly have been taken over by regional gangs. There are areas, however, that are fairly safe, such as the primary traveler part of town. If you don’t roam as well far from there, you ought to be fine.
9. purchase travel insurance coverage – travel insurance coverage will safeguard you if you get injured or ill, are a sufferer of theft, or should offer with delayed or canceled flights. It’s a worthwhile investment as well as can save you countless dollars. Don’t danger traveling without it. I always purchase travel insurance coverage before I leave house — a lesson I’ve discovered the difficult way!
FAQ on security in Belize
Below are solution to typical concerns I get on security in Belize so you can be much better gotten ready for your trip!
Is there a danger of Zika in Belize?
Belize has a history of Zika virus transmission, however there is currently no evidence of an continuous outbreak. While the dangers are low, travelers are recommended to take the complying with precautions:
Use mosquito repellent on your body (on top of any type of sunscreen) to avoid bites, as well as sleep under a mosquito web to prevent getting bit while when you’re asleep.
Wear breathable garments that cover your arms as well as legs.
Keep doors as well as windows closed as much as possible to avoid mosquitos from entering your room.
Pregnant women or couples thinking about pregnancy ought to speak with a healthcare specialist prior to travel.
Is hitchhiking risk-free there?
Hitchhiking in Belize is rather common, easy, as well as — many significantly — safe. My buddies as well as I hitchhiked throughout the country as well as saw great deals of locals doing it too. HitchWiki has a great deal of info on hitchhiking in Belize to assist you get started.
Is the street food safe?
It sure is risk-free to have street food in Belize! the very best as well as many affordable method to experience the regional cuisine is with their street food, which has Afro-Caribbean as well as Mexican cultural influences. sample conch fritters, ceviche, or coconut curry as well as delight in the range of tasty flavors!
Is the tap water risk-free to drink?
Belize’s Ministry of health and wellness has taken steps toward making tap water drinkable for locals. However, during the rainy season, some areas experience flooding, which may contaminate the tap water. the very best method to make sure your drinking water is risk-free is to bring a SteriPen or Lifestraw for your recyclable water bottle. This method you’ll be able to purify the tap water, so you don’t get ill — as well as prevent single-use plastic bottles in the process.
Are the taxis safe?
Taxis are risk-free — as well as favored — when getting around at night. You can ask your hostel or hotel to phone call a taxi for you. Be sure to get take an authorized taxi (they have eco-friendly permit plates). utilize your smartphone as well as track the path on your offline map, as well as if the chauffeur seems to be going off stated route, speak up as well as ask why they’ve chose to take this direction instead. At the end of the day, always count on your gut: if a taxi chauffeur seems shady, stop the cab as well as get out.
If you’re a solo female traveler, I suggest traveling with a buddy or one more traveler at night, just to be safe.
Is Belize risk-free for solo travelers?
Solo traveling in Belize is safe, although petty theft is one of the most typical kinds of criminal offense in Belize. The people included in some kind of event tend to be drinking or doing medications or taking part in unlawful activity. If you don’t do it at home, don’t do it in Belize! comply with that guideline as well as you’ll be fine.
Is Belize risk-free for solo female travelers?
Belize is a risk-free location for solo female travelers, particularly if you’re new to solo travel. It is one of the safer countries in this region. However, that doesn’t imply you shouldn’t be careful. always be conscious of your surroundings as well as have a downloaded map so you can discover your method home. Don’t flaunt any type of valuables, as well as prevent taking taxis alone at night.
If you’ve done your research study as well as still have concerns, I’d suggest asking to join other groups at hostels when going out or staying with group travel or tours, just to be safe.
Here are a few useful messages on security written by our solo female travel experts:
How to stay risk-free as a Solo female Traveler
8 myths about Solo female travel Debunked
10 typical concerns about Solo female Travel
Women Shouldn’t Be scared to travel Alone
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I liked my time in Belize. The country may be small, however it had so much to offer, from dense jungles to huge caves and, of course, the well-known Belize barrier Reef, where the marine life is astonishing. (And in my opinion, the blue hole is one of the very best locations to go diving diving.) The most difficult difficulty for you will be choosing what to do first!
While Belize is thought about typically risk-free for traveling as well as backpacking, there’s no rejecting that some precautions ought to be taken. checked out as well as comply with this security guide, as well as your experience in Belize will be a safe, fun, as well as unforgettable one.
Book Your trip to Belize: Logistical suggestions as well as Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner or Momondo to discover a inexpensive flight. They are my two preferred browse engines since they browse sites as well as airlines around the globe so you always understand no stone is left unturned. begin with Skyscanner very first though since they have the most significant reach!
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most significant stock as well as finest deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, utilize Booking.com as they consistently return the most affordable rates for guesthouses as well as inexpensive hotels. My preferred locations to stay are:
The Red Hut Inn (Belize City)
Dirty McNasty (Caye Caulker)
Anda Di Hows Hostel (Placencia)
Don’t fail to remember travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage will safeguard you against illness, injury, theft, as well as cancellations. It’s extensive security in situation anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to utilize it numerous times in the past. My preferred business that offer the very best service as well as value are:
Safety Wing (for everybody below 70)
Insure My trip (for those over 70)
Medjet (for extra repatriation coverage)
Looking for the very best business to save money With?
Check out my resource page for the very best business to utilize when you travel. I listing all the ones I utilize to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Want much more info on Belize?
Be sure to go to our robust destination guide on Belize for even much more planning tips!
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