Safe Tips Belize
Part of the My Guide Network Since 2006 180+ destinations
It might be relatively trouble-free for visitors, but the best way to avoid any crime whatsoever is to travel smart. The best way to travel smart would be to bear in mind our insider tips for staying safe in Belize.
- Don’t walk around in secluded urban areas – fewer people around = fewer witnesses
- Don’t get crazy drunk – keeping your wits about you is the best way to avoid crime, so getting dead drunk isn’t smart
- Hand over the goods – if you ARE a victim of a robbery, just hand it over. Your possessions aren’t worth your safety
- Act like you know where you’re going – if you look lost you’ll stand out as a tourist, therefore rich, therefore a good target
- Don’t flash your cash – yeah, um, this is just an advert for how a) rich and b) oblivious you are. Keep the bulk of your cash hidden in a money belt
- Be careful when you’re walking around – there’s a lack of pavement sometimes. Stay safe on the road!
- Hire a guide if you’re heading into the jungle – trekking is cool, but getting lost or getting bitten by something awful is not
- Be careful of coral (and other sea creatures) – the reefs are STUNNING, but coral can hurt – and so can a lot of other critters
- Understand local laws – for instance, public drinking is a no-no. Do your research and avoid trouble with the police
- Do what you need in the daytime – there’s a much lower crime rate during daylight hours (as anywhere)
- Catch a taxi after dark – they’re inexpensive. Better safe than sorry.
- JUST SAY NO – drugs are ILLEGAL. Drugs cause major problems in this country. Don’t contribute
- Don’t pay for sex – that’s also ILLEGAL. Again, you’ll most likely be funding trafficking gangs and human misery. Don’t even.
- Ask for help if you need it – if you feel like someone’s following you or something dodgy’s going on, step into a cafe or shop and ask someone for help. People are friendly here
- Carry copies of important docs – losing vital documents is a major headache, so if you need them when you’re out and about, have copies
- Check your vaccines before you travel
- Protect against mosquitoes – there may be low rates of malaria, but the risk is never worth it. Use repellent and cover up: these mozzies are beasts
- Know what to do in a disaster – Hurricane Earl took out 65% of Belize’s electricity in 2010. June to November is hurricane season so be aware if you’re traveling in this period
- Lock windows and doors at night or when you go out – much theft happens at one’s accommodation, so ensure your room is secure
- Protect yourself from the sun and keep hydrated – you might want to be in the sun ALL THE TIME but that’s not smart
- Businesses close on Sundays – if you need supplies for any particular reason, get them on a Saturday!
- Keep opinions on religion to yourself – it’s still very much a religious country, so be respectful
- Watch out for snakes, scorpions, etc. – yep, they live here. Be vigilant
- The easiest way to have a stress free time in Belize is to keep in mind our handy tips. Ultimately, staying safe in Belize is pretty straight forward – it’s all down to traveling smart and being aware of your surroundings
By Belize Local Expert
