If you are traveling to Belize and plan on bringing along a Verizon mobile phone, here is everything you should know to use it effectively in this Central American paradise.
DigiCell boasts a broad coverage area while SMART services only certain small villages in Belize. Both offer GSM technology. Verizon Travel Pass works in Belize to help avoid high roaming fees.
Verizon GSM
If you are traveling to Belize, you may be concerned about whether your Verizon cell phone will work there. Thankfully, Verizon Wireless offers coverage in Belize through local service providers; their network covers most of the country as well as marine areas near major coastal population centers. It is wise to be mindful of any international calling or data usage fees that may apply; WiFi may provide an economical alternative or consider getting a data plan as ways to avoid additional charges.
Your Verizon cell phone may not work in Belize without a SIM card due to GSM technology being used for communication; your phone must be compatible with this standard for it to function correctly. Purchasing one at one of Belize’s mobile provider stores will enable you to make and send texts for less cost than in the US; alternatively, you could buy an Airalo prepaid SIM card that allows access to over 190 networks globally at affordable rates.
Step one to determine whether your Verizon phone will work in Belize is to check its unlock status. If it isn’t, call Verizon customer service or visit a store to have it unlocked – an unlock code may take up to 48 hours for activation.
Keep in mind that calling numbers in Belize requires using three-digit area codes; calling from the US would require adding the prefix “009”. Alternatively, directory assistance operators are available: dial tel 113 for domestic directory assistance or tel. 115 for international assistance.
If you are traveling to Belize, it is a good idea to purchase a pre-paid SIM card from one of the country’s mobile phone companies. Most major telecommunication providers in Belize provide both landline and mobile services; some major ones being Digicell, Smart!, and SMART SPEEDNET as they all offer unlimited talk, text, and data plans along with other services like wireless internet, faxing and data transfers.
Verizon CDMA
Belize’s telecommunication system is steadily evolving towards modernity. The national phone company provides adequate coverage – even offering 4G service in some areas – with over 165,000 mobile phone users using GSM technology phones. Before traveling to Belize, be sure to test whether your device is compatible with local telecom networks; you may require unlocking from your service provider first if it won’t function when used there.
DigiCell, Smart and Tigo are three providers who offer cellular service in Belize. All three networks offer prepaid plans with excellent coverage throughout the country as well as international roaming packages that cater to travelers and residents. If you would like to buy a SIM card for Belize you can do so from any major retail stores within its borders or online.
If your phone is compatible with Belize’s telecom network, you can purchase and activate a prepaid SIM card immediately upon arriving in Belize. Or select from one of the roaming packages available that allows for you to continue using it while there. Pricing varies depending on which plan is chosen; DigiCell and Smart SIMs are popular choices among travellers who opt for them.
DigiCell is one of Belize’s premier telecom providers. Their offices can be found in Corozal Town, Orange Walk Town, Belmopan City and San Pedro; its network is accessible in most urban locations while not all rural locations. Their cellular services are competitively priced; additionally their website features an in-depth help page as well as round-the-clock customer support.
Belize’s telecom infrastructure mainly uses GSM 900/1800 frequency bands, with Verizon Wireless having partnerships with local telecommunications carriers to offer high-speed 4G LTE and 3G connections. Please be aware that international calling and data rates can be expensive; thus limiting data usage before visiting Belize could save time and money!
US-style SIM card
SIM cards are tiny chips inside mobile phones that connect them to wireless networks and allow the phone to make calls or send texts; without it, mobile users wouldn’t have access to these services. SIMs also store crucial information, including device identity and personal security keys – as well as contacts. With technological advancement, these SIMs have changed over time – most often standard, micro and nano SIMs.
US-style SIM cards may work in Belize if your cell phone supports GSM technology; however, you should verify with your carrier to see if this will work before travel. Alternatively, purchase a prepaid eSIM online and use it on your US-style smartphone while traveling abroad; this will save money on international roaming charges which can become very expensive over time.
Belize mobile provider stores offer SIM cards. Their English-speaking staff can assist in choosing the appropriate SIM size and user manuals can answer any queries that might arise regarding its usage and answer any other inquiries about your phone that arise.
Before buying a SIM card, it is important to understand the differences between GSM and CDMA technologies. GSM stands for Global System for Mobile Communications while CDMA stands for Code Division Multiple Access; CDMA devices do not need an additional SIM card since their electronic serial numbers (ESNs) cannot be modified while GSM devices feature removable SIMs that allow customers to change carriers without changing their phone numbers.
As with any purchase, when selecting a SIM card you should keep both price and data usage in mind. If traveling frequently abroad is on the cards for you, select a plan with higher data allowances at low prices to stay connected with friends and family back home while traveling – Airalo offers unlimited calling/internet in 190+ countries for just 45c per minute and 9c text messages, much cheaper than Fido/Rogers/Telsus’ $15+ taxes per day roaming rates that require you to keep in contact while abroad!
Wireless internet
Staying in contact while traveling can be essential to staying safe, navigating unfamiliar territory, and sharing experiences. Unfortunately, high roaming charges can quickly drain your travel budget; fortunately, there are ways you can use your cell phone in Belize without paying exorbitant roaming fees.
Avoid expensive roaming charges by purchasing a prepaid SIM card at the airport or local convenience stores. Prepaid SIMs usually offer reduced international calling and data usage rates and come equipped with rechargeable batteries and chargers so your phone stays charged during travel. There is also an abundance of prepaid SIMs online or available from major retailers.
If your phone is compatible with Belize’s GSM cellular network, SMART or Digi stores offer local SIM cards for less than $20 that enable access to data and talk plans at competitive rates. They’re readily available in all major cities and tourist spots. You may also bring one from home; just ensure it has unlocked cells phones as well as valid passports!
Belize does not boast as advanced cellular networks as those found in the US; however, coverage in most areas is sufficient to meet most needs; however, service can sometimes be intermittent offshore and in more remote inland locations. Some businesses may provide WiFi as an alternative service that is faster and more reliable.
Rental pocket Wi-Fi devices at your hotel is another viable solution, as these portable, lightweight devices feature mobile hotspot connectivity that lets up to five devices connect simultaneously – not to mention voice, video and text messaging capabilities – providing an economical way to stay connected while traveling abroad.
To save even more on international data and talk, purchase a global SIM card before your travel. This will enable you to call, text and use data in over 190 countries at up to 90% less cost compared to standard calling/texting charges and data roaming charges which can cost up to 90c per MB.
