Do not respond to websites or unsolicited emails asking for personal data. Follow safe computing practices and report any suspicious activities online directly to Belize Bank Limited.
Due to an increase in gang-related violence including murders in Southside Belize City (south of Haulover Creek River), exercise extreme caution when visiting this area. Furthermore, avoid demonstrations and large gatherings as these could quickly turn violent.
Tips and Best Practices
While living or visiting Belize, credit card fraud may become an issue. Criminals are active in some regions near border regions and tourist attractions, including Mayan ruins. Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and purse snatching also occurs frequently at popular sites where large groups congregate.
Gang and drug-related violence remains a significant risk in Southside Belize City and nearby areas, often employing weapons, with limited police capacity to respond and investigate incidents. Though foreigners are rarely targeted directly by this crime wave, visitors could find themselves caught up in violent encounters among locals.
Drugs are widely available in Belize and any violations involving them carry severe punishments, including long jail terms. Firearm possession is illegal; visitors should avoid bringing firearms with them when visiting Belize. Pre-Columbian and Colonial-period artifacts require permits prior to possession.
Hurricane season typically runs from May to November and can have devastating repercussions for travel plans and essential services, with storm surges often producing widespread flooding and landslides in their wake.
Fraudsters employ sophisticated schemes to gain access to credit cards and personal data. One method employed by fraudsters is clean fraud – providing false information without impersonating another user such as through fronting or check kiting; perpetrators then make charges on victim accounts that are later denied by their bank.
If you suspect clean fraud is occurring in your account, reach out to your bank immediately and follow their instructions. To further safeguard against it, always check websites you visit are secure by looking out for the padlock icon in the corner of your browser window and double-checking their URL – they should match.
Local Scams
Belize does have its share of scams, but most can be avoided with some common sense and research. Many scams that target tourists involve either petty theft or pickpocketing; more serious crimes do occasionally take place. Travelers should especially be wary of locals overcharging for services in tourist areas; taxi drivers frequently overcharge unsuspecting visitors and it is wise to always ask the price upfront and obtain an invoice; additionally it is prudent only using ATMs located within banks as these may contain skimming devices that could compromise security measures.
Distracted by friendly locals is one of the easiest ways to become victim to a pickpocket scam. A common method involves dropping white paste onto you that fools your eyes into thinking it is bird poop; then helping clean it off while simultaneously patting you down and picking your pocket.
Importantly, possession and sale of illegal drugs is illegal in Belize with heavy fines and possible jail time for offenders. Furthermore, possessing pre-Columbian archaeological artifacts from Colonial times requires a permit; any attempts at smuggling can result in further charges being levied against you.
Armes and ammunition in Belize are strictly regulated, making possession without proper licenses illegal. Belize serves as a transit point for illegal narcotics traveling between South and North America, so police remain on high alert for anyone caught with these substances.
Though Belize is generally safe, some areas near its border with Mexico should be avoided. There may be instances of gang related crime here that don’t typically target tourists; nonetheless it is wise to stay alert if venturing outside of cities.
If you plan on traveling into rural areas of the country, it is a wise precaution to inform someone where and when you plan to return from your travels. This will help ensure the safety of both yourself and your loved ones in case natural disaster strikes or criminal gangs attack the region where you’ll be.
Security Measures
At Belize City hotels and elsewhere in Belize, local authorities have implemented security measures designed to help travelers avoid crime while traveling in Belize City. Tourism-dependent Belize relies heavily on visitors, and takes great strides in keeping them safe. For instance, tourists should avoid walking alone at night in specific neighborhoods as police conduct regular patrols of these areas and provide safes for guests’ valuables storage needs.
Belize does experience violent crime; however, it is generally much lower than other Latin American nations. Still, visitors should exercise extreme caution around borders, particularly towns near tourist attractions such as Mayan ruins. Pickpocketing and purse snatching remain serious threats against visitors to Belize.
Due to this reason, it is imperative to take the same measures when visiting Belize as when traveling in any major American city. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and flashing large sums of cash in public; never walk alone around Belize City or beaches at night alone; use taxis rather than walking and visit only well-known shops and bars frequented by other travelers.
Belize enforces stringent penalties for possession and trafficking of illicit substances; those found guilty face lengthy jail sentences or heavy fines. Furthermore, it is wise to acquire a permit prior to possessing pre-Columbian or Colonial-period artifacts for your own protection.
Belize requires great caution when drinking water; tap water may contain bacteria and should only be consumed from sealed bottles of soda or juice.
While Belize does experience incidents of crime, fraud, and scams similar to other Caribbean nations, they are generally not as pervasive or dangerous. Therefore it makes an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike.
Reporting
Implementing effective credit card fraud prevention tools can help thwart and stop fraudulent activity before it happens. Featurespace’s ARIC Risk Hub provides a comprehensive, automated risk score at every touchpoint along the customer journey to detect and prevent account takeover, fraud payment fraud and more.
Belize, located in Central America, lies between Guatemala and Mexico and offers visitors an ideal nature and wildlife holiday experience; however, visitors should take great caution throughout the country. Crime is prevalent, particularly south of Belmopan capital city – home break-ins and assaults may happen at times while criminals target border areas or resorts where foreigners might frequent.
English is Belize’s official language, although most residents speak three other languages and take pride in cultural diversity. Although still recovering from 2017’s devastating hurricane, Belizeans have taken impressive steps towards protecting natural beauty and wildlife preservation; for instance, last year an environmental coalition comprising Rainforest Trust and World Land Trust made up of local organizations purchased 236,000 acres of Belize Maya Forest to preserve approximately 9 percent of total landmass with this single initiative.
Belizeans are friendly people and many speak both English and Spanish fluently; some also speak Kriol, the local coastal dialect. Visitors should be mindful that tipping in Belize is customary when dining at sit-down restaurants that provide sit-down service – usually 10-15% of your bill should suffice as gratuities; always double-check receipts before automatically adding gratuities.
While US dollars are accepted at a two-to-one exchange rate, small bills are recommended as Belizean vendors often have difficulty making change for larger bills. June to November is typically considered the ideal time for travel in Belize due to cooler temperatures and lower rainfall; during this period major attractions like Maya sites, archaeological reserves, hiking trails and waterfalls remain open unless weather forces them shut.
