Day 17: Belize City, Belize
Belize City is dangerous. I know it’s a harsh statement. But in the world there are only a handful of things I know to be true, and this is one of them.
Chetumal was rough but it was only preparing me for the trip farther South. Despite the warnings from several friends and a quick read of a traveler’s Lonely Planet on the bus ride here, I decided to go to Belize City anyway. How bad could it be?
Bad. Really bad.
Belize City is the dirty, dodgy, scammy city that everyone says it is. On the 10 minute walk from the bus station to the hostel I was asked for money twice, hissed at several times and I beginning to understand the negative reviews.
I stayed at the Belcove Inn and asked the women at reception about how safe the city was. I learned that they all have the same rehearsed response “it’s the same as any big city” but then they follow up with, “just stay on the main streets, don’t wear jewelry or carry all your money on you.”
Okay….
So I picked up some dinner and beer and decided it would be a night in. On the way I saw a guy in a van screaming at two street dudes that he “wanted his fucking money”
Then I passed by three guys sitting in a two-seat tinted Mercedes with California plates. I kept walking. Quickly. I met a couple from Saskatoon who were on their way back home. They told me not to go out at night without a group, and even then to make sure to take a taxi even a block or two.
On a brighter note, the stewed chicken with beans and rice that I bought at Jenny’s roadside stand was amazing. So tender and spicy, it made staying in bearable.
Confined to the patio facing the river, I met Dulio who I eventually realized was guarding the hostel. He had seen the country evolve from British Honduras to Belize and rise of crime throughout the 80s and agrees Belize City is dangerous.
He attributes the crime due to drugs and the fact that the US extradited any foreigner convicted of a drug crime. It meant the underbelly returned to Belize City and back to their old ways. Now, almost everyone in Belize has a close friend or family member that died due to drug related violence.
The next morning I ate breakfast next to the hotel and listened to two guys talk about how bad it was getting, nearly 30 shooting deaths in 3 months. I finished breakfast and bought the first ticket to Caye Caulker.
I left feeling somewhat guilty as I hate to say that people shouldn’t visit a city; but this is one you can definitely miss.
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I'm Ayngelina and in my mid-thirties. I left an amazing job, boyfriend, apartment and friends to find inspiration in Latin America. I'm creating a new life choosing what I want instead of what other people think I should do.
Shoot if I knew you were going there I would have gotten you to pick me up a bottle of poison.
A family friend of ours always makes a yearly trip down to Belize, but they don’t ever stay in Belize City. They say there really isn’t much there to see anyways. Hopefully the rest of the country will be much better, I’ve heard it’s beautiful. Can’t wait to read more.
Sounds intense but makes me curious at the same time!
Sounds like my kind of dodgy town…
hola – ¿dónde puedo comprar drogas?
I’m totally kidding…
Since when do you know Spanish? Is it from your Jane and Finch days?
I just had the time now (since you left…) to look at your blog…be careful lady
enjoy the looong trip and food, can wait to read more posts
miss you
Quite depressing, you may list more details of the scams and dangers so people can learn. It is good you have a nice food there which lessen your bad experience.
That is pretty fair, you can’t possibly like every place you go to. Thanks for being honest. We absolutely hated Kazakhstan but will be giving it another try this Summer. (Did not like police shaking us down for cash on stupid non-existent infringements like certain paperwork. They just wanted money.)
I was in Belize City last month and I couldn’t walk 3 feet without someone trying to sell me some drugs…of course Coke delivery trucks with heavily armed guards is usually not a good sign.
Hay when you plan to come back to belize, i do private tours and I can make reservations and everything for you!!
stop this i live in belize and you are telling a lie you do know any thing so stop . bacon you do not know any thing
My family cruises every year and I’m absolutely amazed that Carnival has a port in Belize City. I’ve pulled into their twice (and I’m going back next month). The city has absolutely nothing to offer. At some ports, I don’t bother booking an excursion because I know I can find something to do in town…but Belize is a totally different scenario. It’s super sketchy!
Many of the big cities in Central America are really sketchy — Belize City is far from the only one. I love Nicaragua, but Managua is a total hell hole. Best advice in most every Central American country is probably to avoid the capitals for the most part.
@Michael
Completely agree with you on Managua, in fact I should have written a follow-up post called Do not go to Managua. Panama City was surprisingly nice – for a capital.
Belize it´s very nive and your web too.I invite all belizeans to visit my web:www.comarcaveracruz.es.tl
Belice is nice I mean
Well actually you were right the first time.Its Belize and not Belice.
I couldn’t agree more! The request for Belize City is getting more and more popular too so I find myself constantly redirecting my clients. Your newest blog crush ~ Terrah in Texas
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Ha! I flew into Belize City as a solo female traveler and stayed at the Belcove as well. I HATED Belize City, and I’ve never hated anywhere I’ve been in the world. I traveled as far as the restaurant next door, the bank, and the dock to catch a boat to Caye Caulker. (That’s a lie, I also accompanied a few other travelers to a casino one night..dropped off by taxi…the whole experience was gross.)
I met a sweet girl from the UK while on Caye Caulker, and we ended up giving up on Belize and catching a bus to Guatemala instead. I know I should go back someday. It has to be a better place than my first impression of it makes it out to be.
Happy travels!!!!!!
Thank you all for these comments. So many negative comments have made my wife and I reconsider visiting Belize City. Anyone have other alternate sites that are safe and enjoyable on the coast?
Belize as a country is beautiful and it should still be on your list. A good friend of mine, Lorenzo, runs BelizeAdventure.ca and I highly recommend visiting the site as he is from Belize, worked in tourism there and now lives in Canada. I am sure if you reached out to him with what you want to do he would give you the perfect place to visit. He actually interviewed me for his site, you can find more of my impressions of Belize City here: http://www.belizeadventure.ca/i-hate-belize-belize-city/
Chile is a very safe country with an extensive coast line. I recommend going N. to Vina or La Serena. You won’t be disappointed.
Belize is no that bad sure it as some violence but everywhere has violence you act like you live in heaven no kills no gang well bitch open your eyes because everywhere has violence and thing
so stop talk rass about places that you don’t even know
no luani, not all cities have violence and gangs or killings everyday.
i guess i live in heaven?
all stupid comments on Belice are just of fucking Jerks… Belice has one of the best adventure sites and place that your country can offer to you to see or live. dont be stupid, be realistic and know the fact..
now I really wanna go! thx.. you put it on my list:P
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First of all i tell all my friends here in the states that belize is not for pussy its for ppl that know the reality of a 3rd world country. Its violent, they will steal your jewelry, they will steal your shoe, if u have a sexy thong they will steal that too if u get what i mean. After all that belize is home for belizeans and who dont like it its their choice. SO go to belize if u want if not then dont go its just boils down to choice.
Dont hate the country dont hate the ppl this is not heaven. so boooo
I don’t know, that chicken and beer looks really really good
Plus I have a soft spot in my heart for dangerous hell holes.
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An honest report! And so you that the silver lining was a good meal
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I have to say I’m a bit intrigued by Belize City now
Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Had exactly the same feelings about Belize City. We arrived into town from Caye Caulker around 10am with half a thought of spending the day and night there before moving west. Within an hour we’d booked a $30 flight down to Dangriga and were off (much more appealing place).
I heard a stat that came out of Belize Tourism surveys of cruise passengers: of those who got off the boat and didn’t leave Belize City, 99% said they would never return to Belize. Of those who got off and went on an excursion (to the jungle or wildlife parks) 75% said they would come back.
If there is a city in the world with a shittier reputation than Belize City I’ve yet to find it.
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Wow fascinating and not surprising fact at all. I was just talking to Mica at KayPachaTravels.com about how terrible the city is and she was robbed there.
I have yet to hear anything good about the place which is really sad.
Like every cities, there are security issues, Go south to Punta Gorda, You will find heaven there
I would agree that most capital cities have issues, but Belize City is a bit different.
Right on track, everyone knows that Belize city is not the place to visit. try the other towns where you will still find civility Punta Gorda is still alaid back town where one can feel safe.
I know, I’m not saying all of Belize is dangerous just Belize City. Nice to see you agree.
Just got back from a 2 week vacation to Belize. Was really apprehensive to go there after hearing about all the crime. Originally from Belize, I’ve lived in the U.S. for 26 years before going back. Didn’t go to the cayes, and yes I did follow the rules of the locals. Had a really good time and looking forward to going back in July. Of course I have family there and where I stayed was one of the better neighborhood. I posted my drive around Belize City at http://belizemagic.com
I hate to make such a blanket statement about a city but now after a year of traveling in Latin America I can say it’s still the scariest city I’ve visited.
I guess I’ve got accustomed to scary cities after living in the South Bronx for a number of years, before moving to Orlando Florida in the mid 90′s. I’ve lived in the Pine Hills area of Orlando, Florida for the pass 16 years. The nickname for Pine Hills is now Crime Hills, Orlando, Florida.
So true, Baltimore is much worse than a lot of Central American countries.
We are heading to Belize City in 2 weeks and have contemplated not leaving the airport and catching a flight to San Ignacio – your post has tipped the scale… I’m out!
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I liked reading your other posts on Belize, it makes me think I should return.
So I’m from Belize and after reading your post I’m finding it hard not to be ethnocentric buuut, you’re totally right, Belize City is shady and doesn’t offer tourists anything.
In the other hand, there are thousands of stuff to do elsewhere. For example San Ignacio, my hometown has many attractions nearby.
One thing though, you complain quite a bit. ‘Guys hissed at you several times.’ That happens all over Latin America. And in Miami, if you have a big ass, they shout at you: ‘que grocera!’ lol
I’m the first to admit that I didn’t spend enough time in Belize and have thought about returning because it’s a bit unfair to evaluate a country based on Belize City and Caye Caulker.
In the last 14 months I traveled from Mexico to Argentina overland so I know hissing is quite common and most often it doesn’t bother me. I don’t know why but in Belize City it just seemed more aggressive, but that could have been coloured by my impression of the city.
Haha, the hissing might have been more aggressive.
Hit me up if you ever return, I’ll meet you for beers and it will be strictly platonic:P lol
I live in Memphis, Belize city sounds like paradise. Don’t even think about going to Baltimore, I bet you would have a mental break down. LOL.
Seriously, a 10 minute walk and you only had 2 beggars, sign me up.
You all sound like a bunch of ignorant jerks that dont know better, if you are from the USA 10 times worst violence happen out here, apart from violence,USA is all about drugs and greed. so before you go pointing fungers at other countries make sure yours is clean, Belize is a 3rd world country dummies, its suppose to be that way. and if your a tourist what the hell you go to these countries to see apart from shells and good water? you dont know what these ppl’s from these places faced and been through. I live in USA and i’ve seen worse. Belize is way more relaxed and mind easing from the robotic life we live here in USA.there is endless things you can do in Belize also the city, i can drink a beer in the public and the cops wont say nothing, but thats a fine here in america. the people of belize are good ppl, just like the ppl in america, its the choices we choose that makes us bad. Belize is a great Place. will never stop going..
I knew when I wrote this piece it would be controversial. I am not American although I suspect Belize City could be compared to some of the more dangerous cities in the USA. I’m not saying that people of Belize aren’t good, or that people should not visit Belize, but you must agree with me that Belize City is not representative of the country and people on holiday are better to skip it.
Herein lies the problem. Whilst the author is being as generous as she can, you’re happy to blanket a country (your own country!) with a grand statement that the “USA is all about drugs and greed”… what a remarkably silly thing to say!
They say (outside the US) that American travellers are the worst when it comes to evaluating other nations and their own nation, I disagree as I love Americans when I am on the road. Please show that kind side that I know Americans have and show respect to others, rather than calling them all jerks.
Hey, I completely agree with Belize City being a bit bad. Belize City does not offer anything for tourists to see or enjoy, I haven’t the slightest clue why another place has been chosen as a main tourist area… I am from Orange Walk(shuga city)and commute to Belize City daily to attend classes and I am really tired of having to look behind my back every time while walking. I see tours passing by my school constantly and say to myself “what the hell are they doing around here?”. Belize City is like that because it is the main area in Belize where everyone from all around the country commutes to work, it is more of an area that is like Detroit(and you know how Detroit is). As for crimes and drugs there is a presence, but so was there in my home town of Orange Walk (once known as Rambo-Town) but the government stepped in and eradicated the problem. The government is also stepping in to resolve this problem in Belize City and the criminal activities have decreased significantly throughout the past months… The hissing is common, I must admit I do it sometimes (lol) but it’s a form of a complement in some twisted third world way… I mean we are a third world country so things like what you mentioned should be expected, we are the youngest nation in the Americas, so it takes time to develop into a country that can provide everything we need and what foreigners seek…
So with that said I hope you probably give Belize City another try. Be a traveler and not a tourist next time.
*check out Placencia, Cayo, San Pedro, Corozal, Punta Gorda and Orange Walk next time.
I haven’t written off Belize complete, I realize I can’t judge a country but its capital city – especially in Central America.
I wouldn’t sign off Belize City so fast either. It’s just a matter of practicing safety tips while being in any new environment likely having new elements. I am from Orange Walk Town and it’s a totally different scenery here. We have very descent people and some attractions that would make any tourist’s stay a warm one.
On a sidenote, I like your domain name. You must like cats too xD
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Cats? why do you say that?
lol..
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I only had to be in Belize City to get to the water taxi station, but even that was pretty scary. I climbed into a cab and some crazy-looking guy tried to pull the door back open. I pushed down the lock button just in time. No thanks. It’s a pity one has to go through there to access the water taxis.
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Yeah I am very careful not to sway people against going somewhere. I didn’t listen to other people’s warnings but it’s not a great place at all.
I’m headed to Belize for the 1st time next week, so this is really helpful. Recently had a similar experience in La Ceiba, feeling like a big, awkward gringo with a target on my back. Thanks for the heads up.
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You know what La Ceiba is actually a great comparison. It was another city that I was warned not to go out at night.
I spent a lot of time in Belize City during the ’90′s. I absolutely loved the place -I must admit I have a soft spot for rundown hell holes. But that was then. I haven’t been back since, but from what I read in the local newspapers, things have gone really bad now. In the ’90 you could still walk around South Side. Anyone doing that now has to be completely bonkers, unless you’re a gang member. It’s a real shame that this once funky old town has fallen on such hard times.
It`s tragic because for me it was the first city I visited in the country and I know the rest of the nation is not like this.
I live in Belize City… A WHITE girl that goes there alone is just asking for trouble. Why would you even complain if you are so stupid to go there? You are just asking to be a target… big camera, white girl… OH wow! Supriseeee people making 3000$/year are spotting you. You were asking for some attention and you got it.
Try being a regular gringo like me, looks poor, doesn’t wear a 2,000$US camera on his neck… I get in no trouble.
Too bad they didn’t kill you.
That`s a fairly harsh remark. I hadn`t experienced a city in Central America that was like this at all, it`s a shame Belize City is like this.
Judging from that last comment, you are part of the seedy underbelly of the city. Shameful.
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@John: Internet bravery at its best. Too bad about your tiny penis.
There is no need for such a horrible comment John. How you can say something like that is beyond me. Ever heard of freedom of speech? No? Well, look it up!
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Sounds like a person from a hellhole speaking with a gun in hand looking for trouble. Am glad didn’t visit da Belize City last month, if I ever go I would bring a machete or samurai sword with me…..
Believe me, we are much more happier than you that you didn’t make the trip.We have enough trash there.Don’t need anymore.
I have been to the country of Belize 4 times and I love this place. On March 20th, 2012 the UN names belize the 5th most dangerous place in the world. In 2010 it was number 5 out of 197 countries for murder rate. Do not kid yourselves it is not only Belize City. I love the country because there is something about a place that has a degree of danger and I hope that keeps american tourist out.
I`m not American but while I would return to Belize, I would have to take a pass on Belize City. It`s not something I`d like to experience again.
Totally agree with you David Thompson.For me,less is more.The less people go to Belize the more peaceful it will be and no more bitching about how horrible of a place it is.American tourists are the worse.They bitch and complain about everything like their country is paradise.If you show up with negativity on your mind then that is all you will see.Take that shit somewhere else please because we really dont need it.
My first trip to belize city was in 1972 it was a shit hole then as it is now.I just got back from belize and honduras.belize for 5 month honduras for 9 months.If you bring fear with you that is what you get back.If you see poor people you will get nothing but contempt.If you walk without fear with love in your heart you will meet wonderful people even in belize city!by the way I just got back from Laceiba honduras lived there 3 months had a great time
You are far heartier than I am. I did visit Honduras, and La Ceiba overnight but it was during Carnaval. An hour before I got there someone had been shot outside our hostel and the manager there also warned us the best thing to do was to grab something to eat and just stay inside for the night.
I fully appreciate your honest opinion in this piece, Ayngelina. Not all cities are meant for tourism and like you said, not all countries can be judged by just one city. (I don’t get why that one commenter thinks cats=bacon either! LOL)
Wow, what a friendly conversation going on here (sarcasm)…
I’ve heard lots of negative comments about most of the Central American capitals…so I’m not too surprised to read this post about Belize City. Better to seek out the smaller, friendlier towns…
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Most of these posts are completely wrong. I’m originally from Florida. I’ve live in Belize City almost all my life and I’m also in the business of helping foreigners in coming to Belize, Retiring, Setting up Businesses,Real estate, etc. I can tell you that Belize City is a cool place to be. The cayes are around Belize are much more suited for tourists, but the city is an adventure in it’s own. And no, there aren’t people offering drugs every 3 feet….that’s ridiculous. I think a lot of posts here and just over exaggerations. If you really want to find out more about Belize send me an email at gomezisl@btl.net or gomezislbz@yahoo.com. I will be more than willing to help you understand.
Maybe they are being offered drugs every 3 feet but guess who first started that shit? Yes those same tourists.That idea had to come from somewhere.I cannot tell you the numbers of tourists that were busted trying to take drugs back on the ship with them since all this tourism bs began…then they complain how shitty the place is..how nice!
I find it bizarre at best that people are either denying your experience, or blaming you for it.
You went to a place, experienced things that were too negative for you, reported on them and made a recommendation.
I don’t even see anything controversial. Some places have no merit. Sounds like Belize City is one of them.
It’s nice to see posts like this – a lot of travel bloggers either refuse to write about places they dislike or always say good stuff. I’ve heard bad things about Belize city – and it sounds like you had a nightmare there. I am curious about it though – I guess If I ever go I’ll have to try and blend in and be inconspicuous lol xx
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I was in Belize for 2 weeks about 3 years ago, and honestly, it’s not somewhere I’m likely to revisit. Just driving through Belize City I had the heebie jeebies and the first words out of the mouth of the owner of the rental home I had in Caye Caulker were: “Make sure you lock the doors when you go out. They’d steal the pennies off the eyes of the dead around here.”
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Really interesting post I was considering going to Belize city near start of my trip through central america maybe ill try some other places in Belize instead or head to Guatemala first
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No, better yet,please do try Mexico who happens to be is our next door neighbor,so they would rip you off blind.I pray you do.
I am really surprised that Moneysense Magazine ranked Belize as one of the top six places to retire in luxury when it is also in the top six most dangerous countries.
Sometimes you just have to dig a little deeper.
oh no hunny belize is not dangerous so stfu about my country
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I am not saying the entire country is dangerous at all but you must admit the capital city is not safe.
You sound like a programmed robot.If you had done your home work right,your blog would be totally different.Yes there are crimes in Belize city but it is all being done against my fellow Belizeans and not to foreigners.The killings are gang related and turf wars.You talked about drugs so let me enlighten you.We are so good to tourists that when they are caught with drugs in Belize,they would simply end up with a small fine instead of prison time, unlike what America would do to anyone that are caught with drugs.Whether you all believe it or not,we value tourist and their well being.Shit happens no matter where you go,whether its in America or in a third world country.Like dude said before..this is not heaven so don’t expect angels and harps.Wherever you’re from,im sure your country isn’t all that prissy either.
Fuck you and stay the motherfuck in your country you stupid punk. It seems as if though you are afraid of life and entering a new country. I guess this was your first trip outside your comfort zone. Your essay was quite subjective and stupid fuck you and stay in your country bitch.
Wow! The hate in your reply is intense. Though I agree that this post may be subjective and based on a short time in the city, I can say two things:
1. I had an extremely similar experience during my visit to Belize City
2. I have travelled extensively and so has the author of the post.
I guess there really is no need to reply to a comment like yours, but I have free wifi, some time on my hands and what the hell
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Man, where will Belize be without it’s tourism?!!!
FYI we would still be the most peaceful country in the world like when I was growing up sir.I remember one of my aunt that lives in NY use to tell me that when people would ask where Belize is,she refused to tell them because in her mind,they would go to her country and ruin it.Well she was right.Before Belize started this tourism BS,we were once known as the most peaceful country in the world…then tourists happened.You took your drugs and everything else bad down there (like John McAfee did),then years later,you sit back and complain how horrible it is.Pains me deeply to read these comments.
Haha love it! sorry I’m not laughing at your misfortune but at the city general. I also spent a night in Belize city waiting for the next ticket out of there to Ambergris Caye and also felt it was very rough and grim. I even stayed indoors that evening, I think the most positive aspect of the city was that people speak English there, and I was glad as I needed a break from Spanish. How did you find Caye Caulker and did you dive? My favorite dive site I have ever done was in Belize, so beautiful.
great blog too, Cheers
So I’m from belize and yes you should stay out of belize city. Visit the rest of the country, it is beautiful. The mountains, caves, mayan ruins, etc..
What shitty advice to be giving to these people? If you’re really from Belize then you know fully well that all those killings in Belize aren’t being done to tourists.Its all gang related and no one wants to hurt them.Shame on you Diva.
I totally agree with Belizean Girl. Just FYI the Capital of Belize is Belmopan. Belize City is no different than any other Major City in ANY country. I say that because I’ve been in the U.S. for the past 20+ years. When you are a tourist in ANY country you should behave like one. You were at a hostel in a residential area and not in a resort area. Belize is not called “Nature’s BEST kept secret” for no reason. There are AMAZING parts of Belize that I do hope you get to visit. I respect the bloggers honest opinion but just felt the need to defend my country becausee it has so much more to offer.
Thanks so much for writing a thoughtful opinion, I really do appreciate it. I would never tell people not to visit Belize the country but I do often tell people to minimize their time in Belize City.
And yes I realized I made a big error when I called it the capital city, my apologies on that one
I’m just going to be a pedant and point out that Belize City isn’t the capital of Belize. Belmopan is. Belize City is merely the largest city.
And to other commenters, I suggest you actually read the post. Nowhere does Ayngelina say Belize is a horrible country, she simply doesn’t like one city. Chill out.
I am going to Belize end of this month and even though i read all of these comments and yes i think about them i have to make my own picture.My boyfriend is from Belize and is now living there again so i can not wait,and who knows,maybe i will even move there.and to be honest just because most of you or people didn’t like it or found it too dangerous it shouldn’t stop anybody from finding out them self…have a good day all….
I agree everyone needs to form their own opinion. My opinion, and I think that of many who commented with warnings here, was that Belize as a country is fantastic, but people should avoid Belize City.
I’ll be visiting Belize next week for a wedding with my boyfriend and A LOT of his family members (more than 10). I’m going to Ambergris Caye to be exact. I’ve heard A LOT about Belize city, mostly bad things, sadly, and am a bit worried because I have to go through Belize City to get to the water taxi to get to Ambergris Caye. I’ve never been out of the country and this would be my first time ever being on a plane. Any advice?
Also, I am a African American female, my boyfriend is caucasian. Would this make any difference at all since I would technically blend in with the locals?
I got the water taxi to Caye Caulker and it was totally fine. I would just go straight from the bus station and get a cab to the water taxi and you should be fine.
This is a very interesting read!
My wife & two upper teen daughters are going to an island just off of Belize for a 5 day trip. It sounds like they should be fine. But this info is inlightening.
I’m hoping they will be safe.
Matt
Belize city sound like no different from city of Chicago.
To FirstTimeTravellerEver:
Belizeans don’t give a shit if you are black and your boyfriend is white. Belize is not no racist country. Lol.
Sorry you feel that way about Belize City. As gritty as it appears, it’s actually a very cool place to visit – and is at the heart of Belize’s historical background, with quite a few interesting sights. You just have to know where to go and not look flashy, that’s all… The tourism board also has an excellent walking tour map of the city.
Aside from that, I found Belize to be one of the most beautiful countries I’ve visited in the Caribbean & Central America (long before I authored the guidebook for it
).
If you return to Belize I’m happy to give you lots of pointers. As for the city, it’s not for everyone but like most places in the world, you have to know which side to avoid.
Its absolutely sad the multitude of people who will be misinformed by this prejudiced review. You paint Belize City as though it is a mind field of bums and dangerous black people. Just like any other city there is the good side and bad side and ,sadly, your perception has been misshapen because, out of ignorance, you have chosen to condemn the city for the little bad you have seen. What did you expect coming to a third world country, a glamorous haven of a Caribbean paradise. Compared to other Caribbean countries like Trinidad which is much more developed and isn’t, ” a dirty, dodgy, scammy city”, Belize is much safer, and haven’t even neared the point of drug related violence or human trafficking. I assure you that I can go to your country and find several areas that are worse than what you have seen. Did you even go further north to see the other parts of the city? Yet, you deem the city dangerous.
So sorry to hear all these horrible remarks that you seem to equate to a whole city. You were approach because, unfortunately, most young tourist go to the city for drugs so dealers automatically assume that is what you want. There is plenty to do in the city assuming you know what is available. Someone made a reference to 30 shootings in a month but a city like NYC has more in a month and no one says don’t go there. I’ve lived in Belize City for 11 years and in NYC for 30 years. Attributing a week stay in a city to how it always is- isn’t a fair assessment of any city. DO NOT limit a city to the boundaries of your vision.
My boyfriend, his friend, and I are going to Belize in a couple of weeks. We are staying a night in Belize City after coming from Placencia. I am hoping our experience is fine. Someone told us we could drive from Placencia to Belize City; but I’m not sure if we like that idea. We shall see.
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Where exactly is Anygelina from?
So two people begged her for money, two men were arguing about money and she got hissed at. But did anybody touch her? I live in L.A. and I can’t walk out my front door without someone begging me for money. These beggers are at the fast food drive through, at the gas station, at the doors of the supermarkets and everywhere else
laying in wait. At the exit of almost every freeway, there is someone holding up a sign begging. Not only do they beg but they have the audacity to tell you how much they want!! (Miss can you give me $20.00?) As for the killings people kill for no reason just because they want to see what it feels like. Have Anygelina heard of the night stalker or the hillside strangler? What about all the school shootings in America? They even kill their own families (The Menendez brothers?) Anygelina look at the American news O.K. At least in Belize nobody kill another person just because he or she is black!!! If you don’t like Belize stay out of it, and stop discouraging others from going there!!!
I knew when I wrote this post that I would have negative comments like this but I wanted to publish them and keep the conversation going.
I am from Canada and the post is nearly 3 years old. I have traveled around the world and much through Central And South America and I stand by my post I think it remains good advice. I am not saying people should not go to Belize the country, but they should not stick around Belize City. People had warned me and I didn’t listen. If they are arriving in the airport they should keep going. A friend of mine is from Belize and writes a great site Belize Adventures about the country and all the wonderful things to do.
Born And rasied belizean/ american would say after many years its good to be back in america! wouldn’t go bk to belize for no reason i love my life n i dont need no one to take it for granted! i got a future! belizean as they finished school with a collage degree theres no job! poor country! buy sometimes nice evil people, food is gr8! but watch out for the roches in the kitchen! volients is crazy most of my friends and old school made is dead girls are all looking for a white man to go to bed with so that they could get their green card! streeets are horrible finding pot wholes every where!customer service! is no longer in servie! aids victim go to belize KHMH you’ll find them all there! theres no place like america
except for England 