Say goodbye to roaming fees and stay connected in Belize

Are you planning a trip to Belize and wondering how to stay connected during your travels? 

As an adventure traveler, you know the importance of staying connected while on the go. Whether you're planning a hike in the mountains or a safari in the jungle, having access to the internet is crucial for staying in touch with loved ones, navigating unfamiliar territory, and sharing your experiences with the world. However, the high cost of roaming charges can quickly add up and eat into your travel budget.

If you are visiting from the USA, check with your mobile provider as many plans already include free roaming and data while you travel. If you are outside the US this is very unlikely. For example in Canada: Fido, Rogers, and Telus charge $15+ taxes per day on top of your existing plan to access data and phone service… yes, per day!

 

 

One way to avoid these charges is to buy a SIM card before you travel internationally. When it comes to buying a Belize SIM card, you have a few options. You can buy one in person at mobile provider stores in Belize or by buying an eSIM online. 

If you want to ensure you have the best options and the best deals, we recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Keep in mind that you need to bring your passport in order to buy one. Another thing to consider is that buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store means you won't have data right away upon your arrival.

Your best bet, especially if you need to be connected immediately after you land in Belize, is to purchase an eSIM before you depart.

Overall, whether you choose to buy a Belize prepaid SIM card in person or use an eSIM, make sure to do your research and plan ahead to ensure you stay connected during your travels.

 

 

Standard physical SIM CARD 

A SIM card is a small chip that is inserted into a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet, to provide the device with access to a wireless network and make calls and or access data to use social media, check emails or even make wifi calls without paying for roaming fees.

How to change your physical SIM card 

Locate the small hole next to the SIM tray on your mobile device, insert the tool, and push firmly. The SIM tray should pop out. Slide the tray out and remove the SIM card by gently lifting it out of the tray. Keep your SIM card safe as it contains all your contacts and data.

 

 

Can I use my regular mobile smartphone?

Before attempting to change your SIM card, ensure that your phone is unlocked. If your phone is locked, it will only work with the SIM card from your original carrier, which can result in high roaming charges when traveling internationally. To avoid this, make sure your phone is unlocked, or consider purchasing an unlocked phone that is compatible with the frequency bands of the country you're visiting.

When traveling to Belize, it's important to know that the country uses GSM for its cellular communications. This means that in order to use your phone in Belize, it must be GSM-capable. If you have a CDMA phone, it will not work in Belize. However, it's likely that you already have a GSM phone as it is the more widely used standard worldwide.

To ensure that your phone will work in the country, make sure to check the compatibility of your phone before you travel.

 

Belize SIM cards

 

 

 

 

 

DigiCell 

L plan: 1.7 GB $12 BZD ($6.02) - valid for 7 days for 

XL plan: 5.5 GB for $35 BZD ($17.55) -  valid for 30 days

XXL plan: 7.5 GB $45 BZD ($22.56) -valid for 30 days

 

 

 

 

 

Smart 

Unlimited data $45 BZD ($22.56) -  valid for 10 days 

Unlimited data $20 BZD ($10.03) - valid for 1 day 

These SIM Cards are not available at the airport, but you can purchase them at any SMART or DIGI stores around Belize. Belizean mobile operators will require your passport to purchase SIM cards.

 

Virtual SIM Card or e-SIM

An eSIM, or Embedded SIM, is a virtual SIM card that is stored on your device and can be activated without the need for a physical SIM card. This means that you can switch between different mobile plans as you travel, without having to physically swap out SIM cards. These eSIMs are compatible with most modern smartphones, including the iPhone XS and newer, and many Android devices, so you can easily use your own device while traveling.  Please check your device specifications and ensure it is eSIM compatible.  For a list of eSIM-compatible devices go to the end of this post.

Finding the right eSIM 

Airalo the World's First eSIM Store recently hit the milestone of over one million travelers adopting the use of their eSIMs.   The store solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 190+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.

 

 

Data Plans for Belize 
 

Belize Cho! eSIM Airalo!  1 GB / 7 days for only $9.50- BTL Network. You can top up your plan for another 7 days using the Airlo app.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Latamlink Latin America eSIM Airalo - perfect if you are traveling between multiple Latin American countries including: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela

Options: 1 GB/7 days for $15, 2 GB/15 days for $28, 3 GB/30 days for $39. You can top up your plan using the Airlo app

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Need to purchase an eSIM for your next vacation in Belize or other countries around the world? 

CLICK HERE  

 

 

 

Affiliate Disclaimer: Island Expeditions earns a commission when visitors make purchases from Airalo.  If you purchase any eSIM or top-up services offered by Airalo, you are purchasing from Airalo directly and not from Island Expeditions. For any claims, refunds, or questions about these services, please contact them directly. When purchasing these services please ensure your smartphone is compatible with eSIMs.

 

 

eSIM Compatible Smartphones

As of January 2024, the eSIM-compatible phones are as follows:

APPLE

• iPhone 15
• iPhone 15 Plus
• iPhone 15 Pro
• iPhone 15 Pro Max
• iPhone 14
• iPhone 14 Plus
• iPhone 14 Pro
• iPhone 14 Pro Max
• iPhone 13
• iPhone 13 Mini
• iPhone 13 Pro
• iPhone 13 Pro Max
• iPhone 12
• iPhone 12 Mini
• iPhone 12 Pro
• iPhone 12 Pro Max
• iPhone 11
• iPhone 11 Pro
• iPhone 11 Pro Max
• iPhone XS
• iPhone XS Max
• iPhone XR
• iPhone SE (2020)
• iPhone SE (2022)

SAMSUNG*

• Galaxy S23 FE*
• Galaxy A54 5G*
• Galaxy S23*
• Galaxy S23+*
• Galaxy S23 Ultra*
• Galaxy S22 5G*
• Galaxy S22+ 5G*
• Galaxy S22 Ultra 5G*
• Galaxy S21 5G*
• Galaxy S21+ 5G*
• Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G*
• Galaxy S20 5G*
• Galaxy S20*
• Galaxy S20+*
• Galaxy S20+ 5G*
• Galaxy S20 Ultra*
• Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G*
• Galaxy Z Flip
• Galaxy Z Flip 3 5G
• Galaxy Z Flip 4
• Galaxy Z Flip 5
• Galaxy Z Fold
• Galaxy Z Fold 2
• Galaxy Z Fold 3
• Galaxy Z Fold 4
• Galaxy Z Fold 5
• Galaxy Note 20
• Galaxy Note 20 5G
• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra
• Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G

GOOGLE PIXEL

• Pixel 8 Pro
• Pixel 8
• Pixel Fold
• Pixel 7 Pro
• Pixel 7a
• Pixel 7
• Pixel 6 Pro
• Pixel 6a
• Pixel 6
• Pixel 5a
• Pixel 5
• Pixel 4a
• Pixel 4
• Pixel 4 XL
• Pixel 3 & 3 XL*
• Pixel 3a & 3a XL*

Other Android Phones eSIM compatible

Fairphone 4
Huawei P40
Huawei P40 Pro
Huawei Mate 40
Motorola Razr2
Oppo Find X3 Pro
Oppo Find X5
Oppo Find X5 Pro
Sony Xperia 10 III Lite
Sony Xperia 10 IV
Sony Xperia 1 IV