This guide will cover all the vital information for purchasing a SIM card at Philip S. W. Goldson Airport: prices, how and where to buy, and the best alternative to a normal SIM card.
Prepaid Belize SIM Cards for Tourists: A-Z Guide
In this blog post, we will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about purchasing a SIM card in Belize, including the best carriers, plans, prices, and where to buy them.
Planning a trip to Belize soon? Make staying connected easy by getting a prepaid SIM card for calls and data. We’ll explain the different SIM cards for tourists, their prices, the best plans, and where to buy them, so you can communicate easily while exploring amazing Belize.
In this article
I. What are the Best Belize SIM cards for Tourists?
Note: 1 USD = 2.02 BZD
I recommend going with Digi for the best coverage and fastest speeds.
1. Digi Belize
Digi has four data-featured prepaid plans:
- Digi After Dark Plan
- All In One Bundles
- PrePaid Data Plans
- PrePaid Data Only Plans
Digi After Dark Plan
Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Validity |
1.99 BZD | 3 GB | Unlimited | 1 night (20:00 – 6:00) |
All In One Bundles
Price | Data | Local Minutes | Validity |
3 BZD | 350 MB | 30 minutes | 3 days |
6 BZD | 750 MB | 60 minutes | 5 days |
9 BZD | 1500 MB | 90 minutes | 10 days |
PrePaid Data Plans
Price | Data | Validity |
1 BZD | 130 MB | 6 hours |
2.50 BZD | 330 MB | 1 day |
5 BZD | 680 MB | 3 days |
12 BZD | 1700 MB | 7 days |
20 BZD | 3000 MB | 15 days |
45 BZD | 7500 MB | 30 days |
69 BZD | 25 600 MB | 30 days |
PrePaid Data Only Plans
Price | Plan | Data | Validity |
28.11 BZD | Entry Plan | 4.5 GB | 1 month |
44.99 BZD | Small Plan | 8 GB | 1 month |
78.74 BZD | Medium Plan | 15 GB | 1 month |
2. Smart! Belize
Smart! has two data-featured prepaid plans: Mobile Prepay Plans & Mobile Data.
Mobile Prepay Plans
Price | Data | On-Net Minutes | Off-Net Minutes | Local SMS | Validity |
35 BZD | 1 GB | 150 minutes | Shared with on-net minutes allowance | 130 SMS | 30 days |
60 BZD | 8 GB | Unlimited | 600 minutes | Unlimited | 30 days |
90 BZD | 27 GB | Unlimited | Shared with on-net minutes allowance | Unlimited | 30 days |
Mobile Data
Price | Data | Validity |
1.25 BZD | 165 MB | 24 hours |
2 BZD | 340 MB | 24 hours |
4 BZD | 680 MB | 3 days |
7 BZD | 1250 MB | 7 days |
14 BZD | 2500 MB | 7 days |
25 BZD | 4500 MB | 15 days |
40 BZD | 7200 MB | 30 days |
60 BZD | 11 000 MB | 30 days |
110 BZD | 20 500 MB | 40 days |
160 BZD | 32 000 MB | 40 days |
II. Where to Buy SIM Cards in Belize for Tourists?
Tourists can buy a Belize SIM Card at the airport or in the city center. In addition, visitors can order eSIMs online.
1. Buy a SIM Card at Belize Airport
The easiest way to get a SIM card is at Belize Airports when you arrive. Major carriers like Digicel or Smart have stores there, so you can connect right away.
Both stores have staff who speak English to help you. Don’t forget to bring your passport for identification when you buy a SIM card.
Tip: The kiosks and stores are easy to find and open when flights arrive. Look for the bright signs of the main providers.
2. Buy a SIM Card in City Center
If you’d rather buy a SIM card in the city, there are many places to choose from. You can visit specific carrier stores or convenience stores that sell SIM cards and top-up vouchers.
Popular places to buy SIM cards in the city center:
- Digi Belize: Stores at Philip Goldson or Regent Street.
- Smart! Stores: Store at Philip Goldson Highway Belize City.
Advice: Feel free to ask locals for directions to these stores!
3. Buy eSIM online
Websites like Gigago sell Belize eSIM that can be activated online. This doesn’t require a physical SIM card. This also gives you more flexibility with activation dates and data packages compared to airport options.
► Our Recommendations:
Here’s some advice on where to buy a SIM card in Belize for tourists:
- If you need immediate connectivity and don’t mind paying extra, getting a SIM card at the airport is a good option.
- Visiting a local store will give you better rates and more plan options.
- Online purchases, especially for eSIMs, offer flexibility if you want to choose when to activate and change plans, and they work well for those comfortable with online shopping.
III. How Much is a Tourist Belize SIM Card?
A tourist SIM card in Belize typically costs between $15 – $22. Prices can vary based on the location and specific store, so it’s recommended to check the latest offers when you arrive.
IV. What types of Belize SIM cards are available for tourists?
When traveling in Belize, you can choose between a physical prepaid SIM card or a prepaid eSIM.
1. Physical Prepaid SIM Card
You have two main options for physical prepaid SIM cards:
Data-Only Plans :
- Provides internet access only.
- No calling or texting included.
- Cheaper and good for light internet users.
- Best for those who use apps to communicate.
Data + Voice & Text Plans :
- Includes internet, calling, and texting.
- Comes with an Belize phone number.
- More features but more expensive.
- Best for longer trips or frequent callers.
2. Prepaid eSIM (Virtual SIM)
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your device, so you don’t need to swap physical cards. You can activate it easily by scanning a QR code or clicking a link. eSIM plans can be data-only or include talk and text, similar to physical SIMs.
Comparison
Feature | Prepaid Belize SIM Card | Prepaid Belize eSIM |
Pros | – Widely available in Belize. – Cheap rates for data and calls. – Works on all unlocked smartphones. | – No need for a physical card. – Easy activation process – Can be pre-ordered before travel |
Cons | – Requires physical activation. – Device must support Nano-SIM | – Device must support eSIM |
► Recommendations:
- If your phone doesn’t support eSIM, get a Prepaid Data Sim Card . It’s great for maps, internet, and app calls.
- If your phone supports eSIM, choose Prepaid Data Esim . It’s the easiest way to get internet in Belize in 2024.
V. Do I Need to Buy a Sim Card for Belize travel?
Yes. Buying a SIM card for your trip to Belize is a smart choice.
Using a local SIM card can save you money compared to roaming charges. It offers affordable rates for calls, texts, and data, and keeps you connected everywhere—unlike Wi-Fi, which only works in certain places.
SIM cards are easy to set up and use, giving you flexibility during your travels. With a local SIM, you can access maps and local services, so you stay connected without any issues.
Tips:
- To save on calls and texts, consider getting a data-only SIM card. Make sure your phone is unlocked. If it's locked, contact your provider to unlock it or use a more expensive roaming plan.
- If your phone supports eSIM, you can use an eSIM for Belize. This option is completely online—you can buy and activate it easily.
VI. What to prepare when buying a SIM card in Belize?
- Unlock Your Phone
Make sure your phone is unlocked and works with Belize’s mobile networks. Most smartphones do, but it’s a good idea to check with your phone provider or manufacturer first.
- Bring ID
You’ll need to show a valid form of ID, like a passport or national ID card, when buying a SIM card in Belize. This is required by law in Belize.
- Have Payment Ready
You can usually buy SIM cards and top-up vouchers with cash or a credit/debit card. It’s best to have both options ready for a smooth purchase.
VII. Belize eSIM – alternative to Tourist SIM cards
What is an eSIM?
An eSIM is a digital SIM card built into your device, so you don’t need a physical card. With an eSIM, you can change mobile providers and data plans without swapping SIM cards.
Benefits of eSIM for travelers
- Convenience: You don’t have to visit a store or wait for a SIM card to arrive.
- Flexibility: You can easily switch between different plans and carriers.
- Cost-effective: You won’t need to buy a new SIM card each time you travel to a new country.
How to get an eSIM for Belize
You can get an eSIM from providers like Gigago. You can buy it online and activate it on your eSIM-compatible device before or during your trip to Belize.
For Belize, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 7 days with $10.50 . What is great about Gigago’s Belize eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $10.50 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Belize, there is always an option for you with Gigago.
VIII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Belize?
The length of a tourist SIM card in Belize depends on the provider and the plan you choose. Here are some common options from two major operators:
- 3 Days : Good for short visits, offering basic data, calls, and texts.
- 15 Days : A slightly longer short-term option than the 3-day plan.
- 30 Days : Great for a full month, balancing data, calls, and texts.
These options can vary between providers, so it’s a good idea to check the details when buying a SIM card in Belize.
IX. How to activate a SIM card in Belize?
Below are instructions to activate Belize SIM Cards and eSIMs:
1. Using Prepaid Belize Tourist SIM Cards
Once you buy an Belize SIM card, follow these steps:
- Buy a SIM card from airport kiosks or nearby stores. Popular choices include Digi Belize and Smart! Belize.
- Provide your passport details for verification, as required by Belize law.
- Activate the SIM by inserting it into your phone and turning it on.
- Recharge the SIM online or at stores by choosing a plan that fits your needs.
- Start using your new local Belize number for calls and data.
2. Setting Up and Activating Belize eSIM
To use an eSIM in Belize, do the following:
- Purchase an eSIM plan online from a provider like Gigago before your trip.
- Download the QR code or setup file before arriving in Belize.
- When you arrive, scan the QR code in your phone’s eSIM settings to activate it.
- You can now use data, calls, and texts without needing a physical SIM card.
X. FAQs
Is coverage good in rural areas?
Digi generally has better coverage, but both operators may have limited reception in remote areas.
What types of plans are Digi and Smart! offer?
Both operators provide a range of plans, including data-only plans, combo plans with minutes and SMS, and special promotional offers.
Are there any special packages for social media?
Yes, both operators often have special bundles or promotions that cater specifically to social media usage, offering extra data for platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
In 2024, getting a SIM card from a major Belize provider like Digicell or Smart! is essential for affordable mobile access as a tourist. You can also consider Gigago’s digital SIM, which offers data, minutes, and texts for great connectivity. Getting a Gigago eSIM before your trip helps you stay connected without roaming fees or language barriers.