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.

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 
Digicel SIM Card Package
Digicel SIM Card Package

Digi After Dark Plan 

PriceDataOn-Net MinutesValidity
1.99 BZD3 GB Unlimited1 night (20:00 – 6:00)

All In One Bundles 

PriceDataLocal MinutesValidity
3 BZD350 MB30 minutes3 days 
6 BZD750 MB60 minutes5 days
9 BZD1500 MB90 minutes10 days 

PrePaid Data Plans

PriceDataValidity
1 BZD130 MB6 hours 
2.50 BZD330 MB1 day
5 BZD680 MB3 days 
12 BZD1700 MB7 days 
20 BZD3000 MB15 days 
45 BZD7500 MB30 days 
69 BZD25 600 MB30 days 

PrePaid Data Only Plans 

PricePlanDataValidity
28.11 BZDEntry Plan4.5 GB1 month
44.99 BZDSmall Plan8 GB1 month
78.74 BZDMedium Plan15 GB1 month

2. Smart! Belize

Smart! has two data-featured prepaid plans: Mobile Prepay Plans & Mobile Data.

Smart! Belize SIM Card packages
Smart! Belize SIM Card packages

Mobile Prepay Plans

PriceDataOn-Net MinutesOff-Net MinutesLocal SMSValidity
35 BZD1 GB150 minutesShared with on-net minutes allowance130 SMS30 days
60 BZD8 GBUnlimited600 minutesUnlimited30 days
90 BZD27 GBUnlimitedShared with on-net minutes allowanceUnlimited30 days

Mobile Data

PriceDataValidity
1.25 BZD165 MB24 hours
2 BZD340 MB24 hours
4 BZD680 MB3 days 
7 BZD1250 MB7 days 
14 BZD2500 MB7 days 
25 BZD4500 MB15 days 
40 BZD7200 MB30 days 
60 BZD11 000 MB30 days 
110 BZD20 500 MB40 days 
160 BZD32 000 MB40 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

Digicel kiosks in Belize
Digicel kiosks in Belize

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?

Digicel tourist SIM Cards
Digicel tourist SIM Cards

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.
Digicel SIM Card
Digicel SIM Card

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

FeaturePrepaid Belize SIM CardPrepaid 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?

You Need to Buy a Sim Card for Belize travel
You 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.

Top-up spot in Belize
Top-up spot in Belize

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.
Belize eSIM from Gigago
Belize eSIM from Gigago

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.

More Belize SIM Card packages for tourists
More Belize SIM Card packages for tourists

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.
Activate Belize SIM Card to avoid high roaming charges
Activate Belize SIM Card to avoid high roaming charges

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.