Belmopan Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Belmopan.
Healthcare System
Belmopan has basic healthcare facilities including the Western Regional Hospital, but the healthcare system is relatively limited compared to North American or European standards. For serious medical emergencies, patients are often transferred to Belize City or evacuated internationally.
Hospitals
Western Regional Hospital is the main public facility in Belmopan. Several private clinics and medical centers offer outpatient services. For major medical issues, Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital in Belize City (1 hour away) provides more comprehensive care.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in Belmopan and stock common medications, though selection may be limited. Many medications available over-the-counter in North America require prescriptions in Belize. Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available.
Insurance
Travel insurance with medical coverage and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended and essential. Medical evacuation to the US or Mexico can cost $25,000-$50,000 without insurance.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit and sufficient prescription medications for your entire trip plus extra
- Keep copies of prescriptions and medical records with you
- Ensure your travel insurance includes medical evacuation coverage
- For dental emergencies, private clinics in Belmopan offer basic services, but complex procedures are better done in Belize City
- Water quality varies; drink bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles can occur, particularly targeting tourists who appear distracted or display valuables openly.
Theft from parked vehicles, especially rental cars that are identifiable to thieves, is relatively common throughout Belize including Belmopan.
Road conditions can be poor, especially during rainy season. Speed bumps (sleeping policemen) are common and often unmarked. Livestock and pedestrians on roads create hazards.
Mosquito-borne illnesses including dengue fever, Zika virus, and occasionally malaria are present in Belize. Sandflies can transmit leishmaniasis.
Belmopan's proximity to jungle areas means encounters with snakes, spiders, and other wildlife are possible, particularly when hiking or visiting nature reserves.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Unlicensed or unqualified individuals offer tours at very low prices, then provide poor service, cancel without refunds, or add unexpected fees during the tour.
Some taxi drivers quote inflated prices to tourists who are unfamiliar with local rates, especially from the bus station or to popular tourist sites.
Individuals impersonating police or officials approach tourists claiming violations and demanding immediate cash payments or 'fines.'
Some rental companies claim pre-existing damage was caused by the renter or add mysterious charges after return, particularly with smaller operators.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something, asking for help, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals belongings.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
General Safety
- Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) separate from originals and store digitally
- Register with your embassy before arrival
- Share your itinerary with family or friends back home
- Keep emergency cash in a secure location separate from your wallet
- Learn basic Spanish phrases as not everyone speaks English despite it being the official language
- Carry a charged phone with local emergency numbers saved
Transportation
- Use only licensed taxis or arrange transportation through your hotel
- Avoid hitchhiking or accepting rides from strangers
- If renting a car, choose a reputable company and inspect the vehicle thoroughly
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially at traffic lights
- Avoid driving after dark on rural roads
- Be extremely cautious of unmarked speed bumps throughout the city
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations with good security features (safes, secure locks, 24-hour reception)
- Keep doors and windows locked, even when inside
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors without verifying identity
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Check reviews from recent travelers before booking
Money and Valuables
- Use ATMs during daylight hours in secure locations like banks or shopping centers
- Carry only what you need for the day; leave excess cash and cards secured
- Notify your bank of travel plans to avoid card freezes
- Belize Dollar is pegged 2:1 to USD; US dollars are widely accepted
- Keep small bills for taxis and small purchases
- Be discreet when handling money
Food and Water
- Drink only bottled, boiled, or purified water
- Avoid ice unless you're certain it's made from purified water
- Choose busy, popular restaurants where food turnover is high
- Ensure meat and seafood are thoroughly cooked
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer before eating
- Peel fruits yourself rather than buying pre-cut fruit
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card for reliable communication
- Download offline maps before traveling to remote areas
- Keep your hotel's business card with you for taxi directions
- WiFi is available in most hotels and restaurants in Belmopan
- Consider a portable power bank to keep devices charged
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers generally report feeling safe in Belmopan compared to other Central American destinations, though standard precautions should be taken. Catcalling and verbal harassment can occur but is less common than in larger cities. Solo female travelers should exercise additional caution, particularly after dark.
- Dress modestly to blend in and avoid unwanted attention; avoid revealing clothing
- Don't walk alone after dark; use taxis for evening transportation
- Stay in well-reviewed accommodations with good security
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations
- Consider joining group tours rather than exploring alone in remote areas
- Keep a confident demeanor and appear purposeful when walking
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially when alone
- Have your phone charged and accessible
- If harassed verbally, ignore and keep walking; don't engage
- Connect with other travelers or join online travel groups for women
- Wear a fake wedding ring if it makes you more comfortable
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalized in Belize in 2016, but there are no comprehensive anti-discrimination laws protecting LGBTQ+ individuals. Same-sex marriage is not recognized.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and businesses in advance
- Be cautious when discussing sexual orientation with locals you don't know well
- Coastal tourist areas tend to be more accepting than inland cities like Belmopan
- Connect with LGBTQ+ travel groups or forums for current information and recommendations
- Be aware that some hotels may have policies against same-sex couples sharing rooms, though this is becoming less common
- Consider travel insurance that doesn't discriminate based on sexual orientation
- Have emergency contacts including your embassy readily available
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is essential for visiting Belmopan and Belize. Medical facilities are limited, and medical evacuation to the US or Mexico can cost tens of thousands of dollars. Adventure activities popular in Belize (diving, cave tubing, zip-lining) carry inherent risks. Hurricane season also poses risks of trip interruption or cancellation.
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