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Cell Phones in Belize

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grannybunni

Hi, All,

Bob and I will be spending 9 days in various parts of Belize in April.  Will our T-Mobile android cell phones work or do we need to purchase a Belizean phone when we arrive?


Linda Nicholson

See also

Using phones in BelizeConnecting to the internet in BelizeHow to handle your mail when you move to BelizeInternet Provider Information in BelizeNeed replacement for VirtuFon service for text & voice messaging
zerotron

The last time I checked (it's been several years), T-Mobile was the only company whose phones would work natively in Belize, as long as it was only a temporary situation. Service from other American companies might actually work, but at a steep cost. Another option would be to get a tourist SIM, which would temporarily replace the existing SIM in your existing phone. Those are available online; I also know that at least one of the Mobile companies (Smart) in Belize offers them.

BelizeExpert

You can get a Belize SIM at any phone shop of telephone company office. An ID is required to purchase and register one.

mrfathersir

@grannybunni

Technically, yes. Just make sure your plan has international voice and data. Typically, T-mobile gives customers international data for free, but voice has roaming charges.

Depending on your phone, you may be better off purchasing an e-sim and using WhatsApp to make calls and text. A huge portion of the population(including businesses) use WhatsApp to communicate.

If you don't plan to move around a lot, just connect to Wi-Fi when secure and available.

You can purchase an e-sim(embedded sim. It's a virtual sim card) plan online prior to arriving and you'll be able to switch to that plan seamlessly before you leave. Otherwise,  as others have mentioned, purchase a local sim card(just don't lose your original sim card). Send me a direct message and I can provide a discount code for the service I use, Saily. It isn't much, but its $3 off your 1st purchase. the downside is it requires an app.

There are other similar services that don't require an app. Search online for Belize esim.

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