Belize – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Belize, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

Belize’s assigned country code is +501, and every Belizean telephone number comprises exactly seven digits. To reach a Belizean number from overseas, dial your country’s international access code (commonly 00, or 011 from North America), then 501, followed by the seven-digit local number. On a mobile handset, the + prefix simplifies this: +501 XXX XXXX.

Belize operates a flat seven-digit national numbering plan, with no internal area codes required when dialling between towns or regions. Any call placed from one Belizean line to another simply requires the seven-digit number — nothing more. That said, the leading digit of any given number does reflect the service type and, in broad terms, the geographic area, which helps when interpreting an unfamiliar local number.

Historically, three-digit prefixes were tied to specific towns, and those prefixes remain embedded in the fixed-line numbers assigned to those locations today. For reference: Belize City numbers have traditionally started with 222–227, Belmopan with 822–823, Corozal with 422, Dangriga with 522–523, Orange Walk with 322, Punta Gorda with 722, San Ignacio with 824, and San Pedro on Ambergris Caye with 226. These legacy prefixes make it straightforward to identify where a landline originates.

When placing an international call to Belize, there is no leading zero to strip from the local number — simply combine your exit code, 501, and the full seven digits. The national emergency number in Belize is 911, consistent with the North American standard.

Who are the major landline providers in Belize, and how can you contact them?

Digi — the commercial name for Belize Telemedia Limited — holds an exclusive position as the country’s sole provider of fixed-line telephone services. After the government re-nationalised BTL in 2009, the company undertook substantial infrastructure upgrades, transitioning away from copper cabling in favour of fibre-optic technology, a move that has further entrenched its position as the only residential fixed-line operator.

Fixed-line voice services are marketed under the DigiTel banner, while the company’s fibre-based broadband offering is branded DigiNet. In 2023, Digi introduced a “DigiOne” quad-play bundle, which consolidates internet, television, mobile, and landline services into a single monthly account — an appealing option for households wanting to manage all their communications through one provider.

By 2022, Digi’s fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) rollout had reached roughly 90% of all premises across the country. This means fibre-enabled fixed-line services are accessible throughout most urban and suburban neighbourhoods, though provision in isolated rural communities may still be limited.

How to contact Digi (BTL):

• Website: www.livedigi.com
• Customer service (landline/DigiTel): 0-800-CALL-BTL (toll-free within Belize)
• Mobile customer service: dial 119 from a Digi mobile line
• In-person: BTL Customer Service Centres in Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Orange Walk, Dangriga, Punta Gorda, and San Pedro

Pricing for residential landline services is subject to regulatory oversight and is published by the Belize Public Utilities Commission (PUC). Consult the PUC’s rate schedule or Digi’s official website for the most current tariffs, as these are subject to periodic revision.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Belize, and how can you contact them?

Mobile connectivity in Belize is shared between two principal operators: Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL), whose mobile services operate under the Digi brand, and SpeedNet Communications, known commercially as Smart. Together, these two networks account for the overwhelming majority of mobile coverage across the country, though each has particular strengths in different regions.

As a government-owned entity, Digi (formerly DigiCell) provides mobile, fixed-line, and internet services and commands a substantial share of the market. The company has committed significant resources to expanding and upgrading its network, having launched 4G LTE Advanced services from 2016 onwards. By 2024, 4G coverage in Belize had reached an estimated 86.92% of the country.

SpeedNet Communications, operating as Smart, functions as BTL’s principal competitor in the mobile and internet space, claiming to serve in excess of 100,000 customers across the country. Smart promotes itself as operating the largest and fastest network in Belize, with particularly strong coverage along main highway corridors and in key population centres including Belize City, San Pedro, San Ignacio, and Santa Elena.

Despite the progress both operators have made, connectivity challenges persist in remote areas, where signal may be absent entirely or reliant on costlier and slower satellite links. If you are considering relocating to a rural or jungle community, reviewing each provider’s coverage map in advance is strongly recommended before selecting a plan.

How to contact Digi (BTL) for mobile services:

• Website: www.livedigi.com
• Customer service: 119 (from a Digi mobile), or 0-800-CALL-BTL
• App: DigiGO (available on Android, iOS, and web)

How to contact Smart for mobile services:

• Website: www.smart.com.bz
• Customer service: 0-800-SMART-BZ (toll-free within Belize)
• In-person: Smart stores in Belize City, San Pedro, San Ignacio, and other major towns

For up-to-date pricing and data allowance information, visit each provider’s website directly, as tariffs are subject to frequent adjustment. The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) at puc.bz serves as the official telecommunications regulator and publishes regulated rate schedules applicable to BTL.

Note that as of 2025, BTL has announced a proposed acquisition of SpeedNet (Smart), currently under PUC regulatory review. Readers are encouraged to monitor the PUC’s website and Digi’s official updates at livedigi.com/knowdifacts for developments, as the outcome may reshape the market in the years ahead.

How do I get a landline connected in Belize?

Fixed-line telephone connections in Belize are primarily used by households and businesses in larger urban centres. Because Digi is the only fixed-line provider in the country, all new connection requests are handled exclusively through BTL. The process itself is fairly uncomplicated, though having the right documents and being prepared for a possible deposit will make things go more smoothly.

1. Check availability: Confirm that DigiTel fixed-line service is available at your address. You can do this online at livedigi.com or by calling 0-800-CALL-BTL. Fibre coverage extends to approximately 90% of premises nationally, but confirm for your specific location.
2. Choose a package: Browse DigiTel residential plans on the Digi website or by visiting a customer service centre. The DigiOne bundle, introduced in 2023, lets you combine landline, internet, television, and mobile onto one monthly bill — a convenient arrangement for those who need several services at once.
3. Visit a Digi Customer Service Centre: To get the connection process underway, contact Digi to open an account. The provider will request your personal details, including your name, home address, and identity documents. In practice, going to a branch in person tends to be the most dependable way to initiate a new connection.
4. Provide required documents: You will generally need a valid government-issued photo ID (such as a passport or national identity card), documentation confirming your Belizean address (such as a utility bill or signed tenancy agreement), and your contact information. Applicants who do not yet hold a residence permit may be asked to pay a larger deposit.
5. Pay any deposit required: A refundable security deposit may be required, the amount of which depends on your residency status — whether you are an established resident, a newcomer without a permit, or a business customer. Confirm the current deposit with Digi directly, as the figure can vary.
6. Schedule the installation visit: After your account is approved, Digi will arrange for a technician to visit your property to install the relevant equipment, which may include a telephone handset, modem, or router depending on the services you have subscribed to. The technician will test everything before leaving to confirm it is functioning correctly.

Installation timescales differ by location. In cities such as Belize City or Belmopan, connections are often completed within a few days to a week. Allow extra time if your property is in a more remote area. Confirm the expected timeline when you apply. If you are renting, speak to your landlord beforehand, as their permission may be needed in some cases.

For the latest documentation requirements and deposit amounts, contact Digi directly at livedigi.com, or reach out to the Public Utilities Commission if you have a regulatory question or dispute.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Belize?

In 2013, the Belizean government introduced compulsory SIM card registration, and all unregistered lines were subsequently deactivated. As a result, purchasing a SIM card now requires presenting a valid form of photo identification, and sales are restricted to authorised dealers only. This requirement mirrors SIM registration rules in place across the EU and many other regions, so the process should feel familiar to most newcomers.

Both Digi and Smart offer prepaid (pay-as-you-go) and postpaid (contract-based) plans. The majority of newcomers and short-stay visitors opt for a prepaid SIM to begin with, as it carries the fewest entry requirements. No contract needs to be signed and no forms need to be completed beyond the obligatory ID registration.

Getting a prepaid SIM from Digi: Digi’s prepaid SIM Pack — which includes an activated SIM card, a Belizean number, and a BZ$10 prepaid credit voucher — is sold for BZ$20 at all BTL Customer Services Centres and through authorised dealers and agents nationwide. (As of the last available information; check livedigi.com for current pricing.) A valid photo ID must be presented. To activate, insert the SIM into your handset and switch it on — DigiCell will appear on screen. Load credit and you can make and receive calls straight away.

Getting a prepaid SIM from Smart: Smart SIM cards are available through Smart stores and retail partners. A Smart SIM costs BZ$15 and is bundled with 1 GB of data and BZ$10 in credit. (As of the last available information; verify current pricing at smart.com.bz.) Photo ID is required here as well.

Postpaid contracts: Postpaid accounts are accessible with a deposit, though each provider sets its own criteria. Generally, applicants must demonstrate a local address and, in most cases, evidence of residency status in Belize. Visitors and recent arrivals without a residence permit will typically find it easier to begin on a prepaid plan and transition to postpaid once they are more settled. Rather than a credit check — which is the standard hurdle in many countries — the focus in Belize is on identity verification and payment of a refundable deposit.

Ensure your handset is network-unlocked before arriving in Belize, as a device locked to a foreign carrier will not accept a Belizean SIM. If in doubt, contact your current provider to unlock it before you travel.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Belize?

Both Digi and Smart provide a range of payment channels, including online, in-person, and mobile-based options. The method that suits you best will depend on your location, your banking setup, and your personal preference.

Paying a Digi (BTL) bill:

• DigiGO app: Available for Android, iOS, and via web browser, the DigiGO app caters to both prepaid and postpaid customers and allows you to purchase plans, track data consumption, and settle your bill in one place.
• Online portal: Log into your account at livedigi.com to view your billing history and make payments.
• In-person: Payments are accepted at any Digi Customer Service Centre as well as at a wide network of authorised payment agents across Belize, including many supermarkets and convenience stores.
• DigiWallet / mobile money: Digi’s DigiMobile Money service enables customers to handle payments digitally without visiting a branch.
• Automatic bill alerts: Postpaid customers can configure automatic billing notifications through the DigiGO app to keep track of their account balance and due dates.

Paying a Smart bill: Smart customers can settle accounts in person at Smart retail locations, through the online portal at smart.com.bz, or at authorised third-party payment outlets. Check Smart’s website for the most current list of accepted payment channels.

Prepaid top-ups: Prepaid credit — referred to locally simply as “credit” — can be bought at the vast majority of shops throughout Belize, including pharmacies, fuel stations, and general stores. Digi customers can also add credit through the DigiGO app via DigiWallet. Smart reload vouchers come in denominations of BZ$5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, and topping up is done by dialling 120 after obtaining a voucher. Top-ups under BZ$30 remain valid for 30 days, while those of BZ$30 or more are valid for 90 days. (As of the last available information; verify current denominations with Smart.)

Postpaid bills from both providers are issued on a monthly basis. Late or missed payments may lead to service interruption. Anyone experiencing financial difficulty should contact their provider proactively to discuss arrangements before disconnection occurs. If you believe your service has been cut off unfairly, a formal complaint can be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) at puc.bz.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Belize as a newcomer?

eSIMs: By 2023, both Digi and Smart had rolled out eSIM support, enabling customers with compatible devices — including many tourists and dual-SIM users — to activate Belizean service digitally, without the need for a physical SIM card. This is a particularly convenient option for those who want to get connected immediately upon arrival without visiting a store.

International roaming from Belize: Digi has roaming agreements with 347 international mobile partners, giving its SIM holders access to roaming in a broad range of countries. Digi prepaid customers can use data while roaming in 27 countries. Consult the Digi website or the DigiGO app for current roaming country lists and applicable rates before you travel. Smart also provides roaming; check rates and availability at smart.com.bz.

Roaming into Belize: If you are arriving from abroad and wish to use your existing foreign SIM temporarily while obtaining a local one, international roaming will function in Belize — though charges can be steep. Most newcomers find that buying a Belizean prepaid SIM within their first few days represents a far more economical approach.

VoIP and messaging apps: Belize was once among the few countries that restricted VoIP calls — services such as Skype were blocked — but following an extended policy debate, all VoIP restrictions were lifted in 2013. Apps such as WhatsApp, Skype, FaceTime, and Google Meet all function freely in Belize. WhatsApp in particular is extremely widely used for both local communication and international calls, and it will work over Wi-Fi even without a local SIM card. For many expats, it becomes the default tool for keeping in touch with family and friends abroad.

Number porting: Mobile number portability is supported in Belize, so switching from Digi to Smart (or vice versa) while retaining your existing Belizean number is possible. To initiate a port, visit a store of the new provider and present your ID. The process typically takes several working days — longer than the near-instant porting experienced in some other countries. It is not possible to port a foreign number into the Belizean network; you will be allocated a new Belizean number when you activate a local SIM.

Coverage in popular expat areas: Voice and 4G data coverage is generally reliable in Belize City, Belmopan, San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, San Ignacio, Placencia, and Caye Caulker. That said, Belize is by no means uniformly covered — some remote villages, protected areas, and uninhabited regions have no mobile signal whatsoever. If you are relocating to a rural or jungle setting, testing both networks on the ground before committing to a plan is a wise precaution.

Maintaining a foreign number: Some expats opt to preserve a virtual number from their home country — for example, to receive two-factor authentication codes or to remain reachable by contacts who have not adopted messaging apps. A practical solution is to subscribe to a VoIP provider that assigns a foreign number accessible over Wi-Fi or mobile data, making it functional alongside a Belizean SIM.

Telecom market developments: BTL is currently pursuing a proposed acquisition of SpeedNet (Smart), with the transaction under review by the PUC. Price caps on selected mobile tariffs and data plans are proposed for up to 36 months under PUC supervision, and the intended consolidation aims to strengthen national network infrastructure. Expats should keep an eye on developments via the PUC website and Digi’s official communications.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to Belize?

It is not possible to port a foreign number into the Belizean mobile network — when you buy a local SIM, you will be assigned a new Belizean number. If you wish to keep your foreign number active in parallel, you can do so through a VoIP service or an app-based virtual number, both of which can operate over Wi-Fi or your Belizean data connection.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in Belize?

For a standard prepaid SIM, a valid photo ID such as a passport is sufficient — a local address is not required. Mandatory SIM registration means identity must be verified at the point of sale. For a postpaid contract, you will generally need to provide proof of a local address along with a deposit. It is worth confirming the precise requirements with Digi or Smart before you apply.

Can tourists buy a SIM card in Belize?

Yes. Visitors can purchase a prepaid SIM from either Digi or Smart by showing a valid passport. SIM cards are available at Customer Service Centres and through authorised resellers across the country, including in popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro and Caye Caulker. Postpaid contracts are generally not accessible to short-term visitors.

Which mobile network has the best coverage in rural Belize?

Digi (BTL) has traditionally maintained the wider coverage footprint, especially for legacy GSM devices, and its 4G LTE and fibre infrastructure now reaches the majority of the country. Smart has grown its network considerably and focuses particularly on major highways and key towns. In genuinely remote areas, neither operator can guarantee a signal. Checking both operators’ online coverage maps before settling in a rural location is strongly advised.

Is 5G available in Belize?

As of 2025, 5G has not been commercially deployed in Belize. Both operators remain focused on extending and strengthening their 4G LTE networks, with improving rural coverage a continued priority. No firm timeline for a 5G rollout has been publicly announced. Monitor the PUC website and provider communications for any future developments.

How do I top up my prepaid mobile in Belize?

Prepaid credit can be purchased from most convenience stores, supermarkets, petrol stations, and pharmacies throughout Belize, as well as directly at Digi and Smart outlets. Digi customers have the additional option of topping up through the DigiGO app using DigiWallet. Smart customers can reload credit by dialling 120 after buying a reload voucher. Available denominations may change over time, so confirm current options with your provider.

What is the telecoms regulator in Belize, and what does it do?

The Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is Belize’s official telecommunications regulator, established under the Belize Telecommunications Act No. 16 of 2002. Its functions include issuing licences, setting regulated tariffs for dominant operators such as BTL, and handling consumer complaints related to telecoms services. The PUC can be contacted through its website at puc.bz.

Are eSIMs available in Belize?

Yes. Both Digi and Smart introduced eSIM capability by 2023, allowing users with compatible devices to activate a Belizean number without requiring a physical SIM card. This is especially convenient for new arrivals and frequent travellers. Before purchasing, confirm with the relevant provider that your specific device model is supported and obtain the appropriate activation instructions.