Frequently Asked Questions - Communications

How are the communications?
How much does a telephone call cost?
What about calling Belize?
What languages are spoken?
How do I get on the Internet?

Q:   How are the communications?

A:   Telecommunication services are available. Direct dialing, cellular telephone service and paging are also available. Postal rates to the United States are BZ$0.60 for letters and BZ$0.30 for postcards. Postal rates to Europe are BZ$0.75 for letters and BZ$0.40 for postcards.

Postal rates are subject to change. Cerros Sands at Playa del Cerros is working on providing high speed Internet access and telephony whether on land or sea.

Residents may bring their own PDAs or laptops and connect to the network. WiFi is available at many hotels and other facilities that cater to tourists.

Q:   How much does a telephone call cost?

A:   To call the U.S., it costs about $1.50 per minute and after 10:00 PM it is about $1.00 per minute. You can reduce those rates considerably depending on when you call, and whether you "top-up" your cellphone balance on a special "double-up/triple-up" day (which occur once or twice a month). Avoid International Roaming charges or phone calls charged to your hotel room; those can be very expensive. You can also reduce the charge by using the 10-10-199 prefix.

Q:   What about calling Belize?

A:   501 is the international dialing code for Belize and there are 17 different area codes in Belize (if you are dialing from a phone outside of Belize, the zero in not necessary). The country has all of the telecommunications services available. Calls from Belize can sometimes be cheaper than the same call to Belize. Secluded tropical rain forest places will usually have radio communications hooked up to a cellular assistance to make an outgoing call. Getting a Belize phone card (BTL) is recommended for making national and international calls.

Q:   What languages are spoken?

A:   English is the official language in Belize. English is also the language that is taught in schools, and most of the people speak some kind of English dialect. Spanish, Maya, Garifuna and Creole are also spoken. Spanish is taught in schools and is spoken by many, especially in the Corozal and Orange Walk Districts.

Q:   How do I get on the Internet?

A:   You can get a temporary Internet account by contacting Belize Telecommunications (BTL). Their email is Email.