Belize City, Belize

• Belize City is the country's largest city and where you'll likely fly into, but most people treat it as a transit point to get to the cayes or jungle lodges. The southside neighborhoods south of Haulover Creek have serious gang violence issues - stay away from that entire area.
• Fort George in the north is where you want to be if you're stuck here overnight. That's where the Tourism Village (for cruise ship passengers), decent hotels, and the Museum of Belize are located. The manual Swing Bridge crossing Haulover Creek is the only one of its kind still operating in Central America. English is the official language, which at least makes getting around easier.
• If you end up spending time here, stay in Fort George or near the Tourism Village during the day. The harassment is constant and the general vibe is tense. A lot of women passing through say they wished they'd just gone straight to the islands instead of staying even one night.
• Take licensed taxis with green plates - there's no Uber and the public buses are packed and sketchy. The city feels safer during the day when police are visible, but even locals from other parts of Belize won't walk around at night. Keep your time here as short as possible.

English is the official language, so communication is easy for English speakers. Spanish and Belizean Creole (Kriol) are also common. Tourist Police (+501-227-2222) speak English and can help. Emergency services (911) have English-speaking operators.

• English is the official language - Belize is the only Central American country where that's the case. Spanish and Belizean Creole (Kriol) are also common. People are generally friendly but dress and act conservatively.
• Dress modestly when you're not at the beach. Tank tops and shorts will get you stared at, and revealing clothing tends to increase harassment. Cover up more than you would in other beach destinations.
• Foreigners are expected to tip around 10% at restaurants and to taxi drivers, even though locals don't typically tip. If service is really good, matching the 12.5% sales tax is fine. Tip in cash.
• People here communicate indirectly and avoid direct confrontation. Punctuality is pretty relaxed - don't be surprised if people run late. Haggling is rude unless you're at a street market.
• Ask before photographing people, especially Indigenous folks, and offer a small payment if they agree. Same-sex couples should avoid public displays of affection - it can draw unwanted attention.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services: 911. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• Use licensed taxis with green plates. There are no meters, so agree on the price before you get in. Short rides in the city cost BZD 8-20 (USD 4-10), airport to downtown is BZD 50-60 (USD 25-30). Have your hotel call a taxi instead of flagging one down.
• Chicken buses are old US school buses that run local routes. They're cheap (BZD 1-2 cash to the conductor) but get packed during rush hours and pickpockets work the crowds. Not a good option if you have luggage or it's after dark. They run from around 5 AM to 7-8 PM.
• There's no Uber in Belize. Don't get in unmarked cars or unlicensed taxis. Water taxis from the Tourism Village to the islands are reliable and the best way to get to the cayes. Only walk in Fort George during the day, and stick to main streets.

Explore Belize City with local guides and curated experiences.