Practical travel information on Health in Belize City

Health & safety

Contents

Dangers & annoyances
While you're there

Dangers & annoyances

Not to put too fine a point on it, but Belize City isn’t exactly the relaxed place the rest of the country is. Hotel windows are barred and, in many hotels, front doors are kept locked even during the day. Street crime is fairly common, and if you look like a tourist the chances of being harassed are fairly high. On the other hand, the city is fairly safe in comparison to other urban areas in Central America. Most violent crime occurs in the Southside district, south of Haulover Creek and west of Southside Canal. Take a taxi when you’re going to or from the main bus station or other bus stops in this area. Even in the middle of the day these streets can have a threatening atmosphere.

After dark, it’s best to take a taxi anywhere you go in the city. If you must walk, even just a couple of blocks, get advice from your hotel about safety in specific neighborhoods. Stay on better-lit major streets and don’t go alone if you can help it.

East of Southside Canal you’re in the downtown commercial area – Albert St, Regent St and their cross-streets. Though tourists are sometimes the victims of robberies around here, statistically speaking you’re more likely to simply be harassed for a dollar or two (usually in rapid succession by the same person). After dark, your odds of being separated from your valuables increase markedly.

The Fort George district is generally safe in daylight, but you should still stay alert.

In contrast to the rest of Belize, any stranger who attempts to engage you in conversation – even just by shaking your hand or claiming they have seen you before – is almost certainly after your money. Don’t be afraid to shake these people off rapidly. Tricksters may just try to pressure you for a ‘gift’ or ‘tip, ’ but they may also be aiming to pick your pockets or worse.

Police maintain a fairly visible presence in the main areas frequented by tourists in Belize City, and will intervene to deter hustlers and other shady characters, but you can’t rely on them to always be where you need them. Take the commonsense precautions that you would in any major city. Don’t flash wads of cash, cameras, jewelry or other signs of wealth. Don’t leave valuables lying around your hotel room. Don’t use illicit drugs and avoid deserted streets, even in daylight.

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While you're there

Medical services

Belize Medical Associates (223-0302/3/4; 5791 St Thomas St; 24hr emergency services) Private hospital in Kings Park district with a good reputation among expats.

Brodie’s (227-7070; 2 Albert St; 8:30am-7pm Mon-Thu, 8:30am-8pm Fri, 8:30am-5pm Sat, 8:30am-1pm Sun) This department store has a very well-stocked pharmacy.

Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (223-1548/64; Princess Margaret Dr; 24hr emergency services) A public hospital in the north of town that enjoys a less-than-stellar reputation.