Belize is a small Central American country located on the Caribbean coast. The country has a developing telecommunications infrastructure, and telephony services are becoming increasingly accessible to both residents and expatriates. This article provides information on telephone service in Belize, including international and area codes, major telephone providers, procedures for arranging telephone connections, and payment options for telephone bills.
International Code and Area Codes
The international code for Belize is +501. If you are calling Belize from outside the country, you must dial this code before dialing the local number.
For local calls within Belize, there are several area codes for popular expat destinations. The area code for the largest city of Belize City is 2, while the area code for the popular tourist destination of San Pedro is 26. Other popular expat destinations in Belize include Belmopan, Caye Caulker, and Placencia.
Major Telephone Providers in Belize
There are several major telephone providers in Belize, both for landline and mobile services. These include:
Landline Providers
- Belize Telemedia Limited (BTL): BTL is the largest telecommunications provider in Belize and is partially owned by the Belizean government. The company provides landline services, as well as broadband internet and television. BTL offers both residential and business services, and customers can choose from a variety of packages to suit their needs. BTL can be contacted at 0-800-CALL-BTL for landline services.
Mobile Providers
Digi: Digi is the largest mobile provider in Belize and has been operating in the country since 2001. The company provides both prepaid and postpaid mobile services, as well as broadband internet. Digi is known for its competitive pricing and reliable network coverage. Digi can be contacted at 119 for mobile services.
SMART: SMART is another mobile provider in Belize and has been operating in the country since 2004. The company provides both prepaid and postpaid mobile services, as well as broadband internet. SMART is known for its affordable pricing and extensive network coverage. SMART can be contacted at 0-800-SMART-BZ for mobile services.
Procedure for Arranging Telephone Connection
To arrange a telephone connection in Belize, you must first choose a telecommunications provider and contact them to set up an account. The provider will ask for your personal information, including your name, address, and identification documents. You may also be asked to provide a deposit, which will be refunded when you close your account.
Once your account has been set up, the provider will send a technician to your home or business to install the necessary equipment. This may include a landline phone, modem, or router, depending on the services you have subscribed to. The technician will also test the equipment to ensure that it is working properly.
The time it takes to set up a telephone connection in Belize can vary depending on the provider and the type of service you have subscribed to. In some cases, you may be able to get a same-day installation, while in other cases, it may take several days.
Payment Options for Telephone Bills
There are several payment options for telephone bills in Belize. These include:
Online Payments: Many providers offer online payment options, where customers can pay their bills using a credit or debit card. This is a convenient option that allows customers to pay their bills from anywhere with an internet connection. Customers can log in to their account on the provider’s website to make a payment.
In-Person Payments: Customers can also make payments in person at the provider’s office or at a designated payment center. Payments can be made using cash, check, or credit/debit card.
Mobile Payments: Some providers also offer mobile payment options, where customers can pay their bills using their mobile phone. This may involve using a mobile app or texting a payment code to the provider.
It is important to note that failure to pay your telephone bill on time may result in a disruption of service. Customers who are having trouble paying their bills should contact their provider to discuss payment options and avoid service disruptions.
Telephone service in Belize is becoming increasingly accessible to both residents and expatriates, with a developing telecommunications infrastructure and several major providers offering landline and mobile services. Customers can choose from a range of packages to suit their needs, and the process of arranging a telephone connection is relatively straightforward. Payment options for telephone bills are also varied, with online, in-person, and mobile payment options available. Overall, Belize offers a growing telecommunications infrastructure that is reliable and convenient for users.