Belize City Travel Forum

I keep hearing that Belize City is "not that safe." Can anyone give me some specifics? I will be staying in a hotel with a group of people, but in a room by myself. A friend of mine suggested I take pepper spray or some sort of self-protection. Is that even legal? Is it really that dangerous and in what way?

You'll be safe in your hotel.Common sense will tell you if it's safe to wander around the niegborhood.Just don't walk alone in the middle of the night-But I'd say that about anywhere. Where are you staying?

Thanks for replying. I will be staying at the Chateau Caribbean. From what I've read over the past week, this is a pretty good area to be in. I've traveled extensively in the states, but have not been out of the country beyond the typical tourist experiences associated with cruises and such. I'm looking forward to getting to know Belize as more than a casual tourist. Anything I should be sure not to miss while in town?

I'd stay in the touristy areas. I certainly didn't feel too safe there and was relieved to get on the water taxi out of there. Again, use common sense, be on guard, don't go into any dodgy looking places, etc. And I wouldn't recommend carrying around too many belongings, just in case. I probably would have felt more comfortable exploring if I hadn't had my big rucksack on me as bait! Have fun :) Try the cashew wine.

I read in the washington post travel section this weekend that They are issuing warnings about a spate of tourist robberies in the pine ridge area and in one of the national parks.Get out of the city and out to the islands!

I stayed 3 days last year in Belize city, we walked, going to the market...and we are still alive...Don't be paranoid...

I have been to the C.C. hotel and its fine and in a good area. Its all a bit old fashioned and non the worse for that.
The food was fine too btw.

I dont think that you would want to go far during the hours of darkness and I certainly wouldnt go alone.

Seek local advice from the staff at the hotel and remain cautious while enjoying yourself.

I totally agree that the islands are the best and it can be very easy to fly out to them, especially from the municipal airport......... as flying from the International Airport can be much more expensive.
My flight to San Pedro took all of 17 minutes and I had a great weekend there.

Safe travels. G.