Island in Belize District, Belize
Ambergris Caye
Belize's biggest island: San Pedro town has diving, beach clubs, expats and tourists. Nicer and easier than the mainland for visitors, but pricier, with golf carts and no cheap budget mode.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,250–3,250Comfortable, one person · BZ$4,500–6,500Details
- Value for money23/100Better value than 22% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goFeb–May, DecWarmest: May, 30°CDetails
- Internet53 MbpsFixed broadband, Belize medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water is not for drinking; buy bottled or use purified refills.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$40–90Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundWater taxi to Belize CityWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMixed: cards and cashCards are accepted widely at hotels, dive shops and restaurants, often with a 3–5% surcharge; bars, taxis and small shops want cash.Details
Where to stay in Ambergris Caye
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| San Pedro Town | Restaurants, dive shops and walkable beach bars |
| North Ambergris (Tres Cocos) | Quieter beach stays and villas, golf-cart distance |
| South Ambergris | Resort and expat area with beach clubs |
| Sir Barry Bowen Bridge area | Cheaper locals' neighborhoods inland |
Apps that work in Ambergris Caye
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: No ride apps; use golf-cart taxis, bikes or your own feet. Agree fares first and tip drivers for luggage.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Belize.
- Mixed: cards and cash Cards are accepted widely at hotels, dive shops and restaurants, often with a 3–5% surcharge; bars, taxis and small shops want cash.
- Currency: Dollar (BZD). US$1 ≈ BZ$2.00 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Belize Bank, Heritage and Atlantic Bank ATMs take foreign cards and dispense Belize dollars; few ATMs outside towns.
- Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants unless service is already added; tip tour and dive guides around 10–15%.
- Paying by phone: Contactless cards work in larger resorts and shops; otherwise cash. Local e-wallets are for residents.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Complete the digital immigration and customs form before flying into Belize City; paper forms are being phased out.
- Visitor stays are extended month by month at Immigration offices, BZ$200 per 30 days.
- Leaving by land or boat costs a BZ$40 (US$20) exit fee at the border; air departure taxes are in the ticket.
Emergency numbers
All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B, G · 110 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Digi or SMART SIMs from their stores and resellers in towns; bring your passport. Data costs more than elsewhere in Central America. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Belize
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.