Belize City itself has a somewhat deserved reputation for being a dangerous city for travelers, especially after dark, and especially in neighborhoods off the beaten path. That said, if you use basic common sense and take standard precautions, you should have no problems staying safe in Belize.
You may have heard that marijuana became legal in October 2017, but that’s not exactly true. The government did indeed decriminalize possession of up to 10 grams of marijuana, and the consumption of it on private property, but locals are wary of this change, and for good reason. It’s still illegal to buy, sell, and grow marijuana, so there’s no legal way to come by it. As a tourist, it’s also very unlikely that you will find the owner of private property willing to let you smoke there. So while you probably won’t be penalized for having 10 grams or less on you, I still heavily recommend proceeding with caution in this arena.
Prostitution is legal in Belize, but like marijuana, there is no legal way to obtain sexual services. Sex trafficking, including of children, is a problem in Belize, so sex workers are almost guaranteed to be exploited victims, and it goes without saying that the practice should not be supported. HIV is also on the rise in Belize, with a known prevalence of 2.5% of the population, so practice safe sex in every aspect of the word: don’t further victimize other people, and don’t victimize yourself.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
