International Callback and Phone services in Belize

Telephone calls to and from Belize are not cheap. However, there are several ways to get a better deal and this includes international callback services, local phone cards and bringing your own cell phone. In Belize a long distance call that covers only 50 miles can be as expensive as a call from Washington to London.

And with competition now being introduced, rates are falling, especially for long distance calls. However, the advice about avoiding telephone calls from hotels applies double in Belize. As in all countries, hotels slap on a generous commission for themselves on all telephone, fax and Internet service.

International Callback service

Many savvy Belizeans and expats have saved thousands over the years by using the popular callback services available worldwide. Here is how it works. You set up an account with a callback company, for example Kallback. They assign you a number in the U.S. Whenever you are traveling abroad, you dial this number, let it ring once, then hang up. The computerised system recognises any number that you have called from, then immediately calls you back with a U.S. dial tone. You then call out to any country you want using the economical US rates instead of the usually inflated local telephone rates.

For those who use the Internet, you can also access your international callback company through the web and click to have them call you with your US dial tone. You can even trigger your callback by sending an email, or schedule it to call you at a particular time, for example a wake up call prompting you to start making your long distance calls.

Payphone Service

There are approximately 367 payphones located countrywide - and you will notice from the picture - they are proudly turned out in tropical colors! These payphones are card only (do not accept coins); therefore a customer will need to always have a BTL PrePaid card handy in order to make a call from a payphone. Customers will be able to dial the following numbers (free):

To dial Belize from abroad, use the Belize country code (501) followed by the 8 digit telephone number. To dial a number outside Belize, dial 00 followed by the code of the country you are calling, along with the actual telephone number.

Next page: Bring your own phone and save money with Phone Cards