Every person I met warned me about going to Belize City.
Most people said it was a dangerous city and I should go with caution. So i went to see for myself.
Belize City is the capital of a multi-culture country and the capital attracts everybody from Mayans, Creoles, Garifunas, Spanish, Chinese and more. It is buzzing to say the least with the typical city-like humm.
I walked around Belize City and I did notice that it was vastly different from Caye Caulker where I was previously. the streets are noisier and are full of every type of character; shadey, businessman, shop keeper, school kid, police.. Some of the buildings and houses in Belize City are falling apart and there are many crumbled houses which leave gaps in the infrastructure.
The shops look like cages, where the shop keeper is behind and transactions are made through a small hole to prevent theft.
Walking around the hoods
Walking around the neighbourhoods of Belize City I had the thought at the back of my mind that I should er on the side of caution and not take any photo’s. Especially when I walked down questionable streets, and alleyways. I didn’t want to embarrass the locals, or myself.
Nobody robbed me, nobody even spoke to me unless I asked a question. I thought it was because I blend in like a local so people see me as less of a target, but after speaking to locals, they assured me that I didn’t have the right look to be robbed.
A murder a week?
According to a local source I was told that there is at least 1 murder a week in Belize City but unless you are directly involved with the gangs then you will not be effected by this.
Advise from the locals
TRUST NO MAN — according to one of the local mothers I met in Belize City I should ‘Trust no man’. She explained that men often offer women for help in the street, guide, a ride or more with dangerous alterior motives.
DON’T STRAY TOO FAR DOWNTOWN — most tourists in Belize City pass downtown to either take the boat to San Pedro and Caye Caulker or take the bus to other parts of the country. You can easily stray into the wrong neighbourhood downtown and can be a target for robbers and worse
WHEN THIEVES ASK FOR $10, GIVE IT TO THEM — a common method of robbery is for thieves to straight out ask their victims for $10. It is not much, and as these guys are usually armed with knives it is advised that you give it to them, or if you don’t have money to prove it and be on your way. Fighting may escalate the situation into a blood brawl or worse
THERE ARE SOME HOODS WHERE YOU SHOULD NEVER GO — be aware of this and becareful at nighttime
My personal experience in Belize City
I was fine, I am alive and I was never scared. Never once did I have the prickly feeling that I was being watched or followed. The many times that I asked for directions locals were helpful and smiley. I spent a whole day exploring Belize City with a backpack on my back which could have been a giveaway that I was a tourist but nobody bothered to harass me. I would go again, though there was nothing much to do
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