If you want to explore the tropical paradise of Belize on your own, it’s best to learn the ins and outs of driving and renting your own car in Belize.
There are several Belize car rental companies spread throughout the country. In Belize City, there is Budget Rent-A-Car, Buy Belize Auto Rental, Crystal Auto Rental, Euphrates Auto Rental and Sales, Jabiru Auto Rental, Nexgen Auto Rental, Pancho’s, Smith and Sons, Thrifty Car Rental, Hertz/Safari Car Rental and Vista Auto Rental.
Other locations include Avis Rent-A-Car in Ladyville, Barefoot Rentals in Placencia, Cayo Auto Rental in San Ignacio, Matus Car Rental in the Cayo District and Ready Rentals in Dandriga.
First of all, of course, you need a valid driver’s license to rent a car in Belize. Credit card details are generally held as deposits, but Belize car rental companies sometimes also accept traveler’s checks or cash. If you don’t feel comfortable giving out your credit card information, you can ask if they accept the last two options.
Purchase the maximum amount of auto insurance available from the rental company. You can also get additional coverage from your credit card company. Belizean people are friendly until you get behind the wheel of a car. You really need to protect yourself in case of a mishap.
There are three main highways in Belize: the Northern Highway which runs from Belize City to the Mexican border at Quintanaroo, Chetumal, the Western Highway which runs from Belize City through the Cayo district, ending in the border with Guatemala, and the Hummingbird Highway that stretches from Belmopan to Dandriga Town.
A comprehensive map of the country is particularly helpful if you plan to take advantage of Belize car rental services. You just have to take note of important landmarks and tourist attractions to maximize your personal use of a car to get around the country.
For example, just on the Western Highway, you will already find many impressive tourist spots. There is the capital city of Belmopan, Hattieville Village, the twin towns of San Ignacio and Santa Elena, the Belize Zoo, the Mayan ruins of Xunantunich and Cahal Pech, the Pine Ridge area where the 1000 foot falls and caves are located. from Río Frío, and the famous Inner Blue Hole.
Other roads to look out for are the Carretera del Sur, which has a fair amount of beautiful paved roads and stretches as far as 10 miles to the town of Punta Gorda, and the Carretera Vieja del Norte, which has a lot of history. There is also the Coastal Highway or the Manattee Highway, which many Belize car rental companies may advise you to avoid as they are very dusty and road conditions get even worse during rainy days.
Driving at night is generally fine on main roads, as most of them are lit by streetlights. The only drawback is that during tire or auto related emergencies, you may find it difficult to find other motorists to help you on the road. If you can avoid it, it’s best to drive during the day.
Like any other country, there are speed limits in Belize. On main roads, it’s always safe to stay below 60 MPH and on dirt roads, to avoid getting covered in dust and stuck in big potholes, it’s best to drive within the limits. As for gas stations, there are approximately 40 gas stations throughout the country. There are Esso, Shell and Texaco Service Stations. Belize and US dollars and credit cards are accepted, so no need to worry about bills that haven’t changed yet.
You should take your time when exploring Belize by car. There is so much to see in the beautiful tropical paradise countries.