The Belize Real Estate Insider

Can you really work remotely from Belize? Today we cover internet, cell service, and what digital nomads need to know.

Show Notes

Episode 58: Internet — Staying Connected & Working Remotely in Belize
Can you really work remotely from Belize? Today we cover internet, cell service, and what digital nomads need to know.
The Honest Overview:
Belize is a small developing country. Internet infrastructure is improving, but it's not the US.
  • The good news: It's gotten dramatically better in the last 5 years. Starlink has been a game-changer. Major towns have decent service.
  • The reality check: Still inconsistent in some areas. Outages happen. Speeds vary widely by location.
Internet Options:
1. BTL (Belize Telemedia Ltd.) — National Telecom
  • DSL: Older technology, 10-15 Mbps in theory (often less), available in most towns
  • Fiber Optic: Faster and more reliable (up to 100 Mbps), limited availability — mainly Belize City, San Pedro, some of Placencia, expanding slowly
  • Fixed Wireless: Uses cellular towers for home internet, speeds vary
  • Service improving but customer service can be frustrating. Installation can take weeks. Outages during storms.
  • Typical costs: $37-100 USD/month depending on package
2. Starlink — Game Changer
  • Speeds: 50-200 Mbps download — faster than most other options
  • Reliability: Generally good, some weather interruptions during heavy rain
  • Cost: ~$120 USD/month + $499 for equipment
  • Availability: Works almost anywhere with clear sky view (need clear view of northern sky)
  • Note: Only available in areas with poor or no BTL service. Government (majority owner of BTL) doesn't like the competition.
  • Game-changer for rural properties and islands with limited infrastructure
3. Cellular Data (Mobile Hotspot)
  • Providers: BTL Digicell, Smart
  • Good in towns and along main highways, spotty in remote areas
  • 4G/LTE available in most populated areas
  • Speeds: 10-30 Mbps typically
  • Costs: $12-37 USD for 5-15 GB prepaid
  • Good for backup, travel, or light usage — not ideal for heavy remote work or video calls
Realistic Speeds by Area:
  • San Pedro (Ambergris Caye): BTL fiber in town core (50-100 Mbps possible), further out 5-20 Mbps, cell service generally good
  • Placencia: BTL fiber in some areas (15-50 Mbps), Starlink most likely not allowed, cell service decent in village
  • Cayo (San Ignacio): BTL in town, rural areas often need Starlink, cell service good in town, limited in jungle
  • Corozal: BTL service reasonable, Starlink works well in rural areas, some people use Mexican cell plans near border
  • Hopkins: BTL service basic, Starlink most likely not allowed, cell service okay in village
  • Remote/Jungle/Rural: Starlink often the only viable option, cell service unreliable or non-existent
Power Outages — The Internet Killer:
Belize has power outages — not constantly, but regularly enough to plan for.
Solutions:
  • Battery backup (UPS): Keeps modem/router running 30-60 minutes. Essential baseline.
  • Generator: For longer outages. $500-2,000 depending on size.
  • Solar with battery: More expensive upfront but provides independence.
  • Backup internet: David's setup: BTL as main + lower-speed backup when BTL is down
Myth of the Week: "Internet in Belize is terrible. I could never work remotely there."
This was more true 10+ years ago than today. Starlink has genuinely changed the equation.
With Starlink + backup power, you can work remotely from almost anywhere in Belize.
Good enough for:
  • Video calls (Zoom, Teams)
  • Cloud-based work
  • Email and standard business applications
  • Most remote work needs
May be challenging:
  • Ultra-high bandwidth needs (video production, massive file transfers)
  • Gaming with low latency requirements
  • Jobs requiring 99.99% uptime guarantees
Cell Phones:
Two carriers:
  • Digicell (BTL): Bigger network, better coverage (think AT&T)
  • Smart: Smaller but competitive, sometimes better prices (think Verizon)
Options:
  1. US phone with international roaming: $5-15/day for unlimited. Good for short visits, expensive long-term.
  2. Local SIM card: Buy prepaid SIM ($2.50-5 USD), put in unlocked phone. Data packages $12-37 USD for 5-15 GB monthly. Best value for long-term stays. Need unlocked phone + passport for registration.
  3. Local phone: Buy cheap phone in Belize for local calls, keep US phone on WiFi.
Tips for Remote Workers:
  • Test before you commit: Rent in the area first and test the internet
  • Have redundancy: Backup internet essential for work-critical connectivity
  • Manage expectations: Be upfront with employers/clients that you're in a developing country
  • Schedule important calls strategically: Know when connection is most reliable
  • Download what you can: Netflix, documents — don't rely on streaming for everything
  • Find backup locations: Know which restaurants/cafes have good WiFi
  • Consider WiFi booster/mesh system: Belize homes have thick concrete walls that block signal
Co-Working Spaces:
They exist but it's not like Austin or Lisbon:
  • San Pedro: A few spots emerging. Ask in expat groups.
  • Placencia: Some cafes cater to remote workers. Growing.
  • San Ignacio: A few options popping up.
  • Belize City: Limited — business centers and hotels.
Reality: Most remote workers in Belize work from home.
Monthly Connectivity Budget:
BTL Internet | $20-120/month
Smart Broadband | $31-45/month
Starlink | $120/month
Cell phone plan | $20-50/month
Backup power | $20-50/month (fuel/maintenance)
Total | $100-250/month
Bottom Line:
Working remotely from Belize is absolutely possible with the right setup and expectations:
  • Get Starlink if available
  • Have backup power
  • Have backup internet method
  • Accept it won't be perfect
  • Communicate with anyone who depends on your connectivity
Thousands of people already do it.
Connect:
📧 david@1stchoicebelize.com for questions about connectivity in specific areas
🏠 RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize]]>

What is The Belize Real Estate Insider?

Belize Real Estate Insider delivers short, practical episodes on how Belize really works as an investment and lifestyle market. Hosted by David Kafka, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX 1st Choice Belize and an active international investor, this show gives you daily market intelligence from the ground in paradise.

In 3–7 minute episodes, you’ll learn:

Why serious investors are paying attention to Belize
How the buying process actually works (offers, contracts, title, Lands Department)
The real costs beyond the sticker price: closing, holding, and management
How different regions (Ambergris Caye, Placencia, Hopkins, inland/ag plays) fit different goals and budgets
How to think about rental income, vacancies, and realistic pro formas
No hype, no glossy brochure fantasy—just grounded advice, real numbers, and an honest look at the risks and rewards of investing in Belize real estate.

If you’d like to see rough pro‑forma numbers for a specific budget or region, email David at david@1stchoicebelize.com.