I have tried several international calling cards. The card I ended up using is a card called "EXTRA". It says on the card that it is only good if used in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. But i am sure there is a version for all US areas.
The cards come in $5 and $10 denominations. I get 50 minutes to Belize on the $10 card.
The stores say there are better rates available, but they are usually calling Mexico. If Belize can get their phone monopoly taken care of this rate may improve. I am satisfied for the moment. At least, there are no surprise fees on my phone bill. In fact, there are no charges.
The $10 card is worth 50 minutes to Belize, but several connection fees can reduce this time. For example, If I call the girlfriend for 25 minutes, call her back for 10 minutes, and make 4 other calls that end up with an answering machine and me hanging up. It is spent.
The beauty is "predictable cost" in $10 increments.
I feel confident you could schedule a week long trip in Belize on a $10 card , or a big trip for $20, if you don't get a lot of answering machines or have to call people on a cell phone (higher rate for calling a cell phone).
To call Belize - dial 011 (country code) 501 (area code) then the new (2002) seven digit number.To call the Venus Hotel in San Ignacio dial 011-501-824-3203.