Is it safe to send an international money order by mail to someone in Belize? I wired money the last time and the service charges at both my end and the Belize end were ridiculous. If sending a money order by mail isn't safe, is there a safe alternative other than wiring the money down?

Sending by regular mail will take a month or more to reach Belize, (verified by experience). You can send by courier (DHL) but the bank here will probaby put a hold on the MO for a week or so. Yes, the banks do charge a small fortune to wire money here.

Western Union is the best for sending quick emergency cash, but if you are going to send money to a friend or relative on a regular basis, I find that it is best to send the reciever an ATM card and then just deposit money into the account back home.

don't know your situation, but if you are sending money to a poor little Spanish/Belizian girl you met down here, or an undeveloped resort property STOP! you are probably getting suckered.

Regular mail from the US takes two weeks in most cases - sometimes less, but have never had the experience if anything taking a full month.
A cashier's check or money order is (believe it or not) about a reliable as a personal check. They can be cancelled and they can be counterfeit and therefore the money is only "good" when the check clears at the source. That takes anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the banks involved.

Man, have things changed. I would sent Jerry a check and it would show up in my account in less than a week. Progress ?

Jerry had more faith than most.
:-)

Thank you US banking regulations. Even wiring money from the US is a problem due to money laundering laws. Last time I tried to bring down a large amount (personal) there were all kinds of issues and it took 2 weeks to get here.

If the person has a VISA card with Belize Bank, you can send the money via Paypal and they can transfer it to their visa card.

hahaha... no, Dwight. The money is for some relatives.

Moneygram is cheaper than Western Union