How Much Money To Bring To Belize
Money in Belize and Belize Currency Conversions
I become lots of questions from first-fourth dimension visitors about money in Belize — does everyone have credit cards, do shops take US dollars, practice ATM machines take Us or foreign cards? Information technology'south just smart travel planning. And so hither is a breakdown of the nuts of money and Belize Currency.
The Belize Dollar
The Belize dollar is the official currency of Belize – and it is pegged (or fix) to the U.s. Dollar. $2bzd = $1US.
Bills come in $2, $5, $x, $xx, $l and $100 – coins i cent, 5, 10, 25 (or a "shilling"), 50 cents and my favorite the $one coin.
Yes, that is the Queen of England on the front. While Belize has been her ain country since 1981, we are still part of the British Commonwealth along with 52 other countries. Interestingly…Barbados just left the commonwealth final twelvemonth.
7 Very Interesting Facts (to me) About the British Commonwealth
Can I use US dollars in Belize?
Yeah. Always. The ii are interchangeable. Can I use U.s. coins? No.
You lot'll find prices quoted in both US and BZD across the land. In general, the higher prices are quoted in US dollars – similar real estate, hotel, and tour prices. And all prices at supermarkets, nigh restaurants and shops are quoted in local prices.
Always double-check on menus how your price is being quoted. Enquire if y'all are unsure or if it isn't specified.
"Is that toll Belize or US?"
Easy.
TIP: I'd recommend bringing smaller bills – $1, $v, $10 and $20US in your wallet. $50US or $100US bills will be difficult, often impossible to cash in smaller villages or modest shops and restaurants. People don't take the change and/or these large bills are somewhat rare and can be counterfeit – no ane wants to accept that risk.
Make sure that your bills are in good condition! A few years agone, the Belize banks decided that they can no longer accept U.s. bills with ANY marks or tears. And then have a close await – at things you wouldn't even discover at home. For a pen marker or a tiny tear.
Nothing more annoying than being down to your last $20US bill and finding that no one volition accept it.
(If you practise get into that position, y'all volition find that some of the larger supermarkets or bars — ones that deal with many tourists — will have the bill – or assistance yous out. Just ask them at the counter before y'all order.)
ATM Machines in Belize
Cash machines in Belize dispense money in Belize dollars. Never USD. There is often a $500bzd-$800bzd limit depending on the bank.
You will find ATM machines in all major tourist towns and more urban centers – San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, San Ignacio, Punta Gorda, Dangriga, Belize City, Belmopan, etc.
Something to keep in mind, you will frequently be hit with two fees – one from your banking company for international apply (notice it out before y'all leave) and one for the local Belize banking concern.
Belize dollars are non accepted exterior of Belize — except at some border towns similar Melchor, Guatemala, and Chetumal, Mexico — so be careful of the amount y'all withdraw – especially at the end of your trip.
If you are staying in a more remote area – i of the smaller cayes or a less touristy village, please ask your hotel/resort for information.
Belize Bank, Atlantic Bank and ScotiaBank all accept foreign ATM cards.
Exchanging Coin in Belize
In that location are no official money exchanges in Belize and banks (for some reason) give a less than platonic rate for exchanging coin (like $1.96BZD to $1US).
There is no reason to substitution cash in a bank — you can employ your Usa dollars everywhere – at bars, restaurants, shops and get BZD in return.
Tin I employ Canadian dollars or Euros in Belize?
If I were you, I would exchange Canadian dollars or whatsoever other currency into US dollars earlier arriving in Belize or any Primal American state. Y'all are not going to become the most advantageous rates for exchange here — and then exercise it earlier y'all go far.
If for some reason, you take other currencies (Canadian dollars, Mexican pesos, United kingdom pounds, or Euros), most banks volition exchange information technology for Belize dollars but over again, BAD RATES. I'd exercise my best to avoid.
Travelers Checks
Wait…do they make travelers checks anymore? Would it be rude to suggest a time machine? Yes…rude. But these are a major hurting in the butt. I'd exchange in the US and bring the US cash. That kinda defeats the whole purpose.
When can I employ credit cards in Belize?
Unlike the US market place, cash is nonetheless the standard course of payment in Belize.
These days all hotels, many larger restaurants, supermarkets and bars accept credits cards for payment – by and large for amounts over $20bzd. Your hotel expects credit carte du jour payment, as do the larger and more than expensive restaurants. It is no problem at all.
VISA and Mastercard are generally preferred and at many places, the only cards taken. American Express charges high fees to the merchant.
Banks generally appraise a iii-6% fee (lower end, VISA/MC and college stop, AmEx) for apply of credit cards to the merchant, then cash is ALWAYS preferred.
You might even observe that for larger purchases – similar fine art or more expensive souvenirs, the vendor will give you a small "greenbacks discount" – often v% but information technology can exist college.
At smaller merchants and often in smaller villages, cash is your only option.
SO…How much cash should I Bring To Belize?
No thing how experienced you are, or the careful planning y'all do, don't you always observe you lot underestimate this?
I'd certainly bring enough cash with me (in United states of america dollars) to make my first few days easy – once again, stick with the smaller bills. No one wants to be running effectually the evening they get in looking for an ATM machine.
I can't estimate the corporeality for you – but budget plenty for smaller meals like breakfast and lunch and shopping yous might do. Check if your lodging has a condom (most do) where you can keep your cash.
If you program to tick EVERYTHING off your bucket list, y'all'll demand more money.
You lot can only bring in up to $10,000USD – any corporeality over that must legally be declared at Customs on arrival.
And again, bring smaller bills — it's nice to have $1s and $5s for tipping and smaller things similar beverages or snacks as soon as you become off the airplane.
Hopefully that helps. And if you've visited and have suggestions, additions or questions, delight let me know!
Eat local food (AND street food), go on tours, talk to people – especially those who alive here – for suggestions and local color, have the precautions that you would take visiting whatsoever new place and you lot'll savour your fourth dimension in Belize.
I promise.
For keeping, sharing and pinning, PIN here.
Source: https://www.sanpedroscoop.com/2022/01/tips-for-handling-money-in-belize-2022-update-belize-currency-usd-accepted.html
Posted by: kenworthycrecry.blogspot.com
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