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The Belize dollar is the official currency of Belize, and it's a great thing to learn about if you're planning a trip there.
The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of 2:1, meaning that 2 Belize dollars are equivalent to 1 US dollar. This makes it easy for tourists to exchange their money or use credit cards.
You can exchange your money for Belize dollars at the airport, banks, or currency exchange offices. Some hotels and resorts also offer currency exchange services.
In Belize, you can use US dollars in many places, especially tourist areas, but it's still a good idea to have some local currency on hand.
What Is the Belize Dollar?
The Belize dollar, or BZD, is a currency that's used in Belize. It's often presented with the symbol BZ$ locally.
BZD is used in the foreign exchange market, where currencies from different countries are bought, sold, and exchanged, using the abbreviation BZD.
BZD banknotes come in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.
Coins, on the other hand, include 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, as well as BZ$ 1 coins.
As of August 2020, 1 BZD is equal to US $0.50, where it's pegged.
Belize Dollar Basics
The Belize dollar was officially recognized as the currency for Belize on January 1, 1974.
It replaced the British Honduras dollar, which was previously used in the country. Belize was a British colony and part of British Honduras, but was renamed Belize six months prior on June 1, 1973.
The Belize dollar has been pegged to the U.S. dollar at a rate of BZ$2 to $1 USD since 1978.
Understanding the
The Belize dollar was officially recognized as the currency for Belize on January 1, 1974, replacing the British Honduras dollar. This change coincided with Belize's journey to independence, achieved in 1981.
The Belize dollar has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century, with the earliest law about currency in Belize passed on June 19, 1784, when the Jamaica currency was established as a legal tender.
The Spanish dollar was the currency in circulation in Belize between 1765 and 1825, and after this, the British sterling monetary system was used in Belize. The British sterling monetary system was also used in other countries in the region, including Jamaica and Bermuda.
Belize's currency was initially pegged to the British pound, but in 1931, when Britain abandoned the gold standard, Belize's currency became pegged to the U.S. dollar. This pegging system was later adjusted in 1949 to the US dollar alone.
The Central Bank of Belize, established in 1982, manages the nation's foreign reserves and issues its currency. Belize's inflation rate is about 0.6%, as of 2019 estimates, and its GDP grew at a rate of 2.5% in the same year.
The Belize dollar is now the official currency of Belize and is divided into 100 cents, with various coins and banknotes introduced over the years to reflect the country's cultural diversity and rich history.
Banknotes
The Belize dollar has a rich history when it comes to its banknotes. The Board of Commissioners of Currency operated from 1894 to 1976, introducing notes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 dollars.
In 1894, the government introduced notes in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, and 100 dollars. Production of 50 and 100 dollar notes ceased after 1928. 20 dollar notes were introduced in 1952.
The Monetary Authority of Belize took over note issuance in 1976, issuing the first and only notes under its name dated 1ST JUNE 1980. These notes included a 100-dollar note for the first time.
The Central Bank of Belize was established on January 1, 1982, issuing the first notes under its name dated 1ST JULY 1983. The bank has been issuing new series of banknotes since then.
Here's a breakdown of the new 2025 series of banknotes:
The new 2025 series of banknotes features modern security features and national symbols.
Inflation and Buying Power
Belize's inflation rate has fluctuated over the years, but in 2022, it was a relatively low 1.7%. This is good news for consumers, as it means prices of goods and services are increasing at a slower rate.
The inflation rate affects the purchasing power of the Belize dollar. The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar, so changes in the US economy can impact its value.
As of March 2024, one US dollar is equivalent to two Belize dollars. This means the Belize dollar is weaker than the US dollar, making goods and services in Belize relatively more expensive for visitors from countries with stronger currencies.
A weaker currency can also make Belize's exports more competitive, which can boost the country's economy.
One
The Belize dollar is a beautiful currency, and let's start with the one dollar note. The 1 dollar banknote features the Front-facing bust of Queen Elizabeth II wearing the Vladimir Tiara at centre right on the obverse.
You might be wondering what's on the reverse side of the 1 dollar note. The underwater reef with star coral is the design that's featured.
The Belize dollar is a great currency to have, and I think it's worth noting that the design of the 1 dollar note is quite unique.
Using the Belize Dollar
The Belize Dollar is the official currency of Belize, divided into 100 cents. You can exchange it at most banks and hotels.
ATMs in Belize usually accept foreign cards, making it easy to access your money. Many businesses also accept US dollars, but it's not accepted everywhere, so it's a good idea to carry some local currency with you.
Some smaller businesses may only accept Belize Dollars, so it's best to have a combination of both currencies to be prepared for any situation.
Usage
You can exchange currency at most banks and hotels, and ATMs in Belize usually accept foreign cards.
Many businesses accept US dollars, making it a convenient option for travelers.
However, expect to get local currency back in change if you use US dollars.
Only US dollar bills, not coins, will be accepted in Belize.
The Belize dollar is pegged 2-to-1 with the US dollar, making it easy for businesses to accept US dollars without any issue.
It's essential to have some Belizean dollars on hand for small purchases, tips, and transportation.
You should always have some Belizean dollars on hand, especially for smaller businesses that may only accept BZD.
Tips
It's customary to tip in Belize, and it's best to tip in BZD. This is because some businesses may not accept USD for tips, and if they do, they may give you a change in BZD.
Tipping in local currency shows that you respect the local customs and culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far does the US dollar go in Belize?
The US dollar has a fixed exchange rate of 2:1 in Belize, making it equivalent to 2 Belize dollars. This means your money goes twice as far in Belize as it would in the US.
Is it better to use US dollars in Belize?
Yes, using US dollars in Belize is convenient, as they're widely accepted and can be easily exchanged for local currency. However, it's worth considering the 2:1 ratio and potential exchange rate differences to get the best value for your money.
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