Us to Belize Currency: A Traveler's Guide

Belize is a beautiful country in Central America that's a popular destination for travelers. The official currency of Belize is the Belize dollar, denoted by the symbol "BZD".

The Belize dollar is divided into 100 subunits called cents. You can exchange your US dollars for Belize dollars at banks, currency exchange offices, or some hotels.

Tourist-friendly areas like Ambergris Caye and San Ignacio often accept US dollars, but it's still a good idea to have some local currency on hand.

Using and exchanging US dollars in Belize can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered. The Belize dollar has been pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 2:1 for over 25 years, which means that exchanging your US dollars for Belize dollars is relatively straightforward.

The exchange rate with other countries is also informed by this peg, so it's worth checking the current rates before you travel. Here are some examples of exchange rates with other countries:

If you're paying with a debit or credit card issued by a US bank, you won't incur an exchange rate margin, but you might still face international card transaction fees. Revolut is a convenient payment option in Belize that can help you avoid these fees, with a free ATM withdrawal allowance of $1,000 USD per month on the Standard plan.

Using cash in Belize is relatively straightforward, especially in tourist areas where US dollars are widely accepted. You can pay with US cash, but be prepared to receive Belize dollars in change at the $1 US to $2 BZ exchange rate.

Belizean banknotes feature a prominent image of Queen Elizabeth II, a nod to the country's former British colony. The local currency includes bills in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100.

It's worth noting that only US dollar bills are accepted in Belize, not coins. If you try to pay with a US coin, it may not be accepted.

If you do need to exchange currency, be aware that the Belize dollar is pegged 2-to-1 with the US dollar. This means that businesses and locals accept both currencies.

Here's a quick rundown of the Belizean coins:

As a general rule, it's a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially when dealing with smaller businesses or street vendors.

Banks and ATMs are widely available in Belize, making it easy to access local currency. You can find them in main towns and cities, including Belize City, Belmopan, and San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.

Belize Bank is the most ubiquitous, with 11 branches and 27 ATMs across the country. They're open from 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday, and closed on holidays.

ATMs in Belize are mostly safe to use, but it's best to stick with those attached to a bank rather than standalone machines. These are less likely to have card-skimming devices installed.

If you're looking for reliable ATMs, try using those operated by local banks. They often have lower fees and better exchange rates compared to standalone or third-party ATMs.

Here are some tips for finding ATMs in Belize:

You can withdraw up to BZ$1,500.00 a day from an ATM for a BZ$3 fee. Just be aware that ATM withdrawal fees can range from $3.00 to $8.00 per withdrawal, so it's a good idea to have some cash on hand if you plan to make multiple withdrawals.

You can use US dollars in Belize, but it's not the only currency accepted. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and major hotels.

Belize uses the Belize dollar, but US dollars are also accepted in many places. You can exchange your US dollars for Belize dollars at a bank or currency exchange office.

Exchanging currency in Belize can be done at a bank, currency exchange office, or even some hotels. Be aware that exchange rates may vary depending on the location and provider.

ATMs are widely available in Belize, especially in tourist areas, and you can withdraw Belize dollars or US dollars. Credit cards are also accepted at many local businesses.

Here are some common ATMs and local payment methods in Belize:

Banks in Belize often give you a worse exchange rate than 2-1 ratio, so it's best to avoid them if possible.

Some providers may advertise their services as "fee-free", but they often fail to disclose a hidden exchange rate margin fee that averages 4% to 7%.

Most restaurants in Belize accept debit and credit cards, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller or independent establishments.

Smaller establishments may have cash-only policies, so it's best to be prepared.

The official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of BZ$2 to US$1.

You don't need to change your US dollars into local BZ dollars, as US dollars are widely accepted in Belize.

The BZ Dollar is generally worthless outside of Belize, so it's not worth exchanging it.

One US dollar equals two Belize dollars, and in practice, the BZ Dollar is officially accepted at a slight fluctuation of $2.0175 BZ for one US dollar.

Restaurants in Belize generally accept debit and credit cards, with many displaying logos indicating the types of cards they accept, such as Visa and Mastercard.

It's still a good idea to carry some cash, as smaller or independent establishments may have cash-only policies.

You can use US dollars for most transactions in Belize, although you'll likely get local currency back in change.

Only US dollar bills, not coins, will be accepted in Belize.

Businesses and locals accept both US dollars and the Belize dollar, which is pegged 2-to-1 with the US dollar.

This means there's no need to exchange your cash if you're traveling from the US, but be aware of some ATM fees in Belize.