Exploring San Pedro, Belize: Atm Access

If you're planning a trip to San Pedro in Belize, it's good to know that the Belize dollar is the country's official currency. The good news is that both US dollars and Belize dollars are widely accepted in most towns and cities, so you won't need to worry too much about exchanging your money beforehand. However, it's always a good idea to carry some local currency, and the easiest way to obtain this is through an ATM.

Where to find ATMs in San Pedro, Belize

San Pedro is a town on Ambergris Caye, an island off the coast of Belize. As a popular tourist destination, San Pedro has a number of ATMs available.

Belize Bank has established the only nationwide ATM network in the country, with 45 ATMs distributed evenly across Belize. There is a Belize Bank ATM in San Pedro Town, on Barrier Reef Drive. This ATM is open 24/7 and accepts all cards bearing the Visa, Mastercard, Plus, and Cirrus logos. You can withdraw up to BZ$1,500 per day from Belize Bank ATMs, and you will receive a machine-printed receipt for your withdrawal.

In addition to Belize Bank, there are several other major banks in Belize that provide ATM services, including Atlantic Bank and the Bank of Nova Scotia. These banks are typically open Monday to Thursday until 2 PM and slightly later on Fridays, and are closed on Sundays.

ATMs in Belize only dispense money in Belize dollars (BZ$), and there is often a withdrawal limit of around BZ$500 per day. It's important to note that you will likely be charged two fees for using an ATM in Belize: one from your home bank for international use, and one from the local Belize bank.

While ATMs can be found in most major towns in Belize, they are not as readily available as in large cities in the US. It's a good idea to bring a mix of cash, credit cards, and debit cards when visiting Belize, and to notify your bank and credit card company before travelling internationally.

Accepted cards at Belize ATMs

Belize is a cash-based economy, with over 70% of transactions being conducted in cash, so it's important to know which cards are accepted by ATMs. While you can use US dollars in Belize, it's always good to have some local currency on hand.

Belize has four banks: Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Heritage Bank, and the National Bank of Belize. All of these banks have ATMs that accept foreign cards. However, it's important to note that not all ATMs are created equal. Some may only accept local credit cards, so look out for the Plus or Cirrus logos, which indicate that the machine accepts international Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards.

Most ATMs in Belize will accept Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards. If you have a Visa debit card, you can avoid cash advance interest charges. However, do note that cards issued by your bank may not work in Belize, so it's best to have a card issued by Visa or Mastercard. ATMs in Belize primarily accept 4-digit PINs, so if your PIN is longer, you may need to change it before your trip.

Scotiabank, which is an independent outpost of the Canadian bank, also has ATMs in Belize that accept international cards. However, Scotiabank is no longer part of the Global ATM Alliance, which allowed customers to withdraw cash from partner banks abroad without any fees.

While it is possible to use ATMs in Belize to get cash, it's important to be aware of potential issues. Some newer ATM cards with embedded chips may not work in some machines. Additionally, your bank will likely charge a fee for using ATMs abroad, and you may encounter machines that are out of cash or order. It's always a good idea to have a backup plan, such as carrying some US currency or a credit card.

In summary, if you plan to use ATMs in Belize, bring your Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card, ensure your PIN is 4 digits, and be prepared for potential fees and machine issues.

Fees and withdrawal limits at Belize ATMs

When using an ATM in Belize, you will likely be charged two fees: one by your bank for international use, and one by the local Belize bank. The local bank fee will be shown on the ATM screen before you complete your transaction, giving you the option to cancel the transaction if you wish.

Belize Bank

Belize Bank charges a fee of BZ$3.50 + 1% of the amount withdrawn. They accept all cards bearing the VISA, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus logos. The maximum withdrawal limit per day is BZ$500.

Scotiabank

Scotiabank charges a fee of BZ$8.00. They accept all cards bearing the VISA, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus logos. The maximum withdrawal limit per day is BZ$750.

Heritage Bank

Heritage Bank charges a fee of BZ$3.00. Withdrawals can be made using any Heritage, Credit Union, Belizean bank debit cards or ZITRO prepaid cards. They do not currently accept foreign cards.

Atlantic Bank

Atlantic Bank does not charge a convenience fee. The maximum withdrawal limit depends on the limit of the customer's card. They do not currently accept chip cards.

In-store ATMs

In-store ATMs typically charge a fee of BZ$10.00.

Bank of America

Bank of America is part of the Global ATM Alliance, which means that it does not charge a fee for cash withdrawals at the ATMs of other alliance members.

Exchanging currency in Belize

The official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD; also abbreviated BZ$), which is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of BZ$2 to US$1. This means that two Belizean dollars will always equal one American dollar, so you don't need to worry about calculating exchange rates.

US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, and you can use them at most businesses, although smaller establishments may only take Belize dollars. You will likely receive change in Belize dollars, but it could be a mix of both currencies. It's always a good idea to check whether the price you are being quoted is in Belize or US dollars, as the difference is substantial.

ATMs can be found in all major tourist towns and urban centres, including San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, San Ignacio, Punta Gorda, Belize City, and Belmopan. They usually accept foreign cards, including Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus cards. However, they only dispense Belize dollars and may charge a fee for each withdrawal, with a daily limit of around BZ$500.

It is recommended to notify your bank and credit card company before travelling to Belize to avoid any issues with foreign transactions. Most major credit cards are accepted in Belize, although Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted than American Express, especially by smaller businesses.

While there are no official money exchanges in Belize, you can exchange currency at most banks and some upper-end hotels. The exchange rate at banks is often less than ideal (around BZ$1.96 to US$1). A better option may be to use a casa de cambio (exchange house) or a freelance money changer ("pesero"), who usually offer a more favourable rate than the banks. However, unlicensed money changers may not be trustworthy, and it is recommended to fill out the required paperwork when exchanging money.

It is important to note that Belizean dollars are generally worthless outside of Belize, and it can be very difficult to exchange them for other currencies once you leave the country. Therefore, it is advised to convert any remaining Belizean dollars before departing.

Additionally, there are legal restrictions on the amount of cash you can bring into Belize. Individuals are allowed to bring a maximum of US$5,000 in any form (cash, cheques, etc.), and all visitors must declare their total currency holdings if they exceed this amount. Failure to do so may result in arrest and/or fines.

Credit card use in Belize

While credit cards are gaining popularity in Belize, they may not be widely accepted outside of tourist areas, or in smaller establishments. In San Pedro, for example, credit cards are likely to be accepted in hotels, bars, and restaurants, but you may struggle to use them in smaller shops and restaurants.

Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards in Belize, and American Express is often not accepted due to high merchant fees. Some sources suggest that Diners Club and Discover cards are rarely accepted, while others state that there is a chance they will be accepted.

It is a good idea to notify your credit card company before travelling to Belize, so they don't become suspicious when foreign charges start showing up. You may also wish to carry more than one card, in case one doesn't work.

When paying with a credit card in Belize, you will be charged several fees, including:

• FX Margin (Credit Card)
• FX Margin (Bank/Provider)
• Foreign Exchange Fee

These fees are typically charged by your credit card company, your bank or credit card provider, and the ATM network (if you're withdrawing cash).

Credit cards can be a convenient and safe way to make purchases in Belize, but having cash on hand is always recommended, especially if you plan to visit less touristy areas.

Frequently asked questions