If you're travelling to Belize, you may be wondering whether you can use US dollars there. The short answer is yes – US dollars are widely accepted across Belize, and the Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a constant ratio of 2:1. This means that two Belize dollars are equal to one US dollar. However, it's worth noting that only US dollar bills are accepted in Belize, not coins. Additionally, smaller establishments may only take Belize dollars, and it's always a good idea to have some local currency on hand. When paying with US dollars, make sure the bills are in good condition, as some places may not accept marked or torn bills.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Can you use USD in Belize? | Yes, USD is accepted everywhere in Belize. |
Exchange rate | 1 USD = 2 BZD |
Can you use US coins in Belize? | No |
Can you use credit cards in Belize? | Yes, but cash is preferred. |
Is it better to use cash or card in Belize? | Cash is king in Belize, especially in smaller establishments and rural areas. |
Can you use ATMs in Belize? | Yes, but they only dispense BZD. |
Are ATMs in Belize safe? | Yes, but it's best to use ATMs attached to a bank rather than a standalone machine. |
Can you use debit cards in Belize? | No, but most major credit cards are accepted. |
Can you use traveller's cheques in Belize? | Yes, but they are rarely used. |
What You'll Learn
The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a 2:1 ratio
The Belize dollar (BZD) is the official currency of Belize. It is pegged to the US dollar at a constant ratio of 2:1, meaning that 2 Belize dollars are equal to 1 US dollar. This makes it easy for travellers from the US to use their cash in Belize without worrying about bad exchange rates.
The Belize dollar was first issued in 1974, but the country's currency has been linked to the US dollar since 1931 when Britain abandoned the gold standard. In 1978, the Belize dollar was pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of BZ$2 to $1 USD, and this rate has continued ever since.
While the US dollar is widely accepted in Belize, it is important to note that only US dollar bills are accepted, not coins. Additionally, while prices for goods and services may be quoted in US dollars, change will always be given in Belize dollars. It is also worth noting that Belize dollars are not accepted outside of Belize, except in some border towns like Melchor, Guatemala, and Chetumal, Mexico.
For travellers to Belize, it is recommended to bring a mix of US dollars and a debit or credit card that does not charge international transaction fees. Smaller US dollar bills ($1, $5, $10, and $20) are preferable, as larger bills may be difficult to cash in smaller villages or shops. It is also important to ensure that US bills are in good condition, with no tears or marks, as these may not be accepted.
ATMs in Belize dispense money in Belize dollars and can be found in all major tourist towns and urban centres. However, it is important to be aware of ATM fees, as there may be charges from both your home bank and the local Belize bank.
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US dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize
US dollars are accepted alongside Belize dollars for transactions across Belize. The Belize dollar is the country's official currency, but it is pegged to the US dollar at a constant ratio of 2:1. This means that two Belize dollars are equal to one US dollar. As a result, both currencies are accepted across the country.
While US dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize, it is recommended that you bring smaller US dollar bills, such as $1, $5, $10, and $20 notes, as it may be difficult to cash larger bills in smaller villages or shops. Additionally, ensure that your bills are in good condition, as some businesses may refuse to accept bills with any marks or tears.
It is worth noting that only US dollar bills are accepted in Belize, not coins. While US dollars are widely accepted, you may receive change in Belize dollars. ATMs in Belize also dispense only Belize dollars, not US dollars.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in larger establishments and urban areas of Belize. However, cash is still the standard form of payment, especially in smaller businesses and rural areas.
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You will get change in Belize dollars
The Belize dollar is the official currency of Belize. However, US dollars are also widely accepted as legal tender across the country. The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a constant ratio of 2 Belize dollars to 1 US dollar. This means that when you use US dollars to pay for goods and services in Belize, you will get your change in Belize dollars.
The US dollar is commonly used in Belize, and you can pay with a mix of both currencies. For example, you can pay for a BZ$4 item with US$1 and BZ$2. However, it is important to note that while US dollar bills are accepted, US coins are not. Additionally, prices in Belize are typically quoted in Belize dollars, not US dollars. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of the exchange rate and the amount you are paying to avoid overpaying.
When using US dollars in Belize, it is recommended to bring smaller bills, such as $1, $5, $10, and $20 notes. Larger bills, such as $50 or $100, may be difficult to cash in smaller villages, shops, or restaurants. It is also important to ensure that your bills are in good condition, as some businesses may not accept bills with any marks or tears.
ATMs in Belize dispense money in Belize dollars only. Therefore, if you plan to withdraw cash from ATMs, be prepared to receive your cash in Belize dollars. It is also worth noting that there may be associated fees and withdrawal limits with ATM transactions.
In summary, while US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, you will receive your change in Belize dollars. This makes it convenient to use both currencies when paying for goods and services. However, be mindful of the exchange rate and the condition of your US bills to ensure a smooth transaction.
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Only US dollar bills are accepted, not coins
If you're travelling to Belize, it's good to know that the official currency is the Belizean dollar (BZD). However, US dollars are widely accepted across the country. The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a constant ratio of 2 Belize dollars to 1 US dollar, so businesses and locals accept both currencies. This means that as a US traveller, you don't need to worry about exchanging your cash.
It's important to note that only US dollar bills are accepted in Belize, not coins. Additionally, it's recommended to bring smaller US dollar bills, such as $1, $5, $10, and $20 notes, as larger bills may be hard to cash in smaller villages or shops. These larger bills are also less common and may be counterfeited, making businesses reluctant to accept them.
While US dollars are widely accepted, you will receive change in Belize dollars. This is something to keep in mind when making purchases, as you will be dealing with two currencies during your stay. It's also worth noting that prices in Belize are usually expressed in Belize dollars, so be sure to double-check how your price is quoted to avoid overpaying.
In summary, when travelling to Belize, bring smaller US dollar bills, be prepared to receive change in Belize dollars, and carefully check pricing to ensure you understand which currency is being quoted.
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You can pay with a mix of currencies
The Belize dollar is the official currency of Belize, but US dollars are widely accepted across the country. The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a constant ratio of 2 Belize dollars to 1 US dollar. This means that you can pay for goods and services using either currency, and you will receive change in both currencies.
While the two currencies are interchangeable, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, only US dollar bills are accepted in Belize, not coins. Secondly, it is recommended to bring smaller US dollar bills, such as $1, $5, $10 and $20, as larger bills may be hard to cash in smaller villages or shops. Additionally, make sure that your bills are in good condition, as some businesses may not accept bills with any marks or tears.
When paying with US dollars, be mindful of the exchange rate. While it is officially 2 Belize dollars to 1 US dollar, some businesses may try to take advantage of tourists by giving change in US dollars instead of Belize dollars, essentially doubling the price of the item. Always check how your price is being quoted and ask for clarification if needed.
Credit and debit cards are also widely accepted in Belize, especially in larger establishments. However, cash is still the standard form of payment, and smaller merchants and villages may only accept cash. Additionally, using a credit or debit card may incur international card transaction fees.
Therefore, it is recommended to bring a mix of US dollars in cash and a debit or credit card for your trip to Belize. This will ensure that you have the flexibility to pay with the currency that is most convenient for you and the merchant.
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