Belize's official currency is the Belize dollar, which is pegged to the US dollar. While US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, it is not always possible to use US coins or to exchange other foreign currencies for Belize dollars. Credit cards are becoming more widely used in Belize, with Visa and Mastercard generally preferred and accepted by many merchants. However, some merchants charge a service charge for credit card use, and smaller merchants may not accept Mastercard due to the $0 floor limit imposed by Mastercard on all Belize businesses. Belize Bank offers a Point-of-Sale terminal that can accept both Visa and Mastercard, enabling businesses to take advantage of the millions of transactions made daily by cardholders worldwide.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Mastercard acceptance in Belize | Mastercard is accepted in Belize, but mainly by larger businesses that have an electronic credit card processing machine. |
Belize's official currency | The Belize dollar (BZD) is the official currency, pegged to the US Dollar. |
Interchangeability of US Dollars | US Dollars are freely used and interchangeable with BZD in Belize. |
Mastercard's worldwide acceptance | Mastercard is widely recognised and can be used at millions of locations worldwide. |
Mastercard's instant cash feature | Mastercard allows users to obtain cash locally or internationally from any ATM displaying the 'Mastercard' or 'Cirrus' logos. |
Card replacement | Lost or stolen cards can be replaced within 3-5 business days in Belize and within 48 hours in the United States. |
Payment options | Mastercard offers flexible payment options, including full payment within 20 business days or installments of at least 5% of the outstanding balance or US$25. |
Emergency services | Mastercard provides emergency card-related assistance, including lost/stolen reporting, emergency card replacement, cash advance, and ATM locations. |
Purchase protection | Mastercard reimburses users for theft or accidental damage of purchased items up to US$100 per occurrence and US$200 per 12 months for up to 45 days after the covered purchase. |
What You'll Learn
Mastercard is widely accepted in Belize
Belize Bank also provides merchant services to businesses in Belize, enabling them to accept Mastercard and other major credit and debit cards. The bank offers two types of merchant accounts: a Brick and Mortar Merchant Account and an Internet Merchant Account. By signing up for these services, businesses in Belize can increase their sales by accepting credit and debit card payments from customers, including Mastercard.
While Visa is the most commonly accepted credit card in Belize, Mastercard is also widely accepted, especially by larger businesses that have electronic credit card processing machines. Some businesses may charge a service charge for the use of a credit card, typically around 5%. It is always a good idea to ask beforehand to avoid any surprises.
Additionally, Mastercard cardholders can obtain cash in Belize from any ATM displaying the 'Mastercard' or 'Cirrus' logos. This convenience allows travellers to access their funds easily and make purchases using their Mastercard in Belize.
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Mastercard is accepted at millions of locations worldwide
Mastercard is a widely recognised card scheme, accepted at millions of locations worldwide. In Belize, Mastercard is only accepted by larger businesses that have an electronic credit card processing machine. This is because Mastercard imposed a $0 floor limit on all Belize businesses, meaning smaller merchants that have to call their bank for credit card approval won't accept Mastercard, especially during non-business hours.
Mastercard is accepted at any ATM displaying the 'Mastercard' or 'Cirrus' logos, where you can obtain cash locally or internationally. Mastercard is also widely accepted in neighbouring Guatemala and Mexico.
In Belize, US dollars are freely used and preferred by most businesses over Belize dollars. Mastercard is a US-based card scheme, so it is well-suited for use in Belize.
Belize Bank offers a Mastercard Standard Credit Card, which can be used to buy almost anything, anywhere in the world. The card carries a US dollar line of credit and offers flexible payment options.
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Mastercard is accepted at ATMs in Belize
Mastercard is accepted at some ATMs in Belize. However, it is important to note that not all ATMs in Belize accept international cards, and even those that do may not always work. Therefore, it is recommended to get cash during banking hours so that you can get a cash advance inside the bank if the ATM is not functioning.
International ATMs are available in the following locations: Orange Walk, Corozal, San Pedro, Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Dangriga, Placencia, and Punta Gorda. Of the four banks in Belize, only two—Atlantic Bank and Belize Bank—allow out-of-town visitors to use their international Mastercard credit or debit cards to withdraw up to BZ $1,000 (US $500) per day. These ATMs are clearly labelled with the Plus or Cirrus logos.
Mastercard is also accepted at larger businesses in Belize that have an electronic credit card processing machine. However, smaller merchants that have to call their bank for credit card approval may not accept Mastercard, especially during non-business hours.
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Belize Bank provides merchant services to accept Mastercard
Belize Bank provides merchant services to businesses in Belize, allowing them to accept Mastercard and Visa credit and debit cards. With a Belize Bank Point-of-Sale terminal, businesses can accept two card brands on one machine, including Mastercard and Visa. The bank offers a fast and easy application process for its merchant services, with two types of merchant accounts available: Brick and Mortar Merchant Account and Internet Merchant Account.
Belize Bank provides comprehensive support to its merchants, including setting up and supporting their merchant accounts, providing training on card acceptance procedures, and offering 24-hour authorization service. The bank is also the only financial institution in Belize that provides yearly training to its merchants to ensure they are up-to-date with the rules and regulations of the Card Associations.
In addition to facilitating credit and debit card transactions, Belize Bank offers a range of other services to businesses, such as assisting in the reconciliation of Settlement Accounts, providing stationery and advertising materials, and offering Over-the-Counter Collections for businesses that require regular payments or deposits from clients.
By signing up for Belize Bank's merchant services, businesses in Belize can take advantage of the millions of daily transactions made by Mastercard and Visa cardholders worldwide, including those made in Belize. This can help businesses increase their sales, improve customer loyalty, and boost profits by accepting cards as a means of payment.
Belize Bank also offers its own Mastercard Standard Credit Card, which provides cardholders with convenience and value, allowing them to make purchases anywhere in the world. The card carries a US dollar line of credit and offers features such as instant cash access from ATMs displaying the 'MasterCard' or 'Cirrus' logos, flexible payment options, and purchase protection in case of theft or accidental damage.
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Mastercard is accepted in tourist areas in Belize
Mastercard is a widely recognised card scheme, accepted at millions of locations worldwide. In Belize, Mastercard is accepted by larger businesses that have an electronic credit card processing machine. However, smaller merchants that need to call their bank for credit card approval may not accept Mastercard, especially outside of business hours. This is because Mastercard has imposed a $0 floor limit on all Belize businesses.
ATMs that accept international cards can be found in some areas of Belize, including Orange Walk, Corozal, San Pedro, Belize City, Belmopan, San Ignacio, Dangriga, Placencia, and Punta Gorda. However, these ATMs do not always work, and some may not process Mastercard transactions. It is recommended to use a Visa debit card to avoid cash advance interest charges.
Belize Bank offers Mastercard Standard Credit Cards to customers, which can be used to buy almost anything, anywhere in the world. The card provides instant cash from ATMs displaying the 'Mastercard' or 'Cirrus' logos and offers flexible payment options. Additionally, the bank provides merchant services to businesses, enabling them to accept Mastercard and other card payments.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mastercard is accepted in Belize, but mainly in tourist areas. Mastercard is only accepted by larger businesses that have an electronic credit card processing machine.
Cards from major global providers like Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted in Belize. Cards issued by American Express, Diner's Club, or Discovery may also be accepted, but it is best to check with your bank or card provider.
Mastercard is widely accepted worldwide, allowing you to make purchases at millions of locations. You can also obtain cash with your Mastercard from any ATM displaying the 'Mastercard' or 'Cirrus' logos. Additionally, Mastercard offers emergency card-related assistance, including lost/stolen reporting, emergency card replacement, and emergency cash advance services.