San Pedro, Belize: Planning Your Cash Needs

San Pedro, Belize is a popular tourist destination, known for its tropical climate, clear blue waters, and abundance of activities such as snorkelling and scuba diving. When planning a trip to San Pedro, one important consideration is how much cash to bring. While the official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD), US Dollars are widely accepted and the two currencies are interchangeable. However, it is important to note that US coins are not accepted.

When deciding how much cash to bring, it is recommended to have a mix of smaller denominations such as $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills, as larger bills may be hard to cash in smaller villages or shops. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure that the bills are in good condition, with no marks or tears, as some businesses may refuse to accept them.

For a one-week trip to San Pedro, the average cost for two people is around $1,884 (BZ$3,788), including accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. This averages out to approximately $135 (BZ$271) per person per day. However, this amount can vary depending on individual spending habits and travel style. It is also important to consider other factors such as the use of credit cards, ATMs, and potential bank fees when determining the appropriate amount of cash to bring.

US dollars are accepted everywhere in Belize, but it's recommended to bring smaller bills

If you're heading to San Pedro, Belize, you'll be pleased to know that US dollars are accepted everywhere. This is because the Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 2:1. So, if you're buying something that costs $4 Belize, you can pay with $2 US.

However, it's recommended that you bring smaller US dollar bills with you. While you can use US dollars everywhere, you will likely be given change in Belize dollars. Smaller shops and restaurants in villages may not be able to break $50 or $100 US bills, and these larger bills can also be targets for counterfeiting. So, it's best to bring a mix of $1, $5, $10, and $20 US bills. Also, make sure that your bills are in good condition, with no marks or tears, as some places will not accept them.

If you do find yourself with larger US bills, some larger supermarkets or bars that deal with many tourists may be able to help you break them. It's always good to ask before you order.

ATMs in Belize will dispense Belize dollars, not US dollars, and they usually have a limit of $500-800 BZD per transaction. You can find ATMs in all major tourist towns and urban centers, including San Pedro. However, be aware that you will likely incur two fees: one from your home bank for international use and one from the local Belize bank.

Credit cards are also widely accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and bars, usually for purchases over $20 BZD. VISA and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted, while American Express is less common due to the higher fees it charges merchants.

So, when planning your trip to San Pedro, bring a good mix of smaller US dollar bills, a credit card, and be prepared to use ATMs to withdraw Belize dollars if needed.

The Belize dollar is the official currency, pegged to the US dollar

The Belize dollar is the official currency of Belize, pegged to the US dollar at a rate of BZ$2 = US$1. This means that the two currencies are interchangeable in Belize, with US dollars being widely accepted, especially in tourist destinations. However, it is important to note that you will likely receive your change in Belize dollars if you pay with US currency. While US cash is widely accepted, US coins are not, so it is best to leave those at home.

Belizean banknotes come in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, with the largest bill colloquially known as a blue buay (blue boy). The largest coins are $1 and $2, with smaller coins in denominations of 50 cents, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, and 1 cent. It is recommended to bring smaller US bills ($1, $5, $10, and $20) as they are more widely accepted, especially in smaller villages, shops, and restaurants. Larger bills may be hard to cash, and there is also a risk of counterfeiting.

When bringing US dollars to Belize, ensure that the bills are in good condition. Some places will not accept bills that are bent, torn, or worn, and banks in Belize may reject US bills with any marks or tears. It is also important to be aware of the legal limit for cash brought into Belize. While there is some discrepancy in the sources, it is generally advised that any amount over $5000 USD should be declared at customs to avoid potential fines.

ATMs can be found in all major tourist towns and urban centres, including San Pedro, but they dispense only Belize dollars and usually have daily limits. Additionally, using an ATM will typically incur two separate fees: one from your home bank for international use and another from the local Belize bank. Credit cards are gaining popularity in Belize, but they may not be widely accepted outside of restaurants, bars, tour offices, and hotels. Of the major credit cards, American Express and Discover are rarely accepted due to their high merchant fees.

There's a legal limit of $10,000 USD that can be brought into Belize without being declared at customs

When travelling to Belize, it is important to be aware of the customs regulations to avoid legal issues and potential fines. While there are no restrictions on the importation of currency into Belize, there is a legal limit of $10,000 USD (or the Belize dollar equivalent) that can be brought into the country without being declared at customs. This means that if you are carrying more than $10,000 USD in cash, you must fill out a "Report of Currency Importation" form C300, which can be obtained from a customs officer. It is also important to note that only bills are accepted in Belize, and it is recommended to bring smaller denominations as some places may not have change for larger bills.

When travelling to San Pedro, Belize, it is recommended to bring a mix of cash and credit cards. US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, and there is no need to exchange currency before arrival. However, it is important to ensure that your bills are in good condition, as bills with any marks or tears may not be accepted. ATMs are available in San Pedro, but they may have long lines, especially on Friday afternoons. Additionally, using an ATM may incur two fees: one from your home bank for international use and one from the local Belize bank.

It is also worth noting that while credit cards are becoming more widely accepted in Belize, cash is still the standard form of payment. Credit cards are typically accepted for larger purchases, such as hotel stays or expensive meals, and Visa and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted types. American Express is accepted in fewer places due to the high fees charged to merchants.

In terms of budgeting for your trip to San Pedro, the cost of a typical meal with drinks can range from $15 to $40 USD. For larger items, such as hotel stays or fishing charters, it is recommended to use a credit card. It is also a good idea to bring some smaller US bills, such as $1, $5, and $10, for tipping and smaller purchases.

Overall, when travelling to San Pedro, Belize, it is important to be mindful of the legal limit of $10,000 USD that can be brought into the country without declaration. By following the customs regulations and being prepared with a mix of cash and credit cards, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

ATMs are available in San Pedro, but they may have long lines on Friday afternoons

While ATMs are available in San Pedro, Belize, it is important to note that they may have long lines on Friday afternoons. This is because many people go to the ATMs at this time, so it is recommended to plan ahead and avoid visiting ATMs on Friday afternoons if possible.

ATMs in Belize dispense money in Belize dollars, with a typical limit of BZ$500-800 per transaction. They can be found in all major tourist towns and urban centres, including San Pedro, and are usually located in the town areas. It is important to remember that you may incur two fees when using ATMs in Belize: one from your home bank for international use and another from the local Belize bank. Additionally, Belize dollars are not accepted outside of Belize, except in some border towns like Melchor, Guatemala, and Chetumal, Mexico. Therefore, it is advisable to be cautious about the amount of money you withdraw, especially towards the end of your trip.

When it comes to currency in Belize, both Belize dollars (BZD) and US dollars (USD) are widely accepted. The Belize dollar is the official currency, pegged to the US dollar at a rate of BZ$2 per US$1. While prices may be quoted in US dollars, particularly for real estate, hotels, and tours, you can expect to receive change in either US dollars or Belize dollars. It is always a good idea to double-check how your price is quoted to avoid confusion.

When bringing cash to San Pedro, it is recommended to have smaller denominations of US dollars, such as $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. Larger bills, such as $50 or $100, may be difficult to cash in smaller villages or shops, and there is a risk of counterfeiting. Additionally, ensure that your bills are in good condition, as banks in Belize may not accept marked or torn US currency.

In terms of using credit cards in Belize, they are widely accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly accepted cards. However, cash is still the standard form of payment, and it is always preferred by vendors due to the fees associated with credit card transactions.

Credit cards are accepted at most hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and bars

The standard form of payment in Belize is cash, and credit cards are not as widely accepted as in the US. VISA and Mastercard are the most commonly accepted cards, while American Express is rarely accepted due to the high fees charged to merchants.

If you plan to use a credit card, be aware that banks generally assess a 3-6% fee for credit card transactions, with the lower end for VISA and Mastercard, and the higher end for American Express. Therefore, cash is always preferred in Belize.

When paying with a credit card, carefully check the currency your purchase is quoted in, as prices may be quoted in either US dollars or Belize dollars (BZD). The exchange rate is fixed at $1 US to $2 BZ, and you will likely receive change in BZ when paying in US dollars.

If you are concerned about carrying large amounts of cash, it may be a good idea to rely on ATMs to withdraw money during your trip. ATMs can be found in all major tourist towns and urban centers in Belize, including San Pedro. However, keep in mind that you will likely incur two fees for using ATMs: one from your bank for international use and one from the local Belize bank. Additionally, there may be daily withdrawal limits, and ATMs in Belize only dispense money in BZD.

Frequently asked questions