American Express In Belize: Where Is It Accepted?

As of January 2023, American Express cards are accepted in Belize through the merchant network of the Belize Bank Limited, the country's largest commercial and retail banking operation. However, it is recommended to also carry other cards as backup as American Express is not commonly accepted in Belize, especially by smaller businesses.

American Express accepted at tourist spots in Belize

As of January 19th, 2023, American Express cards are accepted in Belize by operators using the Belize Bank. This follows an agreement between American Express and the Belize Bank Limited, the country's premier financial institution, to process American Express card transactions within its merchant network.

Prior to this agreement, there was a temporary disruption of all American Express services in Belize from January 1st, 2022, until June 30th, 2022. This disruption was due to the Belize Bank being the only agent for American Express in the country, and it is assumed that American Express was not comfortable with the risk.

Even with the current acceptance of American Express in Belize, it may still be challenging to find businesses that accept the card, especially in San Pedro, as the fees are considered too high. It is recommended to carry alternative payment methods, such as Visa or Mastercard, and to use local cash, which can be easily withdrawn from ATMs.

Belize Bank's agreement with American Express

On January 17, 2023, Belize Bank Limited, the country's largest commercial and retail banking operation, announced a collaboration with American Express. This agreement allows merchants within the bank's network in Belize to process American Express card transactions.

The collaboration is expected to significantly contribute to the Belizean economy, particularly in the tourism sector, as 76.8% of visitors are from the United States, according to the Belize Tourism Board. American Express cardholders will be able to use their cards at hotels, restaurants, and tour companies in popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Hopkins, and Placencia.

Before this agreement, American Express cards faced temporary disruptions in Belize, with some travellers reporting difficulties in using their cards. The partnership with Belize Bank Limited expands the acceptance of American Express cards within the country and provides cardholders with secure and efficient payment solutions.

Belize Bank Limited is the premier financial institution in Belize, offering innovative banking and financial services to its customers. It has a strong presence in the country, with a network of ATMs and digital banking channels. The bank is committed to bringing modern financial services to the Belizean market and providing efficient payment solutions for both tourists and local merchants.

Other credit cards accepted in Belize

Credit cards are gaining in popularity in Belize, but they may not be widely accepted outside of tourist areas, restaurants, bars, tour offices, and hotels.

Major credit card companies such as VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted in touristy areas, but it is less common in non-touristy regions. It is always a good idea to check with your bank or card provider to ensure that Belize dollar currency conversion is supported and that card machines and ATMs in Belize support your card type.

If you are travelling from the US, it is worth noting that US dollars are widely accepted for cash purchases throughout the country and are tied directly to the local Belizean dollar at a rate of 2:1. However, you cannot pay using US coins, and it is recommended to bring smaller bills as they are more widely accepted than large ones, especially outside of tourist areas.

Prepaid travel debit cards are a cheaper alternative to credit cards, providing a way to pay with lower fees and exchange rates.

Using ATMs in Belize

ATMs are available in most major towns in Belize, but they are not as widespread as in big US cities. They are generally located in towns and there are a handful in each.

Belize Bank has established the only nationwide ATM network in the country, with 45 ATMs distributed across Belize. These machines accept all cards bearing the Visa, Mastercard, Plus, and Cirrus logos. You can use your Belize Bank Visa Debit Card to withdraw cash from these ATMs, with a daily limit of BZ$1,500.00. You can also use these ATMs to check your account balance, transfer funds, and make deposits.

Most ATMs in Belize will accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, and Cirrus cards. They will only dispense Belize dollars, and some may charge a fee for each use, with a typical withdrawal limit of BZ$500 per day. Banks that are part of the Global ATM Alliance, such as Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, Barclays, BNP Paribas, and Scotiabank, do not charge a fee for cash withdrawals at their ATMs.

It's important to notify your bank and credit card company before travelling to avoid any issues with foreign transactions. You may also want to find out about any international usage fees charged by your bank.

When using ATMs in Belize, be aware of the withdrawal limits and fees, and remember that Belize dollars are not accepted outside of the country, except in some border towns like Melchor, Guatemala, and Chetumal, Mexico.

Additionally, while US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, US coins are not. Ensure that you only use US dollar bills that are in good condition, with no marks or tears, as these may not be accepted.

American Express card transactions in Belize

As of January 13, 2023, American Express cardholders can make purchases in Belize through the Belize Bank Limited network. This agreement between American Express and Belize Bank, the country's largest commercial and retail banking operation, allows cardholders to use their cards at point-of-sale terminals at hotels, restaurants, and tour companies in popular tourist destinations such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, San Ignacio, Hopkins, and Placencia.

This development is particularly beneficial to tourists, as a significant portion of visitors to Belize are from the United States, and American Express is a popular card choice among this demographic.

However, it is worth noting that American Express is not as widely accepted in Belize as other cards like Visa and Mastercard, especially in smaller establishments. Additionally, there was a temporary disruption in American Express services in Belize from January 1 to June 30, 2022, which caused confusion among travellers.

When travelling to Belize, it is always advisable to carry multiple forms of payment, including cash, credit cards, and debit cards. While the Belize dollar is the official currency, US dollars are widely accepted, and travellers can easily withdraw cash from ATMs in major cities and tourist destinations.

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