Discovering Belize: Navigating Card Acceptance And Travel Tips

Discover cards are accepted in Belize, but not everywhere. It's a good idea to carry a different card as a backup, as well as some cash. Discover cards are accepted at millions of merchants in over 190 countries and territories, but there are some gaps, including Saudi Arabia, Ukraine, and Taiwan. In Central America, Discover card acceptance is high in Belize, but more limited in most other countries.

Discover cards are accepted in Belize

However, it's always a good idea to carry more than one form of payment when travelling. In Belize, most major credit cards are accepted, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted. American Express is also accepted in some places, but Diners Club and Discover are rarely accepted.

ATMs are available in most major towns in Belize, but they may not accept all types of cards. It's a good idea to carry some cash, especially small-denomination bills, for paying taxis, meals, and tips.

Before travelling, it's recommended to notify your credit card company of your travel plans. This will help ensure uninterrupted use of your card and prevent any suspicious activity from being flagged. Additionally, having a four-digit PIN will be helpful, as some ATMs in Belize only accept four-digit PINs.

In summary, Discover cards are accepted in Belize, but it's always beneficial to have a backup form of payment, such as cash or an alternative credit card, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.

Belize's official currency is the Belize dollar

The Belize dollar has a long and complex history. In 1825, an imperial order-in-council introduced British sterling coinage to all British colonies, including what was then British Honduras (Belize). However, the exchange rate set by this order was unrealistic, and so the initiative was largely a failure. In 1838, new legislation corrected the exchange rate, but by this time, British sterling was already well-established in the region, and the Spanish dollar had been barred from circulation.

In the mid-19th century, British Honduras operated the British sterling monetary system, but this was driven out of circulation by the silver peso of neighbouring Guatemala following the international silver crisis of 1873. In response, a new currency was introduced based on the US dollar, bringing British Honduras into line with Canada. This new currency was introduced in 1885, with 1-cent coins followed by higher denominations in 1894.

Since then, the Belize dollar has gone through several changes, including switching from the silver Guatemalan peso to the gold US dollar as its base in 1894 and devaluing in 1949 when the British pound was devalued. In 1978, the link to the British pound was abandoned, and the Belize dollar was once again pegged to the US dollar, which continues today.

Today, the Belize dollar is divided into 100 cents, and the late Queen Elizabeth II appears on all banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Belize. In July 2023, it was decided that future Belizean dollar bills will not feature the portrait of King Charles III but will instead depict Belizean national heroes.

The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar

The Belize dollar is the official currency of Belize, with the currency code BZD and the symbol BZ$.$. It is divided into 100 cents and is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of BZ$2 to US$1. This means that one US dollar is equivalent to two Belize dollars.

The history of the Belize dollar dates back to the 19th century when British Honduras, as Belize was then known, used the British sterling monetary system. However, in the mid-19th century, the silver peso of neighbouring Guatemala drove the British currency out of circulation. As a result, British Honduras introduced a new currency based on the US dollar, bringing it in line with Canada.

Over time, the Belize dollar has undergone several changes and updates. In 1885, bronze 1-cent coins were introduced, followed by higher denominations and banknotes in subsequent years. The currency has also been influenced by the devaluation of the British pound and fluctuations in the international silver market.

Today, the Central Bank of Belize, established in 1982, manages the nation's foreign reserves and issues its currency. The Belize dollar remains pegged to the US dollar, providing stability and facilitating transactions for locals and tourists alike.

ATMs in Belize only dispense Belize dollars

Belize's official currency is the Belize dollar (BZ$), which is pegged to the US dollar at a ratio of 2 BZ$ to 1 US$. While both currencies are acceptable at most businesses across the country, smaller establishments may only take Belize dollars. It's important to note that prices may be listed in US dollars, and you could receive change in either currency.

ATMs are available in most major towns in Belize and typically accept Visa, Mastercard, Plus, and Cirrus cards. However, it's important to note that these ATMs only dispense Belize dollars. Some ATMs may charge a fee for each withdrawal and enforce a daily withdrawal limit, typically around BZ$500. Banks that are part of the Global ATM Alliance, such as Bank of America, Deutsche Bank, and Barclays, do not charge a fee for cash withdrawals at their ATMs.

The four banks in Belize—Belize Bank, Atlantic Bank, Heritage Bank, and National Bank of Belize—all have ATMs. Additionally, credit unions like the Holy Redeemer Credit Union offer ATM services. It's important to be aware that banking fees in Belize tend to be higher than in other countries. Banks charge interest rates between 12% and 18% for mortgages and personal loans.

While US dollars are becoming more common in Belize, they are not the official currency. Therefore, it is advisable to carry some Belize dollars during your visit. ATMs provide a convenient way to obtain local currency, but it's always a good idea to have a backup payment method, as card compatibility can vary between ATMs.

Major credit cards are accepted in Belize

Major credit cards in Belize

Belize is a great destination for those wanting to use credit cards as a payment method. While it's always advisable to bring a variety of payment methods on vacation, credit cards are a safe way to carry money and keep a record of expenses.

Most major credit cards are accepted in Belize, although there are some exceptions. Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted, especially by smaller hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. American Express is also accepted in Belize, but to a lesser extent, and usually only in more touristy areas.

Discover cardholders should be aware that their card is rarely accepted in Belize due to high merchant fees. While there may be some exceptions, it is recommended to take a different card as a backup.

Credit cards are a convenient and safe way to make purchases, but it's important to note that cash is still the more popular option in Belize, especially in non-touristy regions. It's a good idea to carry some small-denomination bills for paying taxis, meals, and tips.

Additionally, many banks now assess a 1% to 3% "transaction fee" on all charges incurred abroad, so be sure to check with your bank or credit card provider about any potential fees before your trip.

• Notify your credit card company of any impending trips abroad to avoid blocks on your charges.
• Carry more than one card as a backup in case one doesn't work.
• Change your PIN to a four-digit PIN before your trip, as some ATMs in Belize only accept four-digit PINs.
• Keep a record of your expenses and reconcile your credit card statement to ensure you're not being overcharged.
• Be careful to note whether prices are quoted in Belize or US dollars, as the difference can be substantial.

By following these tips and being mindful of the limitations of credit card usage in Belize, travellers can take advantage of the convenience and security that credit cards offer while avoiding any potential pitfalls.

Frequently asked questions