Belize's Credit Card Conundrum: Navigating Accepted Payment Methods

Credit cards are gaining popularity in Belize, but they may not be widely accepted outside of tourist areas, such as restaurant/bar, tour offices, and hotels. Major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, are generally accepted in the country, although Mastercard and Visa are more commonly accepted than American Express. While it is not common, some establishments may accept credit cards from American Express, Diners Club, and Discover. It is always a good idea to carry more than one card and have cash as a backup when travelling in Belize.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted

If you're travelling to Belize, it's a good idea to bring a mix of cash and cards. While credit cards are gaining popularity, they may not be widely accepted outside of tourist areas, bars, restaurants, tour offices and hotels. It's also worth noting that some smaller businesses may not accept card payments at all, so it's always good to have some cash on hand.

If you're coming from the US, you can use US dollars in Belize, as the Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 2:1. However, you will receive your change in Belize dollars, and US coins are not accepted.

If you're planning to withdraw money from ATMs in Belize, be aware that you will likely be charged two separate fees for each withdrawal, and there may be daily limits on the amount you can take out. It's also a good idea to change your PIN to a four-digit PIN, as some ATMs in Belize only accept four-digit codes.

American Express and Discover are rarely accepted

Credit cards are gaining popularity in Belize, but they may not be widely accepted outside of tourist areas, especially in villages or smaller shops and restaurants. In these areas, cash is king, so it's always a good idea to carry some with you.

When it comes to credit cards, Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted in Belize. However, American Express and Discover are rarely accepted due to their high merchant fees. If you plan to use these cards in Belize, it's recommended to check with your bank or card provider to ensure that Belize dollar currency conversion is supported and that card machines and ATMs commonly support these card types.

It's worth noting that even within Belize, there can be inconsistencies with ATM and card acceptance. For example, your card may work at one bank in a particular city but not at another branch of the same bank in a different location. Therefore, it's always a good idea to have a backup plan for payment and to carry more than one card when travelling.

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 company about any potential fees before your trip.

Cash is king

While credit cards are accepted in Belize, it's mostly limited to tourist areas. In non-touristy regions, cash is by far the more popular option.

The Belize Dollar is the official currency of Belize, but it's pegged to the US dollar on a 2:1 ratio, and the two are used interchangeably. US dollars are also accepted in Belize, but you should expect to receive your change in the local currency. It's best to carry smaller US dollar bills, as many places in Belize may not have enough change for larger bills. Additionally, some businesses may refuse to accept US dollar bills that are torn, bent, or worn.

Credit cards are gaining popularity in Belize, but their acceptance can be limited outside of tourist areas. Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, but American Express (Amex) and Discover cards are rarely accepted due to their high merchant fees.

ATMs are available in all the bigger towns and tourist areas of Belize, but they dispense only Belize Dollars and often have daily withdrawal limits. Using ATMs for cash withdrawals can also be expensive, as you'll typically be charged two separate fees for each transaction.

When visiting Belize, it's advisable to carry a mix of cash and credit cards. Cash is widely accepted everywhere and can even get you discounts on tours. Credit cards are useful for larger purchases at restaurants, bars, hotels, and tour offices, especially those catering to tourists.

In summary, while credit cards have their advantages in Belize, cash remains the preferred and more widely accepted form of payment, making it the "king" when it comes to transactions in this Central American nation.

US dollars are also accepted

If you're travelling to Belize from the US, you don't need to worry about exchanging your US dollars, as the Belizean dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 2:1. This means that both currencies are used interchangeably in Belize, although you will receive your change in Belize dollars. It's worth noting that US coins cannot be used in Belize, so it's best to leave those at home.

Although credit cards are gaining popularity in Belize, they may not be widely accepted outside of tourist areas, restaurants, bars, tour offices, and hotels. If you plan to use a credit card in Belize, it's best to use one issued by major global providers like Visa or Mastercard. Cards issued by American Express, Diners Club, or Discover may not be accepted as widely due to their hefty merchant fees.

It's also important to keep in mind that cash is king in Belize, so it's always a good idea to have some local currency on hand, especially if you plan to visit less touristy areas or pay for tips and services. Smaller bills are generally more widely accepted than large ones, especially in villages, boutique shops, and restaurants.

Additionally, when entering Belize, you must declare any currency or financial instruments exceeding a total value of $5,000 US dollars. This limit is per adult individual and applies to cash, checks, or negotiable instruments. Violation of this restriction can lead to arrest and fines.

Credit cards are gaining popularity

Major credit cards such as VISA and Mastercard are commonly accepted in tourist areas, although this is less common in non-touristy regions. Cards issued by American Express, Diner's Club, and Discovery are also accepted in Belize, but it is recommended to check with your bank or card provider to ensure that Belize dollar currency conversion is supported.

Belize Bank Ltd. offers international credit cards under the Mastercard brand, including the AAdvantage® Mastercard Platinum and the AAdvantage® Mastercard Standard. These cards provide added benefits such as automatic enrollment in a travel rewards program and special amenities.

When using a credit card in Belize, individuals will be charged several fees, including foreign transaction fees, by their credit card company, bank, and the ATM network (if withdrawing cash). These fees can make using credit cards in Belize expensive, so it is recommended to check with your card provider to understand the charges.

A cheaper alternative to using a credit card in Belize is a prepaid travel debit card, which usually has lower fees and exchange rates.

Frequently asked questions