The Belize dollar is the official currency in Belize, with the currency code BZD. It is divided into 100 cents and is pegged to the US dollar at a rate of 2 BZD to 1 USD. This means that two Belizean dollars will always be equal to one American dollar. The Belize dollar is abbreviated as BZ or BZD, and 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 front of the notes features local wildlife or prominent buildings in the country, while the reverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting the country's history as a former British colony. Belizean coins include 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, and a $1 coin, with the $1 coin being the most prominent.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Official Currency | Belize Dollar |
Currency Code | BZD |
Currency Symbol | $ |
Currency Subunit | 100 cents |
Exchange Rate | BZ$2 = US$1 |
Banknotes | $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100 |
Banknotes Front | Local wildlife or prominent buildings |
Banknotes Back | Portrait of Queen Elizabeth II |
Coins | 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, $1 |
What You'll Learn
The Belize dollar is the country's official currency
Belizean banknotes include $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations. The reverse of every banknote features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, as Belize is a former colony of Great Britain. The front of the notes features local wildlife or prominent buildings in the country. The largest banknote is the $100 bill, colloquially known as a blue buay (blue boy).
Belizean dollars are only accepted within Belize and in some towns across the border, so it is advisable to convert any leftover currency before leaving the country. ATMs are available across Belize, dispensing Belize dollars and usually accepting international cards. However, there are typically two fees associated with withdrawing money, and a daily withdrawal limit is often enforced.
While the Belize dollar is the official currency, US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, especially in tourist destinations and larger establishments. However, change is usually given in Belize dollars, and US coins are not accepted. Credit cards are gaining popularity, particularly in restaurants, bars, tour offices, and hotels, but smaller businesses often only accept cash.
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The currency code is BZD and it's pegged to the US dollar
The currency of Belize is the Belize dollar, abbreviated as BZ or BZD, and it has been pegged to the US dollar since 1978. This means that two Belizean dollars will always be worth one US dollar, with an exchange rate of BZ$2 to $1 USD. The currency code for the Belize dollar is BZD, and its symbol is BZ$.
The Belize dollar is the official currency in Belize and is used interchangeably with the US dollar. The US dollar is widely accepted in Belize, especially in tourist destinations. However, if you pay with US dollars, you will likely receive change in Belize dollars at the $1 US to $2 BZ exchange rate.
The Belize dollar was first issued in 1974, replacing the British Honduras dollar. Belize's currency has been pegged to the US dollar for over 25 years, and this informs the exchange rate with other countries. The fixed exchange rate of 2:1 makes it convenient for travellers from the US, as they can use their US dollars directly in Belize without worrying about calculating exchange rates.
The Central Bank of Belize manages the nation's foreign reserves and issues its currency. 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 reverse of every banknote features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, as Belize is a former British colony and a member of the Commonwealth. The front of the notes showcases local wildlife or prominent buildings in the country.
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US dollars are widely accepted in Belize
The Belize dollar is the official currency in Belize, but US dollars are widely accepted across the country. The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of $2 BZ to $1 US, so you'll never need to worry about calculating exchange rates. This means that two Belizean dollars will always equal one American dollar.
US cash is widely accepted in Belize, especially in tourist destinations. However, if you pay with US dollars, you will likely receive change in Belize dollars at the $1 US to $2 BZ exchange rate. It is worth noting that US coins are not accepted in Belize, so it is best to leave those at home.
Belize is a former British colony, and as a member of the Commonwealth, all local banknotes feature a prominent image of Queen Elizabeth II on the front, with local wildlife or prominent buildings in the country on the back. Belizean banknotes come in $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100 denominations, with the largest bill, the $100, colloquially known as a blue buay (blue boy).
While credit cards are gaining popularity in Belize, they may not be widely accepted outside of tourist destinations, restaurants, bars, and hotels. Of the major credit cards, Amex and Discover are rarely accepted due to their hefty merchant fees. It is recommended to carry cash for tips for tour operators, resort or hotel staff, and services such as restaurants and spas.
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Belize dollars are only accepted within Belize
The Belize dollar is the official currency in Belize, with the currency code BZD. It is usually abbreviated as BZ or BZD and is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 2:1. This means that two Belizean dollars will always be equal to one US dollar. While in Belize, you can use either Belizean money or US dollars to purchase items everywhere. However, if you pay with US dollars, you will receive change in Belize dollars.
ATMs are available across Belize and will dispense Belize dollars. These can be found in most major towns and tourist areas, including Placencia, Punta Gorda, Belmopan, Dangriga, Belize City, San Pedro Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, Orange Walk, San Ignacio, and Corozal. However, many ATMs have a daily withdrawal limit and may charge a fee for each transaction.
Belize is primarily a cash-based society, with most locals not owning credit cards. Consequently, many local shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards, with the exception of some larger establishments, such as hotels and tour operators, or those in tourist destinations.
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Coins and banknotes feature Queen Elizabeth II
The Belize dollar is the official currency in Belize, with the country previously using the British sterling and Spanish dollar. All local banknotes and coins feature a prominent image of Queen Elizabeth II, reflecting its history as a former British colony. The front of the Belize notes feature local wildlife or prominent buildings in the country.
The late Queen Elizabeth II appears in all banknotes issued by the Central Bank of Belize. In July 2023, it was decided that future Belizean dollar bills would not feature the portrait of King Charles III. Instead, new bills will depict Belizean national heroes, including George Cadle Price and Philip Goldson.
Belizean coins include the one-dollar coin as the largest denomination, with smaller coins of 50 cents, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents, and 1 cent. The one-dollar coin is the most prominent in circulation. The coins are minted in various metals, including bronze, silver, cupronickel, nickel-brass, and aluminium. The one-dollar coin has a unique decagonal shape.
Belizean banknotes come in denominations of $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, with the largest bill, the $100 note, colloquially known as a blue buay or blue boy. The reverse of every banknote features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, with the country being a member of the Commonwealth.
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Frequently asked questions
The Belize dollar (BZD) is the official currency in Belize.
Belizean banknotes include the $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, with the $100 note colloquially known as a blue buay (blue boy). The front of the notes features local wildlife or prominent buildings in the country, while the reverse features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II of Britain. Belizean coins are one cent, five cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, and a $1 coin.
The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 2 BZD to 1 USD.
Yes, US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, especially in tourist destinations. However, you will receive change in Belize dollars and not in US currency.
ATMs dispensing Belize dollars are available across the country, particularly in major towns and tourist areas. Banks and currency exchange businesses can also be used to exchange US dollars for Belizean currency.