Exchanging Belize Dollars To Us Dollars

The Belize dollar is the official currency in Belize and is abbreviated as BZ or BZD. The official exchange rate is pegged at $2 BZ to $1 US. If you are visiting Belize, you can use Belizean money or US dollars to purchase items everywhere. You can exchange currency at most banks and hotels. ATMs in Belize usually accept foreign cards. However, it is recommended that you visit your local bank to avoid the expensive exchange rates at airport kiosks.

Exchanging at banks, hotels, and currency exchange businesses

Belize's official currency is the Belize dollar (BZD), which is pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of BZ$2 to US$1. This means that you can use either currency to purchase items in Belize, and you don't need to worry about calculating exchange rates.

If you want to exchange your money, you can do so at most banks and some upper-end hotels, as well as currency exchange businesses. The exchange rate is usually BZ$2 for US$1, but you may find a slightly more favourable rate of BZ$2.01 for US$1. All licensed money changers will require you to fill out a form with your personal information.

It is recommended to avoid freelance money changers (known as "peseros"), who do not require paperwork and are often found near the borders with Mexico and Guatemala. These changers may offer a better exchange rate, but they are frowned upon by the authorities.

ATMs can be found throughout Belize and usually work with international cards, although there is typically a small fee for withdrawals. It is a good idea to change your PIN to a four-digit number, as some ATMs only accept four-digit PINs.

Credit cards are another option, and they provide a record of your expenses. Most major credit cards are accepted, although smaller businesses may only take MasterCard and Visa. Credit cards can also be used to withdraw cash at banks or ATMs, but this can be expensive due to high fees and interest rates.

If you plan to use a debit or credit card, it is recommended to shop around for a card with low foreign transaction fees. Additionally, some credit card companies suggest informing them of your travel plans to avoid having your charges blocked due to suspicious activity.

When paying with US dollars, you will likely receive change in Belize dollars, usually at the standard exchange rate of BZ$2 for US$1. It is important to note that Belize dollars are generally worthless outside of the country, and it can be difficult to exchange them for other currencies once you leave. Therefore, it is advised to convert any remaining Belize dollars before departing.

Using US dollars in Belize without exchanging

The Belize Dollar (BZD) is the official currency of Belize, but it is pegged to the US dollar on a 2:1 ratio, and the two are used interchangeably. This means that two Belizean dollars will always equal one American dollar, so you won't need to worry about calculating exchange rates.

US dollars are widely accepted in Belize, and you can pay for most things using either currency. However, you will receive your change in Belize dollars, and US coins are not accepted anywhere in Belize, so it's best to leave them at home.

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, Amex and Discover are rarely accepted due to their high merchant fees. It is also worth noting that you will need to pay for your departure tax from Belize ($39.25 for non-locals) in US dollars.

It is recommended that you carry smaller US bills, as these are more widely accepted than large ones, especially in villages or in boutique shops and restaurants. These smaller businesses may not have enough change for large bills, or they may be concerned about counterfeits. If you do receive large bills, bigger supermarkets or bars in tourist areas may be able to help you break them into smaller denominations. It is also important to ensure that your bills are in good condition, as some places won't accept bills that are bent, torn, or worn.

It is worth noting that while prices in Belize are usually expressed in Belize dollars, more expensive items, such as hotels or tours, are often quoted in US dollars. Usually, the currency will be clearly posted, but if you're unsure, simply ask.

If you are arriving in Belize with US dollars, there is no need to exchange them, as the rates will be worse than the 2:1 exchange. However, if you are coming from another country, it is recommended that you exchange your currency into US dollars before arriving in Belize, as this will give you a better rate than exchanging it directly into Belize dollars.

Finally, keep in mind that Belize law allows individuals to bring into the country a maximum of $5,000 US dollars in any form (cash, checks, bearer bonds, etc.). All visitors must declare their total currency holdings upon entering the country if they exceed this amount. Failure to do so may result in arrest and/or fines of triple the amount of any undeclared funds.

Exchanging damaged Belize banknotes

The official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD; symbol BZ$), which is hard-pegged to the US dollar at a fixed rate of BZ$2 to US$1. While the exchange rate is fixed, the Belizean currency is not widely accepted outside of the country, and it can be difficult to exchange it once you leave Belize.

If you have damaged Belizean dollars, you can exchange them at the Central Bank of Belize in Belize City or Belmopan. The Central Bank of Belize will exchange demonetized notes and other genuine Belize currency notes that are damaged or defective, provided that:

• The condition of the note is the result of fair wear and tear and not deliberate action.
• The note is more than half of its original size, with at least one serial number.

To redeem notes, you will need to complete the Exchange of Mutilated, Demonetized and Counterfeit Notes information form and provide personal identification. For partially burnt notes, you will also need to provide a police record. Notes can be redeemed in person between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday, at the Central Bank of Belize.

Using ATMs in Belize

ATMs are available in most major towns in Belize, and usually accept foreign cards. They can be found in tourist towns and urban centres such as San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, San Ignacio, Punta Gorda, Dangriga, Belize City, and Belmopan. The Belize Bank has the only nationwide ATM network in the country, with 45 ATMs distributed across Belize.

Belizean ATMs usually charge a small fee of 3-5 BZD for international card withdrawals, and there may be a withdrawal limit of around 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 the ATMs of other members.

Belizean ATMs only dispense Belize dollars, which are usually pegged to the US dollar at a rate of BZ$2 to US$1. It is worth noting that Belize dollars are generally worthless outside of Belize, so it is best to only withdraw the amount you expect to spend while in the country.

Most ATMs in Belize accept Visa, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus cards. It is recommended that you notify your bank and credit card company before travelling to Belize, so they don't flag foreign transactions as suspicious. It is also a good idea to check with your bank to see if your card will work in Belize.

Using credit cards in Belize

Credit cards are accepted in Belize, especially in tourist areas. However, cash is the more popular option, and in non-touristy regions, you may find it difficult to pay with a card.

Most shops, businesses, hotels, and restaurants in Belize accept credit card payments. Cards issued by major global providers like Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted, and American Express, Diners Club, and Discover cards will also likely be accepted, although it is always good to check with your bank or card provider.

Using your credit card in Belize is similar to using it in your home country. You will need to confirm the transaction amount, tap or insert your card, enter your PIN, and wait for the payment to be authorised and the receipt to print. It is recommended to keep your receipt for your records and to reconcile your credit card statement.

Every time you pay with a credit card in a foreign currency, you will be charged several fees before the final amount is reflected on your statement. These fees are charged by your credit card company, your bank or card provider, and the ATM network (if you're withdrawing cash). These fees can add up, so using a credit card to pay in Belize can be expensive.

Banks in Belize generally assess a 3-6% fee for credit card use, so cash is often preferred by merchants. Some establishments will include a 2-5% surcharge for customers using a credit card.

At smaller merchants and in smaller villages, cash is usually the only option. It is recommended to bring enough cash, in US dollars, to cover your expenses for the first few days of your trip, especially for smaller purchases like meals and shopping.

ATMs are available in most major towns in Belize and usually accept foreign cards. They will dispense Belize dollars and may charge a fee for each use and enforce a withdrawal limit per day (typically around BZ$500).

If you plan to use your credit card in Belize, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and bank before travelling. That way, they won't be suspicious of foreign transactions.

Frequently asked questions