Belize Bank ATMs accept foreign cards (international Visa, MasterCard, Plus and Cirrus) in Belize City, Belmopan, Corozal, Dangriga, Orange Walk, Punta Gorda, San Ignacio and San Pedro. ATMs give only Belizean dollars and the exchange rate is usually a cent or two under the rate used to exchange cash or travelers checks.
Most businesses will accept cold hard US cash without question. They usually give change in Belizean dollars, though they may return US change if you ask.
Visa and MasterCard are accepted by airlines, car-rental companies and at the larger hotels, restaurants and shops; American Express is often only accepted at top-end places, but is becoming more common among the smaller establishments. You can also use a credit card to obtain an over-the-counter cash advance from most banks in Belize, but the exchange rate is likely to be the same as for ATM withdrawals, and interest and commissions are charged.
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Currency
- Name Belize Dollar
- Symbol BZ$
Belizean bills come in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 (bluenote) dollars.
The Belizean dollar is divided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 (shilling) and 50 cents and 1 dollar.
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Changing Your Money
It's easy to change US dollars just about anywhere, and US-dollar travelers checks, pounds sterling and Canadian dollars can be changed at any bank. Other currencies could cause you difficulties. You can change money legally around border crossings (usually at a better rate than the banks).
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Money Tips
The Belize dollar is pegged to the US dollar at 2:1 - always verify whether you are paying US or Belize dollars.
Haggling is not a popular pastime in Belize, but it might be worth a try if business looks slow.
Compared to the rest of Central America, Belize can be expensive. Even on a budget expect to pay between US$45.00 - US$120.00 per day for a room and food.
A new 10% GST (goods and services tax) took effect in July 2006, replacing the 9% sales and hotel tax.
Sample Price Guide
- hamburger
- US$ 3.00
- postcard worldwide
- US$ 0.20
- Belize City average taxi fare
- US$ 2.50
- bus fare per hour
- US$ 1.50
- nightclub admission
- US$ 5.00
- 1L bottle One Barrel rum
- US$ 7.00
- rice & beans
- US$ 2.50
- small bottle of beer
- US$ 1.50
- souvenir t-shirt
- US$ 8.00
Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$10-45 US$45-120 US$120-300 US$300+ Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe US$1-5 US$5-15 US$15-30 US$30+ -
Tipping
Only the posher restaurants, bars and clubs are likely to expect a tip - 10% is the going rate. In over-touristed areas, tipping tour leaders and dive operators is becoming more common.
