what is the best currency to take to belize?
Money in Belize and Belize Currency Conversions
I become lots of questions from showtime-fourth dimension visitors well-nigh money in Belize — does everyone take credit cards, do shops accept US dollars, do ATM machines take Usa or foreign cards? Information technology's only smart travel planning. So hither is a breakdown of the basics of money and Belize Currency.
The Belize Dollar
The Belize dollar is the official currency of Belize – and information technology is pegged (or ready) to the United states of america Dollar. $2bzd = $1US.
Bills come in $two, $5, $x, $20, $l and $100 – coins 1 cent, 5, 10, 25 (or a "shilling"), 50 cents and my favorite the $1 coin.
Yes, that is the Queen of England on the front. While Belize has been her own country since 1981, we are still part of the British Commonwealth forth with 52 other countries. Interestingly…Barbados only left the commonwealth final year.
7 Very Interesting Facts (to me) About the British Commonwealth
Can I use US dollars in Belize?
Yes. Always. The 2 are interchangeable. Can I apply United states of america coins? No.
You'll notice prices quoted in both US and BZD across the land. In general, the higher prices are quoted in The states dollars – similar real estate, hotel, and bout prices. And all prices at supermarkets, most restaurants and shops are quoted in local prices.
Always double-check on menus how your cost is existence quoted. Ask if you are unsure or if it isn't specified.
"Is that price Belize or Us?"
Easy.
TIP: I'd recommend bringing smaller bills – $1, $5, $10 and $20US in your wallet. $50US or $100US bills volition exist hard, frequently impossible to cash in smaller villages or modest shops and restaurants. People don't take the change and/or these big bills are somewhat rare and can exist counterfeit – no one wants to take that adventure.
Brand sure that your bills are in good condition! A few years ago, the Belize banks decided that they tin no longer take Us bills with ANY marks or tears. So take a shut look – at things you wouldn't even notice at domicile. For a pen marker or a tiny tear.
Nothing more annoying than being down to your last $20US bill and finding that no 1 will accept information technology.
(If you practice get into that position, you will find that some of the larger supermarkets or bars — ones that bargain with many tourists — will accept the pecker – or aid you lot out. Just inquire them at the counter earlier you order.)
ATM Machines in Belize
Greenbacks machines in Belize dispense money in Belize dollars. Never USD. In that location is oftentimes a $500bzd-$800bzd limit depending on the depository financial institution.
You will find ATM machines in all major tourist towns and more urban centers – San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, San Ignacio, Punta Gorda, Dangriga, Belize City, Belmopan, etc.
Something to keep in mind, you will oft be hit with two fees – i from your bank for international employ (find it out before yous get out) and one for the local Belize bank.
Belize dollars are non accustomed outside of Belize — except at some border towns like Melchor, Guatemala, and Chetumal, United mexican states — so be careful of the amount you lot withdraw – especially at the end of your trip.
If you lot are staying in a more than remote area – one of the smaller cayes or a less touristy village, please enquire your hotel/resort for information.
Belize Bank, Atlantic Bank and ScotiaBank all accept strange ATM cards.
Exchanging Money in Belize
In that location are no official coin exchanges in Belize and banks (for some reason) give a less than ideal rate for exchanging money (like $1.96BZD to $1US).
There is no reason to commutation greenbacks in a banking concern — you can use your Us dollars everywhere – at confined, restaurants, shops and become BZD in return.
Can I use Canadian dollars or Euros in Belize?
If I were you, I would exchange Canadian dollars or whatever other currency into US dollars before arriving in Belize or whatever Key American country. You are not going to get the most advantageous rates for commutation here — so exercise it earlier you lot arrive.
If for some reason, you have other currencies (Canadian dollars, Mexican pesos, United kingdom pounds, or Euros), nearly banks will exchange it for Belize dollars simply again, BAD RATES. I'd practice my all-time to avoid.
Travelers Checks
Wait…practise they brand travelers checks anymore? Would it be rude to suggest a time auto? Yes…rude. But these are a major hurting in the butt. I'd exchange in the The states and bring the US greenbacks. That kinda defeats the whole purpose.
When can I use credit cards in Belize?
Unlike the US market, cash is notwithstanding the standard form of payment in Belize.
These days all hotels, many larger restaurants, supermarkets and bars accept credits cards for payment – more often than not for amounts over $20bzd. Your hotel expects credit carte payment, every bit do the larger and more than expensive restaurants. It is no problem at all.
VISA and Mastercard are more often than not preferred and at many places, the only cards taken. American Express charges high fees to the merchant.
Banks mostly assess a iii-half-dozen% fee (lower end, VISA/MC and higher end, AmEx) for apply of credit cards to the merchant, so greenbacks is E'er preferred.
You might even find that for larger purchases – like fine art or more expensive souvenirs, the vendor will requite you a small "cash discount" – often 5% simply information technology can be college.
At smaller merchants and often in smaller villages, greenbacks is your merely pick.
SO…How much cash should I Bring To Belize?
No affair how experienced you are, or the careful planning you practise, don't y'all ever detect you underestimate this?
I'd certainly bring enough cash with me (in U.s.a. dollars) to make my get-go few days piece of cake – again, stick with the smaller bills. No 1 wants to be running around the evening they get in looking for an ATM car.
I can't estimate the amount for you – simply budget enough for smaller meals similar breakfast and luncheon and shopping you lot might do. Check if your lodging has a safe (most do) where you can go along your cash.
If yous plan to tick EVERYTHING off your saucepan list, you'll need more money.
You can simply bring in up to $x,000USD – any amount over that must legally be declared at Customs on arrival.
And again, bring smaller bills — information technology's nice to have $1s and $5s for tipping and smaller things like beverages or snacks every bit presently every bit you get off the aeroplane.
Hopefully that helps. And if yous've visited and have suggestions, additions or questions, delight let me know!
Eat local food (AND street food), go along tours, talk to people – especially those who live here – for suggestions and local color, accept the precautions that you lot would take visiting any new place and you'll enjoy your fourth dimension in Belize.
I promise.
For keeping, sharing and pinning, Pin here.
Source: https://www.sanpedroscoop.com/2022/01/tips-for-handling-money-in-belize-2022-update-belize-currency-usd-accepted.html
0 Response to "what is the best currency to take to belize?"
Post a Comment