Cash, Traveler’s Checks or Credit Cards

Sep-8-2009 By Liz

Belize_dollar

U.S. dollars are accepted as readily as the local currency in Belize, so you don’t have to be too concerned about the exchange rate there.

It is mostly recommended to carry cash with you when traveling to Belize. Carry only the allotted amount of money you need for the day and to store the rest in a safety deposit in your hotel room. If need be, there are ATM’s frequenting shopping areas and the small towns.

Traveler’s checks can take some time to cash and they are increasingly not accepted anywhere.

Also, bring a credit card for back-up. But only use if absolutely have to. While the item may be priced in USD, the credit card companies are charged in Belizean dollars. The credit card company will have to exchange that from the USD and they will charge you a fee for that exchange. If you’re concerned about money, stay away from credit cards while in Belize.

I personally am considering grouping the money into envelopes for each day that I plan on spending. That way, I can label the envelope, say, “Monday.” and just grab it out of the safe per day. I know that I will for sure have an envelope labeled “LAST DAY.” That will include the Belize Exit tax and necessary cash for any obstacles that may get in the way for catching our flight home. If we miss that flight, apparently we will be stuck in Belize until the following Saturday. Yikes!

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Posted in: Ambergris Caye, Belize, Budget, Caye Caulker, Cayo, Corozal, Gear, Liz, Mayan Ruins, Orange Walk, San Ignacio, San Pedro, Tips, Toledo, ecotourism
1 COMMENT
  1. Marie - Hot Card Belize Said,

    Most large stores, rental companies, hotels, restaurants, etc. will accept travelers cheques so long as you have ID – there is no need to stand in line at the bank to change them (and believe me those lines can be long, especially on a day when the building contractors have been paid!!). The BZ dollar is fixed at 2:1 with the US dollar so you will get the same rate everywhere including the bank.

    ATMs are becoming more readily available but many use the credit card network rather than the debit one so you could find you are paying interest on a cash advance on your credit card rather than just drawing money from your bank account. Also the exchange rate fee is dependent on your credit card company not the Belizean vendor, so check with them before you leave home as some (I think Capital One, maybe others) have no international fee.

    Do not let a Belizean vendor add a commission to your purchase just because you are paying by credit card – it is in contradiction of their agreement with the bank and if reported they could lose their merchant account!

    Also I believe the Belize exit tax for tourists must still be paid in US dollars.

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