The Belize dollar is the official currency in Belize. It is normally abbreviated as BZ or BZD and the official value is pegged at $2 BZ to $1 US. If you’re visiting Belize, you can use Belizean money or US dollars to purchase items everywhere.
If you will bring physical dollars, visit your local bank to avoid the expensive exchange rates at airport kiosks. And if you plan to use an international debit or credit card, shop around early to ensure your card has low foreign transaction fees.
Belizean Money
Belize is a former colony of Great Britain and as a result, it shows on our money. All local banknotes and coins feature a prominent image of Queen Elizabeth II.
Belizean banknotes include the $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, with the largest bill colloquially known as a blue buay (blue boy). As for coins, the largest are $1 and $2 coins, with the one-dollar coin being the most prominent, and smaller coins include 50 cents, 25 cents, 10 cents, 5 cents and 1 cent.
Belizean Dollars exchange rates
The Belize dollar has been pegged to the US dollar at a fixed exchange rate of 2:1 for over 25 years. And as a result, this informs the exchange rate with other countries. Below are currency conversion estimates.
| Australia | 1 AUD | 1.30 BZD |
| Canada | 1 CAD | 1.48 BZD |
| Europe | 1 EUR | 2.01 BZD |
| Guatemala | 1 GTQ | 0.26 BZD |
| Japan | 1 JPY | 0.01 BZD |
| Mexico | 1 MXN | 0.10 BZD |
| UK | 1 GBP | 2.34 BZD |
| US | 1 USD | 2.01 BZD |
Using US cash in Belize
U.S. cash is widely accepted in Belize, especially in tourist destinations.
However, if you pay with US dollars, it is more than likely that you will not receive US cash in return. Instead, you will be given Belize dollars at the $1 US to $2 BZ exchange rate.
Banking/ATMs
Banks and automatic teller machines (ATMs) can be found across Belize in main towns and cities. They are the best way to access Belizean money.
Banks in Belize include Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, Caye International Bank, Heritage Bank, and the National Bank of Belize. They are open from 8 AM to 3 PM, Monday to Friday and closed on holidays.
Of all the banks, Belize Bank is the most ubiquitous, with a network of 11 branches and 27 ATMs. ATMs are usually attached to the banks and accept credit cards by VISA, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus. You can withdraw up to BZ$1,500.00 a day for a BZ$3 fee.
Banks and ATMs can be found at the following locations: Belize City; Belmopan; Caye Caulker; Corozal Town; Dangriga; Hopkins; Orange Walk Town; Placencia; Punta Gorda; San Ignacio; and San Pedro, Ambergris Caye.
Cash or card in Belize
Belize is primarily a cash society, where most locals do not own credit cards. As a result, many local shops and restaurants do not accept credit cards.
However, this isn’t the case with hotels and tour operators or if you’re staying at tourist destinations where it’s worth it for business owners to invest in payment processing systems. Nevertheless, local shops across Belize prefer payment in cash.
