Money in Belize
Belize uses the Belize dollar. Here is how to pay there, whether to tip, and what common amounts are worth.
- Currency
- BZDBelize dollar
- Symbol
- BZ$
- Tipping
- Appreciated
Paying in Belize
Pegged at 2 Belize dollars to 1 US dollar, and US dollars are widely accepted.
- Cards
- Accepted in cities and tourist areas
- Cash
- US dollar notes, mostly in small denominations, are useful because change can be hard to get. Smaller shops may set a minimum for card payments, reported as 10 to 25 BZD by Island Expeditions.
- ATMs
- ATMs are common in most towns and cities, but not all work with all North American cards, and rural areas can be difficult. Cahal Pech Village Resort reports a fee of 3 to 5 BZD for international card withdrawals.
- Foreign currency
- US dollars are widely accepted and the Belize dollar is pegged at 2 BZD to 1 USD.
- Exchanging money
- Exchange at banks, some upscale hotels and licensed exchange businesses, which ask for a form with personal details. Avoid unlicensed street changers near the Mexico and Guatemala borders.
- Watch out for
- Belize dollars are hard to exchange outside the country, so convert leftovers before leaving. Cahal Pech reports that cash over US$5,000 must be declared on entry, and World Travel Guide reports that many businesses add about 5% for card payments.
Tipping in Belize
Around 10–15% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Tip tour guides and boat captains.
Appreciated: Tipping isn't required, but a tip or rounding up is welcome.
Sources checked: Island Expeditions, Cahal Pech Village Resort, World Travel Guide, Destinations Belize, Discover Corps, Island Expeditions.
Convert to and from BZD
Quick reference
| Amount | USD | EUR | GBP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2.01 BZD | 2.25 BZD | 2.70 BZD |
| 10 | 20.12 BZD | 22.54 BZD | 27.00 BZD |
| 50 | 101 BZD | 113 BZD | 135 BZD |
| 100 | 201 BZD | 225 BZD | 270 BZD |
| 500 | 1,006 BZD | 1,127 BZD | 1,350 BZD |
What each amount is worth in BZD. Mid-market rates from 2 November 2026, 17:00 UTC.
Common questions
What currency does Belize use?
Belize uses the Belize dollar (BZD).
Do you need to tip in Belize?
Appreciated. Around 10–15% in restaurants if no service charge is added. Tip tour guides and boat captains.
Can you pay by card in Belize?
Accepted in cities and tourist areas. US dollar notes, mostly in small denominations, are useful because change can be hard to get. Smaller shops may set a minimum for card payments, reported as 10 to 25 BZD by Island Expeditions.
Are there ATMs in Belize?
ATMs are common in most towns and cities, but not all work with all North American cards, and rural areas can be difficult. Cahal Pech Village Resort reports a fee of 3 to 5 BZD for international card withdrawals.