Mexico & Central America

Money, cards and tipping in Belize

Capital: BelmopanEnglish, SpanishUpdated October 2026

BZDDollar

Money in Belize

Mixed: cards and cash US dollars are accepted everywhere at the fixed rate of BZ$2 = US$1. Hotels and tour shops take cards, often adding a 3–5% surcharge. US$1 ≈ BZ$2.00 (03 Oct 2026).

Key facts

Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants unless service is already added; tip tour and dive guides around 10–15%.
ATMs: Belize Bank, Heritage and Atlantic Bank ATMs take foreign cards and dispense Belize dollars; few ATMs outside towns.
Paying by phone: Contactless cards work in larger resorts and shops; otherwise cash. Local e-wallets are for residents.
Price level: about 53% of US prices (World Bank PPP).

Cash or card, by place

Place	Cards	Notes
Caye Caulker	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards are common in hotels and tour offices, often with a 3–5% surcharge; restaurants, bikes and golf carts want cash. Few ATMs.
Ambergris Caye	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards are accepted widely at hotels, dive shops and restaurants, often with a 3–5% surcharge; bars, taxis and small shops want cash.
Placencia	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards are accepted at hotels and dive shops, often with a surcharge; cash for taxis, small shops and market stalls.
San Ignacio	Mixed: cards and cash	Cards are accepted at hotels and larger tour operators, often with a surcharge; cash for taxis, buses and market stalls.

Quick answers

Do you tip in Belize?

10–15% in restaurants unless service is already added; tip tour and dive guides around 10–15%.

Is Belize cashless?

Mixed: cards and cash. US dollars are accepted everywhere at the fixed rate of BZ$2 = US$1. Hotels and tour shops take cards, often adding a 3–5% surcharge.

What currency does Belize use?

The Dollar (BZD). US$1 ≈ BZ$2.00 (03 Oct 2026).

Sources

Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.