You're standing at a small panades stand in San Ignacio, the smell of fried corn and spicy onion sauce hitting you hard. You reach into your pocket and realize you only have a crisp US ten-dollar bill. Do you need to find a bank?
Honestly, no.
The most important thing to know about what currency does belize use is that the answer is actually "two of them." Officially, it’s the Belize Dollar (BZD). Practically? It is a dual-currency system where the US Dollar (USD) is just as welcome as the local stuff.
This isn't like Mexico or Europe where you’re constantly checking a conversion app to see if you're getting ripped off. In Belize, the math is locked.
The Magic 2:1 Ratio
Since 1978, the Belize Dollar has been pegged to the US Dollar at exactly 2 to 1.
$2 BZD = $1 USD.
It’s that simple. If a menu says a Belikin beer is $6 BZD, you can hand over three US ones. If a souvenir costs $20 BZD, ten US dollars covers it. You’ll basically never see the rate fluctuate, which is a massive relief for your travel brain.
However—and this is a big "however"—you’ll almost always get your change back in Belizean currency. If you buy a $5 BZD snack with a $5 USD bill, the vendor will hand you back $5 BZD (which is $2.50 USD in value).
By the end of your first day in Ambergris Caye or Hopkins, your wallet will be a chaotic mix of green US presidents and colorful Belizean notes.
The Big 2025-2026 Currency Shake-up
If you visited Belize a few years ago, you probably remember Queen Elizabeth II on every single bill. That's changing right now.
In late 2025, the Central Bank of Belize began circulating a brand-new "family" of banknotes. This was a huge symbolic move toward decolonization. The Queen is gone. In her place, you’ll find two national heroes: George Cadle Price (the "Father of Independence") and Philip Goldson.
Who is on what?
- George Price (the guy with the glasses): He’s on the $5, $20, and $100 bills.
- Philip Goldson: You’ll spot him on the $2, $10, and $50 notes.
The colors are still vibrant, and the wildlife on the back—jaguars, tapirs, and toucans—is still there. If you happen to get an "old" bill with the Queen on it, don't panic. They are still legal tender and will be for years.
The "Perfect Bill" Rule (Don't Ignore This)
Belizean banks are incredibly picky. Like, annoyingly picky.
If your US dollars have a tiny tear, a stray ink mark, or look like they’ve been through a washing machine three times, a local shop will likely reject them. They aren't being mean; the banks won't let them deposit damaged US cash.
Pro tip: Before you fly out, go to your bank and ask for "pristine" bills. No tears. No tape. No "Happy Birthday" written in the margin.
Also, don't bother bringing US coins. Nobody wants them. They aren't pegged to anything local, and banks won't take them. Stick to $1, $5, $10, and $20 USD notes.
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Where Cash Still Reigns Supreme
While you can tap your credit card at high-end resorts in Placencia or fancy restaurants in Belize City, Belize is still very much a cash society.
You’ll need "real money" for:
- Water Taxis: Getting from Belize City to Caye Caulker.
- Street Food: Those $1 BZD tacos are worth every cent, but they don't take Visa.
- Local Markets: Buying handmade wood carvings or hot sauce.
- Tipping: It’s the lifeblood of the service industry here.
The ATM Situation
ATMs are everywhere in major towns (San Pedro, San Ignacio, Dangriga). They dispense Belize Dollars only.
Look for Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, or Heritage Bank. Just a heads-up: most ATMs have a daily limit (usually around $500 BZD) and your home bank will probably hit you with an international fee. It’s usually better to bring a few hundred in US cash and supplement with the ATM as you go.
Tipping: How Much is Enough?
Since the minimum wage is relatively low—around $5 BZD an hour—tips make a massive difference for the people making your vacation great.
In restaurants, 10% to 15% is the standard. Check your bill first, though. Some spots add a "service charge" automatically. If they do, you don't have to add more, but a few extra dollars left on the table goes a long way.
For tour guides—the folks taking you through the ATM Cave or snorkeling the Great Blue Hole—$10 to $20 USD per person is a solid gesture for a full-day trip.
Avoiding the "Gringo Tax"
Confusion about what currency does belize use can sometimes lead to overpaying.
Most tourist-facing businesses (hotels and big tour companies) list prices in USD. Most local businesses (grocery stores, gas stations, small cafes) list prices in BZD.
If you see a sign that just says "$" without "US" or "BZ," always ask.
"Is that Belize or US?"
It’s a simple question that can save you from accidentally paying $40 USD for a $40 BZD lunch.
Actionable Next Steps
- Audit your cash: Check every US bill you plan to bring. If it’s ripped, leave it at home.
- Small bills are king: Bring a stack of $1s and $5s USD. Trying to break a $100 USD bill at a fruit stand is a nightmare for everyone involved.
- Notify your bank: If you plan to use an ATM or credit card, tell your bank you're in Belize so they don't freeze your account the moment you buy a souvenir.
- Keep your receipts: If you end up with a lot of BZD at the end of your trip, you can sometimes exchange it back to USD at the airport, but you’ll need to show you withdrew it or changed it legally. Better yet, just spend those last few dollars on some Marie Sharp’s hot sauce at the duty-free shop.