ATM Fees in Belize
Belize Dollar (BZD) • Updated April 2026
Belize uses the Belize Dollar, pegged at 2 BZD = 1 USD. US dollars are widely accepted and often preferred. ATMs are available in towns but absent on cayes (islands). Card acceptance varies by area.
Tips for Belize
- • USD accepted everywhere at 2:1 rate
- • Atlantic Bank and Belize Bank have most ATMs
- • ATMs dispense BZD only
- • Cayes (Ambergris, Caulker) have limited ATMs - bring cash
- • Many dive shops and tours prefer cash
Airport tips
- • Philip Goldson Airport has Atlantic Bank ATM
- • Currency exchange available but USD works fine
- • Taxis to Belize City require cash
- • Water taxis to cayes accept cash only
Don't forget your home bank fees
The fees shown above are charged by local ATMs. Your home bank may also charge additional fees for international withdrawals (typically 1-3% + a flat fee). Check with your bank before traveling.
Estimated daily expenses
How much cash you might need per day in Belize, per person.
Backpacker
Hostels, street food, public transport
BZD/day
≈ $85.01-175 USD
Mid-range
Hotels, restaurants, mix of transport
BZD/day
≈ $245-485 USD
Luxury
Premium hotels, fine dining, private transport
BZD/day
≈ $625-1,350 USD
Cash vs card acceptance
Where you'll need cash and where cards work in Belize.
Credit card acceptance
ModerateCard acceptance is moderate in Belize. Tourist areas and higher-end establishments accept cards, but many local businesses, dive operators, and island services prefer or require cash.
Regional differences
- • Belize City: Moderate card acceptance
- • San Pedro (Ambergris Caye): Good in resorts, mixed elsewhere
- • Caye Caulker: Many cash-only businesses
- • Inland (San Ignacio, Placencia): Cash preferred
You'll need cash for
- • Water taxis
- • Local restaurants and bars
- • Market vendors
- • Many dive and tour operators
- • Bus fares
- • Street food
Cards usually accepted
- • Resorts and hotels
- • Some restaurants
- • Supermarkets
- • Car rentals
- • Some dive shops
💰 Cheapest banks for foreign cards
These banks charge the lowest fees for withdrawals with foreign cards.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belize Bank | 10-15 BZD | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~5.00 USD | 18 | Acquired Scotiabank operations |
| Atlantic Bank | 10-15 BZD | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~5.00 USD | 15 | — |
| Heritage Bank | 12 BZD | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~6.00 USD | 8 | — |
📍 Most widely available ATMs
Sorted by number of ATM locations. More branches means easier access, but fees may be higher.
| Bank | ATM Fee | Est. Cost | Branches | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Belize Bank | 10-15 BZD | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~5.00 USD | 18 | Acquired Scotiabank operations |
| Atlantic Bank | 10-15 BZD | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~5.00 USD | 15 | — |
| Heritage Bank | 12 BZD | 0% | Visa/MC rate | ~6.00 USD | 8 | — |