Belize Dollar vs. US Dollar: How the 2:1 Exchange Rate Works in San Pedro

Whether you’re sipping cocktails at Palapa Bar, renting a golf cart to explore the island, or shopping for souvenirs on Barrier Reef Drive, understanding how the currency works in San Pedro will help you avoid confusion, overpaying, or unnecessary currency exchange.

Let’s walk through everything you need to know—with zero financial stress and 100% island ease.

🇧🇿 What Currency Does Belize Use?

Belize’s official currency is the Belize Dollar (BZD). You’ll see bills in denominations of:

• $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100
• Coins are used in cents and $1 BZD coins (also called “shillings” by some locals)

But here’s the cool part: USD is accepted everywhere in San Pedro and most of Belize.

San Pedro(Ambergris Caye)

The Belize Dollar is permanently pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed exchange rate of:

$1 USD = $2 BZD

No need to memorize fluctuating rates or do mental math. It’s super easy.

So if you’re buying:

• A $10 BZD lunch = $5 USD
• A $50 BZD golf cart rental = $25 USD
• A $100 BZD reef tour = $50 USD

You can pay with either currency, and most places will give you change in BZD.

Where This Matters Most in San Pedro

In San Pedro, most businesses cater to both locals and tourists. That means:

• Bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops accept both USD and BZD
• Street vendors or small shops may only accept cash, but still take USD
• ATMs give you BZD—so you’ll always end up with local currency on hand

1. Bring Small USD Bills

• $1s, $5s, $10s, and $20s are ideal
• Larger bills (like $50s or $100s) may not be accepted due to counterfeiting concerns

2. Keep an Eye on Change

• If you pay in USD, you’ll often get change in BZD
• Always count it to make sure you’re getting the right amount (friendly mistake, not a scam)

3. Use Local Currency for Small Purchases

• Buy snacks, street food, or use cabs with BZD for smoother transactions
• Avoid overpaying if someone gives you a rough conversion

4. Pay in BZD for Better Value (Sometimes)

• Some restaurants or shops round up if you pay in USD
• Paying in BZD ensures you get the exact local price

Should You Use ATMs in San Pedro?

Yes, ATMs are widely available on the island. Most will give you Belize Dollars directly.

Visa & Mastercard are accepted at most larger places, but some smaller businesses are cash-only, so always keep some BZD handy.

Currency Example: A Day in San Pedro

Here’s how an average traveler might spend in a day:

Item	Cost in BZD	Cost in USD
Breakfast at Estel’s	$20 BZD	$10 USD
Golf Cart Rental (half-day)	$60 BZD	$30 USD
Snorkeling Tour	$100 BZD	$50 USD
Beach drinks	$30 BZD	$15 USD
Local street tacos	$10 BZD	$5 USD

What NOT to Do with Money in San Pedro

• Don’t exchange USD to BZD at airports or hotels—they may charge unfavorable rates
• Don’t assume every card will work—some smaller vendors are cash-only
• Don’t carry huge amounts of cash—keep valuables secure, especially on the beach

Bonus: Can You Use USD for Everything?

Yes, but keep in mind:

• You’ll usually get change in BZD
• Smaller towns outside San Pedro may prefer local currency
• Exact change is appreciated for small purchases

FAQs – Belize Currency Tips for San Pedro

Do I need to exchange money before visiting San Pedro?

Nope! You can pay with USD directly almost everywhere. It’s good to get some BZD at an ATM when you arrive.

Can I use credit cards in San Pedro?

Yes, but mostly at larger businesses. Always ask first. Keep cash on hand for small spots or street vendors.

What if I get change back in BZD—how do I use it?

You can use BZD throughout Belize. Even if you leave San Pedro, it’s the national currency, so it’s always useful.

Are there currency scams I should watch out for?

Not really—just double-check your change and avoid sketchy street exchanges.

What’s better: paying in USD or BZD?

For small stuff, BZD is better. For bigger purchases, either works—just do the math to make sure you’re getting a fair rate.

Final Take – Currency in San Pedro: Simple, Safe, and Stress-Free

Paying in Belize is refreshingly easy. The fixed 2:1 exchange rate means you can relax, do simple math on the fly, and enjoy your time in San Pedro without the usual currency confusion.

Just bring small USD bills, withdraw a little BZD for cash purchases, and you’re all set.

Whether you’re snorkeling at Hol Chan, grabbing tacos at a food cart, or dancing at a beach bar, your money goes further when you travel smart and San Pedro makes that effortless.