Money & Payments in San Pedro Belize (2026)

Local Currency: BZD

Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: belizeontop.com, explore.atmfeesaver.com

Good to know

Good to Know

Atlantic Bank ATMs accept Visa and Mastercard without much hassle and don't charge any fees—your best fee-free option for cash withdrawals.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at many mid-range to upscale businesses, especially those catering to tourists. Use a travel rewards credit card with no foreign transaction fees (like Capital One Venture, Chase Sapphire, etc.) for major purchases.
Avoid exchanging USD for BZD at kiosks or tour booths. Go to a bank branch for the most reliable rates.
You will often be hit with two fees – one from your bank for international use and one for the local Belize bank. Contact your bank before traveling to understand their foreign transaction fees.
Service charges may be included on credit card bills and are not always shared with service staff, so consider whether additional cash tipping is appropriate.
Belize accepts both Belizean and US dollars for tips. Just ensure the bills are in good condition, as damaged or torn bills may not be accepted.

ATM Info

Dcc Warning: DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion) occurs when the ATM asks 'Would you like to be charged in your home currency?' Always choose BZD instead, as DCC often comes with inflated rates.
Availability: ATM machines are found in all major tourist towns and more urban centers – San Pedro, Caye Caulker, Hopkins, San Ignacio, Punta Gorda, Dangriga, Belize City, Belmopan, etc.
Accepted Cards: Majority of the ATMs accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus cards. Others such as Maestro, Amex, Diners, Discover, JCB, UnionPay, Rupay are not usually accepted by many ATMs.

Banks And Fees

Atlantic Bank
Visa fee
BZD 0.00
Notes
No convenience fee. The maximum withdrawal limit varies depending on the limit of the customer's credit card or debit card.
Belize Bank
Visa fee
BZD 3.50
Notes
ATM fee $3.50 +1% of the amount withdrawn.
Scotiabank
Visa fee
BZD 8.00
Notes
ATM fee $8.00. Accepts all cards bearing the VISA, MasterCard, Plus, and Cirrus logos. The maximum withdrawal limit per day is $750.

Banks With Local Presence

Belize Bank
Services
ATMs, debit cards, online banking
ATM Locations
On Barrier Reef Drive and other locations around town
Atlantic Bank Limited
Services
ATMs, debit cards, online banking
ATM Locations
Multiple locations downtown and in shopping centers
Scotiabank
Services
ATMs, debit cards, online banking
ATM Locations
Near Tropic Air terminal and downtown
Caye International Bank
Services
Multi-currency accounts, offshore banking, primarily for foreign clients
ATM Locations
San Pedro Town

Account Opening For Foreigners

Eligibility: Foreigners can open both Belize Dollar and USD accounts without residency requirement
Minimum Deposit: Varies by bank; typically USD 100-1000 depending on account type
Processing Time: 1-3 weeks typical; compliance checks can extend to 2-3 weeks or longer
Popular For Foreigners: Caye International Bank (established 2003, multi-currency, remote account opening available)
Account Types Available: Personal accounts (Belize Dollar and USD), multi-currency offshore accounts

Documentation Required

Valid passport
Proof of address (may be in home country)
Proof of income or employment (letter, pay stubs, or tax returns)
Some banks request reference letter from Belizean citizen or permanent resident

Tipping Norms

Taxis: Taxis in Belize don't run on meters—you agree on the fare in advance. Tipping isn't required, but if the driver is friendly, helpful, or goes out of their way, tipping is a nice touch.
Overview: Tipping in Belize is fairly straightforward and relaxed. While it's not always mandatory, it's appreciated, especially in service-related industries where wages can be modest.
Restaurants: In sit-down restaurants, a 10–15% tip is standard if the service charge is not already included in the bill. Some restaurants automatically add a 10% service charge—be sure to check your receipt.
Tour Guides: It's common to tip 10% in Belize for a longer journey, and your tour guide—when you find a great guide—should receive the standard 10% tip.
Bars And Cafes: If you're enjoying a cocktail or two at a bar, tipping $1–$2 USD per drink or 10% of the total bill is standard.
Local Performers: In the evenings, especially near Central Park or beach bars, you might find Garifuna drummers, fire dancers, or acoustic singers performing for tips. $2–10 BZD is a fair amount depending on the performance.
Currency Accepted: Both USD and BZD are welcome for tips—just make sure the amount is fair using the 2:1 exchange.

Local Currency

BZD

Card Acceptance

Overview: Both US dollars and Belize dollars are accepted in San Pedro. Major credit cards (Mastercard, Visa and American Express) are accepted throughout San Pedro, with nearly all hotels, restaurants and shops in the major towns and tourist areas taking all major credit cards.
Card Surcharges: Some smaller businesses in San Pedro add a 3–5% surcharge for card payments, especially if you're paying in USD or using an international card.
Visa Mastercard: VISA and Mastercard are generally preferred and at many places, the only cards taken.
American Express: American Express charges high fees to the merchant and won't be accepted at many spots.
Note: Cash is king on the island—especially for small businesses, street vendors, and local services.

ATM Fees

Scotiabank: BZD 8.00
Belize Bank: BZD 6.00
Atlantic Bank: Lowest fees; Atlantic Bank customers pay no fee

San Pedro has multiple banks with ATM access. Foreigners can open bank accounts, though the process involves documentation and compliance checks. Both local and offshore banking options available.

ATM Withdrawals

Max Withdrawal Scotiabank: BZD 1,200
Max Withdrawal Belize Bank: BZD 1,000
Max Withdrawal Atlantic Bank: BZD 1,500

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

Sources cited for this category

These are the sources cited in this money & payments research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

More About San Pedro Belize

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.

Money & Payments in San Pedro Belize