Belize Travel Guide

Belize — Shopping

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Shopping

Belize doesn't have the same traditions with handicrafts as its neighboring countries, Mexico and Guatemala. Selections will be limited and rather expensive. The best handmade crafts and jewelry are found in the Ambergris Cayes. Further south you can find hand woven baskets created by the Mayan women, as well as mahogany chairs and other carvings. Probably the most distinctive craft are the drums created by the Garifuna. Standard souvenirs fare includes slogan T-shirts and Belikin paraphernalia. Travelers should be aware of their home country's rules on importing exotic goods. In the UK, for example, there are restrictions on importing tortoiseshell goods and jewelry made from endangered coral.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200, 1300-1630 and 1900-2100. Some shops close on Wednesday afternoons.

Currency

Belize Dollar (BZD; symbol BZ$) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of BZ$100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of BZ$1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cents. American money is eagerly accepted anywhere in the country. Belizean money is worthless outside of the country since most exchange houses will not deal with the currency. Exchange your Belize bills before leaving the country.

The Belize Dollar is tied to the US Dollar at US$1 = BZ$1.96

Currency Exchange

Currency can be exchanged at most banks, hotels and travel agencies. While not strictly legal, there are also freelance money exchangers who often have a better rate. Many ATMs accept foreign cards, but there is a $500 limit per day and many machines are out of order or out of cash. ATM exchange rates are usually 1% lower than bank rates.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted. Most establishments will add a 5% service charge to the bills of customers using credit cards.

Travelers Checks

These can be exchanged; commission will usually be charged. There are few places accepting checks so you may have some difficulty cashing them in more remote areas. Cheques with any imperfections will be rejected.

Currency Restrictions

The import and export of local currency is limited to Bz$100. The import of foreign currency is unlimited, provided declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the equivalent of Bz$400 for residents, and up to the amount imported and declared for non-residents.