Top payment methods in Belize: A guide on best ways to pay
Wondering what the most popular ways to pay are in Belize? Explore the top payment options and choose wisely.
Belize, with a population of around 417 thousand people, has a GDP of approximately 3.61 billion making it the 166th largest economy in the world. The official currency of Belize is the Belize Dollar (BZD)
The economy is mainly driven by tourism, agriculture (especially sugar, citrus, and bananas), and services. It is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and has strong trade links with the United States and the United Kingdom.
| Country | Belize |
|---|---|
| Population | 417 thousand |
| GDP (USD) | 3.61 billion |
| Global Ranking | 166th |
| Currency | Belize Dollar (BZD) |
Spend abroad with the mid-market exchange rate - no markups, and no sneaky transaction fees.
What is the main payment method in Belize?
The primary method of payment in Belize is cash, with both the local Belize Dollar and the US Dollar being widely accepted, the latter especially in tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and established stores, but their use is less common in smaller, local businesses. For those with bank accounts, online banking and direct transfers are used for paying bills and conducting formal transactions.
How to pay in Belize
Each country has its own way of moving money, and choosing the right method can sometimes be difficult. That’s why we have curated the most popular and best payment options for you to use in Belize.
| Payment Method | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Wise | Wise provides international money transfer services. It is known for offering transparent, low-cost currency exchange rates and fast transfers. Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate and charges a small, upfront fee, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional banks for sending money abroad. The platform also offers multi-currency accounts, allowing users to hold and manage money in multiple currencies. | Online/In-person |
| Cash (Belize Dollar / US Dollar) | Cash is the primary payment method. The Belize Dollar is the official currency, but US Dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. | In-person |
| Cards (Visa/Mastercard) | Cards are commonly accepted at hotels, tour companies, and larger restaurants that cater to tourists. | In-person |
| Bank Transfers | Direct bank transfers are a standard method for larger local payments and business transactions. | Online |
| Online Banking | Online portals from domestic and international banks in Belize are used for account management and payments. | Online |
Traveling beyond Belize? Explore payment methods by country.
Is PayPal available in Belize?
Yes, PayPal is accepted in Belize.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise Multi-Currency Card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise Multi-Currency Card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise Multi-Currency Card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.