Belize Dollar Peg: 2 BZD to 1 USD (Official Fixed Exchange Rate)
One of the first questions travelers ask me as a guide is about money:
What’s the Belize dollar worth in U.S. dollars? Can you use USD in Belize?
The answer is simple — but as I’ve learned in my own life, the story of currency in Belize goes deeper than just numbers.
The Official Exchange Rate: 2 BZD = 1 USD
The Belize dollar (BZD) has been pegged to the U.S. dollar since 1978.
That means the exchange rate is fixed and stable:
- 1 BZD = 0.50 USD
- 1 USD = 2 BZD
This peg is backed by the Central Bank of Belize and makes traveling here straightforward. You don’t need to worry about market swings like in other countries — it’s always two to one.
💱 What Is a Fixed Exchange Rate?
A fixed exchange rate means our currency is tied — or “pegged” — to another stable currency.
In Belize’s case, we’re pegged to the US Dollar, at:
1 USD = 2 BZD (source).
That rate doesn’t fluctuate like currencies in free-floating systems.
Whether you’re at the airport, in a market, or using a bank card — that’s the rate.
🧭 Why Belize Chose This System
We fixed our rate to:
- Keep prices stable
- Support trade and tourism
- Build trust in the Belizean dollar
Since most of our visitors (and many businesses) operate in USD, having a 2:1 rate makes things simple, reliable, and predictable.
This fixed rate is part of what’s known as a currency board-style system, which has historically helped Belize avoid wild currency swings (source).
Quick USD to BZD Conversion Guide
- $10 USD = $20 BZD
- $50 USD = $100 BZD
- $100 BZD = $50 USD
- $250 BZD = $125 USD
The trick is easy: just double or divide by two.
The New Belize Currency Design (2025)
Starting in August 2025, Belize is launching new banknotes that replace Queen Elizabeth’s portrait with national heroes. The look will change, but the value will not: 2 Belize dollars will still equal 1 U.S. dollar.
💰 Will the New Money Design Affect That?
No.
The new currency features national heroes instead of the British monarch — but the value hasn’t changed.
Design = Identity
Value = Stability
This is a cultural update, not an economic reset.
As the Central Bank has made clear, these new notes carry the same legal tender status and face value as the older ones .
🏦 What Keeps the Belize Dollar Stable?
- The Central Bank of Belize oversees all monetary policy
- It holds foreign exchange reserves, primarily in USD
- It carefully manages money supply and inflation
- It steps in when needed to protect the peg
This structure — officially maintained by the Central Bank — has helped Belize weather global economic changes while preserving the 2:1 ratio.
Think of it as an anchor: even if global waters shift, Belize stays steady.
📈 Are There Any Risks?
Like any small economy, Belize is sensitive to global factors:
Fuel prices, import costs, and climate events can all have ripple effects.
But our monetary authorities have consistently affirmed their commitment to the peg and their ability to manage reserves to protect it.
✈️ What This Means for Travelers
- USD is accepted almost everywhere — but you’ll get change in BZD
- The 2:1 rate makes quick math easy
- You don’t need to worry about rate swings mid-trip
💡 Tip: Bring smaller denominations of USD if possible ($5s, $10s, $20s) — they’re easier to use in markets or remote areas.
My Story: Learning Exchange Rates the Hard Way
Growing up, the 2-to-1 peg was so normal that I thought every country did the same thing. But my first trip across the border taught me otherwise.
In Chetumal, Mexico, I was just a teenager with a mix of Belize dollars and U.S. dollars in my pocket. Suddenly I had to juggle two separate exchange rates for pesos. It was confusing at first. Eventually, I learned to do it one at a time — change my Belize dollars for pesos, then my U.S. dollars for pesos — instead of mixing it all together.
Later, in Melchor de Mencos, Guatemala, it felt simpler. There, shops took Belize dollars directly, so I didn’t have to exchange them into quetzales. But once you head deeper into Flores, Petén, Belize dollars are still accepted — just at a different rate, not always in your favor.
That’s when I realized: while Belize keeps money simple, crossing borders means learning each country’s rhythm.
💵 Money in Belize: Traveler FAQ
Do ATMs in Belize give U.S. dollars?
No. ATMs in Belize only dispense Belize dollars (BZ$). If you withdraw cash, you’ll receive local currency at the fixed 2:1 peg.
Can I use U.S. dollars in Belize?
Yes. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants. Change is usually given in Belize dollars.
What’s the exchange rate of the Belize dollar to USD?
The exchange rate is fixed at 2 Belize dollars = 1 U.S. dollar. This peg has been in place since 1978.
Should I tip in U.S. dollars or Belize dollars?
Either is accepted. For small tips (taxis, markets), Belize dollars are easier. For tours and hotels, U.S. dollars are perfectly fine.
How much U.S. cash can I bring into Belize?
You must declare any amount over $10,000 BZD (about $5,000 USD) at customs. Carrying smaller amounts is fine and doesn’t require declaration.
Do credit cards work in Belize?
Yes. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and tour operators. Smaller shops and local taxis often prefer cash.
Are coins accepted in Belize if I bring U.S. change?
No. Belize does not accept U.S. coins. Only U.S. bills are used alongside Belize dollars.
Is it better to carry USD or BZD in Belize?
Bring both. Use U.S. dollars for big purchases (tours, hotels) and keep Belize dollars for small daily expenses like snacks, taxis, and local markets.
📎 Want More?
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