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Belize Dollar
The official unit of currency in Belize is the Belizean dollar. The Belizean dollar is issued in the form of coins and banknotes. Coins are issued in the form of 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents and a BZ $ 1. Notes are issued in the form of $1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100. The currency is identified by the use of the letters BZ to differentiate it from US dollars.
History of the Belizean Dollar
The Belizean dollar has been in circulation since 1885. At this point, Belize was known as British Honduras and in 1885 the first 'official' dollar system was introduced, although prior to this in the 18th Century, the Spanish dollar had been in use.
In 1894, the government pegged the Belizean dollar to the US dollar and basically the British Honduran dollar remained in constant circulation until British Honduras gained independence from Britain in 1964 and was then renamed Belize in 1973.
And so the history of the Belizean dollar really dates back to as recently as 1973, when it became the symbol of the new, independent country of Belize.
Getting Hold of Belizean Dollars
Belizean dollars are not that easy to come by, compared to many other countries. There are only two ATM machines in Belize that can accept foreign cards, although this figure is likely to rise. One of the ATM machines is located in Belize City and the other is out in the city of Dangriga.
Due to the fact that Belize is a bit of a money hotspot in terms of money, it is always better to notify your bank, prior to travel, that your card will be used in Belize, otherwise, alarm bells may ring in your bank, if it is used without them knowing that it is with your consent.
The exchange rate for Belizean dollars to US dollars is fixed, which means that you will always get one US dollar for two Belizean dollars. However, if you exchange money using a street trader, you may get a slightly better exchange rate.
Credit cards can be used in Belize, particularly in the bigger hotels that cater for tourists. However, you may well find that they add on a charge for allowing you to use a credit card and this could be anything between 2-10% of the total sum of your purchase, which can add up after a few days, so you are better off taking cash or travellers cheques with you.
Travellers cheques should be taken in the form of US dollars, since this is the preferred currency in Belize. Euros and British sterling will have to be exchanged at a bank. Similarly if you take cash then it should be in the form of US dollars, since this will be easier to change (particularly if you want to use a street trader). Generally it is not a good idea to carry around large sums of money, in Belize there is little other option apart from travellers cheques.
In Belize City you will find that US dollars can be readily exchanged and indeed prices may even be quoted in US dollars, but in the other towns and cities, the reliance is more on Belizean dollars, although if pushed, most vendors will accept US dollars, at a reasonable exchange rate, but some may wish to make some money out of the transaction and therefore implement a charge for the privilege. Really, it all depends on the vendor.
Staying Safe in Belize
Belize is a relatively safe country to travel to. That being said there are some issues that should be taken into account before you venture off to experience the delights of this Central American country.
The first issue is really personal safety. There are some serious crimes committed against travellers, since they are viewed as 'easy pickings'. In particular tourists have experienced real problems near the border with
Guatemala. Guatemala and Belize have had a border dispute for some time. Guatemala believes that part of Belize actually belongs to her and she wants it back. Belize on the other hand is not keen to relinquish any of its land, so the struggle goes on!
This makes the border area between the 2 countries very sensitive. In particular, the area around the archaeological sites at Maya present significant risks, since tourists have been attacked here.
Muggings take place in Belize City and other large towns and whilst these are not every day events, travellers are simply reminded to exercise caution and ensure that they do not wander too far at night, or go off the beaten tourist track, particularly after dark, when it may be uncomfortable or even dangerous.
Women travelling alone in Belize are relatively safe, but again, they should take care not to venture out alone at night. If this cannot be avoided, then stick to busy areas and try to ensure that you only walk down streets that are well lit. Men may simply leer or make comments or try to touch women who are alone, but this can be quite uncomfortable and women should be aware that the number of rapes against foreign tourists has been increasing steadily. But many women do travel alone and find that they are safe, but they are careful to exercise caution and to be aware of their circumstances at all times.
If you do plan to travel between Guatemala and Belize, then only use one of the two officially designated crossing points, otherwise, you may be asking for trouble.
Finally if you plan to participate in any water sports or a jungle trek, you need to be aware of the following 2 issues. First, only use a licensed tour company for such activities and secondly, check that you are insured if anything goes wrong.
Both water sports activities and jungle treks are very popular in Belize, however, European or North American standards of Health and Safety may well not be practised by any non-licensed tour operator. This may mean that breathing equipment is not properly maintained or that tour leaders are not qualified to deal with jungle conditions. So always check that they are reputable and registered.
The insurance issue is also important, because if you do go into the jungle and something happens: for example a snake bite (rare, but it can happen) or if you become dehydrated and need hospital treatment or something goes wrong when you are scuba diving, check that your insurance policy will cover any medical fees, since insurance companies have been known to simply allege that these are extraordinary activities and they will not pay. If you are in any doubt, check with the company and or take out insurance to cover the 'high risk' activity: it may cost you a few Belizean dollars, but it will be far cheaper than facing medical bills of several thousand dollars!
Belize as a Country
Belize is a truly fascinating country: yet it is tiny, with a population of only just under 300,000 people: about the size of a European town! And yet it exists as a country in its own right and is fiercely proud of its independent status, despite the lack of people.
This makes it a very small and interesting country. Over the years it has experienced Spanish influences and British rule, which makes it very European in its outlook. For many years it has also become home to people from a whole variety of cultures, which also makes it seem almost unique.
There is a plethora of archaeological sites to be seen as well as the world's second biggest coral reef, which is truly a spectacular site. There are also some wonderful wildlife reserves and sanctuaries, awesome jungles to explore and some seriously impressive temples to be viewed. Belize's very own 'barrier reef' really is a must see when in Belize, so be sure to include that in any itinerary.
Although English is the official language in Belize, this country is a real melting pot of different languages and peoples, from East India to Chinese, Lebanese and English. Yet they all seem to get along just fine and live together, without racial tensions that so often exist in multi-cultural Societies.
People are almost universally friendly and whilst they may be more reserved in the Mayan areas, they are still receptive to people who have made the effort to visit their country and they are very welcoming on the whole.
Belize offers relatively good value to travellers, since the costs of food and drink are considerably lower than European standards, but it has to be said that in terms of other Central American countries it does seem quite a lot more expensive. So if you arrive from say, Honduras or Guatemala then you will probably be a little shocked by the prices, although it is relatively easy to pick some really good food at pretty reasonable prices. Much of the food on offer is a blend of Latin and Caribbean dishes, although the British influence is still felt today in the sense that tea is still a very popular drink, throughout Belize.
Overview
Belize is a real treat for all the sense and does offer an amazingly different type of visitor experience. Here, there are large areas that are uninhabited and throughout Belize there appears to be a respect for nature that may be lacking in other countries. However, one area where there has been little regard to Mother Nature is with regard to fish, with the fish stocks now dwindling after years of substantial over fishing. Hopefully this is now being addressed, but generally there is now an awareness that the people have to live in harmony with nature.
The success of Belize in terms of being a melting pot for various cultures and religions all living together and with no real problems with each other, make Belize a really interesting place, simply in terms of its culture. There appears to be a mutual respect for each other that is sadly lacking in many other cultures.
So Belize has much to offer the world and it is a great place to see nature in action and witness the sheer power of nature in the jungle and indeed on the barrier reef.
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