Navigating the Banking System in Belize and Ambergris Caye | Caye International Bank
A guide to the currency and banking system of Ambergris Caye and Belize
At a glance
About this Belize website
A guide to the currency and banking system of Ambergris Caye and Belize
- Publisher
- cayebank.bz
- First discovered
- 13 September 2026
- Last checked
- 17 October 2026
Information found on this page
Highlights and services
The Currency of Belize
The official currency for the country of Belize, including Ambergris Caye, is the Belize dollar. While the currency exchange rate can vary from day to day, historically the rate between United States dollars and Belizean Dollars is about two Belize dollars per one U.S. dollar.Belize dollars are considered a soft currency. This means it can be difficult to exchange the currency anywhere outside of Belize or neighboring countries.
Commercial Banking in Belize
When banking in Belize and Ambergris Caye, you have several commercial banks to choose from. The banking system is a mix of institutions based out of Belize as well as those classified as multinational banks. The three main Belize-based commercial banks include Belize Bank, Alliance Bank and Atlantic Bank. The two main international banks include Scotia Bank and First Caribbean Bank.Keep in mind that banking hours are different than in the United States, with many banks closing by 2 p.m. and smaller banks closing completely for lunch. While commercial banks in Ambergris Caye often have ATMs, it does not mean that they’ll work. Your best bet is to use banks in tourist heavy areas, such as the
Take Advantage of Offshore Banking
Laws established in the 1990’s allow Belize to offer offshore banking services for those who are not citizens or legal residents of the country. Belize offshore banks allow individuals who are not full-time residents of Belize to more easily access, protect and control their money when traveling away from their home country.For Americans who spend a significant amount of time in Belize or Ambergris Caye, an offshore banking account allows them to pay a house mortgage or bills in the United States while paying rent and other expenses simultaneously in Belize, without having to worry as much about factors like currency. Keep in mind that you will most likely need to keep a balance of at least