Credit card declined in Belize

Card declines in Belize are normal, especially on the islands. ScotiaBank ATMs in Belize City worked with my Visa, but elsewhere I often had no luck. Resorts and tour companies accepted cards, but most smaller shops and restaurants didn’t. Budget 90-120 BZD daily for meals, ferries, and activities like snorkeling. Keep Belize dollars or US dollars handy, because cash is king here.

I had several declines in Belize. ATMs in Belize City worked after some trial, but on Ambergris Caye my card was useless. Shops and bars almost always wanted cash. For budgeting, 100 BZD daily covered my meals, local tours, and transport. My advice is to withdraw enough cash before heading to smaller islands, as ATMs can be scarce and unreliable. Bring US dollars as a safety net, since they’re accepted nearly everywhere.

Belize can be tough with cards. My Mastercard worked at Belize Bank ATMs but failed at Heritage Bank. On the islands, like Caye Caulker, most places asked for cash even if they had card machines. Budget around 90-110 BZD daily if you’re eating at restaurants and taking boats. Always carry some US dollars, as most vendors accept them alongside Belize dollars. Don’t rely on cards for small expenses-they’re unreliable.

In Belize, my card kept declining at smaller ATMs, but ScotiaBank and Atlantic Bank usually worked. Many local stores and restaurants in towns like San Ignacio or Placencia asked for cash. Resorts in Ambergris Caye accepted cards, but day-to-day expenses like buses, taxis, and street food were cash only. Budget 100-120 BZD per day for meals, ferries, and tours. Carry US dollars too-they’re widely accepted and easy to use when cards fail.

Atlantic Bank ATM on Front Street in Ambergris Caye (near the clock tower) accepts foreign cards. Reliable location if youre in the area.