Trying to plan ahead so any know if card payments are common at hostels in Belize or cash is king?
My Belize experience: in Caye Caulker, the hostel wanted cash only. In San Ignacio, the hostel swiped my Visa but charged a hefty fee. Belize City hostels were more card-friendly, but not universally. Atlantic Bank and Belize Bank ATMs are reliable, but queues can form before weekends. If you want smooth check-ins, carry enough cash, because relying only on cards will definitely backfire in some Belize hostels.
Belize felt like a 50/50 split for hostels. The one I stayed in near San Pedro accepted my Mastercard, though they added a fee. Another in Hopkins was strictly cash. ATMs exist in most towns, but on smaller islands you might find only one or two, and they sometimes run out of cash. If avoiding last-minute ATM runs is important, withdraw in Belize City or San Ignacio before heading remote.
Hostels in Belize are hit-or-miss with cards. My stay in Caye Caulker was cash only, and I had to queue at the Atlantic Bank ATM on Front Street. In Placencia, my hostel did swipe Visa, but they added a processing fee. Belize accepts cards widely at midrange hotels, but budget hostels often prefer cash. To avoid scrambling, bring Belize dollars or USD before heading out to the islands.
In Belize City, my hostel near the ferry terminal did accept cards, but they charged a 5% fee for using Mastercard. In San Ignacio, cash was the only option at the hostel I booked. ATMs from Atlantic Bank and Scotiabank are everywhere in towns, so it’s not a huge stress, but do plan ahead. If you want to avoid last-minute runs, always check whether your hostel adds card surcharges, because many in Belize do.