The amount of personal spending money you bring will largely depend on your own needs. 

The opportunity to purchase souvenirs, extra alcohol, a cold drink, or a wayside snack does exist.  You may also have an opportunity to purchase village-made crafts and having small denomination US bills will enable you to participate. 

We recommend you bring a combination of US cash - a few $50's with the majority in small denominations such as $20's, $10's, $5's, and a few $1’s.   We also strongly recommend you separate your cash so you are not carrying it all in the same place. 

In addition to your spending money, it is good practice while traveling to carry an amount of emergency cash.  A contingency fund of $200US above and beyond what you expect to spend on incidentals will help with any additional charges that may occur due to late arrival, missed connections, lost luggage, and other circumstances beyond yours or our control. 

Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are taken in some establishments in major centers such as Belize City however; a 5% service charge to use them may apply. 

Cash advances can usually be made on Visa and MasterCard at local banks or bank machines.  Also, drawing money from an ATM should not be depended on as part of your budget plan but they can be used if emergency funds are needed.  Bank machines are becoming more and more frequent in the cities and towns of Belize. 

For those exiting Belize overland there is a departure tax of approximately $20US applicable to tourists 12 years and older at all land borders and this fee is not included in the trip cost.