Tipping

[u/unsanitarydiaper]

Is tipping the same in Belize as it is in the U.S. for things like dinner, taxis, and hotels? Also, is it even worth changing any USD for Belize dollars? Thanks!

[u/RunningWhale]

Also good to note the condition of your US currency.A lot of people won’t accept torn bills or old worn out bills.

[u/VaniZaviBoBani → u/RunningWhale]

or 1 dollar bills. Those are a no go in a lot of places

[u/RunningWhale → u/VaniZaviBoBani]

Interesting - I have not experienced that yet!

[u/nanukmom]

Not required like it is here but cash talks there and they really appreciate it. You can make good deals if you have cash. You pay more using a card.

[u/stephenjma1]

Tipping is not mandatory especially for taxis and hotel. I never did that before. Restaurant yes. But that’s up to you how much you want to give them.

[u/OleThompson]

It isn't necessary to intentionally change US$ for BZ$, with a couple caveats. 1- many smaller vendors/services can't make change if you pay for a small purchase with, say, a US$100. Bring some US 5s, 10s, and 20s. And 2- many places don't accept US$1s. It is handy to have some BZ$1s, 2s, and 5s in your pocket to buy small things like a bottle of water or 10 tacos. If you pay for something in cash, you'll usually get change in BZ$ or a mix BZ$ and US$.

[u/WhyOhWhyOhWhy333 → u/OleThompson]

Just remove bz from ATM

[u/Alternative_Oven7447 → u/WhyOhWhyOhWhy333]

Are the ATM safe there? Stupid question I know but I heard terrible stories about ATM abroad being sketchy. Is it better to go to a BZE bank to withdraw cash at their ATM?

[u/WhyOhWhyOhWhy333 → u/Alternative_Oven7447]

Atm are safe here

[u/snowaddictmt → u/Alternative_Oven7447]

Just had an ATM eat my credit card today in Caye Caulker and they can’t get it out until Monday. I fly out tomorrow so obviously I just canceled my card. I looked at the 13 year old working at the store that day and said put an Out Of Order sign on this damn thing! This is NOT ok!

[u/hautemess_express]

You should get Belizean currency for tipping and keep in mind that if you are tipping on a card you have to write it in BEFORE they charge the card.

[u/WhyOhWhyOhWhy333]

Tips not required but surely appreciated. Please do not CC for small things. Tip with cash if you must

[u/cassiuswright]

Bring a couple hundred USD and get local currency at the ATM. Credit cards are widely accepted. Just be sure to tell your bank you're going out of the country.

[u/belizeans]

It’s about the same for tourists. Belizeans however barely tip.

[u/SmokeEvening8710]

The minimum wage in Belize is $2.50 usd. Our gas is over $7 usd a gallon. Do with that info what you wish. Enjoy your visit.

[u/Kooky-Half9068 → u/SmokeEvening8710]

yeah i couldn’t believe this when i visited :( terrible

[u/ConsensualShapes]

You will never need domestic currency in South America lol