To try to gain face in this group (after bad mouthing AC about my trip report, mostly diving) I will offer what I found out there (first time there), seems all of the folks who go there don't know this, other wise they would tell you. If you go to the bank and exchange your US travels checks in for their money they will give you two Belize for one US, BUT, with some small fees for the transaction and some bull paper work, and depending on the time of day a long wait in line or waiting for the bank to open as they are taking a siesta. But if you want to get a few extra bucks more, you can go across the street from one of the banks to the Western Union Office and get a slighty better exchange rate of $2.06 Belize to $1 US and NO FEES (as of 4/3/01 but could change according to the markets), not a huge difference, but enough to buy a local beer or two, but depending how much you exchange, and they have better hours of operation.
It is best if you exchange your money to thiers, I am NOT saying the locals will rip you off, but thier money looks alike and a funny exchanged bill could make it into your hands and you would not catch it, I feel this way because we were aproched by at least three different street huslters in the evening hours. Even though the police do not wear guns that does not mean there are not any crimes against the tourests, they are out at night. So be carefull.
This is 'off topic' but for those who did not like my trip report I may have a thing or two to help you stubborn AC travels out on your travels, but I can only wonder if you would ever go anyplace else.
First is exchange rates.
Second and third just ask,
but leave a email address.
[email protected]