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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 225
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I believe only AA doesn't include the exit fee in their ticketing.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 225
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Our first few trips down, we just used US currency, as all places take it. However, a friend pointed out to me that if you exchange it, you actually get more Belize money than two-to-one.
Now we always go to Milo's on Middle Street and exchange it when we get there. So when we exchange, say, $500 US, we don't just get $1000 BZ, but more like $1030 plus or minus, depending on what the exchange rate is on that particular day. When we were down in January, it was lower than when we were there the time before, so it does fluctuate.
That may not seem like much, but hey, it will buy you an extra meal.
It also makes it much easier to figure change, tips, etc., especially when you pay in US and get change back in BZ.
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,018
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Continental includes the departure fee in their ticket price.....American Airlines doesn't. Don't know about Taca or United......never use them.
I'm happier than a pig in s__t...a foot on the sand...and a Belikin in my hand!
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 225
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TACA includes fee as well.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 192
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I never knew about the exchange rate, we just would use our US currency wherever. Does anyone know if the visa check cards work? Its basically a credit card but it functions as a debit against an account. I was thinking this year instead of bringing a bunch of cash, just getting cash from the local banks a few times with my visa debit/credit card.
M. Sjulstad M&M Trivia - JAMPT UP Band
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,281
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6, check with you bank. On mine, there is a transaction fee and international fee applied when you draw BZ$'s. I still carry it for back up.
"Hold on Tight To Your Dreams" ELO
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Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,046
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A debit card should be free to use (though isn't always), a credit card is far from free when drawing cash. And of course you'll be paid Bz$, with an exchange rate fee built in.
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 3,054
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Beware! Both credit cards and debit cards have been jacking up their international exchange fees like crazy. Even most debit cards now get hit with several percent international exchange fee, plus usually a buck or two by the Belize bank and maybe another few bucks from your home bank for using another bank's ATM.
For example, my Wells Fargo debit card now charges 3% on all foreign transactions, including from ATMs and for foreign purchases. That's not including any foreign ATM fees.
Citibank debit cards charge you a 3% international transaction fee, plus $1.50 ATM fee if it's not a Citi branch, plus whatever fee the local bank charges (usually BZ$2-3). Bank of America charges 3 to 8%, depending on whether or not the merchant imposes a "Dynamic Currency Conversion" (DCC) fee. Amex charges just 2%, but in Belize the conversion rate from Belize dollars is a little less than 2 to 1.
Usually credit and debit cards give you the best available currency exchange rate, but that's not true in Belize.
Altogether the fees can add up to 5%-6% or more of the money you get. And you may not realize it until you get back home and check your bank statement. And that doesn't include any interest charges you may incur on a credit card.
Some U.S. cards now charge an international exchange fee even if the charge is in U.S. dollars and there's no foreign currency exchange involved, as long as the transaction took place outside the U.S.
Best to check with your bank or credit card issuer to see what the fees will amount to. With all these fees, it may make sense for some travelers to go back to the old traveler's checks, especially if they get them issued free. However, some businesses will give a bit less than 2 to 1 for TCs.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 515
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I travel a lot internationally and for a long time if you complained they would take the stupid usurious fee off but they won't now. Get a Capital One credit card as they don't charge this ridiculous fee (at least as far as I know they don't charge it).
Captain One Iron
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,000
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I travel quite a bit also and Capital One is the only card I use outside of the USA. Much cheaper. Mine is an Orbitz Visa, Capital One.
Jim Formerly from somewhere on a beach in Belize
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