I hate to be confrontational, but I have to agree R&C. The exchange in money was virtually a "non issue" (just like sea grass). No, I did not go with travelers checks, but my cash was always accepted EVERYWHERE, and usually change was given in BZ. The local people have become very adept at exchanging money and are glad to do it.
As for the comment about being confronted by local "huslers", I have to tell you.....I never once felt threatened or uncomfortable by my environment. Honestly, I went there feeling that I would have to be more guarded than I ever had to be, even late at night. I was told that I was lovely and beautiful everyday by local men on the street, but it was never bothersome or offensive, it was a "hello beautiful" in passing. No one EVER pursued me to sell anything when I said a simple "no thank you". The "in you face" threatening behavior was exhibitited far more by rowdy soldiers and extremely intoxicated Americans.
If anything, I saw a lot of disrespectful behavior of tourists towards locals, be it aggressive behavior of soldiers towards local women (this got so bad one night they were kicked out of Fido's) or Americans being agitated over intermittent electricity on a few occasions (since when do you need electricity to enjoy a few drinks in balmy weather?).
As was mentioned before, this is not a country club resort and if you can't chill with the pace of things there, perhaps the island is not a place for you (I don't mean this in a hostile way at all). I know I'm simply repeating the general sentiment, but I regard Ambergris Caye as a very special, unique, warm, comfortable, happy island. My experience there was extremely positive and I can't wait to go again-- thank you Axeman for making my daydreams that much more colorful- I was right there again!
AmbergrisCaye.com 
