AmbergrisCaye.com Home Forums Talk Belize Chat Area Las Terrazas charges in U.S. dollars?

We went to Las Terrazas up North to celebrate a birthday dinner. It is a very beautiful restaurant and resort with a very personable and attentive staff.

The chef came out to the table, greeted us, made recommendations, and even agreed to prepare plain grilled lobsters which wasn't on the menu. Everything was fantastic. Of course we were only one of two or three tables.

It wasn't until the next day that we realized that the charges were in U.S. dollars and not in Belize dollars which is standard since we were in Belize. We checked their menu and in the back in tiny print it says the prices are in U.S. and they add a 15% service fee and a 15% tip.

How many other establishmets do the same thing? It was a first for us. It felt a bit deceptive.

Victoria House does the same thing. I even asked "What country are we in?" Just make note if the places that do this and don't patronize them if you don't like it. I agree it's a decietful practice.

I agree. Went up to the bar once about a year ago. Five drinks, and bill was $72. Thought it was a little high but got out our money. THEN they told us it was USD. Haven't been back since.

Clarification on the numbers quoted on the first post -

The menu states that there is an additional 12.5% for GST, and a 12.5% Service charge. Given how heavily my hubby tends to tip on his own, I was kind of glad to be able to tell him the tip was included on the bill.
Not defending pricing or USD quotes or anything - just clarifying the added costs and presentation of same.

IMHO (and by local regulation) all prices should be shown in Bzd.
Suggest that if the vendor wants to quote a USD price beside the Bzd to help the guest, that would seem ok .....

We went there last night for the live jazz under the stars - nice change of pace, but agree it's pricey.

What happened to Elberts post?

He decided to stay the F#$@ out of it!

In my experience all over Belize, the vast majority of hotels show prices in U.S. dollars, while the vast majority of restaurants, even hotel restaurants, list prices in Belize dollars. BUT there are exceptions to both. I'd say if you look at the entire country there are probably scores of exceptions. Maybe hundreds.

You just have to look at the menu or the hotel rates and be sure of the currency being quoted.

I don't know that there's any law that requires restaurants to post prices only in Belize dollars or indeed in any particular currency. If there is, please reference it.

What is more egregious in my view is that large numbers of restaurants (not to mention many other businesses) add the GST like a sales tax, when by law they are supposed to include the GST in the posted price.

--Lan Sluder

Agreed Lan, with regard to the GST. In our experience in the 'fancier' restaurants, it doesn't hurt to ask the host or waiter initially if the prices reflected or quoted are US or BZE and if gratuity is included in the tabulation of the meal. Puts everyone at ease when settling the bill after what is almost always an amazing experience dining on the shores of the Caribbean sea.