Belize's currency is pegged at $2Bz for $1US. Using American currency in Belize has never been an issue as most establishments accept the currency for payment. But until just recently island folk have started complaining that most, if not all businesses, are giving a hard time accepting US currency.
Some business have put up signs that read, "Due to new bank rules we are not accepting any US bills that are torn, old or have any markings on it". And when it comes to bank deposits and credit card payments, customers have been getting frustrated when most US bills have been rejected.
Ambergris Today spoke with a representative of the Central Bank of Belize who stated that they have not issued any rules to any banks stating that they are not accepting the US Currency but that it might be that each bank has set up their own policies and standards in regards to the matter. We made checks at the Belize Bank San Pedro Branch and were told that all their countrywide branches are being strict on accepting US currency. Belize Bank is not accepting any mutilated bills, meaning they are not taking any bills that are torn, have been taped up or written on; the reason being that they cannot re-sell unfit cash to foreign investors.
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