Belize Bank is saying that all its 12 ATMs in Belize, including the one in San Pedro, now accept ATM cards issued outside Belize, as long as they are on the PLUS or CIRRUS networks. MasterCard and Visa cards also work for cash advances.

If so, this is great.

Has anyone actually tried getting cash from their U.S. or other non-Belize account from the Belize Bank ATMs?

--Lan Sluder

Wow! This is so great! I hope it's true--can anyone confirm this?? I was going to go buy my Travellers Checks today, but if this is true, then I may just bring the ole ATM card.

Thanks Sir!

Hi there. Just returned from AC and can confirm that you can use your ATM card at Belize Bank!

The withdrawal limit is $500 BZ per transaction. This turned out to be a very convenient service. There were no fees posted, but there was a couple of dollar fee tacked onto the withdrawal amount from my bank. Not a big deal considering the alternatives.

There were no fees posted for use, but a couple of dollars were tacked onto the withdrawal at my bank. Not a bad deal considering the alternatives.

...just returned from the bank.

"ATM temporarily out of service/until further notice" sign posted on the Belize Bank ATM... IE, don't bank on being able to use it (pun intended.)

I also checked my bank after my return. The bank showed a withdrawal based on a conversion rate plus a $5 transaction fee. For example, I did a $400 bze withdrawal, that calculated to $203.79 us + $5 which equaled $208.79.

Not bad for a great convenience!

Another alternative is to take your ATM card to the bank and perform a cash withdrawl from the bank teller. It can take a few minutes this way, as there may be others in line ahead of you, but is also convenient and you don't have to carry travelers checks or cash.

Great! I think we'll see the other banks in Belize follow Belize Bank on this soon.

--Lan Sluder

Soooo for those of you who travel there often, and those of you who have travelled there since this service has been added,

Would you be comfortable going to AC with no travellers checks? With just cash in your pocket and your ATM card??

Opinions please!!

I've not yet been to Belize (36 hours and counting!!!), but I have had problems with my ATM card in other countries -- includuing "As American As You Can Get", London. ATMs are basically computer dependent. They can, at random, close down for a variety of reasons. Why leave yourself high and dry? Take enough travelers cheques to give yourself a moderate comfort level. Pack the plastic. And round out your cash needs with the ATM. I would never rely upon it exclusively!