We're leaving for AC tomorrow (YEAH!!), and our travel agent said to take cash as many places on the island don't take credit cards. Is this true? Also, can anyone give me the extended forecast for AC? I can find weather info on line for Belize City, but nothing for the island. Thanks!!

Personally, when I go I try and take as much cash as I can. Many places tack on 5% because of the credit card.

As far as weather is concerned, I don't think you'll find anything about the island, just Belize in general.

I always arrive with U.S. currency and depart with a combination of both. You may be able to find the AC weather forecast here. www.sanpedrosun.net

wendy most good / better restaurant's take visa /master some take amex the better rest do not charge extra to use ,ie,,casa pisaco .blue water grill ,jade garden,elveis ,caliente ,taste of thailand , capricorn ,portofino's,the list goes on ..go live the dream and enjoy ,,

I never found a place that didn't accept a credit card. However, cash is always good. And lots of it.

We used a credit card a lot (air miles)in both restaurants and shops, and the only place that tacked on a charge was the Sandbox on Caye Caulker (was only $1.50 US).

I recommend travelers checks with any type of travel.....

If you going to factor everything into this equation, you need to consider what your credit card company charges for the foreign transaction. Normally the exchange rate is poor and there are often charges of up to 4% for a foreign transaction. When I used to use my Master Card from Chase, the total "extra charges" approached 5%. And that did not include any extra charges the business might add on.

The bottom line to me is, credit cards are the most convenient way to go. Although if you are going to be spending a considerable amount, the savings of using other means is worth taking into consideration.

Try this for weather: wwghcc.mfsc.nasa.gov/GOES/goeseastconusir.html--- It'll give you the storm patterns and you'll see why the weather from belize city is not the island's weather.

In my experience, all hotels, most restaurants and at least the larger shops all take credit cards. No just in San Pedro but all over Belize. The majority no longer tack on a surcharge, but some do. You do usually end up with a transaction fee from your credit card issuer, maybe a percent or two of the charge, sometimes more.

Most places, even tour guides, grocery stores, etc. accept traveller's checks, though you usually need your passport.

Don't forget that Belize Bank's ATMs around Belize (including the one on Front Street in San Pedro) now accept foreign ATM cards. On a recent trip around Belize all the ones I tried worked fine, though occasionally they are down or "out of money" (they dispense Belize dollars only).

With some U.S. cash, maybe some TCs, an ATM card and a couple of credit cards you can spend your way into massive debt just about anywhere in Belize.

--Lan Sluder