Aelfgifu Travels

Hi Aelf Crew,

Today’s post is a little different – rather than focusing on one location, I wanted to share some general tips about travelling through Belize.

Currency

When I arrived from the US I only had USD and Belize uses a fixed conversion rate of US$1 to BZ$2, so you can freely pay in either currency. Often I found you could pay in a mixture of the two currencies, which could be a little confusing as they are both notes and coins that I am not familiar with. 

As paying with cash is the way to go, you will need some on you. You can withdraw USD from ATMs, which I’d recommend over Belizean dollars, since most places happily accept it. Just expect your change in BZ dollars, and try to spend them before leaving as they’re nearly impossible to exchange outside Belize.

Atlantic Bank is the best option for cash withdrawals as there are no withdrawal charges or conversion fees.

When I visited in September 2025, the Queen was still featured on the coins and notes, which was a sweet reminder of home. I understand they are in the process of circulating new currency, but naturally this process takes a while.

The Border Crossing

I never thought I’d usher these words but travelling from Belize to Guatemala was the journey from hell. I organised a shuttle from San Ignacio to Flores in Guatemala, a journey that should take 2 hours, yet at the Belizean border we ended up queuing for an hour, and then had to pay US$40 for the privilege of leaving.

Bear this in mind when sorting out your cash – you must have exact change for leaving and if you need the toilet, a few coins would be useful.

Once through, the Guatemalan side was far quicker. This may have been because they heard me pain-stakingly trying to speak Spanish and waved me through out of pity. Passport stamped, I met our new Guatemalan driver and continued the journey onward.

Getting Around

Shuttles are a popular way to get around Central America for backpackers as they are faster than the public ‘chicken buses’ which require multiple transfers.

They usually pick you up directly from your accommodation and drop you at your destination.

Of course they are more expensive than local options, but it is the most popular choice with tourists with limited time or those who don’t speak Spanish very well. I recommend Gekko Trails Explorer which has a large choice of different shuttles.

‘Chicken buses’ are former US school buses that are now colourfully painted and so named because people often transport their chickens on them. They stop anywhere, pick up anyone, and operate on a timetable that can only be described as flexible. 

Getting around Central America isn’t always smooth – buses leave late, roads flood, and “two hours” can mean five – a little preparation is helpful, but more important is a lot of patience. It’s all part of the adventure.

Tips to Learn from Aelfgifu:

• Withdraw USD at Atlantic Bank (no fees).
• Carry small bills and coins for borders and bathrooms.
• Spend all your BZ$ before leaving – you can’t exchange them abroad.
• Book shuttles through Gekko Trails Explorer or your hostel.
• Keep your sense of humour handy; travel here is rarely seamless, but always memorable.

Is there anything I’ve missed on getting around Belize? Let me know in the comments!

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Richer in memories but poorer in coins, 

Aelfgifu