The Belize Dollar (BZD) is an important part of life in Belize, a beautiful country known for its stunning beaches and rich culture. 

The BZD serves as the official currency for buying and selling in the country. People use it everywhere in Belize, from busy markets to fancy hotels, making it essential for both locals and tourists.

Its unique design connects directly to the US Dollar, which simplifies trading.

Read on to understand everything you need to know about the Belize Dollar.

What is the Belize Dollar (BZD)

The Belize Dollar (BZD) is the official currency of Belize, a small country located in Central America. It is represented by the symbol $ and uses the currency code BZD. 

People in Belize typically use the Belize Dollar for everyday transactions, like purchasing goods and services.

One important feature of the Belize Dollar is that it is pegged to the US Dollar at a fixed exchange rate, meaning:

• 1 US Dollar (USD) = 2 Belize Dollars (BZD)

This fixed exchange rate helps keep the currency stable, making it easier for people to convert between the two currencies. 

The BZD is made up of both banknotes and coins, with various denominations used for different kinds of purchases.

Belize’s economy relies on sectors like tourism, agriculture, and trade, and the Belize Dollar plays a central role in keeping its financial system functioning smoothly.

History of the Belize Dollar (BZD)

The Belize Dollar (BZD) has a history that dates back to the time when Belize was known as British Honduras. 

Before the introduction of the Belize Dollar, the currency used in the region was the British Honduras Dollar, which was tied to the British Pound. 

In 1885, British Honduras adopted its currency, and over time, it evolved into the Belize Dollar. 

When the country gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1981 and changed its name to Belize, the currency was officially renamed the Belize Dollar.

One significant feature of the Belize Dollar is its long-standing fixed exchange rate with the U.S. Dollar. 

Since 1978, 1 Belize Dollar has been pegged at 2 BZD for 1 USD, meaning its value remains stable to the U.S. currency. 

This stability has helped maintain the confidence of both local and foreign investors in the currency.

Over the years, Belize has continued to issue banknotes and coins with unique designs that reflect its culture, history, and natural beauty. 

The Belizean economy relies on tourism, agriculture, and exports, and the Belize Dollar plays a crucial role in facilitating trade and commerce within the country and with international partners. 

People widely use the Belize Dollar in everyday transactions, and its connection to the U.S. Dollar ensures the currency remains reliable and stable in the global economy.

Representation of the Belize Dollar

• Symbol: $ (Same as the US Dollar)
• Code: BZD

Because the symbol is the same as the US Dollar, you can differentiate it by using “BZD” when writing prices or talking about money.

Exchange Rate with US Dollar

One important thing to note about the Belize Dollar is that it’s pegged to the US Dollar. This means that the exchange rate between the two currencies stays fixed at:

• 1 USD = 2 BZD

So, if you have 1 US Dollar, it can be exchanged for 2 Belize Dollars.

Banknotes of the Belize Dollar

The Belize Dollar is made up of banknotes (paper money) and coins.

The Belize Dollar has different banknotes that come in various colors and sizes.

BZD 2: This banknote is blue and often features a picture of Queen Elizabeth II. The size is about 145 x 70 mm.

BZD 5: The $5 bill is red. It also features a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II and measures around 145 x 70 mm.

BZD 10: This note is green and includes the portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, similar to the smaller denominations. The size is about 150 x 75 mm.

BZD 20: This banknote is purple and slightly larger than the $10 note, measuring around 150 x 75 mm. It, too, features Queen Elizabeth II.

BZD 50: This is a brown note, one of the larger bills, also featuring Queen Elizabeth II.

BZD 100: This is a gold or orange banknote, used for larger transactions. It also features Queen Elizabeth II and measures about 155 x 75 mm.

Coins of the Belize Dollar

The Belize Dollar includes smaller-denomination coins, which people commonly use for everyday purchases like snacks or public transportation.

These include 1 cent, 5 cents, 10 cents, 25 cents, 50 cents, BZD 1 coin

These coins are typically made of metals like bronze or nickel, and each coin has its size and weight to make it easy to tell apart.

Why the Belize Dollar is Pegged to the US Dollar

Belize’s economy relies heavily on trade, tourism, and foreign investments, particularly from the United States. 

To make international transactions easier and ensure economic stability, Belize maintains a fixed exchange rate where 1 US Dollar is always equal to 2 Belize Dollars.

This peg makes it easy for travelers and investors to do business in Belize without worrying about unpredictable exchange rates. It also helps stabilize the country’s currency and economy.

Where is the Belize Dollar Used?

The Belize Dollar (BZD) is used only in Belize. This means that if you are visiting or doing business in Belize, you will need to exchange your currency for BZD. However, since Belize’s currency is pegged to the US Dollar, many places in Belize accept US Dollars as well, especially in tourist areas.

How much is Belize $100 in Naira?

The value for $100 in Nigerian currency is 83,773.00000 NGN

How much is $500 in Belize to Naira?

415,620.00000 NGN

Conclusion

To sum it all up, the Belize Dollar is the official currency of Belize, pegged to the US Dollar at 1 USD = 2 BZD. 

It comes in a range of colorful banknotes and practical coins, used for all kinds of transactions within the country. Its stability and long history make it a reliable currency in the region.

By understanding the Belize Dollar, you can confidently manage money if you ever visit Belize or plan to do business with someone there.