Banking & money transfer

Currency: Belize dollar. Opening a local account usually needs a residence permit first; plan for the gap with a multi-currency account.

• Which banks open accounts for newcomers and what they require.
• Money-transfer services and typical fees from your home currency.
• Paying rent and deposits before you have a local account.
• Credit history: it doesn't travel; expect to start from zero.

One labelled partner per page. Paid placements never influence the Belize liveability score, safety rating or warnings.