Does Caye Caulker Have ATMs? Exact Locations 2023

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Does Caye Caulker have ATMs? In this guide, we discuss the current situation with ATMs on Caye Caulker, whether you can pay in cash or by card, and where to withdraw money if you need it.

If you didn’t know already, cash is still king in Belize, especially on Caye Caulker. It’s rare you’ll find somewhere that takes card, especially in bars and restaurants.

Always have cash on you when you’re walking around the island, or visit one of these ATMs in Caye Caulker if you’re stuck!

Firstly, it’s important to know that there are ATMs in Caye Caulker, including Atlantic Bank, which we found to be the most reliable ATM in Caye Caulker.

So, where are the ATMs in Caye Caulker, and how much can you rely on them? Let’s begin!

Other Belize posts:

How do I pronounce ‘Caye Caulker?’

Surprisingly, it’s not pronounced ‘Caye’ (c-ay) Caulker at all. It’s pronounced ‘key’ (k-ee) Caulker. We didn’t learn this until after arriving in Belize!

ATMs in Caye Caulker: A Summary

Contents

In summary, there are ATMs in Caye Caulker. Some venues only accept cash in Caye Caulker, whereas some accept card (with a fee or a minimal amount needed).

There are a few ATMs in Caye Caulker, including the most commonly used Atlantic Bank. Throughout our time in Caye Caulker, this ATM worked perfectly. These cash points dispense Belizean Dollars only.

There are a few other ATMs dotted around (exact locations below) but they aren’t as reliable, as they are just ATMs in shops, and we found they never accepted our UK debit cards.

At the time of writing this article, there are no money exchange services available in Caye Caulker. For this, you will need to travel to Belize City.

Or, if you are getting the ferry from Chetumal, Mexico to Caye Caulker, you can do money exchange on the pier at San Pedro (the stop before Caye Caulker). You can find out more about this journey here.

Exact Locations of ATMs in Caye Caulker

ATLANTIC BANK

Dispenses BZ dollars. You can use international cards at this ATM in Caye Caulker. I recommend visiting early in the morning, as it has been known to run out of money some evenings.

This is the most popular and reliable ATM in Caye Caulker, and doesn’t have any fees to withdraw!

Exact location: Avenida Langosta, Caye Caulker, Belize

HERITAGE BANK ATM

This is just around the corner from Atlantic Bank, and again dispenses in BZ dollars. It’s a bit of a weird one, as you have to swipe your card to enter the ATM room (?) so we didn’t use it. But, it’s there!

Exact location: Calle De Sol, next to the Caye Caulker Liquor Bin and Hibisca by Habanero

CAYE CAULKER SHOPPING MART

This is just an ATM in a shop, and it rarely ever works. Every time we walked to this ATM, it would either be out of order, or wouldn’t accept our international debit cards. It’s worth a try if you’re desperate, but I’d always recommend Atlantic Bank first.

Exact location: Outside the Caye Caulker Beach Hotel and opposite the Rainbow Grill and Bar

How much cash should I bring to Caye Caulker?

This depends on what you will be doing with your time on Caye Caulker. Remember most things need to be paid for in cash (especially if you want any coconuts or BBQs on the beach).

If you’re not planning on using an ATM during your time in Caye Caulker, you will need to work out a budget before visiting.

Ensure your accommodation is pre-booked, and if you need to pay on arrival for this, make sure you have the correct amount of money withdrawn to avoid credit card fees.

Most hostels and hotels will allow you to pay with card on arrival, but you’ll need to pay a 5-10% fee on top.

Trips like snorkeling and swimming with sharks cost between £65-150. A sunset cruise will cost around £45, and meals in a restaurant usually work out to £10-20 per person.

Again, you CAN use a debit or credit card for some things in Caye Caulker, but it really depends on the company. If you’re worried, email or contact them ahead of time to avoid any confusion. Most companies add a 5% fee on top of any card payments so that they do not lose out on any money.

best hostels in Caye Caulker — *The Split, Caye Caulker*

Does Belize have ATM machines?

Yes, Belize does have ATM machines. They dispense cash in Belizean dollars only and accept Visa and MasterCard credit and debit cards.

Can I pay with a debit or credit card in Caye Caulker?

For some things in Caye Caulker, you can pay with a debit or credit card. For others, you will need to pay in cash. Examples include…

Cash payments only:

Coconuts
BBQ food on the beach
Water, drinks or snacks in a convenience store
Bike or golf cart hire

Possible card payments (depending on the company):

Restaurants and bars
Hostels and hotels
Tours (but most are still cash)

Can I pay with US dollars in Caye Caulker?

Yes, you can pay with US dollars in Caye Caulker, although it depends on the venue. Some places in Caye Caulker only accept Belizean dollars. Change you receive in shops may be either BZ dollars or US dollars, regardless of what you paid with.

If you’re paying with US dollars, the conversion rate isn’t great, so you will end up paying way more than if you just used BZ dollars.

Is it better to use cash or card in Belize?

Cash is always going to be better to use when you are in Belize or a country different to your own. This avoids conversion charges and fees added on top of using debit or credit cards. However, if you don’t have cash, there are ATMs in Belize and Caye Caulker, so you can either withdraw BZ dollars in bulk, or pay on card in the venues that allow it.

Where to stay in Caye Caulker as a backpacker

As I previously mentioned, Caye Caulker is small. Really, really small. So everyone gets to know everyone, regardless of what hostel you’re at.

There’s also a lot of talk about the hostels, and what makes them great (or not so great). If you’ve done your research, you will have heard about Bella’s Backpackers. Well, yes, it might be known as the ‘party’ hostel, but it doesn’t receive the best reviews (in person and online).

I’ve met people who have mixed reviews about Bella’s. Some have loved it, whilst some have checked out early. Do your research and read the reviews, so you know exactly what you’re letting yourself in for! You can read some of the helpful reviews here.

If you’d rather avoid the chaos of Bella’s, I highly recommend:

Go Slow Hostel: we stayed here for over a week and it was perfect. Clean, comfortable, and in the best location on the island (it’s actually on the street next to Bella’s). There’s a large area to socialise and meet other backpackers, which we loved. The wifi is a little hit-and-miss, but it’s worth it!
Sophie’s Guestrooms: If you want a quieter stay. This hostel only has 5 rooms and has a real homey vibe to it.
Tropical Oasis: for basic dorms but a good party and social vibe. Right next to Go Slow Hostel.

Can you walk around Caye Caulker?

Yes, Caye Caulker is walkable. The island is less than 1 mile wide (east to west) and only 5 miles north to south. Most of the tourist attractions and areas are all in the centre, and most visitors will not need to leave this area (or want to!)

However, you can hire a bike and explore the north island. You’ll need to board the Split to Split ferry at The Split (which is north of the south island) which will take you across the water to the north island.

If you do need help with luggage or a more than 5 minute walk (seriously, most things are within 5 minutes of each other), you can grab a golf cart taxi. These taxis are around throughout the day and you can hail them from the side of the road.

Caye Caulker or San Pedro?

This depends on what kind of person you are, but if you’re a backpacker, I recommend Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is small and laid back, with a real backpacker vibe to it. San Pedro attracts more American tourists (big families, older couples) to stay in their grand resorts and apartments.

Caye Caulker has better hostels, but a more chilled nightlife than San Pedro. There are a few bars in Caye Caulker (the Sports Bar, which closes at midnight, and the Reggae Bar, which closes at 2/3am). But that’s it. So if you want crazy nightlife, head to San Pedro.

Don’t worry, backpackers still have big nights out in Caye Caulker, it just doesn’t have a ‘superclub’ vibe.

Caye Caulker has sandy roads with no cars. San Pedro has tarmac with cars, big buildings and is five times bigger than Caye Caulker. So, you decide which is better for you!

Is Caye Caulker a party island?

Not necessarily, but there are still some places to have a great night out. Caye Caulker is exceptionally small, so everyone tends to go to the same places in the evenings (including the locals; we recognised everyone in every bar!)

As backpackers, we started our evenings in Swings, a small bar with decently priced food and delicious rum punch. After Swings, most move onto Sports Bar. A typical dive bar, the Sports Bar hosts different events each night, ranging from Trivia quizzes to karaoke. Past 9pm, the tables are moved and the whole place becomes a dancefloor with a small smoking area on the beach.

After Sports Bar, most people either head home (it closes at midnight), or south to the Reggae Bar. The Reggae Bar is the only place on Caye Caulker that is open past midnight. It’s more of a club than anywhere else on the island, so if you’re not into overcrowded dance floors, head home at midnight.

If you’re hungry, the only places still serving food past midnight on Caye Caulker are the street food vans opposite the Reggae Bar. You can get hotdogs, burgers and nachos for under £5, so even if you’re not continuing the party, you can stop off for some food!

Want to know more about partying in Caye Caulker? Check out my post: Is Caye Caulker A Party Island? Backpacker Guide.

What are the best areas in Belize for backpackers?

Looking to backpack Belize? So many backpackers skip Belize entirely but that is such a big mistake! It’s one of the most beautiful countries we have ever travelled to, and I cannot recommend it enough.

If you’re looking at where most backpackers travel to in Belize, this is a common route and Belize itinerary (which can also be followed the other way round).

Chetumal (Mexico) > Caye Caulker
Caye Caulker > San Ignacio
San Ignacio > Flores (Guatemala)

Other locations some backpackers stay in whilst visiting Belize include:

Hopkins: a beachside, sleepy town
Placencia: a resort, holiday-like town
Belize City: although it’s not a popular choice with most backpackers
San Pedro: another Caribbean island
Dangriga: where the Ragga Sailing tour ends from Caye Caulker
Tobacco Caye: another island but on a much smaller scale
The Hummingbird Highway: an epic jungle road from Dangriga to San Ignacio. You can stop off along the drive to hike through the jungle and visit the caves and watering holes.
Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve: a large national park that can be accessed from San Ignacio.

More on all of these locations coming soon!

Snorkeling in Caye Caulker Belize — *Nurse sharks whilst snorkeling in Belize!*

Best backpacker travel insurance for Central America

If you’re visiting Central America as a backpacker, or even for a short vacation, it is so important to have travel insurance. And if you ended up on a post that’s called ‘epic party tips’, you know (just as well as I do) that you definitely need travel insurance.

Personally, I recommend SafetyWing. As a digital nomad and world traveller myself, I can confirm it is the best travel insurance out there. And one of the cheapest – they have deals that start at just $42 USD per month.

I know, I know, you’re thinking ‘but I can’t afford that!’. I was the same! It’s tough to fork out $42 a month on something ‘you might not need’. But what if something DOES happen? That extra Mezcal shot results in you falling down the stairs, or you eat something dodgy from a street food van.

If you need medical help at any point whilst in Central America, you need travel insurance.

With SafetyWing, you’re covered on travel emergencies, basic medical costs and medical expenses throughout your trip, so you can travel without worry (at a backpacker’s price!)

Don’t even think twice about getting travel insurance for Central America. Trust me, I have heard enough horror stories about backpackers who haven’t had insurance and have ended up in a lot of debt. Don’t be that person!

If you’ve been putting the job off because it takes a lot of time and effort to research the best travel insurance companies, I understand. That’s why I’ve done the hard work for you. Sign up for SafetyWing, and the job is done!

Caye Caulker ATMs: In a Nutshell

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about ATMs in Caye Caulker. Hopefully, this helps you to plan your epic backpacking trip around Mexico!

When you’re planning a trip to Mexico, make sure you let me know over on Instagram or in the comments below!

If you haven’t come across my blog before, I write posts aimed at first-time backpackers on a budget. I’m currently backpacking Belize with my boyfriend (read more here!), whilst creating guides and itineraries for you to follow in our footsteps!

Keep an eye out for more Belize content, all written from a personal and realistic point of view. You can sign up for my newsletter and juicy travel updates here!

As always, thanks for reading and supporting the blog!

Happy travelling 🙂

Jennie x

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MEET THE AUTHOR!

Jennie

TRAVEL BLOGGER

Hi! I'm Jennie! As a part-time travel blogger based in London, I'm using my 10+ years of travel expertise to encourage & inspire you to step out of your comfort zone through sustainable, mindful and purposeful travel.

If I'm not writing, I'm either reading, drinking coffee or taking a wild swim (all at the same time if I'm feeling impressive).