CCSA - Money While Abroad

Inform your bank(s) about your travel plans, since the bank might cancel international transactions without notification. Many banks now allow you to do this online!
Request information about possible fees, daily limits, and other pitfalls from your card issuers.
You do not need to obtain local currency before you leave for your program. You can easily withdraw what you need from an ATM.
You will find that in the UK and Ireland, many shops have either gone completely cashless or prefer cards (especially tap cards).
Plan to use a combination of cash, debit cards (for ATM withdrawal) and credit cards.

Since charges might occur for each withdrawal, students should budget their expenses for the week, obtain the needed amount, and avoid withdrawing frequently.
Do not exchange US cash or withdraw cash at the airport. You will get better rates at a bank.
Avoid carrying large amount of money.

Currency: Belize Dollar (BZD)
Banking hours: generally 8-3 Monday-Friday, some remain open until 4. Some branches open on Saturday and closed on Sunday.
Exchange rate: 1 U.S dollar = 2 Belize dollar
ATM: available at banks, open 24/7
It is preferred that you bring crisp US currency to exchange at the local banks.
Tipping: is not expected

Currency: Euro (EUR)
Banking hours: generally open from 9.00am to 4.00pm Mon-Fri, though some remain open until 5.00pm. All are closed at weekends.
ATM: available everywhere, open 24/7
Tipping: Restaurant with table service: 10-12.5% of the bill based on the quality of service. Some restaurant may already added “Service Charge” on the bill, which is considered as tip.

Currency: Pound (GBP)
Banking hours: generally Monday-Friday 9:00-9:30 until 15:30 or 16:00, some remain open until 17:30; some branches open on Saturday 09.30 - 12.00
ATM: available everywhere, open 24/7
Tipping: is not expected

Money While Abroad