Hopkins Belize is located in the coastal village of Dangriga and serves as both a center for Garifuna culture and a gateway to Belize’s lush jungle and pristine beaches. Hopkins also draws many upscale resorts and local eateries.
Although major credit cards are accepted at tourist destinations, cab drivers and local shops usually prefer cash. Belize dollars are pegged to the US dollar: two Belize dollars equal one USD.
Hopkins Belize’s Currency and Exchange Overview
The Belize dollar is the official currency, although US dollars are also widely accepted at hotels and restaurants. The exchange rate between BZ$2 to USD1 makes this currency convenient for travelers to convert easily; travelers who would rather avoid ATM withdrawal fees can utilize those located throughout town; these machines typically allow only a limited number of withdrawals per day and will often charge a transaction fee as well as change money at most banks Monday-Thursday between 2 pm to 4 pm or traveler’s cheques may come with higher fees associated with change options or bank change desks which open Monday-Thursday from Monday-Thursday until 2 p.m.
Philip Goldson International Airport (BZE) requires domestic flights to Dangriga or driving along the Hummingbird Highway for transportation into Hopkins Belize. Car rentals are available at the airport; some all-inclusive resorts also provide transport with their packages; shuttle or chartered taxi services cost approximately US$200 each way.
Once in Hopkins, renting a bicycle or golf cart is an excellent way to explore its shops and Garifuna restaurants. Given that Hopkins is relatively compact, you should be able to cover most of its vicinity on foot; the remaining areas can be reached with short car rides. Meanwhile, Hopkins Resort features its very own private beach for relaxation and swimming in clear Caribbean waters.
As well as offering exquisite sand, the resort’s private beachfront also boasts several palapas, hammocks and lounge chairs for guest use. As it’s relatively peaceful here, you’ll have ample space to unwind without interference from other travelers.
Keep a few things in mind before leaving, smaller restaurants and boutique shops may not accept large bills in poor condition. Therefore, it’s wise to bring smaller bills as these will be easier for merchants to cash. Furthermore, young women traveling alone or as single females may experience unwanted attention from Belizean men, although this behavior is common throughout the country.
People planning on visiting national parks or wildlife sanctuaries will require extra cash, as these establishments typically only accept payment with cash. Hopkins residents who plan to visit Mayflower Bocawina National Park or Cockscomb Basin National Park should keep in mind they are within 30 minutes’ drive.
Exchanging Money in Hopkins Belize
Belize’s proximity and stability with the US dollar make American currency widely accepted in Belize. Prices will typically be quoted in Belize dollars; however American cash and travelers’ cheques are widely accepted as payment. There are numerous banks, upper-end hotels, casa de cambios (exchange houses) throughout Belize offering foreign exchange services.
As small bills may be easier for locals to work with when buying items on credit, it’s wise to carry smaller denominations when visiting Hopkins. Furthermore, it is also vital that your bills remain undamaged – some merchants refuse to accept those that are bent, torn or worn.
Many businesses in Hopkins accept major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard, though smaller establishments might only accept cash payments; American Express is rarely accepted. Before arriving in Hopkins, it’s wise to contact individual merchants to determine their payment policies as these may change at any time.
Hopkins is best visited between January and March when sunny skies and placid seawater prevail. But that doesn’t have to be your only time of visitation: this Garifuna village remains charming during its offseason with fewer tourists around for a more relaxing atmosphere.
Hopkins is the ideal location for exploring Garifuna culture, offering traditional music and dance, cultural tours, as well as access to a drum school and cultural tours. Hopkins’ proximity to the Southern Barrier Reef makes it the perfect base for snorkeling or scuba diving trips nearby cayes and marine reserves – offering plenty of snorkeling or diving opportunities!
Flight time from George Price International Airport in Belize City to Hopkins takes roughly 25 minutes by plane or car; two and a half hours along Hummingbird Highway is expected from Belmopan as the journey along this stretch can become rough in places. To ensure the smoothest experience during your visit to Hopkins it may be beneficial to rent a vehicle as some roads in this region can become unforgiving at times.
Currency Exchange in Hopkins: Where to Go
Hopkins is home to the Garifuna community, known for their rich culture of music, dance and cuisine. Hopkins is a top cultural destination in Belize; many hotels and tour operators can arrange drumming lessons or dancing shows here.
Travelers will also enjoy listening to Garifuna music as they stroll the vibrant market, where US Dollars may be exchanged at a slightly better exchange rate than at banks or official currency exchange outlets. Visitors should not bring more than USD $5,000 of cash or financial instruments into Belize without declaring them first as failing to declare them can incur penalties of three times their value being brought illegally into the country.
Hopkins is best visited between January and March during its dry season when the sun is at its brightest, seawaters are calm, room rates and tour prices tend to be more reasonable, and climatic conditions tend to favor outdoor activities over indoor ones. But this idyllic village remains beautiful year round!
Traveling from Belize City to Hopkins can be done via plane, bus, car rental or shuttle service. Shuttles are offered from most all-inclusive resorts as well as some adventure tour companies; alternatively rent a car at the airport and drive along the Hummingbird Highway towards Hopkins.
If flying is your chosen method of travel, all international flights arrive at Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Ladyville – nine miles northeast of Belize City – where taxis bearing green license plates can easily be hailing and prices negotiated to take you directly to Hopkins.
Most larger towns in Belize feature ATMs that accept major credit cards and disburse Belize dollars, though many charge fees per use and enforce daily withdrawal limits. Banks in Belize are open Monday-Thursday up until 2 P.M. but closed Fridays and Sundays; some major banks in Belize belong to the Global ATM Alliance that does not charge fees at its members’ ATMs.
Travel around the country by bus can also be extremely cost-effective; regular services run between major cities and coastal destinations, including Dangriga on the coast.
Money Matters in Hopkins Belize
Hopkins Belize is an eco-cultural destination with an easygoing Caribbean charm, perfect for travelers interested in discovering Garifuna culture, exploring the Southern Barrier Reef, and visiting top jungle attractions. Hopkins Belize also serves as an ideal home base for island hopping and snorkeling on Belize’s Silk Cayes and Glovers Reef Atoll islands – home to beautiful crystalline waters and soft sand beaches where travelers can find paradise await them!
Hopkins is best visited during its dry season from January to March when weather is sunny and calm; however, you’ll discover year-round warmth and hospitality here as it becomes a tourism hub with resorts, local restaurants, and beach bars.
Hopkins Village, home to mostly Garifuna residents, provides the perfect setting to experience authentic Belizean culture. Join in local celebrations like Mango Fest or lobster or conch season, attend patriotic events like Belize Independence Day and Garifuna Settlement Day; or simply meet its friendly inhabitants and discover their rich cultural heritage.
Alongside the bustling local marketplace, you’ll discover various art galleries showcasing traditional Garifuna artwork: woodcarvings and handmade baskets carved out of wood. If you’d like a taste of their unique music and drumming traditions, sign up for lessons with the local Garifuna community – this fascinating ethnic group with roots in African, Creole and Caribbean cultures is eager to teach their unique art forms!
Locals are known for their friendly and welcoming demeanor, making it easy to strike up conversations at grocery stores or post offices. And you won’t want to miss sampling the delicious Garifuna cuisine – from fish stew to cassava bread dishes here are sure to please. And for seafood enthusiasts looking for their fix don’t forget Hopkins Market for fresh catch of the day or local restaurants with daily fish specials.
To reach Hopkins from Belize City easily and cost effectively, fly into Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City and use Untame Belize’s shuttles or rent a car or book a shuttle service directly. From there you can rent a car or book shuttle services directly into Hopkins with Untame Belize; US travelers may even be able to find great round-trip flight deals to Belize!
