Shopping in Belize

Many believe that the minimal amount of malls and department stores in Belize makes the country lacking in good shopping, but vacationers who love to shop local will be pleasantly surprised.

The Goods

Where once a t-shirt reading “Someone who loves me got this shirt in Belize” or a magnet would suffice, in recent years souvenir shoppers have been on the hunt for unique items that represent the culture of the country.  This is why shopkeepers have upped their game in recent years. Sure, those shirts and magnets are still around, but now vacationers will also find Belizean spices, rubs, sauces, and beverages; cookbooks, housewares made from local products, and linens hand sewn by native seamstresses; hand beaded jewelry, woodcarvings, clay figurines and more.  Be on the look out for Marie Sharp's Hot Sauce, Creole inspired shell necklaces, cashew wine, Mayan slate paintings, and Garifuna dolls.

There are some places in Belize that sell items considered to be in poor taste.  Items made from turtle shells, black coral, and cat fur should be avoided.  Also note that it is illegal to carry ancient Mayan artifacts out of the country.

Where to Shop

Belize City

For the most part, shopping in Belize City caters to locals, but there are still designated areas where tourists will find special items to take home.  Particularly, Tourism Village.  This is where most cruise passengers spend their time in the city because of its close proximity to the port.  Local vendors set up craft and food carts in the streets, especially on cruise ship port days, and visitors can easily wander the streets and happen upon unique designs and crafts that symbolize Belizean heritage.  There are also some more permanent souvenir shops, clothing outlets, and jewelry emporiums. 

Outside of Tourism Village, vacationers can visit the National Handicraft Center on South Park Street for a quite large selection of woodcarvings, pottery, woven baskets, and furniture.  Shopping centers in Belize City include Commercial Center and Queen's Square Market.

San Pedro Town

The main street of San Pedro Town is Barrier Reef Drive, and this is where many begin their day of shopping in town.  On this street you will find a high concentration of shops featuring everything from clothing to crafts.  Next, Front Street is filled with delightfully colored little shops selling items like Cuban cigars, art, jewelry, and beauty products.

The Little Old Craft Shop is where you will find black coral jewelry and wood carvings in San Pedro City, and Emerald Mine will take care of all of your other jewelry needs.  Fido's has a large collection of artwork, Rendezvous Estates is the place to go for local liquor, as they bottle and sell their own wine, and you can stop into Caribe Creations for clothing. 

If  you haven't found something you like by the end of the day, head into Blu back on Barrier Reef Drive, the catch-all souvenir shop.  Every type of Belizean knick knack and craft you can imagine is sold here.

Duties, Taxes, and Other Tips

Vacationers heading to the Caribbean often find themselves getting amped up at the thought of saving big on designer goods.  The abundance of duty free items in most passes coupled with low prices on high end items, often times visitors will come away from the Caribbean with some pretty great deals.  This is not always the case in Belize.  Though it is possible to buy luxury items in Belize, vendors are not always selling them at low prices, and there is a 12.5 percent sales tax tacked on to every purchase.  Your best bet is to stick to locally made items.  Not only will they be more inexpensive and symbolic of your time on the island, but your money will go a long way in supporting locals. 

U.S. currency is so commonly excepted in Belize that exchanging your money is not necessary.  If you do choose to do so, know that the basic rate of exchange is two Belize Dollars to every one U.S. Dollar. 

You can expect to find most stores in Belize to be open between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 or 6 p.m., and many close during the lunch hour and on Sundays.

True, shopping is not one of Belize's biggest draws, but that doesn't mean you can't return home from your vacation with a few great souvenirs.  Just remember to steer clear of luxury items, buy local, and most of all, enjoy the time you get to spend exploring the country's cities as you shop.