Location: Belize is located south of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula on the Caribbean coast. It is a small country (8866 square miles) that is slightly larger than the state of Massachusetts.

Language: English is the official language of Belize. Spanish, Garifuna, English Creole, Mayan, Chinese, Hindi and Mennonite German are also spoken.

Weather: The weather is tropical, hot and humid. There are two seasons, rainy and dry. The rainy season is from June through August.

Customs and Immigration: A valid passport is needed to enter the country. Students with non-U.S. passports may need a visa. Students have 30 days after arriving in Belize to obtain a one-year student permit.

Banking: The exchange rate is US$1 = BZ$2, fixed to fluctuate with the US dollar. Some businesses may accept US traveler’s checks and credit cards, but cash is the preferred method of payment for most transactions.

Electricity: Currency and plug type are the same as in the United States and Canada, but be prepared for voltage fluctuations. IMU recommends that you bring a reliable surge protector for your computer and any other valuable electronics.

Population: Approximately 273,700

Telephone: The telephone system is operated by Belize Telecommunication Limited (BTL). There are two cell phone companies in Belize, DigiCell and SMART.

Mail: A postcard sent airmail to Canada or the United States costs BZ$0.30. Letters cost BZ$0.60.

Time: North American Central Standard Time. Daylight savings time is not observed.

Water: The water is generally safe to drink. If you are unsure, it is best to drink bottled water.

Legal Concerns: Drugs, firearms, and driving under the influence are strictly prohibited.  Motor vehicle insurance and a valid driver’s license from your home country are required to operate a vehicle.

Entertainment:  Corozal Town has several bars and discos.  Bars are generally open throughout the week.  Discos are closed during the week but are very popular and busy on Friday and Saturday nights.  On weeknights, Corozal Town is relatively quiet after 9 p.m.  Belize City has a cinema.  Students may choose to drive to Chetumal, Mexico, which is 10-15 miles north of Corozal Town.  Chetumal is a very beautiful city on the Gulf of Mexico where the predominant language is Spanish.  Chetumal boasts several cultural and art museums, restaurants, bars, large dance clubs, a cinema showing first-run movies, a music hall, an Office Depot, and Wal-Mart and department store-style shopping.  Students should be aware that when crossing the border to Mexico, they must have their passports in hand and may be charged a border-crossing fee.  When returning to Belize, students must display all purchases and may be taxed.  Please see the Office of Scholastic Affairs for further information.

Shopping:  Corozal Town has several small, locally-owned grocery stores and markets that carry all basic supplies and toiletries.  Belize City has larger department-style stores that sell clothing, shoes, appliances, etc.  Hardware and engine supplies are also available at multiple locations in Belize City.  For assistance in locating an item, please see the Office of Scholastic Affairs.

Churches: There are numerous churches of various faiths in Belize.

Helpful Links

Corozal Town home webpage: Lists local schools and businesses
http://corozal.bz/

Government of Belize.
http://www.belize.gov.bz/

Laws of Belize
http://www.belizelaw.org/

Map of Belize
http://www.belizereport.com/map.html