Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs with receptacle and male grounding pin can be used.
Money: Euro (EUR) divided into 100 cents. Most credit cards are accepted (Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Eurcard) as are travellers cheques (though it is best to carry them in Euros, US dollars or Pounds Sterling to avoid additional charges when exchanging). ATMs are available in all major cities. Banks are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Some banks close for an hour during lunch. There are however some foreign exchange offices that trade
on Sundays.
Language: The Flemish, in the north, speak Dutch (60% of the population); the Walloons in the south speak French (40%). Brussels is bilingual, the majority of citizens speaking French. In the east there is a small German-speaking community. English is also spoken.
Entry requirements:
- Entry requirements for Americans: US nationals must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals must possess a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months for passports stating European Union on the front cover, British Overseas Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas), British Citizen or British Subject, with the right of abode in the UK. Other passport holders require a visa.
- Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport valid for at least three months beyondperiod of stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Australians: Australian nationals must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond period of stay. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for South Africans: South African nationals require a passport valid for at least three months beyond intended period of stay. A Schengen visa is required and should be obtained before travel.
- Entry requirements for New Zealand nationals: New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for at least threemonths beyond intended period of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. Nationals of non-EU countries are recommended to hold return or onward tickets, sufficient funds and documents for their next destination.
Travel Health: Reports have been confirmed of human cases of Swine Flu in Belgium. No vaccinations are required for travel to Belgium. Medical facilities and care in Belgium is excellent but expensive so travellers are advised to take out medical insurance. UK citizens receive emergency medical care for a reduced cost, but should have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to qualify.
Tipping: Service charges are included in bills and tipping is not necessary, unless for exceptional service. Porters, coatroom and bathroom attendants are generally tipped.
Safety Information: Most visits to Belgium are trouble-free, but travellers should be wary of street crime in the cities, such as mugging and pickpocketing, particularly in Brussels at major railway stations and on public transport. Brussels is home to a number of international organisations, including EU and NATO, which could become the target of indiscriminate terrorist attacks.
Local Customs: Belgium law requires everyone to carry some form of official identification at all times.
Business: Belgians are very formal in business, enjoy a great deal of personal space, and are generally reserved and extremely private. Dress should be conservative; dark suits are acceptable, with a high importance placed on quality and neatness of clothing. Punctuality is extremely important at meetings, which will begin and end with a quick, light handshake with all involved, and exchanging business cards is standard practice; it is recommended that cards are printed in English with the other side translated in either French or Dutch depending on the main language of the region where business is to take place. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm.
Communications: The international access code for Belgium is +32. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are required for all calls within Belgium; the area code for Brussels is (0)2. Mobile phones operate on GSM networks. Public phones take coins or phone cards. Internet cafes are widely available.
Duty free: Travellers to Belgium arriving from non-EU countries are allowed to enter the country with the following items without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits over 22% in alcohol or 2 litres of dessert wine 22% in alcohol and sparkling wine, and 2 litres wine; 50g perfume and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods such as souvenirs to the value of €175. Prohibited items include unpreserved meat products.
Weather - Climate: Brussels has a maritime temperate climate, characterised by warm summers and mild winters. The city has a high average annual rainfall, and visitors can expect a downpour any time of year. Temperatures range from highs of around 80°F (27°C) in summer to 45°F (7°C) during the middle of winter. Snow is possible, but not frequent, in winter.