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Beer travel Guide to Belgium General useful information |
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- Language. There is NO Belgian language. The Flemings speak Flemish, which is exactly the same as Dutch. The Walloons speak French. In Brussels the majority speaks French. Most young people understand English and can maintain a basic conversation in English. Import and export of local or foreign currency is not subject to any limitations. Banks are usually open Mon.-Fri. 9am-4pm, some may open Saturday morning Money can be changed in banks, at the airport or in official exchange offices (bureau de change - wisselkantoor) in the large railway stations. Most international credit cards American Express, Diners Club, Euro card, Mastercard and Visa are accepted by banks, larger hotels, higher-class restaurants and numerous shops. |
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Currency = Euro
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| - The sales tax is included in all displayed prices. The price you see on the label is what you pay.
- In restaurants and bars, the tip is included in the total price on the bill. You don't have to give an extra tip. A waiter that asks for an extra tip, is trying to take advantage of you. A suitable tip should be given for additional services and also to tour guides, maids, porters and cloakroom assistants. - In international hotels, like the Holiday Inn, you'll find wash cloths in your bathroom. In many other hotels you don't find them, and they don't have them at the 'concierge', although you'll find everywhere towels. - You can buy and drink beer everywhere, also on the street and in public places. Drunk driving is a felony, the maximum alcohol content in blood is 0.05 There is no minimum age for buying or drinking beer. - There is a minimum age of 16, sometimes 18, to enter certain dancing's, brothels ... If such a minimum age is required, it is clearly displayed at the entrance of the establishment. - Shopping. Most shops close at 6 pm, sometimes at 5 pm. On Sunday and official holidays, the shops are closed. The Flemish coast in the summer season is an exception, there the shops are open on Sunday. |
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| Parking. The most convenient parking in the center of the cities is to park your car in underground parking's, or in parking-buildings. The rate is about $ 2 per hour. These parking's are safe and clean. But, pay attention:
* when entering the parking you take a ticket from the machine that opens the gate. You take the ticket with you out of the car, because, when you come to pick up your car again, you will have to pay at the entrance. You pay by inserting your ticket into a machine, which tells you how much to pay. Make sure you have notes of Euro with you. You insert the notes, the machine gives you the change back, and gives your ticket back. That ticket is now magnetically loaded for about 10 minutes. You find your car, drive to the exit, and at the gate you put your ticket into the machine that opens the gate. * some parking's close at night. If you plan to stay late, check the closing time before entering the parking, or take the car out of the parking before closing time. |
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| - Doctors. Doctors come to the patient in Belgium. Your hotel has a relationship with a local doctor, and can call him or her to come to your hotel room. See first such a doctor before going immediately to a hospital, unless there is an emergency.
- When you need a wheelchair or crutches, the Red Cross, will lend them to you. Your hotel can call them.
- The main religion is Roman Catholic, although only 7 % of the population is practicing religion. Services are held in every church the Saturday evening and the Sunday morning. For other religions: ask around, since churches are not printed in the phone-books. There are large muslim communities in the big cities: Brussels, Antwerp, Gent, Liege. There are large Jewish communities in Antwerp and Brussels. Most religions are present in Brussels. - Personal security. As a tourist the only crime you may encounter is theft: pick-pockets, and others. Mainly in the big cities, especially Brussels, and some crowded tourist spots. Thus, in these places, especially at night, look after your luggage at all time, avoid carrying handbags, and be attentive. Put your stuff in the trunk of your car, out of sight, and always close the trunk. Real hard crime, where guns are involved is very exceptional. In a city like Brussels it is not recommended to walk alone, especially as a woman, in certain neighborhoods. Stay on the tourist tracks. Visitors are strongly advised to ensure that they have adequate holiday insurance, including loss or damage to luggage, loss of currency , jewellery and a health insurance. - Possession and using drugs, including Marijuana, is strictly forbidden. There is a different attitude in Holland towards the consumption of soft-drugs. Thus, be careful when you cross the border. - The border with the other surrounding countries is open. Thus, if you are not looking out for a sign ("Belgie" or "Belgique") you may already find yourself out of, or in Belgium. - Sex between persons of age 16 and higher is openly discussed, and not a taboo at all. Everybody got sex-education at school. The media discuss and present all aspects of sex. Birth control tools are available over the counter in Pharmacies, and in many other places. - Nudity. Topless sunbathing is accepted. Full nudity in public places is not accepted, except for a stretch of beach in Bredene (adjacent to Oostende) |
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- Telephone: Pay phones accept Euro coins. Callboxes suitable for long-distance telephone calls bear european flags. Code to the USA = 00 1 (xxx) xxx-xxxx. - Diplomatic Representations: - Electricity: An adapter is necessary for American-type plugs. - Smoking: Since Sept. 1987 belgium has belonged to the group of countries with the strictest anti-smoking legislation. This bans smoking in all public building, hospitals, schools and universities, ministry departments, sports centers, theatres, railway station concourses and underground stations, telephone kiosks, police stations and anywhere where is an "No-Smoking" sign, failure to observe the smoking ban can result in a heavy fine. |
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