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Country Info
Belgium is a country whose specialities include ubiquitous beers and delicate chocolates. Belgium is also a part of a major urban and commercial axis and of a heavily urbanized zone extending from England to the north of Italy. Located in the north west of Europe, at the edge of the North Sea, Belgium, with its ten million people, is one of the most densely populated and prosperous countries in the world. It occupies a central position in western Europe, between Germany, the Netherlands, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and France.

Capital City: Brussels

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Languages

The official languages of Belgium are Flemish, French and German; Flemish is slightly more widely spoken than French. German is spoken by fewer than 1% of the population.

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Modern church building nearby Cathedral St Michel, Brussels.

Religion

The religion of the people in the country of Belgium is mainly Roman Catholic, with small Protestant and Jewish communities.

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Passports & Visas

PASSPORTS
Passport valid for at least 3 months after period of intended stay required by all except:

nationals of EU countries in possession of a national ID card
nationals of Andorra, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, San Marino and Switzerland in possession of a national ID card

VISAS
Required by all except the following for stays of up to 3 months:

nationals referred to in the chart above
nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep. of), Liechtenstein, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Switzerland, Uruguay, Vatican City and Venezuela for a stay of up to 3 months

Validity
Short-stay (single- and multiple-entry): usually valid for 6 months from date of issue for stays of maximum 30 or 90 days per entry. Transit (single- and multiple-entry): valid for a maximum of 5 days per entry, including the day of arrival. Visas cannot be extended and a new application must be made each time.

Types of visa and cost
A uniform type of visa, the Schengen visa, is issued for tourist, business and private visits. There are three main types of Schengen visa: Short-stay (Tourist and Business), Transit and Airport transit. Prices depend on type of visa and prevalent rate of exchange but range between £7 and £35.

Application to
Consulate (or Consular Section at Embassy); see address section. Travellers visiting just one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of that country; travellers visiting more than one Schengen country should apply to the Consulate of the country chosen as the main destination or the country they will enter first (if they have no main destination).

Application requirements
(a) Passport or official travel documents valid for at least 3 months after proposed stay with blank pages to affix visa stamp. (b) 3 application forms. (c) 3 passport-size photographs. (d) Evidence of sufficient funds to cover stay. (e) Proof of purpose of stay such as a letter of invitation from a host in Belgium, a return ticket or hotel booking. (f) Letter from employer or from solicitor or bank manager if self-employed. If a student, letter from school or college confirming attendance. (g) Stamped, self-addressed registered envelope. (h) Fee (payable by postal order only). (i) Return ticket(s) to country of residence.

Working days required
24 hours to 8 weeks, depending on nationality and resident status, and whether applying by post or in person. Certain nationals must apply in person (contact Consulate or Consular section at Embassy for further details).

Temporary residence
Persons wishing to take up temporary residence should make a special application to the Belgian Embassy.

Note
Spouses and children (under 18 years) of EU nationals receive their visas free of charge (enquire at Embassy for details). The original marriage certificate, the spouse's passport and the birth certificate(s) for the child/children must be produced.

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Customs

ACCEPTED GOODS
The following goods may be taken into Belgium without incurring customs duty by travellers aged over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries:

2 litres of wine;1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of sparkling wine or 2 litres of fortified wine
50g of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
other goods up to BFr2600 (subject to change - contact the Embassy for up-to-date information)
500g of coffee
100g of tea

ABOLITION OF DUTY-FREE GOODS WITHIN THE EU
On June 30 1999, the sale of duty-free alcohol and tobacco at airports and at sea was abolished in all 15 EU member states. Although there are now no limits imposed on importing tobacco and alcohol products from one EU country to another, (with the exceptions of Denmark, Finland and Sweden, where limits are imposed), travellers should note that they may be required to prove at customs that the goods purchased are for personal use only.

PROHIBITED ITEMS
Unpreserved meat products. Other unpreserved foodstuffs must be declared.

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Transportation

CAR
There is a speed limit of 90 km per hour (56 mph) on all roads throughout the country, with the exception of highways and trunk roads with four traffic lanes, where speed is limited to 120 km per hour. In most main towns the speed limit is 50 km.p.h. and is indicated by traffic signs. Traffic of the right has right of way.
Safety belts must be worn at all times and children under 12 are prohibited from sitting in the front seat, unless no other seat is available.

RAILWAYS
The Belgian National Railways operate the densest rail network in the world and the majority of the international lines pass through Brussels, the center of this network. There is a frequent efficient train service from Brussels to almost all parts of the country. Look in our special train section for the departure schedules of the most important lines.

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Major Holidays in Belgium

New Year's Day___________________________
Easter Monday___________________________
Labor Day _______________________________
Ascension Day____________________________
Whit Monday ____________________________
Independence Day________________________
Feast of the Assumption ___________________
All Saints Day ____________________________
Armistice Day ____________________________
Christmas Day ___________________________
New Year's Day___________________________

January 01
April 16
May 01
May 24
Jun 04
July 21
August 15
November 01
November 11
December 25
January 01

Note:
The following additional holidays are observed by different communities:

Jul 1 (Flemish community)
Sep 27 (French community)
Nov 15 (German community)

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Climate

Seasonal and similar to neighbouring countries, with warm weather from May to September and snow likely during winter months. The temperate is mild winters and the summers is cool, it is rainy, humid, cloudy.

Belgium is seldom too hot or too cold. Summer temperatures average 54 F (13 C) to 72 F (21 C) and Winter averages from 32 F (0 C) to 43 F (6 C).

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Reminders

Euro-based transactions are currently limited to commercial electronic trading and credit card transactions. Euro notes and coins will not be introduced until 2002 at which time the Euro will completely replace the Belgian Franc.

There are no restrictions on the import and export of either local or foreign currency.

Banking hours in Belgium is from Monday - Friday 0900-1600. (some closing for an hour at lunch time)

Generally insured by law, public signs and notices within Brussels must be presented in both French and Dutch within Brussels, so you will notice most signs written in both French and Dutch (the written translation of Flemish).

Most menus within Brussels will be written in French but most restaurants and hotels is default to French.

Travelling south into Wallony, all signs and language changes to French.

If you are travelling into Flanders and don´t speak Flemish, your best chance to communicate will be in English.

If you are travelling into Wallony and don´t speak French, again your best chance to communcate will be in English.

Public transport is good in Antwerp but a car is better for getting to Ieper and the countryside.

Taxis is available in most towns. the tip is included in the price shown on the meter.

Luggage lockers are available in most train stations and other locations in large towns. If you wish to leave your luggage for more than a few days, it is advisable to do so at a baggage check room in a railway station. Postal service: Hours : 9 AM to 12 AM and 2 PM to 5 PM.

Tips, VAT, Taxes in Belgium prices are quoted "all inclusive". No additional tipping necessary.

The main international operators (AT&T, Sprint, etc.) have free call-in numbers in Belgium.In most of the Belgian street phone boots, international calling is possible.

Money can be changed at every bank or exchange office at the official rate.

You may withdraw cash from ATMs found at all major banks and shopping centers. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are widely accepted.

At the airports, train stations, and all international newspaper stands in bigger cities you will have the chance to buy US newspapers (International Herald Tribune from the same day, USA Today from the day before).

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Standard Time

Six hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time. One hour ahead of GMT.
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

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Attractions

The Atomium - Originally built for the 1958 World Fair and since its construction it has become the symbol of Belgium. The 102-metre-tall steel and aluminum structure is meant to be a symbol of the atom concept, increased by 165 billions times! It offers a superb panoramic view of Brussels and its surroundings.

The Belgian Comic Strip Centre - Housed in a charming art nouveau building designed by the creator of Lucky Luke, Spirou, the Smurfs and Gaston Lagaffe - Victor Horta. In the museum you will see how cartoons are made, learn about production techniques and see antique cartoon strips of many recognisable characters. The museum shop, packed full of books, gadgets and posters, is well worth a visit.

The Grand Place & Hôtel de Ville - It was described by Victor Hugo as "the most beautiful square in Europe," the Grand Place is located in the very heart of Brussels. The square contains numerous impressive baroque and gothic buildings, many of which have dazzling gilt details. The Hôtel de Ville (town hall), a gothic masterpiece dating from the early 15th century, is also located in the square. Don’t miss a guided tour of the town hall, which takes you into many of its art-adorned rooms. During the summer months there is free nightly entertainment including fireworks and light shows.

The Manneken Pis - Measuring just 30cm, this little bronze boy having a pee has been the pride and joy of the inhabitants of Brussels for centuries! Nobody actually knows why the Manneken Pis is there and much mythology surrounds him. He also has a collection of more than 500 costumes, which are on display in the Musée de Ville in the town. He received his first costume as far back as 1698. You’ll find the Manneken Pis on the corner of Stoofstraat/Rue de L'Etuve and the Eikstraat/Rue du Chêne.

The Brussels Gueuze Museum - Located in the last artisan brewery of Gueuze Beer in Brussels. Gueuze is a dark, semi-sparkling beer, slightly acidic and often regarded as "the burgundy of beers." It is a speciality of Brussels. This museum includes a brewery tour which allows you to taste the beer.

Galéries St. Hubert - A grand 19th-century shopping arcade near the Grand Place in central Brussels which has been recently restored to its original grandeur. Once the stomping ground of such names as Baudelaire and Victor Hugo - who kept his mistresses in an upstairs apartment - the arcade is now a welcome escape from modern day shopping. With its cinema, cafés, bookshops and theatre, there is plenty to see and do. Indulge in some chocolate tasting at the original Neuhaus shop - famous for Belgium Pralines - which opened its doors back in 1857.

Brussels City Museum (Musée de la Ville de Bruxelles) - Located in the King's House on the Grand Place. The museum tells the story of Brussels and how it grew from a tiny village to become the capital of Europe. Probably the most interesting exhibit is the outlandish collection of some 600 costumes donated to the Manneken Pis over the centuries.

The Palais Royale - Located in the centre of Brussels, the sumptuous public apartments are only open for about 6 weeks during the summer, starting from July 21st each year. Originally a 12th century fortress, the building has since then overlooked the Park of Brussels across the road. In 1731, the Palace burned to the ground and the present neo-classical palace has been modified several times during subsequent Austrian, French and Dutch rule. The palace is currently used as the state offices of King Albert II as well as for state receptions, royal audiences and court ceremonies. Take a guided tour and visit the impressive 150 foot long Throne Room with its intricate mosaic parquet floor and majestic chandeliers. The Blue Room, the Louis XVI Music Salon, the Goya Room, the Empire and the Mirror Room are equally breathtaking. If you’re in Brussels during the summer months, this tour is not to be missed.

The Cinquantenaire Museum (The Royal Art and History Museum) - The Cinquantenaire Museum houses a very valuable collection of works from different civilizations throughout the world. Its artefacts give an overview of the history of mankind in five continents (with the exclusion of Africa) from prehistory to the present day. Recently modernised and expanded, the new "treasure room" is worth a look as well as old favorites like the array of European decorative arts, the folklore section and the antiquities.

Autoworld Car Museum - Strictly for the car mad, this museum has over 400 cars on display. The entire 20th century history of the motor vehicle is covered from 1886 to the 1970s. There are rare pre-World War II models on show as well as cars from all over the world.

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Night Life

BRUSSELS

Bars & Discos:

Conway’s Av de la Toison d’Or 10 1050 Brussels (Tel 02 511 26 68) - Brasserie/American style. Twice a month dancing as we did in the sixties and do not miss the Ladies’ Night every Thursday.
Corbeau, le Rue St Michel 18 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 219 52 46) - You can choose amongst all the Belgian beers that exist. Live music Thursday nights & at weekends.
Monkey Business Rue de Facqz 30 1050 Brussels (Tel 02 538 69 31) -
US music and atmosphere. On Thursdays there is a karaoke and on Wednesdays the sportsnight on big screens.
Pinto y Marina Rue du Belvédère 18 1050 Brussels (Tel 02 646 52 26) - Latin atmosphere.
Roi des Belges, le Rue van Praet 35-37 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 513 51 16) - Daily 11.30 pm - 3 am where you can enjoy the Latin Music.
Siècle, le Rue de l’Ecuyer 144 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 513 08 10) - At 8 pm dinner where you can enjoy a good show, at 11 pm wild dancing lets you go the whole way and you will dance everywhere with everybody, crazy but it certainly has quite an atmosphere.
Wine bar chez Paul, le Chée d'Alsemberg 762 1180 Brussels (Tel 02 332 28 44) - Offers a fine selection of mainly French wines with a little something to eat.

Bars social to meet friends:

Bar A Bar Chée de Waterloo 862 1180 Brussels (Tel 02 372 04 42) - Happy Hours 6 - 10 pm. Organizes also private parties.
Henry J Bean’s Rue Montagne aux Herbes Potagères 40 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 227 31 21) - Guaranteed American atmosphere.
James Joyce Rue Archimède 34 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 230 98 94) - Irish bar and very popular with the EU people.
Kitty O’Sheas Bd Charlemagne 42 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 230 78 75) - Irish bar and very popular with the EU people.
Le Bar Hilton Hotel Bd de Waterloo 38 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 504 11 11) - Popular meeting place for the Internationals in this elegant and cosy bar.
Petit Coq, le Rue Saint- Sébastian 41 1630 Linkebeek (Tel 02 380 93 32) -
Great bar & brasserie specializing in beers and malt whisky.

Casinos:

Casino Régional de Bruxelles Galeries Louise 43 1050 Brussels (Tel 02 512 99 99)

Discos & Dancing:

Acrobate, l’ Borgval 14 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 513 73 08) - Asian, reggae, hip-hop on Friday & Saturday evenings.
Bal, le Bd du Thriomphe 47 1160 Audergheim (Tel 02 649 35 00) - Situated in an old factory building, close to the universities with a young crowd. Very cosy and the music is sober.
Centro Galego/La Tentation Rue de Laeken 28 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 223 22 75) - Tuesdays - Saturdays, Celtic Music.
Cercle, le Rue Sainte Anne 20-22 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 514 03 53) - Artistic atmosphere, where one enjoys Latin & African music as well as classical and jazz. Open Tuesday, Friday-Sunday.
Chez Jonny/au Claridge Chée de Louvain 24 1210 Brussels (Tel 02 227 39 99) - For those who love the seventies’ & the eighties’ music, this is the Emperor of all discos.
Doudingue, La Clos Lamartine 5 1420 Brain l’Alleud (Tel 02 384 02 81) - Friday & Saturday, for the very young crowd. Friday, free entrance for ladies.
Fool Moon, le Quai de Mariemont 26 1080 Brussels (Tel 02 410 10 03) - Organises different kind of party’s, concerts,…
Fuse/la Demence Rue Blaes 208 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 511 97 89) -
Disco where you can choose between: on the groundfloor “techno music”, the first floor “house music” & on the second floor “jazzy, funky, electro music”.
Jeux d’Hiver, les Bois de la Cambre 1050 Brussels (Tel 02 649 08 64) -
This is where everybody goes to really have fun in the city of Brussels. Do not miss its birthday party in November and the big ball in July. We can guarantee you a great disco night! Open from Thursday ‘till Saturday. For a great party, you have to be there on a Thursday.
Mirano, le Chée de Louvain 38 1210 Brussels (Tel 02 218 57 72) - Very in and absolutely the paradise for techno dancing lovers.
Smoutebol Chée de Louvain 24 1210 Brussels (Tel 02 227 39 39) - Disco, Tequila, La Bamba! Friday-Saturday.
Sparrow, The Rue Duquesnoy 18 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 512 66 22) - Thursday-Saturday - American Rock & Roll.
Tom Tom Club Place de la Constitution 5 1060 Brussels (Tel 02 523 23 69) - Brazilian Music - live band music every night.

Jazz:

Bank, the Rue du Bailli 79 1050 Brussels (Tel 02 537 52 65) - http://www.24.thebank.be Irish pub with live music on Saturdays.
Beursschouwburg Rue August Orts 20-28 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 513 82 90) beurs@eunet.be Concerts.
Chez Flo Rue au Beurre 25 1000 brussels (Tel 02 513 31 52) - Fax 02 514 22 75
flo@skynet.be Music hall with great dragshow entertainment - as at “Michou” in Paris.
Do Brazil Rue de la Caserne 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 513 50 28) - Latin American music.
Grain d’Orge Chée de Wavre 142 1050 Brussels (Tel 02 511 26 47) - Concerts on Fridays.
Mappa Mundo Rue du Pont de la Carpe 2/6 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 513 51 16) - Jazz Café.
Movida, la Rue Saint-Géry 3 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 502 02 84) - Salons de l’Atalaïde, les.
Chée de Charleroi 89 1060 Brussels (Tel 02 537 21 54) - Fax 02 544 03 53 http://www.atalaide.cc.st
Saxe Café, le Bd de Waterloo 49 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 511 50 90) - http://www.saxecity.com Tuesday evenings live New Orleans Jazz - other evenings piano concerts.
Sounds Jazz Club Rue de la Tulipe 28 1050 Brussels (Tel 02 512 92 50) - Live music every night!
Travers Rue Traversière 11 1210 Brussels (Tel 02 218 40 86) - http://www.cyclone.be/travers The Temple of Jazz, every evening concerts with various atmospheres.
Zebra Bar Place St Géry 33-35 1000 Brussels (Tel 02 511 09 01) - Volle Gas Place F De Coc 21 1050 Brussels (Tel/fax 02 502 89 17) - Live Jazz from 10 pm on Saturday evenings.

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