Belgium



PRACTICALITIES


Currency

Euro (EUR)


Official languages

Dutch, French, German


Time

GMT + 1


Calling code

+39


Area codes

Antwerp: 03, Bruges: 050, Brussels: 02, Ghent: 09, Liège: 04


Internet TLD

.be


Shopping

Generally shops are open Monday–Saturday from 10am to 7pm.


National holidays

New Year’s Day January 1
Easter movable feast
Labour Day May 1
Ascension Day movable feast
Flemish Community Holiday July 11
Independence Day July 21
Assumption August 15
French Community Holiday September 27
All Saint’s Day November 1
Armistice Day November 11
German Community Holiday November 15
Christmas December 25 & 26


National dish

lapin a la biere – rabbit in a beer sauce
carbonnade – beer and beef stew
gaufres – sugar waffles
speculoos – traditional spice cookies
waterzooi – a stew dish made of chicken, vegetables, cream and wine
bisque de homard – a lob ster soup
ragôut d’agneau – lamb ragout


Electricity

Belgium’s electricity runs on 230V/50Hz.


Passport/Visa

Citizens of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada and the USA do not need visa for entry into Belgium (for stays of up to 90 days). Only a valid passport is required. EU nationals (except citizens of Denmark, Sweden and the UK) need only a valid national identity card.


Useful numbers

Ambulance & Fire Brigade: 100
Police: 101