Time
Belgium uses Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of BST (and 2 hours ahead of GMT). Set your watches and clocks one hour ahead. This applies to both summer and winter months as the clocks change on the same dates throughout Europe.
Languages
Dutch, French and German
Travel documents
Belgium is a member of the European Union. UK citizens (including children under 16) and citizens from other EU countries need only a valid passport. Holders of non-EU passports should check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is required.
Car papers
- valid UK (or other EU) driving licence (not a provisional licence)
- car registration document (‘log book’)
- international green card - extra motor insurance is not compulsory but is advisable
- GB sticker on the back of the car and caravan (or integral in the registration plate)
Caravans
All trailers and caravans with a permitted weight over 750 kg must have a separate vehicle registration and number plate.
Pets
Under reciprocal regulations some pets may be taken into Belgium if accompanied by a passport, chip and the relevant vaccination. The regulations cover proof of vaccination, breeds and health certificates etc. You are strongly advised to check with your vet for the most recent information and restrictions. Take care to request information in plenty of time. Some vaccinations need to be administered a considerable time in advance. You will need to inform the ferry or tunnel operator when booking. Depending on the route your pet may need to stay in the car or in special cages which can usually be rented on the ferry. Bringing pets back into the UK is strictly controlled with severe penalties for infringement. More information is available on http://europa.eu/abc/travel/pets/index_en.htm
Currency
The currency in Belgium is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. Approximate exchange rates (September 2007): £1 = €1.48. Most debit and credit cards issued in the UK can be used in cash machines and to pay for goods and services in Belgium. Cards with the Cirrus logo can be used to obtain cash and cards with the Maestro logo can be used at some outlets as Chip&Pin cards. Credit cards are accepted in many places though not as widely as in the UK. Make certain you know your PIN code before you leave as signatures are not always accepted. UK bank cheques (except travellers cheques) and Eurocheques are no longer accepted. Banks in Belgium are open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00. Some banks in larger towns are also open at lunch times.
Customs regulations
For travel between EU countries you are permitted to take as much luggage ‘as you would reasonably need for personal use’. You may be required to prove that your possessions are personal and not for commercial use. Borders between EU and non-EU countries are more strictly controlled. There are restrictions on the amount of tax-free goods you may import from non-EU countries. More information from HM Revenue & Customs on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/
Medical cover
UK and Irish citizens should apply for the free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card which has replaced the old E111 form). Each member of your group will need a separate EHIC Card. It covers the cost of basic emergency expenses in Belgium (and all other countries in this guide except Andorra, Croatia and Turkey). It can be ordered online, by phone or by post. More information on http://www.dh.gov.uk/ or http://www.oasis.gov.ie/
Post
Open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00. In larger cities open continuously from 09:00 to 17:00. Small post offices often open till 16:00. Usually one post office in larger cities is open on Saturday mornings.
Shops
In general open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00/19:00. Some close at lunchtime. Department stores are open from 09:00 to 18:00, supermarkets from 09:00 to 20:00, on Fridays till 21:00.
Chemists
Most chemist are open from Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 18:00. Some are also open on Saturdays. When chemists are closed they display a notice showing which chemists are open at that time.
Public holidays
- New Year’s Day
- Easter Monday
- 1 May (Labour Day)
- Ascension
- Whit Monday
- 11 July (Flemish Community)
- 21 July (Independence Day)
- 15 August (The Assumption)
- 27 September (Walloon Community)
- 1 November (All Saints)
- 11 November (Armistice)
- 15 November (German community)
- Christmas Day (Belgium does not celebrate Boxing Day)
Traffic regulations
Remember, all traffic in Belgium drives on the right and overtakes on the left! Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers. Belgium uses the metric system, so distances are measured in kilometres (km), speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h) and fuel is sold in litres (l). Maximum speed limits where not otherwise indicated:
- roads in built-up areas 50 km/h (± 30 mph)
- 2 and 3 lane main roads outside built-up areas 90 km/h (± 56 mph)
- roads with four or more lanes maximum 120 km/h (± 75 mph) and minimum 70 km/h (± 44 mph).
The same speed limits apply to cars towing trailers or caravans. The rule ‘give way to traffic from the right’ is strictly enforced, also for slow traffic. The few exceptions to this are clearly shown on road signs. Take note: If when coming from the right you stop, you lose your priority. It is not permitted to leave the engine running when the car is not moving. Use of anti-radar apparatus is strictly forbidden. Use of seat belts is mandatory, also in the back. Children under 12 may not sit in front seats unless they are taller than 1m50. Only handsfree use of telephones is permitted in the car. Blue parking discs with black letters can be used in the ‘blue zones’ in larger Belgian towns. Alcohol consumption above 0.05% is an offence.
In the event of breakdown
Breakdown vans patrol all main roads. For assistance you will need overseas cover from your motoring organization. There are emergency phones on motorways. Ask for Touring Secours (French) or Touring Wegenhulp (Dutch). On other roads you should call 02-2332345 or 070-3447777 (if you have breakdown cover). This number is available 24 hours a day. If you break down on the carriageway you must place an emergency triangle behind your vehicle. This triangle is compulsory in all motor vehicles. If you have a breakdown on a lane or emergency lane of a motorway you are required to wear a reflective jacket. In case of accident you can contact the ambulance, fire service or police throughout the country using the 112 emergency number.
Staying overnight in your car, caravan or motor home is permitted, provided you are not camping.
Belgian Embassy/Consulate
103-105 Eaton Square
London SW1W 9AB
Tel: 020 7470 3700
Fax: 020 7259 6213
e-mail: info@belgium–embassy.co.uk
Internet: http://www.belgium-embassy.co.uk/
Belgian Tourist Office Brussels
Ardennes
225 Marsh Wall
London E14 9FW
Tel: 0906 302 0245
Fax: 020 7531 0393
e-mail: info@belgium-tourism.org
Internet: http://www.belgium-tourism.net/