Travel guide – belgium
belgium
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Overview
It may be little country, but it is a lovely one, so it is sad that Belgium is often overlooked when travellers plan a trip to Europe. Tucked between the desirable and obvious destinations of London, Paris and Amsterdam, Belgium is usually treated as a stepping stone to the English Channel, or, at most, a quick stop-over for a looksee in the capital, Brussels.
Beyond the city of Brussels with its historic Gothic buildings and tall European Union office blocks, is a treasure-trove of undiscovered lazy seaside towns, and the inland wooded gorges of the splendid Ardennes, sprinkled with medieval castles and steeped in folklore. The medieval city of Bruges has character and charm galore with a rich architectural heritage, graceful canals, winding waterways and cobbled streets, and is a favourite with visitors. Belgium is a country that has inspired many artists and writers with the charm of its Gothic cathedrals, town halls, gabled guildhouses and rich museums.
After a busy day exploring it all, evenings are best spent experiencing Belgium's fantastic cuisine and delighting in the country's variety of 300-odd brews of beer. Belgians have a reputation for their gracious hospitality. No doubt in part due to the country's location, which has created an international crossroads for commerce and culture. Despite this, Belgium and its distinct regions of Flemish Flanders (north) and French Wallonia (south) has proudly preserved its traditions and identity.
Regions and cities within Belgium...
Brussels
Climate
Belgium has temperate weather, warm in summer (May to September) and cool to cold in winter, with snow very likely.
Health
No vaccinations are required. Medical facilities and care in Belgium are 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. Increased cases of hantavirus (caused by rodents) have been reported in Luxembourg province, Liège, Namur and Hainaut provinces.
The basics
Time
GMT +1 (GMT +2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Belgium is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard time.
Electricity
220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs can be used.
Language
The Flemish, in the north, speak Dutch (60% of the population); The Walloons in the south speak French (40%). Brussels is bilingual with the majority of citizens speaking French. In the east of Belgium there is a small German-speaking community. English i
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
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.
Communications
The international access code for Belgium is +32. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). Mobile phones operate on a GSM and 3G network. 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 to the value of €632 without incurring customs duty: 250ml eau de toilette or 250ml eau de parfum or 250ml aftershave; 500g coffee; and 100g of tea. Prohibited items include unpreserved foodstuffs. Providing goods are bought for personal use, there are no restrictions on carrying tobacco and alcohol between the 15 original countries of the EU (including the UK), with the exception of Finland, Denmark and Sweden.
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