Shops, banks, post offices etc will generally be closed on these days:

2008
01 January, 23 March, 24 March, 01 May, 11 May, 12 May, 11 July, 21 July, 15 August, 01 November, 11 November, 25 December

2009
01 January, 12 April, 13 April, 01 May, 21 May, 31 May, 1 June, 11 July, 21 July, 15 August, 01 November, 11 November, 25 December

Disabled Travellers

For information and advice in Belgium please contact:

Accessible Travel Infopoint - Grasmarkt 61 - 1000 Brussels

Tel: +32 70 23 30 50
Fax: +32 70 23 30 51
E-mail: info@toegankelijkreizen.be
Web: www.toegankelijkreizen.be

Languages

The official language in Flanders is Dutch (Flemish), Brussels is bi-lingual and English is widely spoken.

Calling Belgium from the UK

Dial 00 + Country Code 32 + City Code:
Antwerp: 3
Bruges: 50
Brussels: 2
Ghent: 9
Leuven:16
Mechelen: 15
Ostend: 59

Telephone Numbers

In case of an emergency dial 112.

In phone booths: Reverse charge calls from Belgium to UK = 0800 10044, Belgian Operator = 1224

Banking Hours

Banks are open Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 4:00pm and are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. Some banks close for an hour during lunch.

Credit Cards and ATM

All major cards are accepted (i.e.: Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Eurocard) as well as Traveller's Cheques. ATM machines are available in all major cities.

Currency

Money can be changed in banks, at airports, at main railway stations and in exchange offices. The Belgian currency unit is the EURO (Euro) €. Euro notes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros. Coins come in denominations of 1 and 2 Euro, and 5, 10, 20, 50, 1 and 2 cent pieces. Many foreign exchange offices open on Sundays. Foreign exchange traffic is not regulated. There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency which may be brought in or out of the country.

Electricity

Voltage is 220 AC. Plugs are continental 2-pin round.

Health

It is advisable to have an EHIC (European Health Insurance Card), available from UK Post Offices, in case of a medical emergency.

Web: www.dh.gov.uk/travellers

Weekend Pharmacy

During weekends, special arrangements apply for pharmacists. The name and address of the closest pharmacist on duty is indicated at every pharmacy.

Museums and Galleries

Many museums and galleries are closed on Monday’s. Check their website to find out opening times.

Shopping

In most major cities, shops are open from Monday to Saturday, from 10:00 to 18:00 or 19:00. In some smaller towns and villages, shops may close during lunchtime. Department stores often remain open longer, up to 21:00 on Fridays.

Whilst Sunday is the official closing day, in many towns, souvenir shops will also be open on Sundays during the tourist season. Most bakeries and patisseries also open on Sunday mornings.

Tips, VAT and Taxes

Tips are always included in restaurant, hotel and taxi prices. Of course, you can add a little extra should you feel the service warrants an extra reward. In restaurants, service charges of 16% and VAT of 21% are also included in the price.

Websites

Tourism Flanders-Brussels is featured on the Association of National Tourist Office Representatives in the UK (ANTOR) website at HYPERLINK www.tourist-offices.org.uk

 

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