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Belgium Practical information Belgium

 
 
Area : 11786  sq.mi - Population 10200000 hab.
Belgium

Our expert Belgium

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map Belgium

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Practical information Belgium

superficie

Area

11786  sq.mi
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Flights

It takes 1 hour and 30 minutes to fly from London to Brussels, which is 200 mi from the English capital. The train is another option. Eurostar travels from London to the Belgian capital in 2hrs 30 mins.
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Jet Lag

population

Population

10200000 hab.
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Airports

The Brussels international airport (or Brussels Airport since October 2006) is 8.5 miles from Brussels, costing around 20 pounds sterling in a taxi . Otherwise, the City Airport Express train goes into the city every quarter of an hour for around 1.5 pounds sterling.
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Security

Belgium is a safe country. There is nothing in particular to point out.
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Languages

59% of Belgians speak Dutch, 40% French, and 1% German.
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Requirements

For British citizens, a valid National Identity Card or passport is enough to enter the territory.
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Religion

The population is 96% Catholic. There are minorities of Protestants, Anglicans, and Jews.
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Currency

The currency is the Euro, which consists of 100 Cents. Banks are open from 9:00am to 12:30pm and from 1:30pm to 3:30pm Monday to Thursday and until 4:00pm on Fridays. Alternatively, many ATM machines accept international credit cards, most commonly American Express, Diners Club, Eurocard and Visa. These are also accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops.
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Local transportation

Choose the car, as the country is small, and there are numerous motorways that are free and well equipped. On the other hand, avoid driving in town centres. You will easily find car parks. Car hire agencies are in the large cities, airports, stations, or in certain average-sized towns. If your programme does not involve visiting many towns, give preference to the train, as it is fast, frequent, but a little expensive. It can be combined with a bicycle. Two-wheel hirers are installed in most stations. Western Flanders has a very good network of cycle tracks. The country is flat. When your destinations are not served by rail, consider the bus. As a last resort, use the internal airlines. Due to the country's area, taking the plane in Belgium is often the longest method of transport. It is preferable to visit Brussels on foot. Otherwise, buses and trams circulate around the city. As regards the Underground, it is a veritable museum of contemporary art.
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Health

Before departure, remember to ask the Prescription Pricing Authority (PPA) for the European Health Insurance Card to be able to have your medical expenses reimbursed back in France, if needed.
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Electricity

220 V. French-style electrical outlets.
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Flood of tourists

In 2005, Belgium received 6.7 million visitors.
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Taxes and tips

In hotels, restaurants and taxis, service is included. You can thank someone with a tip, but there is no obligation.
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Telephone

To call Belgium from London, dial 00 + 32 (country code) + regional code without 0 (Anvers 03 ; Blégny-Trembleur, Liège 04 ; Brussels 02 ; Bruges 050 ; Gand 09 ; Namur 082 ; Ostende 059) + n° of other party.
From Belgium to London, dial 00 + 44 + 20 + n° of other party.