destination information

belgium
general information
currency

Euros

time difference
1 hour ahead of GMT
bank opening times
Open Mon to Fri 0900 - 1200 and 1400 - 1600
public holidays 2008
1 Jan New Year's Day.
24 Mar Easter Monday.
1 May Labour Day, Ascension Day.
12 May Whit Monday.
11 Jul Flemish Community Holiday.
21 Jul Independence Day
15 Aug Assumption.
27 Sep French Community Holiday.
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
11 Nov Armistice Day.
15 Nov German Community Holiday.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
driving rules
speed limits
Built-up areas: 50kmh/31mph major roads outside towns: 90kmh/56mph motorways: 120kmh/74mph
drink and driving
Blood alcohol limit is 50mg - barely 1 unit of alcohol.
general driving

Drive on the right, overtake on the left.

A 'blue zone' parking system operates in major towns. Discs are available from police, garages and tobacconists.

It is compulsory to carry a warning triangle.

Seat belts are compulsory in both the front and rear.

The flashing of headlights is used as a warning.

Dipped headlights should be used between dusk and dawn.

Driving on side lights only is illegal.

Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine. An official receipt should be issued.

Do not park within 50 feet (15m) of a bus, tram or trolleybus stop or in the immediate vicinity of train and tram lines crossing the road.

Traffic entering roundabouts has priority except where signs say 'cedez le passage' or 'vous n'avez pas la priorité', where the traffic on the roundabout has priority.

tourist office
For the official Belgian tourism website click here
travel tips

One of the best kept secrets in Europe, Belgium has a wide raft of attractions including quaint towns, medieval cities, gothic cathedrals, castles, idyllic farmlands and cool coastal resorts. Famous for its chocolates, Belgium also offers gourmet food and has over 400 beers to choose from.

Both Dutch and French are spoken in this multicultural country and there is a small German-speaking minority in the eastern part of the country. Dutch is spoken by the Flemish in the Flanders region, known for its flat and coastal landscapes. French is spoken in Wallonia, the region of farms and forests.