TRAVEL TIPS BELGIUM

SAFETY FIRST

In an emergency dial: 112

International dialing code: +32

British Embassy

Rue d'Arlon 85 Aarlenstraat
1040 Brussels
Tel: (+32) (0) 2287 6211

Cultural etiquette in Belgium is very similar to The Netherlands and Germany but the following advice applies particuarly to Belgians.  Check my safety tips page for general travelling advice when abroad.

• If you bring flowers be sure to they are given in an odd number, but not 13.  Also older Belgians prefer flowers to be unwrapped.
• Do not give white chrysanthemums as they signify a death.
• Before sipping your drink at a dinner party, wait for your host to give a toast.
• Never leave any food on your plate, it is considered wasteful and bad manners.
• If you praise your host's cooking abilities, they will see it as a sincere compliment and you will most probably be asked to dinner again.
• Always wait for a woman to be seated first if you are a man.
• Subtlety is preferred by Belgians over directness.  Its shows intelligence and tact.

Tipping is included in the final bill, but if the service was excellent, then a 5-10% gratuity will be appreciated.

BELGIAN CLIMATE

The Belgian climate is moderate, with mild winters and warm summers.  There are spells of rain throughout the year and it can be rather humid and cloudy.

COST OF LIVING IN BELGIUM

The Belgian economy is internationally focussed and is securely established in the EU.  There is a fixed minimum wage.  Belgium's education system is highly cultivated and the people here are multi-lingual. As a result of this the standard of living is high.  The following grocery list is taken from a Belgian Aldi Supermarket which you can find in many countries around Europe.

200g Grated cheese - €1.19
10 x 20cl Fresh orange juice - €1.55
6 Free range eggs - €1.09
200g Brie - €0.99
200g Olives - €1.69
Bottle of wine - €2.99
1kg Frozen fish - €3.99
1kg fresh mussels - €4.99