|
|
We represent the
major car hire companies like:
Avis
Car Hire, Hertz Car Rental, Europcar Car Hire, Alamo Car Rental,
Budget Car Hire,
Dollar Car Rental, Thrifty Car Rental, and Sixt Car Rental
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For
complicated
itineraries,
personalised
service
or any
questions
- click
here
|
Belgium Country Information
It may be a 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 look-see 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.
Basic Information:
Time: GMT +1 (GMT
+2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October).
Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs with
receptacle and male grounding pin 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,
the majority of citizens speaking French. In the east there is
a small German-speaking community. English is also spoken.
Travel
Health: Reports have been confirmed of human cases of Swine
Flu in Belgium. No vaccinations are required for travel to Belgium.
Medical facilities and care in Belgium is 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.
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
Information: 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.
Local
Customs: Belgium law requires everyone to carry some form
of official identification at all times.
Communications: The international access code for Belgium is +32.
The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). City codes are required for all calls
within Belgium; the area code for Brussels is (0)2. Mobile phones
operate on GSM networks. 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 without
incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars
or 250g tobacco; 1 litre spirits over 22% in alcohol or 2 litres
of dessert wine 22% in alcohol and sparkling wine, and 2 litres
wine; 50g perfume and 250ml eau de toilette; and other goods such
as souvenirs to the value of €175. Prohibited items include
unpreserved meat products.
Climate in
Belgium
Brussels has
a maritime temperate climate, characterised by warm summers and
mild winters. The city has a high average
annual rainfall,
and visitors can expect a downpour any time of year. Temperatures
range from highs of around 80°F (27°C) in summer to 45°F
(7°C) during the middle of winter. Snow is possible, but not
frequent, in winter.
The climate of Brussels
is categorised as maritime temperate, with typically warm summer
weather and mild winters. Summer days
average 80°F (27°C) and in mid-winter temperatures are
around 45°F (7°C). Those who travel to Brussels are advised
to pack an umbrella: the city is very wet, and rain is common all
through the year.
Top of page
Belgium Visa
and Entry information
- Entry
requirements for Americans: US nationals must have a
passport valid for at least three months beyond period of stay.
A visa is
not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry
requirements for UK nationals: UK nationals must possess
a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of up to
three months for passports stating European Union on the front
cover,
British Overseas Territories Citizen, British National (Overseas),
British Citizen or British Subject, with the right of abode
in the UK. Other passport holders require a visa.
- Entry
requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a passport
valid for at least three months beyond period of stay. A
visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry
requirements for Australians: Australian nationals
must have a passport valid for at least three months beyond
period
of stay.
A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry
requirements for South Africans: South African nationals
require a passport valid for at least three months beyond
intended period of stay. A Schengen visa is required
and should be obtained
before travel.
- Entry
requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals
require a passport valid for at least three months
beyond intended period
of stay. No visa is required for stays of up to three
months.
- Entry
requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals
require a valid passport. No visa is required.
Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen
area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
The Netherlands,
Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden.
All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a
multiple entry option that allows the holder to travel freely
within the
borders of all. Nationals of non-EU countries are recommended
to hold return or onward tickets, sufficient funds and documents
for
their next destination.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short
notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements
with their embassy or consulate.
Belgium Attractions
- Grand
Place (Central Square) -
The Grand Place is the heart of Brussels and has been since the
Middle Ages. One of Europe's more beautiful squares, it lies
in the centre of a confusion of small cobbled streets, and
is surrounded by richly decorated 17th century Baroque Guildhouses,
various Neo-Gothic buildings and museums.
- Mannekin-Pis -
The distinctive statue has been described as the Eiffel Tower
of
Brussels and tourists throng the streets in search of the tiny
urinating urchin. The bronze Mannekin is thought to represent
the 'irreverent spirit' of Brussels, but there are numerous
tales about its beginnings.
- Museum
of Cocoa and Chocolate -
The Chocolate Museum is a fitting tribute to both the history
of the cocoa bean and the Belgian's famed love of chocolate.
The
first chocolatier in the city appeared in the 1600s and today
Belgians eat an average of 9kg a year! Visit on Tuesday to
Friday between 10am and 3pm and you'll to see the master chocolatier
at work and get to taste his handiwork.
Special Events in Belgium
- Belgian
F1 Grand Prix - The Spa-Francorchamps track often makes for one of the
most exciting
races of the season as it has a reputation for rain on race-day.
The track is two hours away from Brussels.
- Europalia
Festival - The first Europalia (from the Roman 'Opalia', meaning 'rich
harvest')
was conceived in Brussels in 1969, and the festival has been
held every two years ever since to showcase the visual and performing
arts of different designated guest countries each year.
- Brussels
Beach -
Not just a beach, but a real seaside resort in the heart of
Brussels on the edge of the canal, Brussels Beach, or Bruxelles
Les Bains,
offers half a mile (1km) of fine sand, coconut palms and waterfalls,
and plenty of sport, relaxation and cultural activities.
Top
of page
Airports in Belgium
Brussels International Airport (BRU)
- Location: The airport is located eight miles
(13km) northeast of the city centre.
- Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from March to October).
- Contacts: Tel: +32 (0)2 753 7753.
- Getting
to the city: The train station is located on the lower level (1st Floor).
There is a train shuttle service from the
airport to the North, South and Central stations of Brussels.
The shuttle
runs every 15-20 minutes and the journey takes approximately
20 minutes. It operates between 5.30am and 12.20am from the airport
and costs €2.60. A bus station is below the Arrivals hall.
The #12 bus on weekdays before 8pm and the #21 at all other times
takes passengers to the European Quarter of the city and costs €3.
There are also buses that serve Brussels Airport to Antwerp;. An
airport bus link also operates between the Brussels railway lines
and the airport (Tel. +32 70 22 02 00). There are licensed metered
taxis available outside the Arrivals hall; the 30-minute journey
to Brussels costs around €35 (Tel: +32 2 752 98 00).
- Car
rental: Major car hire companies are represented at the
airport, including Avis, Budget and Hertz; their desks are in
the Arrivals
hall.
- Airport
Taxis: From Brussels International Airport metered
taxis available outside the arrivals hall. The drive takes
30-minute
journey to Brussels city centre and costs around US$44. Licensed
Taxis are recommended and can be recognized by a blue and
yellow sign.
- Facilities: Airport facilities include ATMs and bureau de
change, a post office, duty-free shops, cafes/restaurants,
a beauty
shop, a Communications Centre with Internet access, religious
services,
train information and reservation, travel agency, and luggage
lockers. There is also a mobile phone rental office and
Wireless LAN hotspot
service.
- Parking: Both long- and short-term parking are available
24 hours. NV Interparking SA operates parking facilities
for more
than
9,000 vehicles next to the terminal. Car Hotel provides
long-term parking
facilities close to the E19, and a free shuttle service
to the passenger terminal every 10 minutes.
- Departure
tax: None.
Antwerpen International Airport (ANR)
- Location: The airport is located one mile (2km)
east of Antwerp.
- Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from March to October).
- Contacts: Tel: +32 (0)3 285 6500.
- Getting
to the city: Bus 14 leaves for Antwerp Central Station
regularly. Taxis are available outside arrivals.
- Car
rental: Avis and Hertz operate from the airport.
- Facilities: Airport facilities include a bank, restaurant,
duty-free and a business centre.
- Departure
tax: None.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
- Location: Brussels South Charleroi Airport is 28.5 miles (46km) from
the city.
- Time: GMT +1 (GMT +2 from March to October).
- Contacts: +32 71 251 211
- Getting
to the city: There is access to Brussels from Charleroi Brussels
South airport by car, train or shuttle coach.
The highway network connects the airport to northern France
and
the Netherlands.
- Car
rental: Rental companies include Avis, Europcar and Hertz.
- Airport
Taxis: Taxis are always available outside the passenger terminal
and may offer a fixed price to certain
destinations.
The pick-up charge is €2.40 during the day and €4.20 at night.
After this, it is between €1.20 and €2.40
per kilometre. The city is about a half hour drive
from the airport.
- Facilities: There is a tourist help desk in the arrivals terminal. Other
facilities include shops, bars and
restaurants, first aid
and baby/parent rooms, travel agent and Internet
stands, a VIP lounge and a well equipped business
centre. There
is a bank, a
bureaux de change and several ATMs. Facilities
for the disabled are also good.
- Parking: Long-term and short-term parking are available at the airport.
- Departure
tax: €3.49
Top of page
Driving
Information
Drinking and driving:
Maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream is
0.049 per cent. If the level of alcohol in the bloodstream is between 0.05
and 0.08
per cent you will be banned from driving for three hours an issued an on the
spot
fine . If you refuse to pay the fine the public prosecutor will
prosecute
and impose a fine up to €2,750, 0.08 per cent or more an on the spot fine
of up to €
550 and a ban from driving for at least six hours; if prosecution (more than
0.15
per cent) fine up to €11,000 and a licence suspension up to five years.
Driving licence:
Minimum age at which a UK driving licence holder may drive
temporarily imported car and / or motorcycle 18.
Fines:
On-the-spot. The officer collecting the fine must issue an official
receipt
showing the amount of the fine. Motorists can refuse to pay an
on-the-spot fine; a
foreign motorist refusing to do so may be invited to make a consignation
(deposit)
and if he does not his vehicle will be impounded, by the police
and permanently
confiscated if the deposit is not paid within 96 hours. Fines
can be paid for in cash euros
or debit / credit card.
Fuel:
Unleaded petrol (95 and 98 octane), diesel and LPG available. No
leaded
petrol (anti-wear additive available). Petrol in a can is permitted,
but forbidden
aboard ferries and Eurotunnel. Credit cards are accepted at filling
stations; check
with your card issuer for usage in Belgium before travel.
Driving
Distances:
Antwerp to Brussels - 55kms (45 minutes)
Please click here http://www.viamichelin.com/ for
more driving distances
Lights:
Dipped headlights should be used in poor daytime visibility.
Motorcycles:
Use of dipped headlights during the day compulsory. The wearing
of
crash helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger.
Motor Insurance:
Third-party compulsory. The police can impound an un-insured
vehicle.
Passengers / Children in cars:
Children under 18 and less than 1.35m must use a
suitable child-restraint system whether seated in the front or rear
seat of a vehicle.
Exception: When two child restraint systems are being used on the
rear seats and
there isn’t adequate room to place a third child restraint
system, then the third child
may travel on the back seat protected by the adult seat belt. A child
under three
can not be transported in a vehicle without a child seat/restraint.
It is prohibited to use a rear facing child seat on a front seat
with a frontal airbag unless it is
deactivated.
Seat belts:
Compulsory for front / rear seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
Speed limits:
Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private
vehicles with or without trailers. In built-up areas up to 31 mph (50
km/h), outside
built-up areas 55 mph (90 km/h) and on motorways and dual carriageways
separated by a central reservation 74 mph (120 km/h). The minimum speed on motorways 43 mph (70km/h).
A limit of 30 km/h may be indicated at the entrance to a built up area.
Vehicles with spiked tyres must not exceed 60 km/h on normal roads
and 90 km/h
on motorways / dual carriageways.
Compulsory equipment:
-
Reflective jacket - Drivers stranded on a Belgian motorway or
on a major
road (usually four-lane roads, called 'route pour automobiles'
- sign E17),
stopping on places where parking is not allowed, must wear a
reflective safety
jacket as soon as they leave their vehicle. Fine for non-compliance €50
is
applicable, but the amount can be much higher from (€55
- €1,375)
if the driver
refuses to pay or in a circumstance where the driver has to go
to court (for
example in the event of an accident). The jacket is compulsory
for vehicles
registered in Belgium. Whilst a foreign registered vehicle will
not be fined for
not carrying a reflective jacket if there is a police check,
he/she could be fined
for not wearing a jacket in case the vehicle breaks down.Warning
triangle - Compulsory for vehicles with more than two wheels.
Other
rules / requirements:
First-aid kit and fire extinguisher recommended as their carriage
is compulsory for Belgian-registered vehicles.
Traffic on a roundabout must give way to traffic coming from the
right, unless
indicated otherwise by road signs.
A new road sign has been introduced banning the use of cruise control
on congested
motorways and can also appear during motorway roadworks.
A white disc bordered in red, bearing the word 'Peage' in black
indicates that drivers
must stop. The Dutch word 'Tol' sometimes replaces 'Peage'.
Any
vehicle standing must have its engine switched off, unless absolutely
necessary.
A car navigation system with maps indicating the location of fixed
speed cameras is
permitted but equipment which actively searches for speed cameras
or interferes
with police equipment is prohibited.
The police can impound a vehicle with an unsafe load.
Spiked tyres are permitted from the 1 November until the 31 March.
Snow
chains are only permitted on snow or ice covered roads. Winter tyres
are permitted
from the 1st October until the 30th April, a lower speed limit needs
to be adhered to
and the maximum design speed for the tyres displayed on a sticker
on the
dashboard.
Top of page
|
