Language

The Flemish, in the north, speak Dutch (60 per cent of the population); The Walloons in the south speak French (40 per cent). Brussels is bilingual; the majority of citizens speaking French. In the east there is a small German-speaking community. English is also spoken.

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Money

The euro (EUR) divided into 100 cents. Most credit cards are accepted (Visa, American Express, Diners Club and Eurocard) as are travellers cheques (though it is best to carry them in Euros, US dollars or Pounds Sterling to avoid additional charges when exchanging). ATMs are available in all major cities. Banks are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Some banks close for an hour during lunch. There are, however, some foreign exchange offices that trade on Sundays.

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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 and 3G networks. Public phones take coins or phone cards. Internet cafes are widely available.

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Tipping

Service charges are included in bills and tipping is not necessary, unless for exceptional service. Porters, coatroom and bathroom attendants are generally tipped.

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Safety

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.

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Health

No vaccinations are required. Medical facilities and care in Belgium are 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.

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Electricity

220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs can be used.

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Contributors to this guide: Word Travels, World Airport Guide, Cheapflights

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