Belgium Business Travel Guide

Belgium Flag

The Belgium Business Travel Guide is a source of business travel related resources for business travellers. The resources and tools include Belgium facts, business culture tips and visa information and more. For a business traveller a good understanding and appreciation of other cultures, languages and customs can be of great use and give them a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.

Belgium has an advanced and developed economy with a number of business opportunities. Located in north western Europe, Belgium shares borders with France, Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. Major trading partners include EU neighbours Germany, France, Netherlands and the UK. Belgium is a multicultural, multiracial country and home to a number of ethic groups. The capital Brussels is home to both the European Union (EU) and North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

The landscape in Belgium includes rolling hills and farmland. Famous attractions include The Grand Palace, Royal Art & History Museum, Manneken Pis and Atomium in Brussels, the historic centre of Bruges, St Bravo's Cathedral and Antwerp Zoo.


Belgium Guide

Quick Facts on Belgium
Belgium Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Belgium Map
Belgium Weather & Climate



Quick Facts on Belgium

Country: Belgium

Capital: Brussels

Currency: Euro (1 Euro = 100 cents)

Population: 10.8 Million (UN, 2012)

Area total: 30,158 sq km

Languages: French, German, Dutch (Flemish)

Time Zone: GMT (+1)

Daylight Saving Details: Starts in late March until late October

Electricity: 230V 50Hz

Dialling Code: 32

GDP: USD 508.1 billion (World Bank, 2013)

Religion: Predominately Christian (Catholic)

Political System: Constitutional monarchy

Internet Domain: .be


Belgium Travel Advice

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice for travellers to Belgium. You can find entry requirements for Belgium, advice on local laws and customs, tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Belgium. The information is usually current, making it a useful resource to check for both business and leisure travellers. For more information please see: Belgium Travel Advice


Visa Requirements

No visa requirement for national of EU member states. No visa need for US and Canadian nationals for visits less than six months. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Belgium Embassy UK


Business Customs and Etiquette

The business dress is conservative with dark coloured suits worn. Business meetings are formal and people are expected to dress conservatively, smart and be punctual. Business cards are exchanged at meetings. When first being introduced at business meetings greetings are done with a handshake. Protocol and rules are important and are followed which can mean a level of bureaucracy. Subtlety is preferred in meetings to confrontation which is frowned upon.

Business colleagues should be addressed with their surnames whilst respecting any professional or academic qualifications. For language it is best to check beforehand whether French/Dutch or Flemish is used; if there is any ambiguity it is best to use English. Business meetings may be held over lunch or dinner at a restaurant. Business practices are similar to those practised in Western Europe and North America.


Travel Advice and Tips

Belgium is a relatively fairly safe country but beware of pick pockets especially in crowded places. The vast majority of visits to Belgium for both business visitors and tourist are incident free. Always ensure your valuables are not on show in public and always remain alert of your surroundings and environment.

Travel Checklist: See our Travel Checklist & Tips containing useful some tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.

Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP for the latest advice on whether you require any travel vaccinations up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.


Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%

Hours of Business:

For Business: 08.30 to 18.00 Mon to Fri; For Retail: 08.30 to 18.00

NOTE: Most shops closed on Sundays. May be late opening until 8 0r 9 pm on Friday evenings in cities.


Public Holidays

Public Holidays (2015):

January 1: New Year's Day
April 6: Easter Monday
May 1: Labour Day
May 14: Ascension
May 25: Whit Monday
July 11: Flemish Community Holiday
July 21: National Day
August 15: Assumption Day
September 27: French Community Holiday
November 1: All Saint's Day
November 11: Armistice Day
November 15: German Community Holiday
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day


Belgium Map

Map of Brussels, Belgium


View Larger Map


Belgium Weather & Climate

Belgium's location in means it has a temperate maritime climate that is influenced by both the Atlantic Ocean and the North Sea. There are moderate winters and cool summers; the climate is similar to the south of England and is best visited in both the spring ad summer with warmer weather and longer days. The compact nature of Belgium means there s little variation in the weather across the various regions in the country.

The country is mainly flat and is subject to windy conditions with evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year; although it is drier in the April to September period. Snowfall can occur in the winter especially in the cooler eastern regions

Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn in the summer, whilst the regular rain means rain coats and waterproofs are advisable throughout the year. Additional layers and warmer clothing is required in the winter including overcoat, hat, scarf and gloves.









AddThis Social Bookmark Button




Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.

Copyright © 2024 Essential Travel Guide Ltd. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced in any form or by any means without our written permission.