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 Guide
Quick Facts on Belgium
Belgium Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Belgium Map
Belgium Weather
Quick Facts on Belgium
Country: Belgium
Capital: Brussels
Currency: Euro
Population: 10.5 Million
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 465bn (2010)
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 Visa Requirements
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. 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.
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 (2012):
January 1: New Year's Day
April 9: Easter Monday
May 1: Labour Day
May 17: Ascension
May 28: Whit Monday
July 11: Flemish Holiday
July 21: National Day
August 15: Assumption Day
November 1: All Saint's Day
November 11: Armistice Day
December 25: Christmas Day
December 26: Boxing Day
Belgium Map
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Belgium Weather
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.
