TELEPHONE NUMBERS : EMERGENCY

Police : 101
Ambulance, firemen: 100.
European Emergency call: 112
Doctors (24h/day) : +32(0)2. 479.18.18
Anti-poisons Centre : +32(0)70.245.245
Red Cross: 105
Information service:
National: 1307 and 1234 (automatic)
International: 1304

MOBILE PHONE

There are 3 main mobile phone networks in Belgium, all of them accessible with monthly subscription or pay-as-you-go systems.

Proximus [http://www.proximus.be], leader on the market and joint branch of the Belgian phone company Belgacom, and Vodafone. It offers several solutions: from proxitime (small usage) to proxipro (intensive usage) and Pay&go cards.

Mobistar [http://www.mobistar.be], linked to the Orange group. It offers monthly subscription solutions and pre-paid cards (Tempo).

Base [http://www.base.be] offers simple fares and does not make any difference between subscribers (Postpaid) and card users (Prepaid).

TELEPHONES

The main international operators have free call-in numbers in Belgium. International calling is possible from most of the Belgian street phone booths.
The telephone code for Belgium is 0032.

CREDIT CARDS

Credit cards are accepted in numerous stores, boutiques, restaurants, car hire firms, etc.
In case of loss or theft:
contact the emergency service, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
General number: Tel 0032(0)70 344 344

ELECTRICITY

Current is A.C. 220 volts 50 cycles

POSTAL SERVICE

Opening Hours : 9 AM to 12 AM and 2 PM to 5 PM

BANK SERVICE

Opening Hours : Monday to Friday 9 AM to 3 PM (some close for an hour at lunch time)

TIPS, VAT, TAXES

In Belgium prices are quoted "all inclusive". No additional tipping necessary. If you like the service, you can leave tip.

CURRENCY

Since 1 January 2002 the official currency is the EURO (€). In case you should come across prices that are still indicated in Belgian Francs, the conversion rate is : 1 Euro = 40.3399 BEF.

LUGGAGE LOCKERS

These lockers are available in most train stations. If you wish to leave your luggage for more than a few days, it is advisable to do so at a baggage check room in a railway station.