About the size of the states of Massachusetts and Rhode Island combined, Belgium is the perfect size for day-trips by car. Explore French-speaking Wallonnia and Flemish-speaking Flanders. Splendid cuisine, architectural treasures, and excellent shopping await you. Both literally and symbolically, Belgium is at the heart of a united Europe: it provides easy access to major attractions in neighboring countries, and is also the administrative center of the European Community.
For more information on Belgium, visit the Belgium Tourist Office website at http://www.visitbelgium.com/.
To contact Auto Europe from Belgium, dial 00-800-223-5555-5.

Entry Requirements
U.S. citizens do not require a visa to enter Belgium for visits of less than 90 days. Belgian law requires that official identification be carried at all times, to be displayed upon request to any police official. Foreigners may show their passport instead. Pets are allowed to enter the country as long as they have a valid rabies vaccination certificate that was issued least 30 days but less than one year prior to the date of entry.

Local Time
Belgium is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada.

Languages
Dutch, French and German are the national languages, but English is widely spoken in Brussels and the north. If you want to use your French, limit it to Brussels and the Walloon south.

Electricity
220 V. The Continental two-round-pin plug is standard.

Tourist Information
Belgium Tourist Office
US & Canadian Headquarters
220 East 42nd Street
Suite 3402
New York, NY 10017
Phone: 212-758-8130
Fax: 212-355-7675
URL:http://www.visitbelgium.com
Belgian Tourist Office
Rue du Marchee aux Herbes
Grasmarkt 63
Phone (+32) 02-504-03-90
Fax (+32) 02-513-69-50 or 513-88-03
Dial 02 (long-distance access code 0 plus Brussels city code 2) only if calling from outside the city.

Customs
Travelers are not required to pay duty on an appropriate amount of items for their personal use during their visit. In addition, the following duty-free allowances apply: 1 liter of liquor or 2 liters of wine, and 250 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250 grams of tobacco.

Currency Exchange
Banks, which tend to offer the best exchange rates, are open from 9 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m. weekdays, with some closing for an hour at lunchtime. Exchange counters are open in tourist areas until 7 p.m.

Tipping
A service charge is included in hotel and restaurant bills and taxi fares. Tip for exceptional service only. Other suggested tip for portage is €1 per piece; for coatroom attendants Eur €1.25-2.50 per coat; for bathroom attendants Eur €.25-.50

Business Hours
Museums: Typical hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. six days a week, Monday or Tuesday being common closing days. Restaurants: Belgians usually have lunch between 1 and 3 p.m. and dinner, their main meal, between 7 and 10, with peak traffic around 9. Shopping: Department stores are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Some stores close from noon to 2 p.m., but stay open until 8 p.m. to compensate. In many towns, stores stay open until 9 p.m. one evening a week, usually Fridays.

Value Added Tax
21%

United States Embassy in Belgium
Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Regent
B-1000 Brussels
Phone (+32) 02-508-2111
Fax (+32) 02-511-2725
Dial 02 (long-distance access code 0 plus Brussels city code 2) only if calling from outside the city.