Visit Belgium in complete relaxation
Belgium, located in the heart of Western Europe, bordering France, the Netherlands, and Germany, warmly welcomes all who wish to discover it. Below are some useful travel tips to help you prepare for your visit.
Administrative formalities and languages spoken
European citizens must have a valid identity document (identity card or passport) to enter Belgian territory. For other countries, unless otherwise agreed, a visa must be requested from the Belgian embassy or one of its consulates located in the applicant’s country of residence. Belgium has three official languages: French, Dutch, and German. French is spoken in the south of the country, Wallonia, Dutch in the north, Flanders, and German in the far east. The capital, Brussels, is shared between French speakers, who are the majority, and Dutch speakers, who are the minority. Upon arrival at the airport, you will have no trouble being understood in English, whether at the currency exchange office or the car rental agency.
Climate of Belgium
Although Belgium is small in size (30,500 km²), there can be a noticeable difference in weather between the regions, especially in winter. The Ardennes can be considered to have a mainly semi-continental climate, while the rest of the territory enjoys a more oceanic climate. While the Belgian coast rarely sees a 10 cm snow cover, it is quite exceptional for the Ardennes to go a year without seeing a flake. Winters can be harsh, with temperatures occasionally dropping below -10 °C, while summers can be scorching, with the mercury rising above 30 °C. Generally, average temperatures range between 20 and 25 °C during the warm season and between 0 and 6 °C in winter.
Last travel tips to avoid unpleasant surprises…
The currency of Belgium has been the euro since 2002, the year it replaced the Belgian franc. While speed limits are similar to those in France, remember that the maximum speed allowed on highways is 120 km/h. So don’t press the pedal too hard on your rental car, or you might receive a small fine, which is never pleasant! Our last travel tip is this: don’t hesitate to trust people who offer their help if you’re looking for directions. Belgians are not the type to send you in the opposite direction, and don’t be surprised if they offer to accompany you to your destination if it’s not too far, of course.
