expatica survival guide belgium

YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO LIVING IN BELGIUMFOR MORE INFORMATION PLUS DAILY BELGIAN NEWS IN ENGLISH VISIT

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WWW.EXPATICA.COM | BELGIUM EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE 3

Welcome to Belgium! If you have just moved here, it’s likely you are feeling somewhat overwhelmed. Apart from a new culture and language to cope with, you will have to sort out a host of practical things within the first few weeks: somewhere to live, your finances, permits and papers, and maybe a school for your children and a job for your partner.

The Expat Survival Guide will give you a starting point as the basic information you need, and direct you to the people, companies, organisations and institutions that can help you.

This guide is published by Expatica Communications, a leading media organisation serving the international community in Europe. Check out www.expatica.com to access daily news, features, and resources such as housing and job searches, free classifieds, A-Z listings, and an online community.

We wish you a wonderful stay in Belgium!

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 - 6

RELOCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 - 12Your first few days; Relocation and moving service providers; Residence permits; Social security system; Marriage, partnerships and divorce.

HOUSING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 - 19The housing market; Renting a home; Buying ahome; Accommodation agencies; Where to live.

FINANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 - 26Banking; Taxation; Insurance.

EDUCATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 - 36Education system; How to choose a school; School listings; Higher education.

JOBS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 - 38How to find a job; Recruitment agencies.

HEALTH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 - 43Healthcare system; Hospitals; Fitness clubs.

SHOPPING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 - 45Shopping guide; Food from home.

OUT AND ABOUT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 - 50Bars; Cinemas; Weekends away.

SETTLING IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 - 55Utilities and telephoning; Television and internet;Libraries and post offices; Embassies.

TRANSPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 - 58Public transport; Driving and parking.

LISTINGS AND INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 - 63Expat groups and clubs; Religious services, Phone book decoder; Emergency numbers; Advertisers’ index.

Published November 2011© Expatica Communications BV Gedempte Oude Gracht 31 - 2011 GL Haarlem - [email protected] - www.expatica.com

Editor: Paul Morris, Audrey SykesAdvertising sales: Barbara Rogoski, [email protected] coordination: Stephanie MazierPublisher: Mark WellingLayout & design: Benjamin LangmanMarketing & communications: Matt Shaw

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to Expatica Communications BV, Gedempte Oude Gracht 31, 2011 GL Haarlem, The Netherlands.

Expatica makes great effort to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this guide. However, we will not be responsible for errors, omissions or any damages, however caused, which results from its use, and make no warranty of claims as to the quality or competence of businesses or professionals mentioned. Users are advised to take care when selecting professional services and to use common sense when adjusting to new life in a new country.

IntroductionIt is flat and boring, overcrowded, always rainsand is torn apart by the language conflict .

These are just some of the usual misconceptions about Belgium, the tiny country founded in 1830, and as home to the European Union the self-proclaimed capital of Europe.

While the north may be very flat the land in the south is not, with the wild Hautes Fagnes region rising 694 metres above sea level.

Belgium is not as densely populated as, say, the Netherlands, its average rainfall is less than the UK, and it has evolved a system of checks and balances to ensure each of the language groups have a say in government.

And when it comes to naming ten famous Belgians, there have actually been quite a few, including Adolphe Sax, the Dinant-born musical instrument maker, and Hergé, creator of Tintin.And still going strong is Toots Thielemans, a world famous jazz musician.

Despite all this, there is no getting away from the fact that Belgium still labours under something of a negative image. Even so, for no less than 500 years, it has welcomed expatriates, many of whom have been happily settled, and in recent times often working for multinational companies or institutions, such as the EU or NATO.

Despite its `bad´ press, the unmistakable fact is that Belgium consistently scores well in all the main indicators of good living.

The country also scores highly on quality of life, being ranked 5th in a 2010 league table of world capitals by Mercer Human Resource Consulting (ahead of cities like Stockholm and Toronto).

For those coming to Belgium for a limited period, there is no shortage of places to live, with furnished apartments, or so-called ‘aparthotels’, probably the best option for families with children.

There is a wide choice of rented and owner-occupied housing, both within the city’s 19 communes and in the suburbs, ranging from studio apartments to villas. The best Brussels addresses include Ixelles, convenient to the city centre and its many schools, and Uccle, traditionally one of the favourite addresses for expats over the years.

Further afield is an equally wide choice of property in more rural residential areas. But be warned: if you thought Brussels was still a cheap property option, think again. While it still may lag behind other European capitals such as London and Paris, in terms of property prices it is catching up fast.

People coming to work in Belgium for the first time would do well to heed another word of warning: the country’s employment legislation can be a complicated affair, not least because one of Belgium’s three official languages (French, Dutch and German) must be used in all employer-employee relations.

On the plus side, easily one of the best things about Belgium is its medical services, known to be among the most modern in the world. Some 40,000 doctors serve the needs of just over 10 million inhabitants, and there are almost 400 hospitals with 80,000 beds (www.health.fgov.be).

Expats with young families will be reassured to know that the country also has one of Europe’s most extensive childcare networks, with over 50 percent of all young children attending organised day-care.

4 BELGIUM EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM

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One very useful group to know is the Brussels Childbirth Trust (02 215 3377) which organizes meeting groups aimed at parents with babies and/or pre-school children.

The Belgian educational system generally offers parents a huge choice, including a range of international and language schools. Check our Education channel on expatica.com for a comprehensive guide to schooling.

Belgium is unlikely to disappoint on the cultural and entertainment front. Whatever your taste, there is something on offer here and usually in the original English language, from impressive museums to a lively theatre scene. But, of course, Belgium is particularly well known for two things: beer and food. Brussels, and all major cities and towns have bars of all types, from trendy lounges to old Flemish hostelries serving a bewildering array of beers.

When it comes to eating establishments, the country is rightly proud of the choice and quality of its restaurants; with Brussels claiming to have more Michelin-starred restaurants than Paris.

The city also claims to be the greenest capital inEurope and, certainly, Brussels is one of the few capitals where you can go for a walk through the forest on your lunch break.

The country – and Brussels in particular – can also rightly boast a good public transport system with a smooth-running integrated network of busses, metros and trams.

It is also an ideal base for anyone who likes to be on the move, with Amsterdam, London and Paris all within a couple of hours’ travel from Brussels.

When it comes to moving on from Belgium, the country’s notorious bureaucracy comes into its own, but a service offered by the Belgian post office called DoMyMove (details at www.domymove.be) makes the job a lot easier.

But for all its shortcomings, Belgium is a magical mixture and a country that grows on you, albeit slowly. Gradually, you discover where the best restaurants are, which towns have the best schools, and where the most beautiful buildings and parks are. Some of these places can be devilishly hard to find, but if you make the effort your rewards will be just heavenly.

Belgium Editor, Expatica

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Survival checklist If you’ve just landed in Belgium it’s tempting to start exploring, but there are some essential tasks to get through first .

DECIDE WHERE TO LIVE Deciding where to live is one of your most important decisions and will dictate the sort of lifestyle you lead.

(pages 17 - 19)

NOTIFY THE COMMUNEOne of your first tasks will be to register with your local commune. If you start your new life in temporary accommodation you may use that address; but you must notify the commune of any subsequent change, and re-register completely if you move to a different commune.

(page 10)

CONTACT UTILITY COMPANIESWhen you are ready to move into your permanent home, you must contact the utility companies to either connect you or put the bills in your name.

(page 52)

OPEN A BANK ACCOUNTOne of the first things you’ll need when you arrive is a bank account. Getting one is a fairly straightforward procedure which requires an ID card or passport and proof of address. Most banks offer special expatriate services.

(page 22)

FIND A SCHOOLYou have likely thought about schools long before arriving. If not, you should make appointments to visit schools to decide which is the best option. The same holds for childcare facilities.

(pages 27 - 34)

FIND OUT ABOUT MEDICAL CAREUnlike in other European countries, you need not necessarily register with a local doctor or dentist; the system allows you to visit any you choose. However, it is worthwhile to know what is available in your area, where the nearest hospital is, and to learn the relevant emergency numbers.

(pages 39 - 41)

FIND A JOBIf you have just arrived in Belgium, and you have your social security card, you can start the search for a job. Start reading the papers, scouring the internet, and registering with suitable employment agencies.

(pages 37 - 38)

GET AROUNDBelgium has a good public transport system, but it pays to familiarise yourself with the various ticketing options.

(pages 56 - 57)

MEET PEOPLEDiscover the bars and restaurants in your neighbourhood, or join one of the hundreds of expat clubs in all major centres. You can finally start to enjoy your new life in Belgium.

(pages 46 - 47 and 60 - 61)

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Relocation companies can take the hassle out of moving country

RELOCATION COMPANIESArt of Living | 02 653 0037avenue Ernest Solvay 59 - 1310 La Hulpewww.artofliving.be

Caroline Driessen | 0474 27 0966avenue Victor Rousseau 33 - 1190 Brusselswww.carolinedriesen.com

G.M.C. sprl | 0476 28 7966Rue de Nivelles 143 - 1440 Braine-Le-Châteauwww.gmc-relocation.com

MAP Relocations | 02 658 8080Brusselsesteenweg 321 - 3090 Overijsewww.map-relocations.com

am&pm | 016 58 9490Naamsesteenweg 25 - 3000 Leuvenwww.am-pm.be

ABC Relocation | 02 767 2996Sterrebeeklaan 81 - 3080 Tervurenwww.abcrelocation.com

Interdean | 02 757 9285Jan Baptist Vinkstraat 9 - 3070 Kortenbergwww.interdean.com

NOVA Relocation | 02 785 0985Bosdellestraat 120 Box 1 - 1933 Sterrebeekwww.nova-relo.com

World Wide Relocation Services | 03 360 5500Belcrownlaan 23 - 2100 Deurne www.worldwiderelocationonline.com

Brussels Relocation | 02 353 2101Clos du Vieux Moulin 34 - 1410 WaterlooStorage Services | 0800 91 100www.brussels-relocation.com

FRS – Foreign Relocation Service | 02 253 2005Av Herrmann Debroux 15B - 1160 Brusselswww.frs-relocation.com

Brussels Relocation Center | 03 605 0650Louis Kieboomsstraat 2/42 - 2610 Wilrijkwww.brc-relocation.com

Ilonka Slechte | 03 385 4672EZ-Relocation Antwerp areawww.auroravastgoed.bewww.ez-relocation.com

MOVING COMPANIESZiegler Moving Division | 02 422 2299rue Dieudonné Lefèvre 160 - 1020 Brusselswww.ziegler.be

Capital Worldwide | 02 535 7430Avenue Louise 149/24 - 1050 Brusselswww.capital-worldwide.com

Gosselin World Wide Moving NV | 03 360 5500Belcrownlaan 23 - 2100 Antwerpwww.moving.gosselingroup.eu

Property Hunter | 02 344 6147Rue Alphonse Renard 1 - 1050 Bruxelleswww.propertyhunter.be

STORAGE SERVICESShurgard Benelux | 03 640 0110Oude Bareellei 9-11 - 2170 Merksemwww.shurgard.be

Relocation service providers

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Full_Page_Belgium_Sept_11.eps 20/09/2011 15:29:21

Here is a list of the major town halls in the communal districts of Brussels . For others see the front section of the Yellow Pages .

Anderlecht . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 558 0800Auderghem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 676 4811Brussels City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 279 2211Etterbeek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 627 2111Forest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 370 2211Hoeilaart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 658 2840Ixelles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 515 6111Kraainem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 719 2040Overijse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 687 6040

Rhode-Saint-Genese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 380 2040Rixensart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 634 2121Saint Gilles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 536 0211Saint Josse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 220 2611Schaerbeek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 244 7511Tervuren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 769 2011Uccle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 348 6511Waterloo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 352 9811Watermael-Boitsfort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 674 7411Wezembeek-Oppem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 783 1211Woluwe-Saint-Lambert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 761 2711Woluwe-Saint-Pierre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 773 0511

Residence permitsEUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (EEA)

NATIONALSEEA nationals are those from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Monaco and Switzerland. In theory, within eight days, EEA nationals need to register at the local town hall (maison communale/gemeentehuis). In practice, most arrivals have better things to do in these crucial first few days and stretch this timeline a bit.

The documentation you need also varies depending on the commune, your nationality, and frankly the mood of the official on the day. Take the following as indicative, and check with the commune before you visit.

As an EEA citizen you will need the following documents: a valid passport, up to three passport-sized photos, and proof of means of support, usually in the form of a letter from your employer (attestation patronale/verklaring van de werkgever) or employment contract. Some communes may also require birth or marriage certificates.

NON-EEA NATIONALSNon-EEA nationals must apply for a temporary residence visa to a Belgian embassy or consulate before they arrive. Residence visas are restricted to purposes such as study, work (if a work permit is in hand), and family commitments.

Non-EEA nationals are then obliged to register at the municipality within eight days of arriving in Belgium. In addition to the requirements for EEA nationals, you may also need the following, depending on the commune: up to five passport -sized photos, a medical certificate signed by a doctor recognised by the Belgian Embassy, a certificate of good conduct covering a certain length of time (a criminal history record issued by the police authorities of your last country of residence) legalised marriage license (if relevant), and birth certificates for any children. There is a small fee, which varies from commune to commune, but it is usually no more than EUR 20 (payable in cash). You may well need to speak the language of the commune when you visit: if you don’t, go with someone who does. After the first visit, you will get a receipt but no card.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXTThe municipality contacts the police who visit to check that your name is on the door of the address you gave. If their report checks out, EU citizens get an invitation to collect a temporary three month card. This is renewed for a further three months if proof of employment, or self-employment, and registration with the relevant social security scheme has been or is later produced, and then in due course you get a permanent five-year card (carte de sejour/verblijfskaart). Non-EU citizens eventually get an annually renewable proof of registration for foreigners (Certification d’Inscription dans le Registre des Etrangers/Bewijs van Inschrijving in het Vreemdelingen Register).


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Social security Joining the Belgian Social Security system is bureaucratic, but not difficult .

If you are self-employed you will start by paying a minimum quarterly contribution which increases at the same rate as your income. It’s important to know that contributions are calculated on what you earned three years previously. You will need to sign up with one of a number of specialised organisations or a health insurance company (mutuelle/mutualiteits) who act as collection agencies for the national social security offices. Once registered, they will send you a Social Security Identity Card (SIS) which is needed to get prescription drugs and other medical services.

From January 2008, the law changed to cover the self-employed for petits risques/kleine risico’s. This means you can now claim for doctor appointments, dentists and prescriptions in the same way as the salaried. Naturally, this doesn’t come without financial implications and contributions are increasing from 19.65 percent of income to 22 percent. The increase will be staged over four years.

INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIONThere are EU rules designed to maintain entitlement to national benefits for EU citizens working in other EU countries. For a short stay it is often best to take advantage of these, especially if you plan to return to the home country directly after your current stay. There are specialised offices in each EU country for further advice.

CONTACTS The social security offices are semi-autonomous parts of the Ministry of Social Affairs and are known as parastatal institutions. The salaried should contact ONSS/RSZ, the national social security office, and the self-employed can find more information from RSVZ-INASTI, the national institute for social insurance of the self-employed.

National Office of Social Security - ONSS/RSZ 02 509 3111

Place Victor Horta 111060 Brusselswww.onssrszlss.fgov.be

National Institute of Social Security for the self-employed - INASTI/RSVZ | 02 546 4211Place Jan Jacobs 61000 Brusselshttp://inasti.be

Overseas Social Security Office - DOSZ/OSSOM | 02 642 0511 Avenue Louise 1941050 Brussels www.dosz.be


Marriage and divorce Anyone in Belgium can be married from the age of 18 . Below that age young people must have the consent of their parents and permission from the court .

Civil marriage is obligatory, even if the couple decides to marry in church. This must take place in one of the communes before any church ceremony. It is important to remember that the civil ceremony is the legally binding one. Contact your commune for full details.

To contract a marriage in Belgium, one party must reside in the country. There is no specific period of residence, but several weeks are generally necessary for completion of the required formalities. If neither party has a fixed residence in Belgium, one of them must establish a residence for this purpose. You then need to apply for a Certificate of Residence for Marriage Purposes (Certificat de Domicile/Bewijs van Woonst voor Huwelijksdoeleinden) from the commune.

You will need a raft of papers to fulfil the legal requirements of getting married, including birth certificates, previous wedding certificates, legal divorce papers, and sometimes even a statement from your embassy confirming your civil status. These papers need to be translated into one of the official Belgian languages by an accredited legal translator.

MARRIAGE CONTRACTS It is usual practice for a separate legal marriage contract to be made in Belgium. The contract must be drawn up by a notary before the wedding and the attestation of contract presented at the ceremony. In the absence of any contract, the couple enters into a mariage à regime légal/huwelijk onder wettelijk stelsel. This means that all property held before the marriage is owned individually and any inheritance is held individually, but other monies coming to the couple during the marriage are held in common.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in Belgium since 2004. There are no restrictions regarding nationality and recognition of the marriage in a partner’s home country.

DIVORCEBelgian divorce is obtainable for one of two reasons:

1. By mutual consent. In this case, the process can be finalised within six months. Before the divorce process may begin, the couple must reach an agreement that states how property will be divided and how child custody arrangements will be handled.

2. Because of irretrievable breakdown. The parties must provide evidence of this. The easiest way to obtain a divorce is to prove that the husband and wife have lived separately for 12 months (if only one party seeks a divorce) or six months (if both agree to divorce).

Foreigners living in Belgium, although married abroad, may obtain a divorce under Belgian law. It is also worth checking with your home country to make sure that it recognises Belgian divorce law.

Our information on divorce was supplied by Emmanuel Ruchat, partner at Lexial Law Firm (www.lexial.eu).

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HousingMost expats will rent a home when they first arrive in Belgium . Perhaps they’re on a short contract, need accommodation immediately, or simply don’t want to commit to anything more long-term before settling down .

RENT OR BUY?It is obviously quicker to find somewhere to rent than to go through the formalities of a purchase. Renting is more flexible and gives you time to settle into your new life. Unless you’re lucky, finding a suitable home to buy can take years.

However, be aware if you rent that early termination of a short-term contract incurs a penalty. A standard nine-year contract is actually more flexible. The Belgian system can be rigged in favour of the landlord if you don’t watch out. And it can be irritating to throw away money each month when it could be going toward a mortgage as a future investment. The difference between rent and mortgage costs is not so great in Belgium. Still, up-front payments on property or land purchase are high. There is a purchase tax on homes (typically 12.5 percent) as well as legal and mortgage fees of around 4.5 percent. So if you’re only staying for the short-term, or are uncertain about the future of your job, renting is the best idea.

Property prices, stable for years, have been rising steadily; despite the downturn in the economy prices rose again in 2010. But compared to Amsterdam, London and Paris, properties in Brussels and Antwerp still look cheap, and you tend to get a lot more for your money. The conclusion? If Belgium will be your home for a while, take the plunge and buy.

HOW TO FIND A HOMEApartments are normally rented unfurnished, sometimes without essentials like fridges and cookers. Furnished flats are available but are either expensive and targeted at upmarket short-stay tenants or shabby and downmarket. Regardless of your needs, there are several ways to find somewhere to live.

Once you see an area you like, take time to walk the streets armed with a notepad and mobile phone. Many properties display a standard orange poster reading ‘A Louer/Te Huur’ (For Rent) or ‘À Vendre/Te Koop’ (For Sale). Estate agents also put up signs.

Also be sure to look at the free weekly paper Vlan (www.vlan.be). The website www.immoweb.be is also excellent, in English, and allows you to search all of Belgium for a place to rent or buy. Also see Expatica’s Housing pages on expatica.com.

Some of the best properties never get advertised. If a particular area appeals to you, ask colleagues and even local shop owners if they know of anything.

Belgium has a large choice of estate agents, but you’ll have to do much of the footwork yourself, particularly if buying. After an initial flurry of activity, you may soon drop off their radar. Rental agencies are happy to drive you around town to visit various properties. Agents’ fees are typically paid by the landlord or seller of the property.

There are pitfalls in setting up home, of course, so check Expatica online Housing articles before you rent or buy, and visit our Ask The Expert section on expatica.com.


RentingOnce you have found the property you want to rent, you need a lease (bail/kontract), an inventory (état des lieux/plaatsbeschrijving), and a security deposit. You’ll need to get the phone, electricity and gas reconnected. Plus, you need to take out an insurance policy for fire and water damages.

THE LEASEBelgium has an odd system of a standard nine-year flexible lease or a less flexible three-year lease. At first sight, the three-year lease seems the more attractive to a newcomer whose time in the country is uncertain, but this is not necessarily the case.

A three-year lease can be for any agreed period up to a maximum of three years. It fixes the rent for the period of the lease and commits the tenant to pay for the entire period of the lease. It can include a diplomatic clause (designed to indemnify the tenant if he wants to break the lease because he is leaving the country), but these have been nullified by the Belgian courts in the past.

So, it is better to opt for a nine-year lease, which can in fact be broken by giving three months’ notice. But if you leave in the first, second or third year you will pay an indemnity of three, two and one month’s rent respectively. From year four there is no penalty for leaving. The monthly rent is fixed for nine years and subject to the normal state-controlled annual indexation. The landlord can only give you notice if they intend to occupy the property personally, need to carry out major work (where “major” has a legal definition), or at the end of year three or year six (for no reason but subject to compensation to the tenant of nine or six months’ rent respectively).

For an apartment, the monthly outgoing may include an element of rent and a fixed amount of service charge. Usually the service charge is just a prepayment (provision pour charges/vooruitbetaling), and there will be an annual assessment of common charges for the property that you will share in. If you want to negotiate a better price, negotiate down the rental not the service charges. If there are things you want the landlord to correct before you move in, either

specify them in the lease contract so legally binding the landlord, or if you can wait don’t sign the lease until they have happened.

THE INVENTORYThe inventory (état des lieux/plaatsbeschrijving) is the source of more misery to tenants than any other legal document. Typically, the landlord’s agent or a designated expert prepares a detailed list of the condition of the property, complete with photographs which the tenant signs. At the end of the lease, the landlord’s agent checks the property against this inventory. Be aware that tenants can be charged for scratches in the bath that were there before they arrived, simply because they didn’t notice the damage when signing the original inventory. It is bad enough to have someone who seems to be less than independent assessing costs against you, and even more irritating that you have to pay 50 percent of his bill. Some agents insist you sign a document agreeing to the fee and to accept his expertise before he starts. Don’t do so. The way to avoid all such problems is simple: refuse to accept the landlord’s agent and select your own agent (expert immobilier/expert) to do the check-in and the check-out. That way both parties get a truly independent and fair assessment.

THE SECURITY DEPOSITYou will be asked to put up a one or two months rent as a security deposit (two months is the legal norm) against tenant-caused damages. The best way to do this is to ask your bank for a guarantee. This is basically a low-cost insurance policy sold to you by the bank which uses your salary as its means of security. Alternatively, you can open a blocked deposit account which needs the signatures of both tenant and landlord for any withdrawal. Never pay the security deposit in cash, it’s against the law.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIESIt is the tenant’s responsibility to insure the property not only for contents but for fire and water damage. You should also arrange to have chimneys cleaned and boilers serviced annually. If the property has a private garden it is the tenant’s responsibility to maintain it (communal garden costs are usually included in the service charge).

• • H O U S I N G • •


BuyingHouse purchase is straightforward, if laboured. In summary, once you have found the property, you sign an agreement to purchase (compromis de vente/verkoopcompromis) almost immediately committing yourself to buy if the seller is in good faith. Then some four months later you sign a final contract (acte authentique/authentieke) once all the legal paperwork and the mortgage has been sorted out. This all happens via a notaire/notaris. There is one notaire for the buyer and one for the seller.

The price of the property agreed upon with the seller and the sum of money you finally hand over are alarmingly different. First, for most properties you pay 12.5 percent registration tax to the state. For downmarket properties with a revenu cadastral/kadastral inkomen below EUR 740, this can be reduced to six percent, but there are not many of those to be had. Buyers in Flanders benefit from a slight reduction in the basic 12.5 percent. There are fixed state-agreed costs for the legal services of a notaire. These charges vary with the property value. So, with the registration fee of 12.5 percent, a mortgage registration fee of 1.1 percent, plus the notary fees, this all adds around 15 percent to the nominal price.

It is worth checking out extra benefits for first-time buyers, which vary depending on the location.

THE ROLE OF THE NOTAIREAs all notaires are obliged to pay the same fees, it is best to select one on recommendation, and preferably one who is conveniently-located and speaks a common language (have a look at www.notaire.be). Find one before you find the house, as they will need to spring into action the moment you do so. The seller’s notaire typically drafts the compromis de vente and sends it to your notaire, who should amend it for any unfavourable clauses. Once the text is agreed, you all visit the offices of the seller’s notaire to sign and hand over a deposit (usually 10 percent). You now have a period agreed in the compromis to find a mortgage; your notaire will do the legal checks, and all going well four months later, you

all meet in the offices of your notaire to sign the acte authentique and hand over the remaining money (usually a cheque from the mortgage lender) in return for the keys.

Strangely, structural surveys are not a legal part of securing a mortgage. It is typically an independent activity for your own peace of mind and should be done before signing the compromis de vente. You will need to show serious hidden defects in order to escape penalty-free once you have signed.

Another oddity is that once you have signed the compromis de vente, you become liable for the property insurance. Even if the property burns down whilst you don’t legally own it, you lose.

MORTGAGESThere is a full set of mortgage options available in Belgium from many sources, including the major banks. Mortgages can be fixed for the term of the loan, variable annually, or reviewed every three or five years with different options on the type of interest payment. Ask your lender for a printed tabular estimate covering the loan period and discuss the options available to you. The loan can include the 15 percent additional costs if your lender agrees. Some lenders will charge you for a mortgage offer that you do not take up: check this in advance and walk away if you find that inappropriate. Offers also have a time limit on them. Single market mortgages are available from, say, Germany, but these can only be obtained via a broker.

Some lenders will try to link the loan to their own property and life insurance. Ensure that you see the costs for this clearly separated and compare with other quotes. Insurance rates in Belgium are high. If you have existing life insurance, there should be no need to duplicate the cover at a higher cost. Lenders are no longer able to insist that you buy insurance from a specific company.

• • H O U S I N G • •

Accommodation servicesThe following agencies (agence immobiliers/makelaar) typically deal in both sales and rentals . Also visit the Immoweb site for a full list of agents in each region, or look in Yellow Pages (www .goldenpages .be) .

NATIONWIDECentury 21 | 02 513 1996www.century21.be

Immoweb | 02 333 2525www.immoweb.be

ANTWERPBelimmo | 03 238 0357www.belimmo.be

Carl Martens | 03 226 8500www.carlmartens.be

Engetrim – Trevi | 03 218 6304www.engetrim.be

Sidimex | 03 203 0202www.sidimex.be

BRUSSELS Eurorent | 02 646 2686www.eurorent.com Eurohouse | 02 672 0555www.eurohouse.be

Brussels Business Flats | 02 539 2614www.bbf.be

Immo Living | 0478 209 552www.immoliving.com

Housing Service | 02 732 9920www.housing-service.be

Macnash Associates | 02 381 0698www.macnash.com

Toby | 02 219 2333www.bureau-toby.com

Trevi | 02 343 2240www.trevi.be

AARTSELAARERA | 0800 20 227www.era.be

OVERIJSEImmo2002 | 02 687 2779www.immo2002.be

HOEILAARTImmo Desco | 02 306 6785www.immo-desco.be

GENTEra Vastgoed Ryckaert | 09 223 1177www.era.be

Nelde | 09 248 0350 www.nelde.be

LIEGEOptimum – Trevi | 04 221 4875www.optimum.be

OFFICESVIPOFFICES | 02 400 0000www.vipoffices.com


• • H O U S I N G • •


Where to live in BelgiumBeyond Brussels there are plenty of cities and communes that make great homes for expatriates . Here are some of the best from across Belgium .

ANTWERPThere is a well-sized population of British and American families living here; plus there is an international school and a good choice of English-speaking clubs and societies. Add to that the fact that the majority of Flemish speakers speak English, and Antwerp becomes an attractive place to settle.

Most families tend to live in the north of the city with its residential flavour and gardened houses. The single expat tends to live in the midst of it all in beautiful, if expensive, apartments.

Up and coming areas include the redeveloped museum area (‘t Zuid) and parts of Berchem with its grand Art Nouveau houses and slightly bohemian feel. The urban set favour apartments in the area known as St Andries, between the river and Nationalestraat.

GENT The most popular places for expats to live in the centre of town are Muinparkwijk, with its affordable houses and gardens, and Coupure, full of old houses and with a delightful river running through its midst.

Many families make the decision to live outside the city limits in the surrounding villages, where they can enjoy a rural lifestyle with space for the kids and easy access to the city.

GENVAL This commune outside the Brussels region is a village in its own right and a French-speaking enclave in the Flemish belt.

The most expensive part to live in is down by the lake with its Geneva-style water spout, water sports facilities and five-star hotel. Genval is just a 20-minute train journey into Brussels Centre, so it is an ideal commuting territory.

• • H O U S I N G • •

LIEGE The centre has a good stock of apartment buildings, and expats tend to gather around a cluster of streets including boulevards Frère Oban and Piercot, Le Mont St-Martin, Botanique and Les Terrasses.

Suburban living includes the university area of Le Sart Tilman and also Cointe and Embourg.

TERVUREN This is real country living at the edge of Brussels, with its great park surrounding the Africa Museum and The British School at its heart.

Houses are expensive but big, with acres of land and a real sense of owning your own patch. You’d need a car to live here, but it’s at the end of one of the world’s most beautiful tram lines. Tervuren is best suited for families, as life here is rather quiet.

WATERLOO Waterloo is popular for its self-containment, meaning there is no need to drive in and out of Brussels whenever you need anything. There is a whole raft of international schools here, a good high street of shops, and clusters of big out-of-town shopping centres.

Waterloo has become particularly popular with Americans and Scandinavians. Housing tends to be big with ample land.

• • H O U S I N G • •



Where to live in BrusselsThe bulk of expatriates living in Brussels tends towards the south and south east of the city . Here are seven of the most popular neighbourhoods .

BRUSSELS CITY If living in the thick of it all is irresistible then downtown is the place for you. In recent years, previously run-down parts of the centre have become a magnet for the young professional, with major renovations and industrial spaces coming up for rent or sale. Much sought after areas are St Géry, Ste Catherine, and the rue Antoine Dansaert area leading up to the canal. The Marolles is becoming increasingly popular with a young, urban set. The Sablon and Louise are fabulously upmarket but that is naturally reflected in price. Up and coming are the streets around the main boulevard leading down to Gare du Midi, with many old properties ripe for development and still at attractive prices.

ETTERBEEKBest known for the area at the top end of the Parc du Cinquantenaire, Etterbeek is filled with attractive streets of early 20th century town houses. It is home to many European institutions and has fantastic public transport facilities. Its relatively cheap housing prices, with good availability of houses and apartments, mostly in conversions, make it particularly attractive.

IXELLES/ELSENEWildly popular with the expatriate community, Ixelles is a massive commune with character and style. It falls into distinct areas: trendy Châtelain with its café culture, the leafy ponds and abbey area leading down to the Bois de la Cambre; buzzy chaussée d’Ixelles which takes in the Matongé, the African quarter, and the cemetery with its late-night bars and student

population. Through it all runs Avenue Louise with its upmarket shops and restaurants. The housing stock tends to be large townhouses and desirable apartment conversions, but you’ll certainly pay for them.

ST-GILLES/ SINT-GILLISSt-Gilles is a favourite among those expats who like to live as locals. From the top end, with its grand Art Nouveau houses, down to the earthy Gare du Midi, St-Gilles is packed with quirky restaurants, shops and a buzzing nightlife. You are most likely to find a bargain place to live here, especially if you buy, as it is one of Brussels’ most dynamic areas with a definite future as both expats and locals become more attracted to its enigmatic character.

UCCLE/UKKELThis is a beautiful and calm commune with huge houses and upmarket apartment blocks. Popular with expat families, it is well located for shops and schools. It is probably Brussels’ most leafy commune with the Forest of Soignes, and housing surrounded by large gardens. The international community here is huge.

WOLUWE-SAINT-PIERRE/

SINT-PIETERS-WOLUWEThis is often the choice of folk working at the European institutions, both for its proximity and its affordable housing. It’s almost self-contained with its massive park, sports centre and public amenities. It’s also on the metro line No. 1, giving easy public transport access.

WOLUWE-SAINT LAMBERT/

SINT-LAMBRECHTS-WOLUWESaint-Pierre’s next-door neighbour shares much the same attractions, including the huge Woluwe Shopping Centre. As it is a step further out from the centre, it begins to get even more suburban and green and is within good striking distance of the airport and major international motorways.

• • H O U S I N G • •

Your moneyCURRENCYBelgium is in the eurozone, sharing a common currency with Austria, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Portugal and The Netherlands.

Of the older EU countries, Sweden, Denmark and the UK remain the outsiders. Most of the newer EU countries plan to adopt the euro when they are ready to do so, but each has its own timetable for convergence. Euros from any of the 12 countries may be used anywhere in the EU.

Coins: 1 cent, 2 cents, 5 cents, 10 cents, 20 cents, 50 cents, 1 EUR, 2 EUR

Notes: 5 EUR, 10 EUR, 20 EUR, 50 EUR, 100 EUR, 200 EUR, 500 EUR

On one side of the coins is a European Union emblem showing a map of the eurozone surrounded by the 12 stars of the European Union. On the other side is a design specific to the country where it was minted. There is talk of abolishing the one and two cent coins to improve the trouser line. All euro notes are the same, regardless of which country they come from, and feature symbols representing co-operation, openness, dynamism and harmony.

PAYING FOR GOODS AND SERVICES Cash Cash dispensers are usually found wherever there is a bank, and they all take the Bancontact/Mister Cash cards issued by local banks, as well as credit cards. Dispenser lobbies within banks are open after hours and are often only for customers of that specific bank, and most don’t issue cash on credit cards. You’ll need to swipe your bank card to get in. There is an irritating lack of machines in central Brussels which means queues at peak times. Machines can often be drained dry on a Saturday night, thereby frustrating Sunday morning customers.

Debit and credit cardsThe most common card in Belgium is the Bancontact/Mister Cash card. It is linked to your current account, and is accepted in department stores, supermarkets, petrol stations, and high street shops. It’s a good idea to have one of these, as there are still many places in Belgium that don’t accept alternatives. A Bancontact/Mister Cash card with a PIN will be issued when you open a Belgian bank account.

Most types of credit card are widely accepted. If you get a Visa or MasterCard from a local bank, the standard option in Belgium is for this to operate like a debit card, with the full balance taken from your account each month. Some of the major banks do offer credit cards (Visa Pinto for example, from KBC bank) but these can be expensive. Diner’s, American Express and other major international credit cards can also be obtained and used in Belgium.

ProtonThe Proton card is actually a chip integrated into your Bancontact/Mister Cash card and is like a rechargeable electronic purse. It is designed to pay for everyday items such as newspapers and sandwiches, as well as paying the butcher and the baker. This is how it works: using your usual four-digit PIN, you load the card at a cash dispenser and then go shopping. The shopkeeper enters the amount to be paid into the Proton terminal, and you put your Proton card into the terminal. When the amount to be paid appears on the screen, you simply press the OK button, and the payment is made. A word of caution: a lost card is like lost cash so don’t overload the card. Recently some larger stores have removed the Proton payment option and have put the very existence of the system in doubt.


• • M O N E Y • •

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• • M O N E Y • •

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• • M O N E Y • •

BankingINTERNET AND PHONE BANKING Most major banks offer both a telephone banking and an internet banking service. Internet banking, based on free proprietary secure software, allows complete account management, and the easy payment of regular and non-standard bills throughout the eurozone. There are reduced fees for standardised euro transfers below a threshold limit if you agree to share fees.

CHEQUECheques, while still available when you open an account, are more or less obsolete and can attract penal banking charges. They are not recommended nor are they encouraged by the banks.

THE TRANSFER SLIPIf you do not bank online the most common means of payment is via a bank transfer (virement/overschrijving). This is an orange and white payment slip found at the bottom of almost all Belgian bills. This has to be filled in, signed, and handed in at your bank or paid via an ATM machine.

DIRECT DEBITThis practice, known as domiciliation/domiciliering, is the most efficient way to pay bills to people you trust (it precludes the problem of forgetting to pay them). Since late payment incurs a small penalty charge added to the next bill, this form of payment is common for utility companies.

STANDING ORDERThis is called ordre permanent/bestendige opdracht and can be set up for regular payments of a fixed amount, like rent or mortgage repayments. You can also use it as a way of saving a fixed amount regularly by automatic transfer from your current account to your savings account.

OPENING A BANK ACCOUNTTo open a current or checking account (compte à vue/zichtrekening), you need either a passport or a Belgian ID Card as proof of identity. Once the account is opened the bank will send you a Bancontact/Mister Cash debit card. A PIN number will be sent to you separately. If you want to open a savings account (compte d’épargne/

spaarrekening), the bank can advise you on the different accounts on offer.

Major Belgian banksMost websites include a branch finder. All the major banks offer their services in French, Dutch and English.

BANKSING | 02 464 6604www.ing.be/expats

KBC | 02 429 5812www.kbc.be/expats

BNP Paribas Fortis | 02 433 4034www.bnpparibasfortis.be

Dexia | 02 222 1201www.dexia.be

INSURANCE COMPANIESEuromut | 02 444 4700Louis Mettewielaan 74/76 - 1080 Brusselswww.euromut.be

Expat & Co | 02 463 0404Langehaagstraat, 72 - 1700 Dilbeekwww.expatinsurance.eu

Bupa | +44 (0)12 73 71 83 24www.bupa_intl.com

Partena | 078 15 0400Coupure Links 103 - 9000 [email protected]

Vivium/Vivium Life | 02 406 3511rue Royale, 153 - 1210 [email protected]

Vanbreda International NV | 03 217 6529Plantin en Moretuslei 299 - 2140 Antwerpenwww.vanbreda-international.bewww.expatplus.com


• • M O N E Y • •It’s a colourful world...

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TaxationExpatriates and Belgian citizens alike suffer from one of the highest taxation rates in the EU. It amounts to – including social security – 57.3 percent for a single earner. This compares to an average 44.5 percent in Europe. An expatriate working in Belgium will typically be liable to Belgian income tax. Additionally, property tax, gift and inheritance tax may be relevant. In most circumstances there are no capital gains taxes or wealth tax for individuals in Belgium, thus pushing the burden firmly onto the employee.

Residents of Belgium pay personal income tax on their total income from all worldwide sources on a sliding scale. The basic exemption for fiscal year 2012 (revenue of 2011) is EUR 6,570 regardless of marital status with further exemptions for dependent children and a spouse. For 2011, marginal income tax starts at 25 percent, rises to 30 percent over EUR 8,070, 40 percent over EUR 11,480, 45 percent over 19,130 EUR with a top limit of 50 percent for incomes above EUR 35,060.

Residents also pay communal and regional taxes at rates between zero to 8.5 percent of the total income tax payable.

Income tax is paid on the taxable base which is determined from salary less compulsory social security contributions (paid either in Belgium or abroad). Professional expenses can be deducted either directly with supporting documentation or more usually on a lump sum basis depending on salary. The 2011 rate for this standard professional deduction is a maximum EUR 3,670.

The Belgian tax year for personal income tax begins on 1 January and ends 31 December. You will typically receive a tax return (declaration/aangifte) during May relating to the previous year’s income. This must normally be returned by the end of June (you will find the exact date on your tax return).

Employers are responsible for withholding tax on a monthly basis – this is known as the Précompte Professionnel/Bedrijfsvoorheffing. Similarly the self-employed or paid company directors have to pay tax monthly in advance via a collecting agency or bank.

OTHER TAXESHome owners pay a local property tax (précompte immobilier/onroerende voor heffing) which is calculated on the deemed rental value attributed by the authorities to the property (revenu cadastral/kadastral inkomen).

The tax paid varies according to the commune and generally lies between 20 percent and 50 percent of the revenue cadastral.

SPECIAL EXPATRIATE STATUS Expatriates who satisfy specific conditions come under a special taxation regime and pay Belgian tax only on connected income with professional duties carried out in Belgium. A foreign executive assigned temporarily to Belgium may so qualify but the conditions are tough. Employment must be by an international group or in a scientific research centre, and must be temporary. Also, the expatriate’s centre of personal and economic interest must not be Belgium.

In determining the latter, the authorities take the following into account: the ownership of real estate, personal property or securities abroad; a life assurance contract written abroad; the inclusion of a diplomatic clause in the Belgian rental agreement for accommodation; continued affiliation to a group pension scheme abroad; renewal of credit cards issued by banks abroad; continued affiliation to a social security scheme abroad; continuing to act as an officer of a foreign company.

If you qualify for the above, there are specific benefits and deductions available.

VATMost goods and services are taxed at 21 percent with a lower rate of six percent applying to necessities such as food and transport, and for the time being to certain home renovations, though this is under close scrutiny.

ContactMinistère des Finances/Ministerie van Financien

02 210 2211www.minfin.fgov.be Information office (from anywhere in Belgium):

02 572 5757Available during office hours from 8.00 to 17.00

Service Public Fédéral Finances/Federale 02 572 5757 (Contact centre)

Overheidsdienst Financiën www.minfin.fgov.be

For tax consultants: Ask the Experts on www.expatica.com

To find your local tax office, please check your annual income tax return or go to annuaire.fiscus.fgov.be for more information.

In cooperation with FisCuriosawww.fiscuriosa.be


• • M O N E Y • •


• • M O N E Y • •

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InsuranceHEALTHHealthcare insurance is a part of the Belgian Social Security system and to benefit you must join a health insurance fund mutuelle (mutualité)/ziekenfonds (mutualiteit).

Once you are employed by a Belgian company, your contributions and those of your employer will be automatically deducted from your salary by the ONSS (National Office of Social Security). Then you sign up with a health insurance fund which will reimburse your medical costs. To take you on they will need written certification of employment signed by your employer.

Although most funds are affiliated to a religious or political institution there is no real difference, because reimbursement rates are fixed by the government. These funds do not, however, cover 100 percent of your bills; you may get around half to three-quarters of a typically doctor’s or specialist’s visit. Check also with your doctor that what he prescribes is refundable. Pharmacies maintain a state-advised list. Consequently, many people opt for additional private insurance (complémentaire). Once insured you get a standardised credit card style SIS card which you will need in pharmacies and hospitals. You also get a sheet of ‘Dickensian’ stickers (vignettes) which you need to attach to a doctor’s bill to get a refund.

CARBelgian car insurance is expensive, and it is the car not the driver which is insured. This means that anyone can drive your car, but if you want cover for injury sustained by the driver you need to ask for additional coverage.

The minimum insurance required by Belgian law is Third-Party Liability, which covers death, bodily injury, or physical damage that you cause to another person. You can opt for Fully Comprehensive coverage, which provides for most eventualities including vandalism, fire, theft, or damage resulting from a collision. The company will issue you with a Green Card, which you should keep in your car at all times.

You will also receive an accident report form which you must keep in your car. Ask for additional copies in French, Dutch, and your language, so you can complete it more easily. If an accident happens, do the following: ask for the other driver’s Green Card as proof of insurance; get names and addresses of any witnesses before they leave the scene; fill in the accident report form (and get both parties to sign); state the facts but nothing else regarding liability.

HOMEWhether you own or rent your property, you need to get insurance. Almost all rental agreements in Belgium require the tenant to take out insurance on the rented property within 30 days of signing a lease. This insurance is required by the Belgian Civil Code, which holds a tenant responsible for any damage to the building unless proof can be given that it was not his/her fault. If you are renting, take your lease with you when you arrange your insurance. You are also responsible for providing coverage against third-party liability, but the owner is required to have a policy covering the property against earthquakes, lightning, fire, etc. If you are in furnished accommodation you are required to take out insurance against damage to the landlord’s furniture.

Homeowners may have a policy linked to their mortgage, but there is no obligation to do this. Additionally, if you employ a part-time or full-time cleaner or nanny you need to take out special low-cost liability insurance in case they injure themselves on the job; for instance, slip on the stairs. Home buyers are responsible for the insurance after signing the compromis de vente – around four months before they get the keys.

Contents insurance is not compulsory but advisable. Remember that theft is not covered automatically in contents insurance; it is an option. Valuable personal items, such as jewellery or cameras, may require an All Risks policy, which will cover you for damage or loss in or out of the home. Premiums on these for desirables such as laptop computers are high.


• • M O N E Y • •


• • E D U C AT I O N • •

Education systemIn keeping with the myriad levels of national and local bureaucracy in Belgium, the state school system can seem a minefield to newcomers trying to make a choice for their children . The first decision is whether to integrate your children into the local system or to take advantage of the many international schools in the country. This naturally depends on whether you are on a short contract or plan to adopt Belgium as your home country. The international option would allow your children to continue in the same education system once they return to their home country.

BELGIAN SCHOOLSWhilst the state sets the laws regarding education, responsibility for schools lie with the language communities; Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia and both languages in Brussels and some surrounding communes. As well as state schools, there are subsidised ‘free’ and independent schools often run on religious lines though their curricula, and certification is recognised equally within the system. Religion plays a part in state education, and students can opt for Catholic, Protestant or Jewish studies, or a more general secular approach. The compulsory school age in Belgium is six to 18 years, though there is an opportunity for 16 and older pupils to study part-time. Education is free, though at secondary level parents may be expected to contribute to the cost of some textbooks. All schools are co-educational.

Children start school at the age of six, though they may be accepted at five if they are deemed ready. Before this, nurseries are available for babies and children up to two-and-half years. Priority is given to mothers in full-time work.

Kindergartens then take over until the child reaches school age. These are often attached to local primary schools. Children stay at primary school for six years during which time they study a whole range of subjects with an emphasis on languages. Homework is set from early on, and there is a strong tradition of parental participation.

Secondary schools fall into Type I and Type II categories. The former is freer and more informal whilst the latter is more traditional, with a greater degree of specialisation chosen at 12 years. Both types offer a general studies curriculum in the early years, but then start to channel students into general, vocational, technical or artistic streams depending on individual choice and ability. Assessment is ongoing and rigidly enforced. There are a number of educational certificates awarded which include the Certificate of Lower Secondary Education and the Certificate of Higher Education.

Most schools work a half-day on Wednesday, though the afternoon is sometimes given over to sporting or cultural activities. These can also happen on a Saturday morning. Childcare facilities are available before or after school for working parents, though this is usually at a charge. Similarly your children can be cared for on Wednesday afternoons.

METHOD SCHOOLSThere is a wide range of schools which adopt the methodology of an educational philosophy. In these, children often learn through discovery and the liberal arts, with subjects such as grammar, mathematics, and science being taught from direct experience rather than in a formal setting. The Celstin Freinet system follows this approach, whilst the Decroly schools separate out the academic and creative skills in a vertically-streamed organisation, with younger children benefiting from the experience of older pupils. The Steiner schools place greater emphasis on the arts. The world-famous Montessori schools are well represented in Belgium and teach children in small, focussed groups according to the relaxed self-developmental Montessori method. These schools tend to offer a bilingual French-English education.

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• • E D U C AT I O N • •

International schools These are the choice for parents who wish their children to remain in a system they know, with a language they know, and with the option of continuing the system back in their home country.

With its burgeoning international community, Belgium – and Brussels in particular – has a raft of international schools following British, American, French and Dutch education systems, among many others. These schools offer the whole range of education from nursery to school-leaving age. As they are all private they are fee-paying, though many companies offer education costs as part of an overseas benefits package.

The International School of Brussels (ISB) is the largest American curriculum international school for students aged three to 19 years. It also offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme.

The British School of Brussels (BSB) is the largest British curriculum school, set on a large campus in Tervuren. BSB also offers the IB programme as well as GCSE and A-levels. Both ISB and BSB place great emphasis on sport and the arts, and run highly successful summer schools open to all.

St John’s International School emphasizes Christian values, encourages academic excellence and stimulates social development within a culturally diverse environment.

Similarly in Antwerp, the small Antwerp British School offers an international curriculum for children aged three to 16 years, leading to the IGCSE. The Antwerp International School also offers the IGCSE as well as the IB. Both schools offer Dutch and French as standard.

EUROPEAN SCHOOLSThe European schools are notoriously difficult to get into unless at least one parent works for an EU institution. Education is in the mother tongue, with a second language being introduced at primary level. A third language is then obligatory

from the second year of secondary school, with optional additional languages on offer in later years. Courses lead to the European Baccalaureate, which is recognised for university entrance throughout the EU.

MONTESSORI SCHOOLSDr Maria Montessori, born 1870, was the first woman in Italy to obtain a medical degree. Working in education and psychiatry, she developed her notion that each child is born with a unique potential to be revealed rather than as an empty vessel to be filled by others. Out of this came a method of learning and self development that has become recognised around the globe.

At the heart of the Montessori method of education is the child. Montessori children learn in a supportive and non-competitive environment and the focus is on the child’s individuality and specific needs. Children are encouraged to work at their own pace and independently, meaning the teachers can work with other individuals or small groups. This places a certain amount of responsibility upon children to develop their own learning, whilst teachers act as an encouraging guide and facilitator. An essential concept of Montessori is that the teacher must pay attention to the child rather than the other way round.

Teachers are, of course, an important part of the Montessori process. It is the teacher who creates the environment where learning can take place. The teacher and the children share the whole space between them – there is no teacher’s area or desk – and the total environment comes into play.

The Montessori schools in Brussels operate bilingually with two teachers, one who speaks only in English and the other in French. Extra languages, such as Dutch and Spanish, can be introduced as the children become older, though these tend to be taught more traditionally. The working languages are integrated into all the work and activities the children do, strengthening the concept that Montessori-educated children are problem solvers, self-sufficient and destined to have confident, enquiring minds.

BEPS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

23 Av. Fr. Roosevelt

1050 BRUSSELS

Tel: 00 32 2 648.43.11 www.beps.com

[email protected]

international-montessori.orgMultilingual & Individualised Education for

children aged 1 to 16

Becoming divergent thinkers and motivated learners through an integrated curriculumSterrebeek/Tervuren/Wezembeek/Woluwe

Tel: 02-767-6360 / [email protected]

www.international-montessori.orgBrussels

EXPAT.indd 3 17/03/11 13:10


• • E D U C AT I O N • •

School listingsANTWERPAntwerp British School | 03 271 0943Korte Altaarstraat 19 - 2018 Antwerpwww.britishschoolantwerp.org

Antwerp International School | 03 543 9300Veltwijcklaan 180 - 2180 Ekeren, Antwerpwww.ais-antwerp.be

Da Vinci International School | 03 216 1232Verbondstraat 67 - 2000 Antwerpwww.da-vinci.be

Lycée Français d’Anvers | 03 239 1889Lamorinièrestraat 168 A - 2018 Antwerpwww.lfanvers.org

BIERGESEcole Internationale Le Verseau

Primary section 010 231 717 Secondary section 010 231 727

rue du Wavre 60 - 1301 Bièrgeswww.eiverseau.be

BRUSSELS AND SURROUNDINGSPrimary schoolsAC Montessori Kids | 02 633 6652boulevard de la Cense 41 - 1410 Waterloowww.acmontessorikids.com

British Junior Academy of Brussels 02 732 5376

boulevard Saint Michel 83 - 1040 Brusselswww.bjab.org

Brussels English Primary School - Brussels 02 648 4311

avenue Franklin Roosevelt 23 - 1050 Brusselswww.beps.com

Brussels English Primary School - Waterloo 02 358 5606

chaussée de Waterloo 280 - 1640 Rhode Saint Genèsewww.beps.com

British International School of Brussels 02 736 8981

avenue Emile Max 163 - 1030 Brusselswww.bisb.org

British Primary School | 02 767 3098Stationsstraat 3 - Vossem - 3080 Tervurenwww.britishprimary.be

Montessori House | 02 385 1503rue Pergere 117 - 1420 Braine L’Alleudwww.montessorihouse.net

European Montessori School | 02 354 0033avenue Beau Séjour 12 - 1410 Waterloowww.europeanmontessorischool.be

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLSBEPS International School | 02 648 4311avenue Fr. Roosevelt 23 - 1050 Ixelleswww.beps.be

British School of Brussels | 02 766 0430Leuvensesteenweg 19 - 3080 Tervurenwww.britishschool.be

Brussels American School | 02 717 9552John F Kennedylaan 12 - 1933 Sterrebeekwww.brus-ehs.eu.dodea.edu

Brussels International Catholic School 02 640 3536

chaussée de Wavre 457 - 1040 Brusselswww.bics-be.com

European School of Brussels I | 02 373 8611avenue du Vert Chasseur 46 - 1180 Brusselswww.eeb1.org

European School of Brussels II | 02 774 2211avenue Oscar Jespers 75 - 1200 Brusselswww.eeb2.be

European School of Brussels III | 02 627 4700boulevard du Triomphe 135 - 1050 Brusselswww.eeb3.eu

International Christian Academy 02 358 1664

chaussée de Waterloo 47- 1640 Rhode St Genèse

• • E D U C AT I O N • •

32

International Montessori Schools 02 767 6360

Tervuren, Sterrebeek, Wezembeek-Oppemwww.international-montessori.org

International School of Brussels | 02 661 4211Kattenberg 19 - 1170 Brusselswww.isb.be

Japanese School of Brussels | 02 672 1038avenue des Meuniers 133 - 1160 Brusselswww.japanese-school-brussels.be Lycée Français de Belgique Jean Monnet

02 374 5878avenue du Lycée Français 9 - 1180 Brusselswww.lyceefrancais-jmonnet.be

Scandinavian School | 02 357 0670Square d’Argenteuil 5 - 1410 Waterloowww.ssb.be

St John’s International School | 02 352 0610Drève Richelle 146 - 1410 Waterloowww.stjohns.be

World International School | 02 358 5606chaussée de Waterloo 280 - 1640 Rhode-Saint-Genesewww.wis.be

MOLEuropean School of Mol | 014 563 111Europawijk 100 - 2400 Molwww.esmol.net

MONSShape International School | 065 44 5744avenue de Rekjavik 717 - 7010 Shapewww.nato.int/shape/community/school.htm

LANGUAGE SCHOOLSDe Rand | 02 456 97 80Kaasmaarkt 75 - 1780 Wemmelwww.derand.be

Fondation 9 | 02 627 5252avenue Louise 485 - 1050 Brusselswww.fondation9.be

‘de Rand’ gives you the opportunity to meet the Flemish community and culture.

in a community centre in Wemmel, Kraainem, Wezembeek-Oppem, Jezus-Eik, Sint-Genesius-Rode, Linkebeek or Drogenbos.

info & publications • Dutch courses • cultural programme

Ask for our welcome in the “Vlaamse Rand” (Flemish belt around Brussels) pack with cultural and local information at [email protected] vzw ‘de Rand’ - Kaasmarkt 75 - 1780 Wemmel - T 02 456 97 80

www.derand.be » check out our English, French and German pages

Advertentie De Rand 125x125.indd1 1 20-02-2010 02:09:03

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• • E D U C AT I O N • •

34

Higher educationUniversity study is supported by the state and is free of charge, although some private colleges will require a fee. Students entering university are usually aged 18 and have either completed six years of secondary schooling or passed their Jury Central examination.

Some Belgian universities offer teaching in English, mostly for Masters Degrees. Otherwise, you can expect classes to be taught in French or Dutch, depending on the institution.

You will find many articles on our website that will help you get a fuller picture of Higher Education in Belgium, with links to education in the different communities.

Bear in mind that you will have to go to different websites for information on each of the two main communities. For Wallonia-Brussels www.studyinbelgium.be is a useful introduction. For Flanders www.studyinflanders.be provides a comprehensive look at education, including institutions, preparing your stay, and living in the region.

UBIavenue Marnix 20 - 1000 Bruxelles www.ubi.edu

University of AntwerpRijksuniversitair Centrum Antwerp Groenenborgerlaan 171 - 2020 Antwerpwww.ua.ac.be

University of LiègePlace du 20-Août, 7 - 4000 Liègewww.ulg.ac.be

Vesalius Collegewww.vesalius.edu

Vrije Universiteit BrusselPleinlaan 2 - 1050 Brusselswww.vub.ac.be

Hogeschool-Universiteit BrusselStormstraat 2 - 1000 Brusselswww.hubrussel.be

Katholieke Universiteit LeuvenOffice for Intl. Students and ScholarsOude Markt 13 - 3000 Leuvenwww.kuleuven.be

University of GhentSint-Pietersnieuwstraat 25 - 9000 Ghentwww.ugent.be

Université libre de BruxellesAvenue F.D. Roosevelt 50 - 1050 Brusselswww.ulb.ac.be

Université Catholique de LouvainPlace de l’Université 1 - 1348 Louvain-la-Neuvewww.uclouvain.be

Vlerick Leuven Gent Management SchoolGhent Campus:Reep 1 - 9000 Ghent:Leuven CampusVlamingenstraat 83 - 3000 Leuvenwww.vlerick.be Solvay MBA Av. F.D. Roosevelt, 42 - CP114/01 - 1050 [email protected] www.solvay.edu/mba

Boston University in BrusselsMetropolitan Collegeboulevard du Triomphe, 174 - 1160 Brusselswww.bu.edu/brussels

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BELGIUM EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE | WWW.EXPATICA.COM36

• • E D U C AT I O N • •

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• • J O B • •

Finding a jobLANGUAGESIf you are competing in the national job market, you will likely need an excellent command of French or Dutch, depending on where the job is based – or both if in Brussels. A third language such as English is either a bonus or a job requirement. In the international arena you are certainly going to need English with French or Dutch as a working language. Any language in addition to that is a bonus.

WHERE TO LOOKFinding work depends very much on your language abilities in this multi-lingual country. If you are happy to work in French or Dutch, then the weekend editions of national newspapers Le Soir and Het Laatste Nieuws are excellent places to start.

For English speakers, Expatica (jobs.expatica.com), the weekly newspapers The European Voice and The Bulletin advertise international secretarial and managerial positions, typically in public affairs and teaching. You’ll also find several recruitment agencies focused on the expatriate offering jobs at various levels. Headhunting agencies are also common in Belgium, but tend to specialise in executive positions.

WORK PERMITS FOR NON-EU NATIONALSType A: Valid for an unlimited time for any employer. To apply for this either you must have resided legally in Belgium for a continuous period of five years, or you must have lived and worked in Belgium for at least four years and already hold a Type B.

Type B: This type is the more usual work permit and is valid for one specified employer for a renewable period of one year. If you change jobs your permit is invalidated. To obtain this type of work permit your potential employer must apply for authorisation from the regional employment office. Once this is issued you are automatically eligible for the Type B permit. Note that a medical certificate may be required.

STARTING WORKOnce you have found a job, there is usually a probationary period of two weeks for blue collar workers and anything between a month and twelve months for white collar, depending on salary. Typically, those earning less than EUR 36,355 will have a trial period of one to six months, while those earning more can be on trial for as much as 12 months. During this period, either side can terminate the employment with seven days’ notice.

The average working week is 38 hours, although longer working hours are common, particularly in international institutions. Overtime regulations do not apply in all circumstances; so be preparednot to receive time off in lieu or compensation for working overtime.

In Belgium, you must work for one year before any holiday entitlement is paid. That is then calculated on the basis of how many months you were in the job for the preceding year. However, if you worked a full calendar year, you are then entitled to a minimum of 20 days. In addition there are 10 legal holidays in Belgium, many of them religious days. If a legal day falls at the weekend, you are entitled to a day off in lieu. You are also entitled to a holiday allowance which varies according to the type of job.


Recruitment agencies NATIONAL Actiriswww.actiris.be

Adeccowww.adecco.be

Axishttp://be.axis.jobs

Hays Inter Office Selectwww.hays.be

Kelly Serviceswww.kellyservices.com

Manpowerwww.manpower.be

Randstad www.randstad.be

Robert Half Management Resourceswww.roberthalf.be

Search and Selectionwww.searchselection.com

ANTWERPBakker and Partners | 03 218 0000www.bakker.be

Consultants in Personnel Management 03 218 6927

www.cpm-hrm.be

BRUSSELSAdvice and Executive Search

02 732 7400www.imb.be

Daoust Interim | 070 22 1140www.daoust.be

Excel Careers | 02 646 5050www.excel-careers.com

Excel Interim | 02 641 1740www.excel-interim.com

MCP International Executive Search 02 644 2043

www.mcp-int.com

Prolink Europewww.prolink-europe.co.uk

Rainbow Careers | 02 735 4154www.rainbow-careers.be

Russell Reynolds Associates 02 743 1220

www.russellreynolds.com

Spencer Stuartwww.spencerstuart.com

ONLINE AGENCIESJobs Careerwww.jobscareer.be

Jobs in Brusselswww.jobsinbrussels.com

Monsterwww.monster.be

StepStonewww.stepstone.be

• • J O B • •


Healthcare systemYou can be assured of the highest-quality medical care in Belgium, regarded as among the best healthcare systems in Europe. As in most countries, the system divides itself into state and private, though fees are payable in both, so you need to ensure that you are adequately covered through either the state insurance and/or private insurance. The advantages of the state mutuelle/mutualiteit scheme is that you can choose any doctor, clinic or hospital you like, in any location and without referral, according to your needs in much the same way as you can with private insurance.

DOCTORSGeneral practitioners can be found in private practices or attached to clinics and hospitals and you are free to consult or register with any you like, as with specialist consultants. It may be a decision based on location, language or recommendation. It’s always worth speaking to neighbours or colleagues when you first arrive; everyone knows of a doctor, or has heard of one with a good reputation. Also try asking on the expatica.com social community. Embassies usually keep lists of doctors who can work in your language, though it has to be said that most doctors have a good understanding of English.

It’s always worth checking whether a doctor is registered in the national health service (conventionné/geconventioneerd) or private. Some are both, perhaps working at a hospital and also in their own private practice. One thing to remember is to take cash with you.

Consultations usually end with a handing over of money and very few doctors offer payment by card of any type. If you have state social security, reimbursement rates are calculated but only after you’ve paid up front. If you are on a private scheme, or are uninsured, you pay the whole lot there and then. It’s always worth checking fees before you book an appointment.

DENTISTS The majority of dentists in Belgium are private, though there are those who accept part-payment on state insurance. Make it a priority to check when registering as the fee differentials can be huge. For any specialist work, such as crowns and bridges, the dentist may well ask how you will pay and offer you different quotations. To qualify for health insurance reimbursement you’ll need to visit the dentist at least once a year. In the big cities, Brussels in particular, there are international dentistry practices, though they can be considerably more expensive.

HOSPITALS As with general practitioners, you can arrange to see a specialist of your choice at any hospital. You can also walk into ‘emergency outpatients’ for immediate treatment, though as in other countries, do not use this as a GP replacement. You should remember to have your insurance card or other identifiable means of payment with you, though emergency treatment will not be refused if you don’t. If you’re going into hospital for a stay, take everything you need – towel and soap included – as nothing is provided. In Brussels the 11 big public hospitals are organised under the Iris association (www.iris-hopitaux.be).

EMERGENCY TREATMENT Should you need to use the emergency 100 or 112 number, an ambulance will arrive quickly and take you to the nearest emergency centre. Sometimes, a decision may be made to admit you to the best centre suited for your needs, for example, a specialist burns unit.

PHARMACIESChemists are ubiquitous in Belgium, with the green cross sign everywhere. There is a rota system for chemists to open outside of usual hours and throughout the night. Lists are available from any pharmacy, or check newspapers in your area for chemists that are open at night.

• • H E A LT H • •


• • H E A LT H • •

HospitalsVisit www .iris-hopitaux .be for a full listing of hospitals in Belgium.

ANTWERPAlgemeen Centrum Ziekenhuis Antwerpen-Campus St-Elisabeth | 03 234 4111Leopoldstraat 26 - 2000 Antwerpwww.zna.be Algemeen Centrum Ziekenhuis Antwerpen – Campus St-Erasmus | 03 270 8011Luitenant Lippenslaan - 2140 Antwerp (Borger-hout)www.zna.be

Algemeen Ziekenhuis Middelheim 03 280 3111

Lindendreef 1- 2020 Antwerpwww.zna.be

Algemeen Ziekenhuis St . Augustinus - St . Bavo - St . Augustinus | 03 443 3011Sint-Augustinuslaan - 2610 Wilrijk-Antwerpwww.gvagroup.be

Koningin Paola KinderZiekenhuis Antwerpen (Children’s Hospital) | 03 280 3111Lindendreef 1- 2020 Antwerpwww.zna.be

BRUSSELSCentre Hospitalier Universitaire BrugmannSite Victor Horta (there are three different sites for Brugmann, this is the main one)

02 477 2111place Van Gehuchten 4 - 1020 Brusselswww.chu-brugmann.be

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre 02 535 3111

rue Haute 322 - 1000 Brusselswww.stpierre-bru.be

Centre Hospitalier Etterbeek-Ixelles 02 641 4111

rue Jean Paquot 63 - 1050 Brusselswww.iris-hopitaux.be

Clinique du Parc LeopoldCHIREC | 02 287 5111rue Froissart 38 - 1040 Brusselswww.chirec.be

Institut Médical Edith CavellCHIREC | 02 340 4040rue Edith Cavell 32 - 1180 Brusselswww.cavell.be

Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel 02 477 4111

Laarbeeklaan 101 - 1090 Brusselswww.uzbrussel.be

Cliniques Universitaires St Luc UCL 02 764 1111

avenue Hippocrate 10 - 1200 Brusselswww.saintluc.be

Cliniques de l’Europe - St Elisabeth 02 614 2000

avenue De Fré 206 - 1180 Bruxelleswww.cliniquesdeleurope.be

Cliniques de l’Europe - St Michel 02 614 3000

rue de Linthout 150 - 1040 Brusselswww.cliniquesdeleurope.be

Hôpital Erasme ULB 02 555 3111

route de Lennik 808 - 1070 Brusselswww.ulb.ac.be/erasme

Hôpital Universitaire Des Enfants Reine Fabiola (Children’s Hospital)

02 477 3311rue J.J. Crocq 15 - 1020 Brusselswww.huderf.be

Institute Jules Bordet 02 541 3111

boulevard de Waterloo 121 - 1000 Brusselswww.bordet.be

GENTAlgemeen Ziekenhuis Maria Middelares

09 260 6060Kortrijksesteenweg 1026 - 9000 Gentwww.azmmsj.be


• • H E A LT H • •

Algemeen Ziekenhuis Sint-Lucas 09 224 6111

Groenebriel 1 - 9000 Gentwww.azstlucas.be

AZ Jan Palfijn | 09 224 7111Henri Dunantlaan 5 - 9000 Gentwww.janpalfijn.be

University Hospital of Gent | 09 332 2111 De Pintelaan 185 - 9000 Gentwww.uzgent.be

LIEGECentre Hospitalier Régional de la Citadelle

04 225 6111boulevard du Douzième de Ligne, 1 - 4000 Liège www.chrcitadelle.be

Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Joseph-Espérance 04 224 8111

rue de Hesbaye 75 - 4000 Liègewww.chc.be

Centre Hospitalière Universitaire de Liège 04 366 7111

Domaine du Sart-Tilman, Bat B 35 - 4000 Liègewww.chuliege.be


• • H E A LT H • •

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Fitness clubsNew health clubs continue to open in Brussels at an impressive rate .Many are allied to hotels and are at the top end of the market. Before parting with a stash of cash though, check out what your local commune offers as well as the smaller independent gyms and fitness centres in your neighbourhood.

Ashtanga Yoga Institute of Brussels 02 340 6781

610, chaussée d’Alsemberg, 1180 BrusselsAshtanga gives a good work-out as well as increasing suppleness. This centre offers courses at all levels – mainly in French, but in English on request. Aspria | 02 508 080026 rue de l’Industrie, 1040 BrusselsAspria’s centre-piece is a 21-metre swimming pool and it offers a gym, health spa and beauty treatments next door. Its location means it is clearly aimed at the EU and executive crowd.

Aspria Avenue Louise | 02 610 406671B avenue Louise, 1050 BrusselsIf you’ve got deep pockets, then your money will be well spent at this ultimate pampering spot in the posh Conrad Hotel. Everything here is five-star; the pool, the gym, the fitness rooms and the beauty treatments.

Aspria Royal La Rasante | 02 609 190256 rue Sombre, 1200 BrusselsAspria Royal La Rasante is recognized for its sporting history and is a family-oriented club where members can take advantage of the landscaped gardens and outdoor activities.

Corpus Studios Flagey | 02 513 076633 rue Borrens, 1050 Brussels

Corpus Studios Caroly | 02 513 076633 rue Caroly , 1050 BrusselsKelly McKinnon started Corpus in 2000 and offers Pilates, Gyrotonics and yoga in collective, private and semi-private tuition; mat-work and apparatus. Classes are offered in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Greek.

David Lloyd Uccle | 02 379 320041 Dreve de Lorraine, 1180 BrusselsThis complex has 11 tennis courts, squash courts, two swimming pools and fitness rooms.

Physical Golden Club | 0489 59 19 69 33 Place du Chatelain, 1050 BrusselsThis is a serious gym for those interested in serious workouts, so don’t expect the luxury of some of capital’s more pampering health clubs.

Sportcity | 02 773 18202 avenue Salomé, Woluwe St PierreFor EUR 3.50 admission, you can enjoy an Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis and squash, as well as saunas, baths and steam rooms.

Winners | 02 280 027013 rue Bonneels, 1210 BrusselsPopular with the EU crowd, this friendly no-nonsense club has nine glass-fronted squash courts, aerobic rooms and a climbing wall.

World Class Health Academy | 02 505 2929Renaissance Hotel19 rue du Parnasse, 1050 BrusselsAlso in Diegem, Antwerp and BerchemCaters largely to expense-account executives and EU civil servants.

Wellness Paladins | 02 400 009647 Bvd St-Michel, 1040 BrusselsThis company provides wellness services to individuals and companies, offering turnkey or tailor-made solutions in terms of incentives, gifts, rewards, team building or corporate wellness.

• • H E A LT H • •


• • S H O P P I N G • •

ShoppingShopping in Belgium is mostly a fulfilling experience with reasonable prices and a wide range of goods . Occasionally, however, you may be frustrated when trying to buy a specific item which may be available everywhere back home .

There are two main supermarket chains in Belgium: Delhaize and GB which is owned by the Carrefour group (the big out-of-town hyper-markets are branded with that name and increasingly some smaller shops). These carry everything you’d expect, often with international sections. Both supermarkets also have an excellent range of wine at keen prices. Opening is usually Monday to Saturday from 8.00 to 20.00, and until 21.00 on Friday. Meanwhile, the Culruyt stores claim to have the keenest prices; make sure to take a bag or two as they don’t sell them. Brico is Belgium’s largest DIY and gardening chain; you can find anything for the house here.

Delhaize has the distinct edge on internet shopping and home delivery. Caddyhome stocks most of what you would find in the supermarket, whilst Wineworld specialises in an impressive selection of world wine delivered to your door.

When it comes to household goods, this is where frustration can set in. Most of the bigger furniture, textile, kitchen and bathroom shops are located outside city centres with poor public transport links. Inner city shops range from reasonably priced and awful style to bank-breaking top designer with little range in between (although Habitat can be found in both Brussels and Antwerp). IKEA now has six stores in Belgium.

For electrical and white goods there are two main competitors, Vanden Borre and Krefel, both rather similar but always worth comparing for

special offers. For computers, television and hi-fi, Photo Hall is ubiquitous throughout Belgium with some excellent value monthly offers. FNAC (Brussels, Antwerp, Ghent and Liège) also has a stylish electrical department. At the top of the Inno department store in Brussels, the German mega-outfit Media Markt has taken possession of the entire fifth floor.

Dutch chain HEMA is good for modern, reasonably-priced homeware, including bedding, lighting, curtain tracks and kitchen equipment. The same goes for Casa and Blokker, both of which sell small household items, garden furniture and crockery.

If it’s antiques you’re after, then go either to the Sablon in Brussels for the gaspingly expensive, or the more bric-a-brac oriented rues Haute and Blaes and the flea market on Place du Jeu de Balle. In Antwerp, the area between the river and Nationalestraat – known as St-Andries – is packed with quirky brocante shops.

For department stores, you’ll need to rely on the soulless – and often windowless – Inno. From perfumes to clothing, children’s toys and household items, Inno has everything but charm. The sales are good though.

For books, Brussels is blessed with its own branch of Waterstones where you can find a massive stock of English books, magazines and newspapers. Sterling Books is an excellent, independent shop which bases prices on current exchange rates. The best second-hand bookshop is Pêle-Mêle, with two shops in Brussels, one in the centre and the other in Ixelles, and a shop in Waterloo.

Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday, with many inner-city shops preferring a 10.00 opening. Many smaller grocery shops are open part or all of Sunday. They are exceptionally open the two Sundays before Christmas and also New Year. Sales take place in January and July – dates are strictly government controlled.

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Food from homeA small selection of American, British, Spanish, Italian and kosher products can be found in the larger Delhaize, Carrefour or GB supermarkets . It’s also worth checking Chinese supermarkets for specific British or American brands .

ANTWERPChineseSun Wah Supermarket | 07 022 8688Van Wesenbekestraat 16-18

AmericanGraré | 03 449 4118Prins Boudewijnlaan 175Wilrijk

JewishHoffy’s | 03 234 3535Lange Kievitstraat 52

MediterraneanForeigner’s Market | Oude VaartplaatsSaturday 8.00 to 17.00

BRUSSELSBritishStonemanor | 02 759 4979Steenhofstraat 28 - Everbergrue Theophille Delbar 8aWaterloo 1410

02 351 63 53www.stonemanor.uk.com

ChineseKam Yuen | 02 512 5833rue de la Vierge Noire 2-4

FrenchOliviers & Co | 02 502 7511rue au Beurre 28

Rob | 02 771 2060boulevard de la Woluwe 28

IrishJack O’Shea’s | 02 732 5351rue le Titien 30

ItalianCasa Italia | 02 733 4070rue Archimède 39

Piola libri | 02 736 9391rue Franklin 66-68

JapaneseTagawa | 02 648 5911chaussée de Vleurgat 119

MediterraneanMidi MarketAround Gare du MidiSunday 8.00 to 13.00

Scandinavian/NordicBranches of IKEAwww.ikea.be

Gourmet Food & Gifts Brussels | 02 735 1138Rue Archimède 59

Gourmet Food & Gifts | 02 353 0430Allé Petit Paris 51410 Waterloo

SpanishABC Poisonnerie | 02 512 7547rue Ste. Catherine 46

Economato Mariso | 02 521 4736place de la Constitution 23

España Calidade | 02 537 2387avenue de la Porte de Hal 63

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BarsBeer and bar life is an ingrained part of Belgian culture . Here’s our guide to Belgium’s best and most traditional bars, perfect for discovering a slice of life and impressing your visitors .

ANTWERPDen EngelGrote Markt 5The Angel is as much a part of Antwerp life as Rubens and fashion. Slap in the middle of town, it has no pretensions, no grand style, but the locals give it a buzzy, gossipy edge.

KulminatorVleminckveld 32 A classic bar renowned for its range of beers – 500 in bottles, plus a huge choice on draught. Try the beer of the month and scribble notes about your favourite in the visitors’ book. Tiny and cosy, it’s used by locals and visitors alike.

De PelikaanMelkmarkt 14The Pelikaan makes no effort to dress up or flaunt itself; it’s cosy, dark, and attracts artsy types and fulsome philosophers. This is a serious talking shop where you can put the world to rights as the beers slip down almost unnoticed.

De VagantReyndersstraat 25 This is where to come for a good glass of Genever (or Jenever), the fiery gin-like spirit. There are 200 types on offer, with a restaurant upstairs serving food. Watch the locals – they sip rather than down it in one.

BRUGESBrugs BeertjeKemelstraat 5Beertje is like a Dutch brown café – dark, moody and atmospheric. The beer menu is a ray of light with 300 beers on offer. Ask the owners Jan and Daisy what’s what, depending on what you fancy.

BRUSSELSA la Mort Subite 7 rue des Montagnes aux Herbes Potagères This cavernous, loud and slightly louche bar is a slice of Brussels life. Long rows of tables (perfect for head-to-head nattering) yellowing walls and its own Mannekin Pis, it is the perfect place for a Kriek on draught.

Le Bier Circus89 rue de l’EnseignementAs the name implies, this basic emporium of beer stocks around 200 varieties, all bound in a special beer menu. The place itself is nothing to look at, but it’s the exquisite and rare range of brews that the boozers love.

Chez Moeder Lambic68 rue de la Savoie Sitting in the shadow of the St Gilles town hall, this tiny wooden tavern with benches, scrubbed tables, racks of comic-strip books, and Scrabble with half the letters missing, stocks over 1,000 beers. Some of the rarer bottles cost as much as a vintage wine.

Cirio18 - 20 rue de la Bourse A minute from the Grand’Place and you take a step back into the 19th century in this bar with its original wallpaper, lights and Art Deco toilets. A thorough selection of mostly bottled beer is supplemented by the famous half-en-half, a mixed glass of still and sparkling wine.


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La Cléf d’Or1 place du Jeu de BalleOpening daily at 4.30, this vinyl-chaired, pink neon-signed café-bar serves up beer and basic food to market traders and punters. Sunday morning finds it at its maddest with the Maître D barking his orders to the staff and an accordionist vying for dominance.

La Fleur en Papier Doré55 rue des AlexiensThis old bar, on a steep hill just below the Sablon, was the hangout of the Brussels Surrealists, and their scribblings and drawings can still be seen on the walls. It was under threat of closure in 2007 until a group of die-hards clubbed together to save it for posterity.

Monk42 rue Ste-CatherineMonk looks like it has been there forever. Well, the house dates from the 17th century, and the interior is impressively authentic despite being a modern facsimile. A great range of beers, including hard-to-find artisinales, make this place popular with a whole range of youngish locals and bemused tourists.

GHENTDe Dulle GrietVrijdagsmarkt 50The Griet took a leap of faith many years ago and became the first bar to specialise in Flemish beers. Because of that it gets its fair share of tourists but is also used by locals. You may be asked to exchange a beer for a shoe, which then gets hauled into the air in a basket where it hangs until the drinker has paid up and returned their glass. (This quaint tradition evidently stops you walking out with one of the specialised beer glasses.)

Het Waterhuis aan de BierkantGroentenmarkt 9With its 14 beers on draught (including all the Trappists) this place gets packed, especially in summer when the canal side terrace is open.


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Weekend breaksNowhere in Belgium is too far, so here are some ideas for getting away from it all and breaking free of the city .

TAKING THE PLUNGELet the original Spa take away the stress of modern life. The eponymous town of Spa is located in the heart of the Ardennes. Its sulphurous waters were originally discovered by the Romans, although it was to be another half century before it became famous as a resort. After falling into 19th century disrepair and disregard, Spa has since 2004 been transformed into a magnificent therapy and relaxation centre, worthy of a new millennium.

www.thermesdespa.com

DIPPING YOUR TOESThe Belgian coastline is only 64 kilometers long, but it embraces the best of kiss-me-quick seaside activities, sophisticated living and wildlife sanctuaries. Ostend is a good place to head for if you want a taste of royal Belgium, for this place is known as the Queen of Belgian Resorts. The Fort Napoleon, built in 1812, is the only intact Napoleonic fortress left in Europe. At the western end of the promenade, there is Leopold’s 390 meter gallery. Without doubt the crowning glory of the post-war period is the Ostend Casino, built in 1953, the fourth casino to stand on the same spot.

www.visitoostende.be/en

Knokke-Heist is a much more upmarket resort, where wealthy Belgians keep swanky seaside homes and where the shops, restaurants and beach clubs are all designer. A short way north, close to the Dutch border is Zwin, a protected area of natural beauty.

A great way to explore the whole coastline is by the Kusttram, a tram which runs its entire length from De Panne to Knokke. Run by De Lijn, the tram calls in at 70 stops in all 16 towns.

www.dekusttram.be



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RAMBLING IN THE ARDENNESThe Ardennes, in the south of the country, covers the three provinces of Namur, Luxembourg and Liège and is an area of outstanding beauty.

The gentle but rugged countryside of the Ardennes is full of heritage, history and charm. It can get quite touristy in the summer, but there is always somewhere to escape to, especially if you have a car.

www.wallonie-tourisme.be

Dinant is a good place for a day trip from Brussels. Overlooked by its hilltop citadel, it’s a pretty location (though there’s not much to do over a longer period of time). St-Hubert also has a railway station and is a perfect base for setting out on cycling or walking activities. It’s named after the patron saint of hunters, which explains why this is the centre of hunt land and why its restaurants specialise in game.

www.dinant-tourisme.be

In the winter, parts of the Ardennes become a ski resort. We’re not talking Alps here, but Belgium’s highest point, the Baraque de Fraiture, at 652 meters offers three alpine pistes.

CARNIVAL TIMECarnival is an important part of Belgian cultural heritage and happens every year at Lent, mostly in smaller towns and villages in Wallonia. The most famous carnival is in Binche, not far from Charleroi. There are strict rules for taking part; only men born in Binche can don the Gilles costume. The costumes are wonderfully outrageous and carry strange, secret symbols.

The festivities last three days, culminating in a parade where boys throw blood oranges into the crowd (these are not meant as missiles, but gifts, and should never be thrown back).

The Malmédy carnival involves men in black hats decorated with ostrich feathers grabbing at onlookers with their tong-like hape-tchâr (flesh snatchers). They won’t let go until you say sorry. While in Stavelot, the carnival is renowned for its participants in white monks’ robes and hoods known as the Blancs-Moussis. In Geraardsbergen on the first Sunday of Lent is the Tonnekensbrand. The oldest citizen, followed by the mayor, are presented with a glass of white wine swarming with small live fish. Both drink a mouthful and swallow a fish.

Binche carnivalwww.carnavaldebinche.be


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CinemasCinemas in Brussels

The mega UGC (www.ugc.be) and Kinepolis (www.kinepolis.be) chains dominate the cinema scene in Brussels with their multi-screen complexes showing mainstream films mostly in original language. But Brussels also has an important art house circuit showing Belgian and world cinema. Our listings concentrate on the independents.

Actors Studio | 02 512 169616 petite rue des Bouchers, 1000 BrusselsThe Actors Studio is one of Brussels’ best loved cinemas. Hidden by the lobby of a hotel, you’ll need to seek it out, but just follow the posters. Typical fare here is schlock horror from around the world and independent European films, often in original language with French and Dutch subtitles, so do check if your only language is English.

Arenberg Galeries | 02 512 806326 galerie de la Reine, 1000 BrusselsLocated in the glamorous covered galleries, this equally stylish cinema showed Belgium’s first public film in 1895. It’s still going strong despite cyclical threats of closure. It shows mostly European films, including British and is a great supporter of the Belgian and French contemporary director. The Ecran Total festival every summer shows over 90 films with 900 screenings.

Cinémathèque Royal de Belgique 02 551 1919

3 rue Ravenstein, 1000 BrusselsTied into the Film Museum at the Palais des Beaux Arts, Cinémathèque restores and archives old films and gives regular public showings. The museum is housed in the BOZAR (Palais des Beaux-Arts).

Flagey | 02 641 1020Place Flagey, 1050 BrusselsA tiny but stylish cinema in the wonderful Art Deco Flagey arts complex. In its short life it has gained a reputation for being a true world cinema. It also has a penchant for Film Noir and other classic Hollywood films such as Sunset Boulevard and Casablanca.

Movy Club | 02 537 695421 rue des Moines, 1060 BrusselsA rarity – a truly local cinema for local people but well worth a trip if you want to experience a lovely old Art Deco cinema. It’s big and draughty and shows a range of world cinema, mostly the sort of stuff that comes with a message.

Nova | 02 511 24773 rue d’Arenberg, 1000 BrusselsThe Nova has been run for many years as a co-operative against all financial and bureaucratic odds. It shows anything that has social context and has an edgy underground feel to it. Sometimes short seasons are themed and there’s always the monthly Open Screens when wannabe directors can showcase their attempts.

Styx | 02 512 210272 rue de l’Arbre Bénit, 1050 BrusselsThe tiny Styx is now 35 years old. Its fleapit look and feel belies the quality of its programme from themed seasons to modern Belgian films. It also runs impressive retrospective seasons showing classic European films. Previews/Reviews (in English): www.picturenose.com

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Television and internetBelgium is one of the most cabled countries in the world with television typically offering over 40 channels .

Although there are some 30 cable operators in Belgium, they often enjoy a monopoly in a particular region. The choice of channels also varies. The Dutch-speaking channels transmit anglophone films, documentaries, series, and sitcoms in their original version whilst the French channels usually dub.

Satellite television is also available, and some providers offer Sky from the UK. There is a fairly hefty set-up charge as Sky is not allowed to market its product on the continent because of licensing agreements.

There now appears to be greater competition in trying to offer combined services: telephone, internet and television. Belgacom TV entered the market and now carries the BBC channels. Most of the TV cable companies also offer internet connection via the cable, so it’s worth shopping around – though you may find you fall foul of a monopoly by one company and feel frustrated that your choice is not available in your area.

TELEVISION WITH ENGLISH PROGRAMMING Belgian channels: Kanaal 2, Ketnet/Canvas, VTM, VT4, VRT-TV1Dutch channels: Holland 1, Holland 2, Holland 3International: BBC 1 and 2, BBC World, CNN International, CNBC, Euro News, Euro Sport, MTV Europe, BeTV (requires a decoder, see www.betv.be)

MAJOR CABLE TELEVISION AND INTERNET PROVIDERSBrutélé | TV 02 500 9911www.brutele.be

Numéricable | 02 226 5200www.numericable.be

Telenet | 0800 66 041www.telenet.be

Voo | 0800 80 025www.voo.be/en/

DIGITAL TV PROVIDERSTelenetwww.telenet.be

Belgacomwww.belgacom.be


SATELLITE TV PROVIDERSTV From Home | 0485 387 402http://tvfromhome.be/

Sky TV in Belgium | +(44) 207 100 9165http://storesatellite.com/sky-tv-belgium.php

DIAL-UP AND ASDL INTERNET PROVIDERSBelgacom ADSLwww.belgacom.be/adsl

Clearwire (no telephone connection required)www.clearwire.be

Cybernetwww.cybernet.be

Freeworldwww.freeworld.be

Scarletwww.scarlet.be


Utilities and telephonesUTILITIESFor connection of all utilities, you will need a Belgian ID card or a passport if you have just arrived. Electrabel and Sibelgaz remain the two main providers of electricity and gas, though a European directive has now deregulated the market throughout the EU.

Call 02 549 4111 to find out about suppliers in your region.

Household rubbish collection is organised by the city or communal councils. It is usually collected twice a week. Recycling is becoming more common, and there are special yellow sacks for paper and blue for recyclable items such as PET containers, plastic and aluminium. Brussels has recently introduced the environmentally friendly approach with white, blue, and yellow bags.

ANTWERPElectricityIMEA | 078 35 3534

GasIGAO | 078 35 3534

Gas Leaks | 0800 65 065

Waste Disposal | 03 221 1333

WaterAWW | 03 244 0544

BRUSSELSElectricity and GasSibelgaz | 02 549 4100

Power Failure | 02 274 4066

Gas Leaks | 02 274 4044


WaterIBDE/BIWM (Emergency) | 02 739 5211

GENTElectricity and GasIMEWO | 078 35 3534


Gas Leaks | 0800 65 065


WaterTMVW | 078 35 3599

LIÈGEElectricityALE | 04 220 1211InterMosane | 078 15 7801

GasALG | 04 254 4702InterMosane | 078 15 7801


Gas Leaks | 0800 87 087


WaterSWDE | 078 15 1617

TELEPHONESBelgacom still has a monopoly on fixed-line telephone services but is now partly privatised, resulting in greater efficiency and cheaper bills. Telenet is its biggest competition at the moment but still only offers service in parts of the country. Tele 2 is also making headway in the domestic market. Contact details for all phone operators are the same country-wide and are listed below without city headings.

BelgacomSpecial expatriate services | 0800 32 005www.belgacom.be

INTERNATIONAL CALLSTelenet | 0800 66 655www.telenet.be

MOBILE PHONESBase | 0486 191 999www.base.be

Mobistar | 0495 959 500www.mobistar.be

Proximus | 078 05 6030www.proximus.be

Zoniq | www.zoniq.eu


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for more info go to www.ZONIQ.euvisit a BASE shop or a ZONIQ dealer

ZONIQ is the postpaid solution for worldwide mobile calls at the lowest rates!


LibrariesSome libraries have a small English-language section and also DVDs in their original languages .

ANTWERPAntwerpen-Stedelijke Openbare Bibliotheken

0800 99 293 (free number)Lange Nieuwstraat 105, 2000 Antwerp

BRUSSELSBrussels Main Library (French and Dutch)

02 548 2610 rue des Riches-Claires 24, 1000 Brussels

French Community libraries (Information and locations) | 0800 20 000www.cfwb.be

Muntpunt Bib (Flemish Community) 02 229 1840

Muntplein (Prinsenstraat 8), 1000 Brussel www.muntpunt.be/bib

Children’s English Library | 02 770 9812Centre Communautaire Crousserue aux Bois 11, 1150 Brussels

GENT Centrale Openbare Bibliotheek

09 266 7000Graaf Zan Vlaanderenplein 40, 9000 Gent

LIEGE Bibliothèque Centrale Chiroux-Croisiers

04 232 8686rue des Croisiers 15, 4000 Liège

Post officesThe main Belgian post offices are generally open Monday to Friday, 9.00 to 18.00, with some opening for a half day on Saturday. The post office at Brussels South Station (Gare du Midi) is open earlier than most, weekdays at 07.00. The post office experience can be a gruelling one; understaffed and with over-bureaucratic systems, it can take an age to reach one of the few windows that are open. Unfortunately, there are few other places where you can buy stamps, though the main post offices now have a shop attached where you can buy them in strips of ten without the queues. When posting a letter, particularly overseas, be aware of the size and weight of your letter. It should be within the strict limits for each postal tariff and also the prior system (first class) for both domestic and international posting.

www.bpost.be

Major Post Offices

ANTWERPAntwerpen Central Station | 03 229 0380Quellinstraat 4, 2018 Antwerp

BRUSSELSBruxelles De Brouckere | 02 226 9700Boulevard Anspach 1, 1000 Brussels

GENTGent Central | 09 269 2750Lange Kruisstraat 55, 9000 Gent

LIÈGELiège Cours des Palais | 04 223 4084rue de la Régence 26, 4000 Liège

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TransportBelgium has an excellent public transport network which is cheap and efficient . One if its strengths is its integrated train, tram, metro and bus system which makes it easy to make connections .

ANTWERPThe public transport system in Antwerp is run by De Lijn and is based on trams and buses, with an underground tram line running through the city and under the river Schelde. Multiple-ride or season tickets can be bought at De Lijn booths, in some kiosks, banks, and at railway stations. Single tickets can be bought from the driver, though this is the most expensive way of travelling.

De Lijn Antwerpen | 070 22 0200 www.delijn.be

BRUSSELSThe Brussels city public transport is run by STIB/ MIVB, whilst bus transport outside the centre is run by De Lijn in Flanders and TEC in Wallonia. Tickets are not interchangeable between the companies. In Brussels centre, you can buy multiple ride or season tickets from STIB/MIVB ticket offices at the metro station or from special booths around the city. Single tickets only can be bought from bus or tram drivers. Multiple-ride tickets can be bought for five or ten journeys, and like single-journey tickets, must be time stamped in the orange boxes. Once stamped, you can travel anywhere within an hour, on bus, tram, or metro, but remember to stamp your ticket at each change.

STIB/MIVB | 070 23 2000 www.stib.irisnet.be

De Lijn | 070 22 0200www.delijn.be

TEC | 04 361 9444www.infotec.be

GENTDe Lijn (Oost-Vlaanderen) | 070 22 0200www.delijn.be LIÈGETEC Liège | 04 361 9444 www.infotec.be

Trains

DOMESTIC TRAINSThe dense train network in Belgium is state-owned and operated by SNCB/NMBS.

For the most part it is efficient and inexpensive. Booking is best done before boarding; it is possible to buy a ticket from the guard but they are at full-price. Be aware that ticket offices are often busy so give yourself plenty of time. Alternatively, you can now print your own ticket from the website. Make sure you get all the details correct as they are not transferable and must be supported by showing ID to the guard. There are various ways of reducing costs such as a B-rail pass, and return travel at the weekend is much cheaper.

SNCB/NMBS Domestic | 02 528 2828www.b-rail.be

INTERNATIONAL TRAINSBelgium is truly the railway crossroads of Europe, with trains coming into Brussels from all over Europe. Brussels Gare du Midi is the terminus for the Eurostar coming from London and Lille, French TGV trains and the joint Belgian-Dutch-owned Thalys, which between them connect France, Holland and Germany. Alternatively, you can take conventional EuroCity trains to most European cities. Bookings for the high-speed train services can be made online at the Belgian railway website.

If you want to drive to England, it’s just a short journey to Calais for the Eurostar shuttle service.

SNCB/NMBS International Local | 02 528 2851 www.b-rail.be

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Eurostar | 02 528 2828 www.eurostar.com

TGV | 02 528 2828www.tgv.com

Thalys | 02 528 2828www.thalys.com

Airports The country’s main international airport is Brussels Airport, Zaventum. Charleroi, also known as Brussels South, is used mainly by Ryanair. There are small provincial airports in Antwerp and Liège used mostly by city-hopper planes.

ANTWERPAntwerp airport is just two kilometers from the city centre and is close to Antwerp Berchem rail station. There are daily flights to London, Manchester, Rotterdam, Jersey and Milan.

Antwerp International Airport | 03 285 6500www.antwerpairport.be

BRUSSELSPublic transport from Brussels Airport is either by train or bus. The Airport Express runs four times an hour at peak times, dropping to twice-hourly on Sundays and bank holidays. A taxi ride into town is reasonably quick, but expensive at around EUR 40. The No. 12 express bus runs every 30 minutes between the airport and Rond Point Schuman.

From Brussels South Charleroi, Ryanair has a bus for each flight which takes around an hour to get to Brussels. Drop-off point is Gare du Midi. Alternatively, you can travel to Charleroi by train and use the shuttle bus service to the airport. Taxis are an expensive option, costing around EUR 80.

Brussels Airport, Zaventem | 02 753 7753Flight information | 0900 70 000www.brusselsairport.be

Brussels South Charleroi Airport 071 25 1211

www.charleroi-airport.com

LIÈGELiège Airport mainly offers holiday destination flights. By public transport you can reach the airport by train (Liège Guillemins) and then taxi, or by TEC bus No. 53 or No. 85.

Liège Airport | 04 234 8411 www.liegeairport.com

TaxisIn general, you cannot hail a taxi on the street. They wait at special ranks or can be called by phone to come and get you. All taxis are metered and have different tariffs according to whether you are in the city centre or the outskirts. All information, including the driver number, should be clearly displayed inside the taxi and often hangs at the back of the front passenger seat. Tips are included in the meter price.

BRUSSELS Brussels Region Taxi Information

02 204 1404

Taxi Verts and Taxi Orange | 02 349 4949 www.taxisverts.be

Taxis Bleus | 02 268 0000 www.taxisbleus.be

ANTWERP Antwerp Taxi | 03 238 3838

GENT V-Tax N .V . | 09 222 2222

LIÈGE Noveltax | 04 252 5252



Driving and parkingDRIVING LICENCEIf you are a citizen of an EU member country you do not need to obtain a Belgian licence. Other foreigners permanently residing in Belgium and driving in the country may use an international driving licence initially, but should apply for a valid Belgian driving licence on being issued an identity card.

An application must be made at the local town hall, usually at the same time as residence registration. It is required that you provide an existing driver’s licence, two passport-type photographs and a residence permit. Expect several weeks delay before receiving the Belgian licence.

A Belgian driving licence will be given automatically to nationals from some countries, among them Switzerland and Norway. Other nationals may need to take a Belgian driving test to qualify. Non-EU nationals can check the government web site for licence validity: www.mobilit.fgov.be.

It is important to note that the minimum driving age in Belgium is 18. Even if you’re 17 and have been issued a licence in your home country, you cannot drive here. REGISTRATION TAX The registration tax is for your number plate, which stays with you and not with the car. You will get the rear number plate in the post and have to go to a Mister Minute type shop to have the front one made up.

CIRCULATION TAX Circulation tax (taxe de mise en circulation/belasting op inverkeerstelling) is a one-off payment made upon the purchase of a new or used car, based on the power of the engine. This is designed to curb the use of fuel-heavy cars, so make sure you check the tax bracket you fall into.

ROAD TAX Your road tax is also based on the power of your engine and whether your car is used to transport passengers or merchandise. It is payable annually. The road tax becomes costlier on a second car.

SPEED LIMITSSpeed limits are 30/50kph in built-up areas, 70/90kph out of town, and 120kph on motorways and four-lane roads.

On entering any town or village, the speed limit comes into effect at the white background signboard bearing the community’s name. Radar speed traps are common, particularly on the highway.

TRAFFIC INFORMATIONThe telephone number for all of Belgium is 0900 1 0280, seven days a week from 6.00 to 23.00. It carries information on traffic conditions anywhere in Belgium and also abroad.

PARKINGParking in town centres is controlled by parking meters, or in a so-called blue zone, by using a special disc (showing the time of arrival) which can be bought from garages or tobacconists. If using meters, a ticket must be bought from a machine and should be placed clearly on the dashboard, showing the hours of validity. Sometimes a system of alternate side of the road parking is used.

Watch out for temporary signs left by the commune to indicate that the road needs to be kept clear for road works or the like. Ignore these at your peril as your car will be towed. Never park closer than 15 meters to a tram or bus stop.

Certain very busy streets are marked with a red triangle stating Axe Rouge/Ax Rode, meaning that no parking is permitted from 7.00 to 9.30 and 16.00 to 18.00. A yellow line on the curb indicates no parking.

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Emergency numbers and helplinesEU common emergency line all services . . . 112Fire or Ambulance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100Red Cross Ambulance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105Police . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Anti-poison centre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 070 24 5245

Pharmacists (on duty)0900 10 500 (e0,45/Min) . . . www.pharmacie.be

Doctors (on duty)Brussels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 479 1818Rest of Belgium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Dentists (on duty)Brussels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 426 1026Rest of Belgium . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Vets (on duty)Brussels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 479 9990

Bank card lost or stolen . . . . . . . . . . . 070 34 4344

English-speaking Community Help Service in Brussels . A volunteer counselling service for emotional problems and a day-time advice service.Help Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 02 648 4014www.chsbelgium.org

PHONEBOOK DECODERYellow Pages subject headings an expat might come across:

EMPLOYMENT OFFICESBureau de PlacementArbeidsbureau (government)IntérimaireUitzendbureau (private)

EYE DOCTOROptometristeOogarts

FURNITUREMeublesMeubelen

GARDEN CENTRECentre de JardinageTuincentrum

HAIRDRESSERSalon de CoiffureKapper

HEALTH CLUBCentre de FitnesseFitness Centrum

HOUSEWARESArticles de Ménage et deCuisine, BazarsHuishoud Artikelen

INSURANCEAssuranceVerzekering

LANGUAGE SCHOOLÉcole de LanguesTalenonderwijs

LAWYERAvocat/NotaireAdvocaat

MOVING COMPANIESDéménagementVerhuizingen

REALTORAgences ImmobilièresMakelaar

TAX CONSULTANTConseils fiscauxBelastingadviseur

TRAVEL AGENTAgence de VoyageReisburo



Club listingsWant to meet likeminded expats? Here is a selection of just some of the groups and clubs in Belgium . Check the full list on www .expatica .com Group and Clubs Channels .

ARTS AND THEATRE Antwerp Decorative & Fine Arts Societywww.adfas.org

British American Theatrical Society (BATS)www.batsantwerp.be

American Theatre Companyhttp://atc-brussels.com

Brussels Shakespeare Societywww.shaksoc.com

English Theatre Brussels (Comedy Club)http://theatreinbrussels.com/ecc

Irish Theatre Groupwww.irishtheatregroup.com

Viewfinders English-Speaking Photography Clubwww.viewfinders.be

EXPAT ASSOCIATIONS: AMERICANAmerican Club of Brusselswww.americanclubbrussels.org

American Women’s Club of Antwerpwww.awcantwerp.org

American Women’s Club of Brusselswww.awcb.org/awcb

EXPAT ASSOCIATIONS: BRITISH

Anglo-Belgian Societywww.anglo-belgiansoc.com

Antwerp British Community Associationhttp://members.multimania.co.uk/ABCA

Antwerp British and International Womenwww.abiw.org

Royal British Legionwww.britishlegion.be (Brussels)www.rblantwerp.be (Antwerp)

British & Commonwealth Women’s Club of Brusselshttp://bcwcb.weebly.com

Brussels British Community Associationwww.britishinbrussels.com

Welsh Society of Brusselshttp://cymdeithas.nireblog.com

EXPAT ASSOCIATIONS: OTHERAntwerp Indian Associationwww.antwerpindians.be

Irish Club of Belgiumwww.irishclub.be

Jewish Community of Antwerpwww.shomre-hadas.be

Australia Societywww.aussieworld.com/ausoc

Professional Women Internationalwww.pwi.be

Women’s International Club Brussels www.wicbrussels.com

MUSIC, SONG AND DANCEBrussels Choral Societywww.brusselschoralsociety.com

Brussels Light Opera Companywww.bloc-brussels.be

Brussels Madrigal Singerswww.brusselsmadrigals.be

International Chorale of Brussels

www.internationalchorale.com


CHARITABLE AND SOCIALEurope’s Children Our Concern www.ecoc.be

A Club Brusselshttp://aclubbrussels.hostrocket.com

Brussels Hash House Harrierswww.bmph3.com

Caledonian Societywww.calsoc.be

Lions Club of Belgiumwww.lions.bewww.lionsheraldic.net

Rotary Internationalwww.rotary.belux.org

Spouses Trailing Under Duress Successfully (STUDS)www.belgiumstuds.com

RELIGIOUS SERVICESANTWERPAntwerp International Protestant Church

03 644 2046www.aipchurch.org

St Boniface Anglican Church 03 239 3339

www.boniface.be

International Baptist Church of Antwerp 03 290 5262

www.ministryserver.com/ibcofantwerp.htm

BRUSSELS AND SURROUNDSBeth Hillel Synagogue (non orthodox)

02 332 2528www.beth-hillel.org

Cornerstone International Church 0495 36 7841

www.cornerstone.be

Holy Trinity Anglican Church 02 511 7183

www.htbrussels.com

First Church of Christ Scientist Brussels 02 647 6456

International Baptist Church

02 731 9900www.ibcbrussels.org

International Protestant Church 02 673 0581

www.ipcbrussels.org

Our Lady of Mercy Parish 02 354 5343

Sacre Coeur Roman Catholic Church Rue de la Corrège 19, Brussels 1000

St Andrew’s Church of Scotland 02 672 4056

www.churchofscotland.be

St Anthony’s Roman Catholic Parish 02 720 1970

www.saint-anthony.be

St Nicholas Roman Catholic Church 02 511 8178

St Paul’s Tervuren Anglican Church 02 767 3435

www.stpaulstervuren.be

Synagogue de Bruxelles 02 512 4334

GENTSt John’s Anglican Churchhttp://users.telenet.be/stjohns

LIÈGEEnglish Speaking Church of Liège

085 84 44 82http://netministries.org/see/churches/ch00654

OostendeThe English Church

02 771 7969




Advertisers indexAAntwerp International School . Inside Back Cover

BBEPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Brussels International Catholic School . . . . . . . . . . 28Bupa International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

DDe Rand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

EEuropean Montessori School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30Expat & Co . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

FFlemish Government . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Back Cover

GGouvernement de la région de Bruxelles-Capitale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

HHomepost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

IING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Interdean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

RRSM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

SSolvay Brussels Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

TTAXPATRIA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25The British School of Brussels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33The International Montessori School . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

UUnited Business Institutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

VVesalius College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Vlerick (VLGMS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Cover

ZZONIQ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

NEED MORE GUIDES?The Expat Survival Guide will be distributed this year to over 20,000 expats in Belgium, through embassies, international companies, expat housing and relocation companies and international schools. If you are involved in managing expats, or run a bookshop, café, bar or restaurant frequented by expats, and would like to distribute the Expat Survival Guide, then please contact us at [email protected] to order your free guides.

EXPATICA.JOBSFind a job with Expatica.com.

Check out our LISTINGS at: jobs.expatica.com/Belgium

EXPATICA.DATEExpand your dating horizons.

Register for FREE at: belgiumdating.expatica.com

Guess who likes to welcome you?

me! me! me! me!me!me!

me!me!me!

Flanders. Welcome to Flanders, a great little region in the heart of Europe. FLANDERS.BE: happy to show you around

0019_Expatica_Survival.indd 1 29/10/10 10:09

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