Practical information
Visa and passport information
For more information, please see the following website:
www.diplomatie.be
On these websites you will find all the useful information you need about visa and passports when travelling abroad.
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Currency and exchange
The currency used in Belgium is the Euro (€). Foreign currency can be exchanged at Belgian chartered banks, trust companies, credit unions, or at offices of foreign exchange brokers.
One euro = 100 eurocents
Notes are in denominations of € 500 - € 200 - € 100 - € 50 - € 20 - € 10 - € 5
Coins are in denominations of € 2 - € 1 - € 0.50 - € 0.20 - € 0.10 - € 0.05 - € 0.02 - € 0.01
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Banks and credit cards
Banking
Regular banking hours in Belgium are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday, with extended hours including weekends (Saturday morning 9.00 am – 12.00 am) at some locations. Several major European and foreign banks have offices in Belgium, and will handle some foreign currencies directly. Most banks have automatic cash machines, which are accessible 24 hours a day.
Credit Cards
Most major credit cards (American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa) are accepted. Cash machines with 24-hour access are available in many convenient locations throughout Bruges.
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Shopping
Bruges is one of the most attractive shopping cities in Belgium, with a large variety of shops within reach of everyone's budget.
The shopping streets are situated between the Market square and the old city gates. Most shops are open from 9 a.m. through 6 p.m. (late night shopping on Friday).
In the centre there are also a number of charming shopping galleries. The main supermarkets are situated just outside the city centre. (open : 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., on Friday to 9 p.m.).
Market days in Brugge: Wednesday (7 a.m. - 1 p.m.) on Market square, Saturday (7 a.m. - 1 p.m.) on 't Zand square and on Beursplein.
Fish market: Tuesday through Saturday, every morning.
Flea market along Dijver: Saturday- and Sunday afternoon (March-October).
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Smoking and tipping
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted by law in public buildings.
Tipping
In Belgium, all taxes and services are included in the restaurant and hotel bills. If you’re happy with the service / food you can round up the number to the next figure (for example: 38.5 € to 40 €).
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Transportation
The Belgian transportation system offers public transportation by train or by bus/tram.
In Bruges almost everything is accessible on foot. Otherwise buses and taxis are available.
Upon arrival at Brussels airport (BRU), you can take the train (NMBS: Zaventem-Bruges) or make use of the IUMI Shuttle Service bus to Bruges (paying service – see online registration form, step 5)
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Customs and duty free
For information on allowed and restricted goods please see
http://belgium.visahq.com/customs/
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Electricity and appliances
Electricity in Belgium is 230 Volts. If you travel to Belgium with a device that does not accept 230 Volts, you will need a voltage converter.
Belgium Plug Adapters and Outlet Shapes
Outlets in Belgium generally accept 1 type of plug: two round pins.
If the plug on your appliance has a different shape, you may need a plug adapter.
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Emergency services
In case of emergency please dial 100 to contact local or federal police, ambulance or fire department.
If you're calling from a mobile phone, please dial 112 for all emergencies. This is the European Emergency Number and valid in all 27 EU Member States.
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Extra: Mexican flu
It is important to timely recognize the flu symptoms during a pandemic. Being alert prevents worse!
Specific symptoms are:
- Fever;
- Chills;
- Muscle aches;
- Tiredness;
- Coughing;
- Headache;
- Sore throat;
- (Severe) Stomach ache / Nausea
In case of doubt, please consult your doctor.
Limit contamination
A flu virus spreads in the air when someone coughs, sneezes and talks. You can catch the virus by breathing it in and by touch. Here are some tips to reduce the risk:
- Cover your mouth with your hand or a tissue when you sneeze or cough;
- Wash your hands frequently with water and soap. This is especially important after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose;
- Use the hand sanitizers that have been provided! If you don't have any, please contact General Services;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible;
- Use paper tissues when you cough or sneeze;
- Regularly clean your keyboard, telephone, etc. Use the disinfectant wipes made available for this purpose;
- Ventilate. Put the airco on or open a window so that the air can circulate;
- Limit your contact with others. Use the phone, email or videoconferencing as much as possible;
- Avoid people who have the flu.
You can also contact the Influenza Call Center in Belgium: 0032 800 99 777. In addition, you can also find a lot of information on
the Influenza website.
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Liability and insurance
Waiver of liability
When registering for the IUMI 2009 Conference, all participants agree that neither the Organising Committee nor the Conference Organiser shall bear any liability whatsoever, including in the event of the cancellation of the conference due circumstances beyond the reasonable control of either party (force majeur).
Insurance
Participants are advised to make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance.
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