SURVIVAL GUIDE - aiesec

EXPAT
SURVIVAL GUIDE
YOUR ESSENTIAL RESOURCE FOR LIVING IN BELGIUM
news and community for the expatriate
INSIDE:
• Valuable information on insurance, taxation, healthcare, housing and relocation
• Vital guides to the rules of the road, living in Belgium and coping with the language
• Handy listings of English-speaking groups, schools, churches and businesses
• “Must know” telephone numbers and addresses
6 4. 95
and and much much more!

TABLE OF CONTENTS
RELOCATION
Residence Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Work Permits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Social Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Registering at the Town Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Embassies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Relocation Companies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Expat Pets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Language Courses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Starter Dictionaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
PERSONAL FINANCE
Currency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Paying for Goods & Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Paying your Bills . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Banks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Offshore Investing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Taxation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
HOUSING
Tips for Renting/Buying . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Real-Estate Terms Defined. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Housing Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Where to Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
WHAT’S ON
Events & Festivals. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Theatres & Cinemas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Tourist Offices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
LIFE IN BELGIUM
Electricity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Home Telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Public Telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Mobile Telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Telephone Directories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Television . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Internet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Video . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Rubbish/Recycling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Washer/Dryer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Housekeepers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Libraries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Postal Needs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Holidays . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Weights & Measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Clothing Size Conversions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
HEALTH & FITNESS
Emergency Situations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Family Doctor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Dentist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Pharmacy/Chemist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Hospitals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Health Clubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Swimming Pools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
TRAVEL & TRANSPORT
Trams, Buses & Metro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Trains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Airports & Airlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Taxis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Driving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Parking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
SHOPPING
Business Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Magazines & Newspapers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Bookstores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
International Food Stores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
Local Markets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Where to Get Stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
EATING & DRINKING
Dining Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Bars & Pubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Restaurants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
FAMILY & EDUCATION
Out with the Kids. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
School Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
International Schools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Universities & Colleges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Day Care Centres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Kindergartens & Garderies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Babysitters/Au Pairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Gay & Lesbian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
GROUPS & CLUBS
Groups & Clubs Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Religious Services in English . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71
JOBS
Job Search Tips for Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Tips for Expat Spouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Culturally Correct CV’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Employment Agencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
BUSINESS DIRECTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Researcher Jan Kelley
Editor Matt Heenan
Designer David van Dalen
Sales David Davis
Hilary van Ness
1 Expat Survival Guide
Expatica Communications
Kruislaan 400
1098 SM Amsterdam
info@expatica.com
www.expatica.com
Published June 2002 © Expatica Communications BV
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, or
transmitted, in any form by any means, electronically or mechanically,
including photocopying, recording or any information storage or
retrieval system without the prior written permission from the
publisher. Requests for permission should be addressed to
Expatica Communications, Kruislaan 400, 1098 SM Amsterdam.
Expatica makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of information
contained in this guide. However, we will not be responsible for
errors or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused, which result
from its use, and make no warranty or claims as to the quality or
competence of businesses and professionals mentioned. Users
are advised to take care when selecting professional services, and
to use common sense in adjusting to life in a new country.

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2 Expatica Communications BV
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RELOCATION
RESIDENCE PERMITS
To exceed a three month stay in Belgium as a
non-EU national you must get a residence permit.
For this you need to complete a visa application
form (two copies) at the Belgian consulate in your
last country of residence. In support of this
application, you will need a passport valid for at
least 15 months, two recent passport-sized
photos, a certificate of good conduct (criminal
history record) issued by the police authorities of
your last country of residence, a valid work
permit and a medical certificate from a doctor
recognised by the Belgian Embassy. If you have
dependants, you will need your marriage
certificate and children’s birth certificates. These
documents must be translated by a certified
translator. You will also need approximately 7 55
in cash for the visa application fee.
Ministry of Home Affairs
L’Office des Etrangers (Aliens’ Office)
Antwerpsesteenweg 59 b Chaussée d’Anvers
1000 Brussels
02 206 13 00
mibz.fgov.be
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Visa Office
Karmelietenstraat 15 Rue des Petites Carmes
1000 Brussels
02 501 81 11
diplobel.fgov.be
WORK PERMITS
There are two kinds of work permits for non-EU
nationals in Belgium:
Type A: Valid for unlimited time for any employer.
To apply for this (from the regional employment
office - see address below), 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 permit.
Type B: This type is the more common one 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 an
employment authorisation from the regional
employment office (see address below). Once
this is issued you are automatically eligible for a
Type B work permit. A medical certificate may
be required.
Regional Employment Offices
VDAB (Flemish Office of Employment and
Vocational Training)
Keizerslaan 11 Boulevard de l’Empereur
1000 Brussels
02 506 15 11
vdab.be
ORBEM/BGDA (Brussels Regional Employment
Office)
Anspachlaan 65 Boulevard Anspach
1000 Brussels
02 505 14 11
www.bgda.be
FOREM (French-speaking Community Office of
Employment and Vocational Training)
Quai Banning 4
Val Benoît
4000 Liège
04 229 11 11
For more information about working in Belgium:
Brussels-Capital, Regional Ministry of Economy
and Employment
Vooruitgangsstraat 80 Rue du Progrès
1030 Brussels
02 204 18 55
Flemish Commmunity, Dept of Economy and
Employment
Markiesstraat 1 Rue du Marquis
1000 Brussels
02 553 39 02
Walloon Community, Directorate-General for the
Economy and Employment
1 Place de la Wallonie
5100 Namur
081 33 37 00
Federal Ministry of Employment and Labour
Belliardstraat 51 Rue Belliard
1040 Brussels
02 233 41 11
3 Expat Survival Guide

SOCIAL SECURITY
Joining the Belgian Social Security system is not
difficult. The only thing you have to do is to sign
up with a health insurance company Mutuelle/
Ziekenfonds. For information on how to do this
see the Personal Finance section under ‘Health
Insurance’. Once you are registered with your
chosen company, they will mail you a Social
Security Identity Card (SIS). Your employer takes
care of the rest.
National Social Security Offices (ONSS)
www.onss.fgov.be
Brussels
Rue de Livourne 7
1060 Bruxelles
02 509 31 11
Antwerp
Maritiem Huis
Olijftakstraat 7-13
2060 Antwerp
03 220 75 75
Gent
Socrates Business Center
Kortrijksesteenweg 398
5de verdieping
9000 Gent
09 242 04 48
Liege
Rue Louvrex 77
4000 Liège
04 254 39 28
Note: Visit socialsecurity.fgov.be/brochureindex.htm
to get a brochure ‘Everything you
have always wanted to know about social
security’.
REGISTERING AT THE TOWN HALL
Within eight days (EU nationals) or three days
(non-EU nationals) of arriving in Belgium you must
register at your local town hall (Maison Communale/
Gemeentehuis). You will need the following
documents: a valid passport, five passport-sized
photos, a medical certificate signed by a doctor
recognised by the Belgian Embassy, a certificate
of good conduct (criminal history record) issued
by the police authorities of your last country of
residence, and a work permit or proof of means
of support. If you are a non-EU national they
might take your fingerprints. There is a small fee,
which varies from commune to commune, but it
is usually no more than 7 15, payable in cash.
Your Identity Card must be renewed annually, and
once you have it, make sure you carry it with you
at all times, since the police can ask you for it at
any time they see fit. However, they do not have
the right to take it away from you. Here is a list of
the major town halls in the communal districts of
Brussels. Whenever you move to a new address
you must register with the local town hall within
two weeks.
Auderghem 02 676 48 94
Brussels city 02 279 22 11
Forest 02 370 22 81
Ixelles 02 515 66 11
Kraainem 02 720 48 87
Overijse 02 687 60 40
Rhode-Saint-Genese 02 380 20 40
Rixensart 02 652 01 10
Tervuren 02 769 20 11
Uccle 02 348 67 83
Waterloo 02 352 98 95
Watermael-Boitsfort 02 674 74 11
Wezembeek-Oppem 02 783 12 11
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert 02 761 27 87
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre 02 773 05 45
EMBASSIES
Embassy of The United States
Regentlaan 27 Boulevard du Régent
1000 Brussels
02 508 21 11
www.usembassy.be
British Embassy
Aarlenstraat 85 Rue d’Arlon
1040 Brussels
02 287 63 43/62 31/63 65
www.british-embassy.be
Canadian Embassy
2 Avenue de Tervuren
1040 Brussels
4 Expatica Communications BV
EUROPEAN RELOCATION
MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL
• Single point of contact for Europe
• One standard package
for one price
• Same quality & service levels
throughout Europe
Goudenregenlaan 51, 1901 SN Castricum, Telephone: +31 (0)251 - 321 473, Fax: +31 (0)251 - 321 773,
E-mail: relocation@eu-rm.com
5 Expat Survival Guide

02 741 06 11
www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/brussels
Note: The Canadian Embassy in Brussels
does not have a visa and immigration service.
This is handled by the visa and immigration
service of the Canadian Embassy in Paris.
Australian Embassy to Belgium and Luxembourg
6-8 Rue Guimard
1040 Brussels
02 286 05 00
www.austemb.be/french/freindx.htm
Embassy of New Zealand
Regentlaan 47-48 Boulevard du Régent
1000 Brussels
02 512 10 40
Embassy of Ireland
89/93 Rue Froissart
1040 Brussels
02 230 53 37
South African Embassy
Wetstraat 26 Rue de la Loi
1040 Brussels
02 285 44 00
Indian Embassy
Vleurgatsesteenweg 217 Chausée de Vleurgat
1050 Brussels
02 640 91 40
Embassy of Japan
Kunstlaan 58 Avenue des Arts
1000 Brussels
02 511 23 07
www.amb-jpn.be
RELOCATION COMPANIES
Crown Relocations
Fokkerweg 211
1438 BG Amsterdam
The Netherlands
+31 (0) 20 653 5003
www.crownrelo.com
EURM
Goudenregenlaan 51
1901 SN Castricum
The Netherlands
+31 (0) 25 132 1773
e-mail: relocation@eu-rm.com
PRS Europe NV
Bosdellestraat 120 box 1
B-1933 Sterrebeek (Zaventem)
02 785 09 85
FRS - Foreign Relocation Service
Melkstraat 91a
1830 Machelen
02 253 20 05
www.frs-relocation.com
MAP Relocations NV
Brusselsesteenweg 410 d
3090 Overijse
02 658 80 80
www.map-relocations.com
EXPAT PETS
Animals are much loved in Belgium, and there
are no quarantine requirements, so it is not difficult
to bring them with you. But if you do, you will need
to have an anti-rabies vaccination certificate for
both cats and dogs, dated at least 30 days prior
to your arrival. The certificate can be in English,
French, Dutch or German, and should show the
date of the vaccination, the name and address of
the veterinarian, the vaccine brand name,
manufacturer’s name, batch number and expiry
date. It should also contain a detailed description
of the pet (type, breed, age, sex, weight, markings,
etc), and the name and address of the owner. You
will also need from a veterinarian a Good Health
Certificate (Certificat de Bonne Santé/Gezondheidsattest)
which should be in English, and dated
not more than two days before your departure. It
is a good idea to keep these two documents with
you whenever you are travelling with your pet.
Once your pet arrives there it is required by law
to be identified and registered. Identification is
either by means of a tattoo, or for certain breeds
of dog by way of an implanted micro-chip, both
done by a veterinarian, who will send all the
necessary documents plus your fee (7 13) to
the national registration agency (ABIEC/BVIRH –
address below). Three weeks later you will
receive your pet’s Identity Card in the mail.
6 Expatica Communications BV
Veterinarians
To find a veterinarian (vétérinaire/dierenarts) look
in the Yellow Pages under Professions Liberales/
Vrije Beroepen. They are easily recognisable by the
Blue Cross outside their entrance, and you can get
a list of English-speaking vets from the Community
Help Service in Brussels (02 648 40 14).
The Ministry of Agriculture-Veterinary Services
WTC 3-5th Floor
Simon Bolivarlaan 30
1000 Brussels
02 208 36 55
Veterinary Association
Boulevard Léopold II 247
Avenue Molière 222
1081 Brussels
02 427 05 90
1050 Brussels
02 343 00 36
users.skynet.be/veterinaire
National Registration Agency
ABIEV/BVIRH
Postbus 168
1060 Brussels
070 22 24 25
Animal Ambulance Service
Animaux Sans Frontières Belgique
02 427 42 75
(they transport animals anywhere in Belgium)
Pet Lost/Found/Adoption
ANSPA (Association Nationale des Sociétés de
Protection Animale)
5 Boulevard Jules Graindor
1070 Brussels
02 524 29 15
Société Royale Protectrice des Animaux Liège
Rue Bois-St-Gilles 146
4420 St Nicolas-Liège
02 252 96 36
www.srpa-liege.be
Animal Sans Logis, a.s.b.l. (Liège area)
Enclos Tesnière
4122 Plainevaux
04 371 43 21
www.animal-sans-logis.be
(free lost/found/adoption site)
LANGUAGE COURSES
Brussels
Amira Language School
Louizalaan 251 Avenue Louise
1050 Brussels
02 640 68 50
www.amira.be
Alliance Française School
Avenue de l’Emeraude 59
1030 Bruxelles
02 732 15 92
Berlitz
306/310 Avenue Louise
1050 Brussels
02 649 61 75
www.berlitz.com
Centre Européen de Langue Française (CELF)
Rue d’Arlon 24
1050 Bruxelles
02 502 46 49
www.af-celf.be/indexen.html
Eurospeak Brussel
Stassartstraat 49
1050 Brussel
02 511 89 12
www.eurospeak.be
Europa Language School ASBL
717a Chaussée de Waterloo
1180 Uccle
02 347 44 11
www.elsb.be
Antwerp
Berlitz
Britse Lei
2000 Antwerp
03 237 17 50
www.berlitz.com
Call International
Tolstraat 35
2000 Antwerp
7 Expat Survival Guide

03 248 65 64
www.callinter.com
Euro Business Languages
Boomsesteenweg 604-606
2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk)
03 827 15 00
Eurospeak
Jacob Jordaensstraat 12
2018 Antwerp
03 230 17 27
www.eurospeak.be
Gent
ALS Training
Kasteellaan 423
9000 Gent
09 269 02 11
Berlitz
Kouter 177
9000 Gent
09 233 04 74
www.berlitz.com
Eurospeak Gent
Zwijnaardse Steenweg 196
9000 Gent
09 222 19 52
www.eurospeak.be
RUG Language Centre (Language Centre of the
University of Gent)
Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 136
9000 Gent
09 264 36 81
www.taalnet.rug.ac.be
Liege
Accent Langues & Informatique
123 Boulevard de la Sauvenière
4000 Liège 1
04 221 03 23
Berlitz
2-4 Rue Pont d’Avroy
4000 Liège 1
04 223 66 24
www.berlitz.com
Forma Lingua asbl
225 Boulevard Emile de Laveleye
4020 Liège 1 (Liège 2)
04 349 18 68
CEL
Rue de Londres 8
4020 Liège 1 (Liège 2)
04 343 06 08
Dialogue
55 Route de la Source du Tonnelet
4900 SPA
087 79 30 10
www.sogid.be/dialogue
If you want to by-pass going to school, try
learning at home online:
The BBC website
www.bbc.co.uk/education/languages/index.shtml
NetLearn Languages
www.nll.co.uk
STARTER DICTIONARIES
One aspect of French that can be difficult for
English speakers is the nasal sound of some
vowels, such as the first “o” in bonjour, the first
“i” in “information” and both the “o” and the first
“e” in “comprendre”. French nasal vowels are
generally followed by an “n”, as in “bon” and
“pardon” or an “m” as in the word “comprendre”.
The “n” and “m” are often not really pronounced,
but serve to make the preceding vowel nasal.
The best way to tackle this is to try and make it
sound like the very end part of the “u” when you
say “Huh?” in English. The sound is sometimes
likened to “ong” in English, but this is not a very
good comparison, since “ong” is too long, not
sufficiently nasal, and does not really sound
French. Stick with “Huh?” and you’ll sound a bit
more authentic!
In the phonetic transcriptions, a “~” directly
above the vowels indicates where the word has a
nasal sound. If the “n” or “m” are not
pronounced, they have been left out.
8 Expatica Communications BV
FRENCH-ENGLISH STARTER DICTIONARY
English French Phonetically
Hello Bonjour bõ zhooer
Good morning Bonjour bõ zhooer
Good afternoon Bonjour bõ zhooer
Good day Bonjour bõ zhooer
Good evening Bonsoir bõ swar
Good night Bonne nuit bon nwee
Goodbye Au revoir oh revwar
Yes Oui wee
If You Please S’il vous plait (s.v.p.) see voo play
Great! Chouette! or Génial! shwet! or zhaynyal!
Thank you Merci mair see
Thank you very much Merci beaucoup mair see boh coo
No Non nõ
No thank you Non merci nõ mair see
Excuse me Pardon or Excusez-moi par dõ or ekskyoozay-mwah
That’s good C’est bon sair bõ
That’s no good Ce n’est pas bon snair pah bõ
Do you speak English? Parlez-vous anglais? Parlay-voo õglay
I don’t speak French Je ne parle pas français zher ner parl pah frõsay
I don’t understand Je ne comprends pas zher ner kõprõ pah
More Useful Words
Entrance Entrée õntray
Exit Sortie sor tee
Information Information un for musyõ
Service Service sair vees
Pull Tirez tee er ray
Push Poussez poo say
Sale Solde soll d
VAT TVA tay vay ah
Occupied Occupé okyoopay
Closed Fermé fair may
Open Ouvert oo vair
Full Complet cõ play
Please Ring Sonnez s.v.p. sonnay, s.v.p.
Sold Out Epuisé aypweezay
No Entry Entrée Interdite õntray untairdeet
No Smoking Défense de Fumer dayfõs der fyoomay
Ticket Sales Vente des Billets võnt day beeyay
Free Admission Entrée Gratuite õntray gratweet
Town Hall Mairie mairee
Public Transport Transports en Commun trõnspor õn komu
DUTCH-ENGLISH STARTER DICTIONARY
English Dutch Phonetically
Hello Hallo hullo
Good morning Goede morgen khoo-der mor-khen
Good afternoon Goede middag khoo-der mid-dagh
Good day Goede dag khoo-der dagh
9 Expat Survival Guide

Good evening Goede avond khoo-der ah-vent
Good night Goede nacht khoo-der nakt
Goodbye Tot ziens tot zeens
Yes Ja yah
If You Please Alstublieft uls-too-bleeft
Great Geweldig kher-wel-dik
Thank you Dank u dunk u
Thank you very much Dank u wel dunk u wel
No Nee nay
No thank you Nee, dank u nay dunk u
Excuse me Pardon/sorry par-don/sor-ree
That’s good Dat is goed dut is khoot
That’s no good Dat is niet goed dat is neet khoot
Do you speak English? Spreekt u Engels? spraykt u eng-els
I don’t speak Dutch Ik spreek geen Nederlands ik sprayk khaine nay-der-lunts
I don’t understand Ik begrijp het/u niet ik ber-khreyp et/u neet
More Useful Words
English Dutch French
Entrance Ingang Entrée
Exit Uitgang Sortie
Information Inlichtingen Information
Service Dienst Service
Pull Trekken Tirer
Push Duwen Pousser
Sale Opruiming/Uitverkoop Vente
VAT BTW TVA
Occupied Bezet Occupé
Closed Gesloten Fermée
Full Vol Plein
Please Ring Bellen AUB Sonnez s'ilvous plaît (svp)
Sold Out Uitverkocht Vendu de
No Entry Verboden Toegang Entrée interdit
No Smoking Niet Roken Fumant interdit/Ne fumer pas
Ticket Sales Kaartverkoop Billets vente
Free Admission Vrije Toegang Entrée gratuite
Town Hall Gemeentehuis Hôtel de ville
Public Transport Openbaar Vervoer Transport public
PERSONAL FINANCE
CURRENCY
As of 1 January 2002 the local currency in
Belgium, as in most other EU countries, is the
euro. The coins each have a different side
representing the 12 euro countries and a euro
side which is the same. The bills are the same
throughout the EU. Regardless of the country of
origin, all euro currency is usable without exchange
in the following countries: Germany, Ireland,
Netherlands, Greece, Finland, Luxembourg,
Austria, France, Belgium, Italy, Portugal and Spain.
7
Note: For more information log onto
www.euro.be
PAYING FOR GOODS & SERVICES
Cash
Cash dispensers are everywhere where there is a
bank, and they all take Bancontact cards, but
beware, you might have to wander around to find
one that takes your Visa or MasterCard or other
major credit and debit cards.
10 Expatica Communications BV
Lifestyle
With many exceptional and exclusive benefits,
the Gold Card is ideal for the frequent traveller
who wishes an enhanced level of service.
• The Gold Card Travel Service
Exclusive travel savings for Gold Cardmembers
via a fast, efficient telephone service.
• Select Hotel Programme1 Generous discounts at over 3,200 hotels worldwide.
• International Airline Programme1 Upgrades and/or companion seats with selected
leading airlines.
The Gold Card ®
International Dollar Card ®
The American Express International Dollar Card is the perfect Card for people who spend in
US Dollars or have US Dollar funds. All charges on the Card are converted and billed to your
account in US Dollars regardless of the currency you spend in and you simply settle your
Card account with a single monthly Dollar Payment.
For the frequent traveller, there is an extensive range of travel related benefits associated with
Gold Cardmembership, and as a special offer for Expat Survival Guide readers we are waiving
the first year Card fee - saving you US$200.
• Travel Accident Insurance2 With the Gold Card, benefit from up to
US$200,000 cover for accident and injuries.
• Express Cash3 Withdraw up to US$700 (or the equivalent in
local currency) from cash dispensers worldwide.
• Emergency Cheque Cashing4 Use the Gold Card to cash personal cheques
for up to US$5,000 every 21 days.
• Special Airfares
Our special airfares bring you savings of up
to 40% on scheduled flights to more than 450
destinations around the world.
Full benefits of the International Dollar Gold Card and details of this unique offer
can be found at www.americanexpress.com/idc_emea_specialoffer
To take advantage of this exclusive offer, simply print out and complete the application form quoting
ref. W45022EX45. If you have any queries please call Customer Services on +44 (0)1273 868 900.
1. Subject to American Express and provider terms and conditions.
2. Insurance policies are arranged by American Express and are subject to conditions of cover.
3. A fee of 4% of the amount withdrawn is charged on each Express Cash transaction. Minimum fee is US$10.
4. At most Travel Service locations subject to cash availability and local currency regulations.
American Express Services Europe Limited, Registered Office Portland House, Stag Place, London SW1E 5BZ, Registered Number 1833139
11 Expat Survival Guide
®

Cheque
These, plus a cheque guarantee card, will be
provided by your bank or your financial institution
when you open your account.
Credit and Debit Cards
You can pay with Visa, Eurocard, MasterCard, all
of which are usually linked to your current account.
Diner’s, American Express and all the other major
international credit cards can also be obtained
and used in Belgium. However, the most common
card in Belgium is the Mister Cash-Bancontact
card. It is linked to your current account, and is
accepted in department stores, supermarkets,
gas stations, and high street shops everywhere.
It’s a good idea to have one of these, as there
are still many places in Belgium that don’t accept
Visa and other credit cards, or even debit cards.
A Bancontact card with a PIN number will be
issued when you open a Belgian bank account.
Proton
The Proton card is like a rechargeable electronic
purse, and is the way of the future for paying for
everyday items such as newspapers, cigarettes,
as well as paying the butcher and the baker, or
doing your weekly shopping at the supermarket.
You can even use it for the parking meter, or to
fill up your car with gas. This is how it works: Using
a four-digit PIN code, you load your card with up
to 7 1,240 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.
PAYING YOUR BILLS
Pre-Authorized Debit
This practice, known as domiciliation/domiciliering,
is the most efficient way to pay bills, for it
precludes the problem of forgetting to pay them –
and since late payment incurs a small penalty
charge added to the next bill, this form of payment
is recommended. You simply need to contact the
various utility companies, who will tell you how to
arrange for your gas, electric and water bills to be
automatically deducted from your bank account.
Bank Transfer
The most common means of doing this is via a
bank transfer (virement/overschrijving). This is
the red and white payment slip to be found at the
bottom of almost all Belgian bills. This has to be
filled in, signed and handed in at your bank before
the final payment date specified on the bill.
BANKS
Opening a Bank Account
To 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 debit
card with the Mister Cash/Bancontact logo. A PIN
number will be sent to you separately. You may
be given a cheque book, but many stores are
likely to refuse them, preferring a credit or debit
card. If you want to open a savings account
(compte d’épargne/spaarrekening), the bank can
advise you on the different accounts on offer.
Standing Order
This 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.
The Major Belgian Banks
BBL (Banque Bruxelles Lambert)
Avenue Louise 205-207
1050 Brussels
02 627 16 80
www.bbl.be
Citibank (specialists in the needs of expatriates)
Carrefour de l’Europe 1
1000 Brussels
02 511 64 74
www.citibank.be
Dexia Bank
Avenue Louise 21
1050 Brussels
02 506 42 80
www.dexia.be
12 Expatica Communications BV
THE ART OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT
‘ Expats have spirit and flair.
As private bankers, we get
to know them and share their
ambitions. This is vital because
their needs change over time. ’
Wealth management solutions from
ING Baring Private Bank
224, Route d’Arlon - L-8010 Strassen, Luxembourg
Tel.: +352.31.66.111 - Fax: +352.31.68.68
Internet: www.ing.lu - E-mail: contact@ing.lu
Please send me information about the products and services offered by the Expat Centre:
English Dutch French German
Mr/Ms:
Address:
Postcode & city: Country:
Please call me on: Date & time:
13 Expat Survival Guide
surv02

Fortis Bank
Avenue Louise 200
1050 Brussels
02 627 85 11
www.be.fortisbank.com
KBC Bank
Louizalaan 280 Avenue Louise
1050 Brussels
02 641 59 70
www.kbc.be
Note: An increasing number of banks offer
Internet banking services allowing you to pay
your bills through this medium if you wish.
OFFSHORE INVESTING
Only one in three expatriates takes full advantage
of their special status to protect and grow their
finances. Yet you can gain huge benefits for your
personal finances by banking and investing with a
household name international bank that is based
in a reputable offshore financial centre.
For anyone living and working overseas, the main
benefit of banking offshore is usually tax efficiency
as interest on offshore accounts and investments
is paid without the deduction of tax. It may also
be possible to reduce tax liability in your home
country by transferring savings and investments
to an offshore bank account.
Other good reasons to bank offshore include asset
protection, estate planning and confidentiality.
But for many, offshore banking may simply be an
issue of convenience and service.
To choose the best account to meet your needs,
ask yourself the following questions:
1. What is the preferred currency of your savings?
2. Are you looking for a current account or a
savings account?
3. How quickly do you need to get hold of your
savings?
You will need to consider the level of risk you are
willing to take, and whether capital growth or
regular income, or a combination of both, is your
primary concern. You will want to look for a
company that provides accessibility to professional
advisers with specific training who advise their
customers on how to maximise their financial
advantage in accordance with their individual needs.
TAXATION
Income Taxes
The Belgian tax year for personal income tax
begins on 1 January and ends on 31 December.
You will probably receive a tax return
(declaration/aangifte) some time during April
relating to the previous year’s income. This must
be returned towards the end of June (you will find
the exact date on your tax return). If you don’t
receive a return, you should request one from the
Ministry of Finance before 1 June.
Ministère des Finances/Ministerie van Financien
Central Administration of Direct Contributions
CAE Tour des Finances - Boîte 32
Boulevard du Jardin Botanique 50
1010 Brussels
02 210 22 11
Information office: 02 210 24 53
(This Brussels office can give you information on
taxes wherever you live in Belgium.)
Local Tax Offices
For Brussels, Antwerp and Liège, taxes vary
depending on which commune you live. You will
find your local number in the White Pages – look
first under Ministères/Ministeries, then look
under Finances/Financien, then under
Contributions Directes/Directe Blastingen, and
you will find your communal office listed.
For those making declarations under non-resident
tax status, contact the following numbers:
Brussels 02 548 58 85
Antwerp 03 203 29 14
Gent 09 266 21 08
Liège 04 222 25 74
Tax Information in English on the Internet:
www.minfin.fgov.be
www.fiscus.fgov.be
14 Expatica Communications BV 15 Expat Survival Guide

Tax Consultants
Brussels
Arthur Andersen
Warandeberg 4 Montagne du Parc
1000 Brussels
02 545 30 00
www.arthurandersen.co.uk
Ernst & Young
Avenue Marcel Thiry 204
1200 Brussels
02 774 91 11
www.ey.be
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Avenue de Cortenbergh 75
1000 Brussels
02 741 08 11
www.pricewaterhousecoopers.com/be
SA Tax Consult
Jean Francois Golenvaux (Partner)
Avenue du Dirigeable 8, B2
1170 Brussels
02 675 50 05
Antwerp
Ernst & Young
J. Englishstraat 52
2140 Borgerhout
03 270 12 00
www.ey.be
Arthur Anderson
Uitbreidingstraat 2
2600 Antwerp
03 286 48 00
www.arthurandersen.co.uk
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Generaal Lemanstraat 67
2018 Antwerp
03 259 30 11
www.pricewaterhousecoopers.com/be
Gent
Arthur Andersen
Kortrijksesteenweg 1072
9051 Gent
09 243 92 00
www.arthurandersen.co.uk
Ernst & Young
Moutstraat 54
9000 Gent
09 242 51 11
www.ey.be
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Wilsonplein 5 g
9000 Gent
09 268 82 11
www.pricewaterhousecoopers.com/be
Van Passel Mazars & Guerard
Nieuwewandeling 62
9000 Gent
09 265 83 20
lacke@mazars.be
Liege
Arthur Andersen (Namur office - closest to Liege)
Avenue Gouverneur Bovesse 108
5100 Jambes
081 32 23 00
www.arthurandersen.co.uk
Ernst & Young
Rue Cdt. Naessens 32
4340 Awans-Villiers l’Evêque
04 257 43 42
www.ey.be
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Avenue Maurice Destenay 13
4000 Liège
04 220 62 11
www.pricewaterhousecoopers.com/be
Note: For information in English on the
Belgian tax system visit: www.accountancy.be
INSURANCE
Health Insurance
Health care insurance is a part of the Belgian
Social Security system, and everyone working for
a Belgian employer pays contributions to this
16 Expatica Communications BV
system. To benefit from health care insurance,
however, you must join a Health Insurance Fund,
generally known as a Mutuelle or Mutualité in
French, and Ziekenfonds or Mutualiteit in Dutch.
The process is as follows. 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 for
Social Security). Then you sign up with a Health
Insurance Fund, which will reimburse your medical
costs. To take you on they will need a written
certification of employment signed by your employer.
In Belgium you are free to choose any company
you want, and if you are confounded by the
number of possibilities, just choose according to
your beliefs, as most of them are affiliated with a
religious or political institution. That is the only
real difference between them, as their
reimbursement rates are fixed by the Belgian
government. These Funds do not, however, cover
100 percent of your bills, and many people opt
for an additional private insurance to pay the
remainder. Your employer might offer this to you
as part of your employment package.
Addresses
International Health Insurance Danmark
8, Palaegade
DK-1261 Copenhagen K
Denmark
+45 (0) 33 15 30 99
www.ihi.dk
La Mutualité Chrétienne
(Christian – the biggest health insurance
company in Belgium, based on “solidarity,
respect for the individual, and awareness of
others, particularly the most disadvantaged.”)
www.mc.be
Brussels
Boulevard Anspach 111-115
1000 Brussels
02 501 58 00
Antwerp
Nationalestraat 111
2000 Antwerp
03 470 18 50
Liège
Rue Sainte-Marguerite 43
4000 Liège
04 226 14 21
Gent
Lange Kruisstraat 7
9000 Gent
09 235 49 70/71
La Mutualité Libérale
(Liberal – “to serve their members and actively
collaborate in the solution of major social
problems relating to health and welfare.” They
are currently involved in fighting harassment.)
www.mut400.be
Brussels
51-52 Place de la reine
1030 Brussels
02 209 48 11
Antwerp
Nieuwstraat 109
2000 Antwerp
03 203 76 00
Gent
Oost-Vlaanderen
Koning Albertstraat 87
9000 Gent
09 220 74 45
Liège
Boulevard Frère-Orban 45-46-47
4000 Liège
04 252 44 48
users.skynet.be/mut/libra
La Mutualité Libre
(Independent – “Their major strength stems from
liberty, pluralism and independence.”)
www.mloz.be
Brussels
Boulevard Anspach 1
1000 Brussels
02 549 71 11
www.partenamut.be
17 Expat Survival Guide

Antwerp
Arenbergstraat 22
2000 Antwerp
03 201 84 00
Gent
Coupure (links) 103
9000 Gent
09 269 85 00
Liège
Rue Natalis 47 b
4020 Liège
04 344 86 11
La Mutualité Neutre
(Neutral – “now over a hundred years old, but still
true to itself since its origins: apolitical and
constantly evolving.”)
www.mut206.be/fr
Brussels
Avenue de Tervueren, 68-70
1040 Bruxelles
02 733 97 40
Gent
Onafhankelijk Ziekenfonds Vlaanderen
Coupure Links
9000 Gent
09 269 85 35
Liège
Rue de Chestret 4 et 6
4000 Liège
04 254 54 11
La Mutualité Socialiste
(Socialist – “The natural defender of the healthcare
consumer.”)
www.mutsoc.be
Brussels
FMSB
Rue du Midi 111
1000 Bruxelles
02 506 96 11
Antwerp
Socialistische Mutaliteit Antwerpen
Nationale Straat 130
2000 Antwerp
03 216 34 72
Gent
Bond Moyson
Bevrijdingslaan 174
9000 Gent
09 227 25 73
Liège
FMSS
Place Saint-Paul 4000
Liège 1
04 221 26 78/04 221 20 33
Note: If you still can’t decide, try Euromut,
an online company, which describes itself as
young, dynamic and apolitical, and is part of
the National Mutualité Libre. It’s multi-lingual
and has a section for expatriates:
www.euromut.be
Car Insurance
Belgian car insurance is very expensive, and you
must remember that it is the car, and not the
driver that is insured. This means that anyone
can drive your car, but if you want coverage for
any injury sustained by the driver, you need to
ask for additional coverage. Not all companies
provide this so you should shop around.
The minimum insurance required by Belgian law
is standard Third Party Liability, which covers
death, bodily injury or physical damage that you
cause to a third party. You can also opt for Fully
Comprehensive cover, which provides for virtually
every eventuality, including vandalism, fire, theft
or damage resulting from a collision. There is an
excess amount payable by the insured, varying
with the value of the car. A Mini-Comprehensive
policy will cost you less, but only covers you if the
accident is not your fault.
Once you have decided on your insurance policy,
the company will issue you with a Green Card,
which you should keep in your car at all times,
since the police can demand to see it.
You will also receive an accident report form,
which you must keep in your car. This form is
18 Expatica Communications BV
19 Expat Survival Guide

available in other languages, so get a copy 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 (it must be signed by both
parties); state the facts clearly but don’t write
anything admitting you are in the wrong – the
insurance company has to decide this.
Note: Choose a company that will recognise
any claim-free driving experience you have
accumulated in other countries. Some
companies are quite generous in this regard,
offering up to 46 percent discount for a good
driving record.
The following three companies will all speak to
you in English, and offer coverage for expatriates
living in any part of Belgium.
Union Financière SA
143 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt
1050 Brussels
02 675 33 34
Zurich Insurance Group
7 Avenue Lloyd-George
1000 Brussels
02 639 55 11
Frame BVBA
Gemeentestraat 246
3010 Leuven
016 353 246
www.frame-pfp.be/expat/indexexpats.htm
Homeowners/Rental Insurance
Whether 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 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., which are not the responsibility of the
tenant. If you rent a furnished accommodation
you are required to take out insurance against
damage to the landlord’s furniture.
Contents insurance is not compulsory, but it’s a
good idea to have it, since burglaries are a fact
of life these days in most cities. But remember
that theft is not covered automatically in contents
insurance, but is a selectable option. If you bring
valuable personal items with you, such as
jewellery or cameras, you should consider taking
out an All Risks policy, which will cover you for
almost all types of accidental damage or loss.
Insuring the property you own or rent in Belgium
is fairly inexpensive, but the cover may not be as
extensive as you are used to in your own country,
so make sure your insurance is adequate before
signing anything.
Note: See the section on Car Insurance for
details on insurance companies that also
handle home insurance and all other forms
of insurance.
HOUSING
TIPS FOR RENTING/BUYING
Searching for Accommodations
• Look at Le Soir (French language national daily
newspaper, Thursday edition), Het Nieuwsblad
(Dutch-language national daily newspaper,
Saturday edition) and the Vlan, (you can buy it
in newsagents for 7 1.25 on Saturdays or it is
delivered free to all mailboxes the following
Monday).
• If you’re in Antwerp, De Koopjeskrant is the
publication to look at when house or flat
hunting – it comes out on Fridays. The Saturday
edition of Gazet van Antwerpen lists properties
for rent or for sale, and De Streekkrant is
delivered free in many areas of Antwerp.
• One of the best ways to find a place is to walk
around. It’s a great way to get a feel for the
20 Expatica Communications BV
HOUSING
where expats feel at home
Expatica Housing makes it easy to find the perfect place. Our
comprehensive database and automatic agent take the worry
and hassle out of finding a new home.
visit www.expatica.com
21 Expat Survival Guide

various neighbourhoods, and there are signs
everywhere indicating houses and apartments
available. These signs, with phone numbers,
are orange and black, usually in the ground
floor window, and say Te Koop /A Vendre (For
Sale) or Te Huur /A Louer (For Rent).
• Many available properties might never be
advertised, so if a particular neighbourhood
appeals to you, talk to local shop owners,
newsagents, waiters, or anyone you know
already living there. They may have heard about
something that is about to become available.
• If you see a nice building, leave your visiting
card with the concierge. People move in and
out of apartments here frequently, so chances
are there might be an opening while you’re
searching. And you could be the only candidate,
if the owner doesn’t list it with an agent.
• Use an estate agent. They’ll show you loads of
places, and the advantage is that you incur no
charges – the landlord pays – and they will go
with you to look, and help you with negotiations
and paperwork.
• Check these websites to search for apartments
or houses before you even arrive:
www.expatica.com/housing
www.vlan.be (click on “immobilier”)
immoweb.be/EN (website in English for the
whole of Belgium).
Renting
• You’ll need to set up a bank guarantee
equivalent to three months’ rent – but owners
are not allowed to ask you for this in cash, so
don’t give it.
• There has to be an inspection of the property
before you move in. This is known as the Etat
de Lieu and must be done in the presence of
you and the owner. It is usually arranged by the
owner through an expert of his own choosing,
REAL-ESTATE TERMS DEFINED
but if you wish, you can choose your own expert
from the Yellow Pages (look under Experts
Immobiliers) – some owners have special deals
with their expert that might be very favourable
to them in the event of a dispute.
• Keep your expectations low regarding light
fixtures, which will often consist of nothing
more than a bulb in a simple socket dangling
from the ceiling. Tenants are expected to furnish
their own fixtures throughout the premises.
• When you are nearing the end of your lease, if
you don’t intend to renew it, make sure you
inform the owner three months before – failure
to do this is presumed to be tacit renewal of
the lease.
Buying
• Be aware that the price you see in the advertisement
is not the price you pay – notary’s fees
and registration taxes must be added to this.
Thus a house advertised at 7 125,000 will
incur an extra 7 18,000 in fees and taxes.
• If you re-sell your home within two years, you
can recuperate up to 45 percent of the fees
and taxes.
• Beware of totally new, never-previously-occupied
property, as the fees and taxes can be much
higher. For example, buying an apartment that
is still being built will incur a notary’s fee based
on 50 percent of the purchase price.
• Once you have signed the initial sales agreement
(compromis de vente) there’s no turning back –
without paying a penalty of up to 15 percent of
the purchase price.
• Married couples are advised to put the
property in joint names because of high death
duties, while unmarried couples might actually
want to get married because of even higher
death duties on unrelated beneficiaries.
French Abbreviation (ads) English
agence/agent immobilier real estate agency/agent
à louer for rent
à vendre for sale
appartement apt/appt apartment/flat
arrière-maison back-house (smaller building behind larger house)
ascenseur asc elevator/lift
bail rental agreement/lease
buanderie buand laundry room
carrelage carrel tiles/tiled
cave cellar
chambre ch bedroom
charges chgs charges
tous charges compris tcc utilities/charges included in the rent
chauffage central ch.cent central heating
cour patio
cuisine cuis kitchen
cuisine américaine cuis am kitchen separ. by a counter from living/dining room
cuisine equipée cuis éq kitchen with fridge, oven, dishwasher
cuisine non-equipée cuis non éq a sink only
dans ds in
deuxième étage 2ème ét second floor
en filade a series of (rooms)
3 pièces en filade three rooms in a row
duplex split-level apartment/maisonette
entièrement rénové ent rén completely renovated
étage ét floor/storey
état des lieux expertise/inventory
feu ouvert fo fireplace
flat/studio studio/bedsit
garantie gar security deposit
grenier gren attic
immeuble imm building
immeuble de grand standing luxury apartment block
immobilier immo real estate
jardin jard garden
libre available for occupation
loyer loy rent
maison house, usually a townhouse
maison bourgeoise luxury townhouse
maison/hotel de maître very luxurious townhouse
maison unifamiliale mais unif single family house
meublé meub furnished
parquet pqt parquet
petit/petite pt/pte small
piscine pisc swimming pool
placard plac cupboard/closet
remis à neuf rem à neuf newly renovated
rénové rén renovated
restauré rest restored
rez de chaussée rez/rdc ground floor
salle de bains sdb bathroom
salle de douche sdd shower room
salle à manger sam dining room
séjour/salon séj/living living room
tapis plain tap pl wall to wall carpet
une pièce/deux pièces 1p/2pc one room/two rooms
villa/pavillon (semi-)detached house/garden
wc séparé wc sép separate toilet
22 Expatica Communications BV 23 Expat Survival Guide

Dutch Abbreviation (ads) English
agentschap agency
Amerikaanse keuken Amer kkn American kitchen
appartement app apartment
zolder attic
vrij available
kelder basement
badkamer badk bathroom
slaapkamer slpk bedroom
centrale verwarming central heating
eetkamer eetk dining room
lift lift/elevator
kosten kost charges
kosten inbegrepen/geen kost inb/gkost charges included
gevel gev façade
verdieping verd floor/storey
te huur th or te hr for rent
te koop tk or te kp for sale
volledig ingericht keuken vol ing kkn fully-equipped kitchen
gemeubeld(e) gemeub furnished
garage gar garage
tuin garden
gelijsvloer ground floor (US lst floor)
hall/gang hall
huis house
keuken kkn kitchen
groot (grote) gr large/big
villa large house
herenhuis large town house
wasplaats waspl laundry room
nieuw staat like new
living living room
te zien must be seen
geen huisdieren no animals
niet-rokers no smokers
bureel bur office
open haard oh fireplace
koer patio
gerenoveerd gerenov renovated
huurkontrakt rental agreement/lease
vernieuwd vern restored
kamer room
rijwoning row/terraced house
waarborg waarb security deposit
stortbad shower room
eénsgezinswoning single-family house
klein(e) kl small
zwembad swimming pool
terras terr terrace
tegels teg tiles/tiled
bezichten/voor afspraak to visit, call + tel no
staat van het huis expertise/inventory
24 Expatica Communications BV
HOUSING AGENCIES
The following agencies deal in both sale and
rental properties:
Brussels
Bureau Toby Nv-Sa
Rue Royal 55
1000 Brussels
02 219 23 23
www.bureau-toby.com
Capitol Invest
Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 123
1050 Brussels (Ixelles)
02 663 65 80
Century 21 SVP
Boulevard Anspach 121
1000 Brussels
02 513 19 96
Eurema s.a.
22 Rue du Duc
1150 Bruxelles (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)
02 736 30 30
Eurorent
Rue Buchholtz 24
1050 Brussels (Ixelles)
02 646 26 86
Eurohouse nv-sa
Boulevard du Souverain 65
1160 Brussels (Auderghem)
02 672 05 55
www.eurohouse.be
Housing Service IGC
Boulevard Saint-Michel 51
1040 Brussels (Etterbeek)
02 732 99 20
www.housing-service.be
Immo Boulanger
Avenue Reine Astrid 215
1410 Waterloo
02 354 94 12
www.immoboulanger.be
Macnash Associates
Avenue de Messidor 306 bte 14
1180 Brussels (Uccle)
02 347 11 47
Antwerp
Antwerp City Real Estate Agency
Goudbloemstraat 2
2060 Antwerp
03 232 85 15
Engetrim – Trevi Partner
Grote Hondstraat 44
2018 Antwerp 1
03 218 63 04
Immobilien Carl Martens
Britselei 24
2000 Antwerp
03 226 85 00
Sidimex Antwerpen
Frankrijklei 94
2000 Antwerp
03 203 02 02
VIEW Belimmo BVBA
Leopold de Waelstraat 37
2000 Antwerp
03 238 03 57
Gent
Century 21 De Woondienst Gent
Chaussée De Kerkhovelaan 187
9000 Gent
09 233 63 20
Era Vastgoed Ryckaert BVBA
Tentoonstellingslaan 104
9000 Gent
09 223 11 77
Nelde NV – Amber NV
Vlaanderenstraat 8
9000 Gent
09 233 13 47
New Center Immo Gent
Charles de Kerchovelaan 193
9000 Gent
09 245 28 08
25 Expat Survival Guide

Liege
Century 21 Bureau Blavier
Boulevard d’Avroy 55
4000 Liège
04 223 38 25
Europimo sprl
Avenue Louis Piedboeuf 13
4053 Chaudfontaine (Embourg)
04 367 45 91
Immo 42
Voie de l’Ardenne 42
4053 Chaudfontaine (Embourg)
04 371 99 71
GIL
Boulevard de la Constitution 65
4020 Liège 2
04 342 23 22
Optimum – Trevi Partner
Rue Louvrex 98
4000 Liège
04 221 48 75
WHERE TO LIVE
Brussels
Bruxelles/Brussel (Brussels City)
If you’re a dyed-in-the-wool urbanite, then this is
the place for you. You can live in the heart of one
of the most wonderful mediaeval cities in Europe,
with cobbled streets, ancient brick buildings and
a café, bar or restaurant on every corner. If
you’re buying you might feel inspired to join in the
wave of renovation that is gradually transforming
the downtown area to its former glory. If you’re
renting, you’ll be sure to find some really
atmospheric apartments behind the ancient
facades, at affordable rents, and within walking
distance of the Grand’Place and all the magic of
the city centre. This area also includes the
fashionable Avenue Louise, with its magnificent
townhouses and elegant boutiques.
Ixelles/Elsene
One of the most popular areas amongst expats,
this area is full of well restored and modernised
town houses, many of which have been turned
into very pleasant apartments. It is located on
either side of the Avenue Louise, and although it
is not a very big commune, it is full of contrasts.
Not far from the elegant houses around Avenue
Louise is the Porte de Namur, with a multitude of
shops, cafés and cinemas, and the traditionally
African quarter known as Matongé. With its
African shops, cafés and restaurants, Matongé is
becoming increasingly popular with people looking
for a more relaxed environment and slightly lower
rentals than some of the more upmarket parts of
Ixelle. At the other end of the Avenue Louise is
the greenery of the Ixelles ponds, the Bois de la
Cambre, and peaceful spacious apartments in
elegant art-nouveau and art-deco buildings.
Uccle/Ukkel
This is one of the most popular communes for
expats, comparable to Auderghem for its beautiful
houses, and one of the greenest, with over 500
hectares covered by the Forest of Soignes –
including the lovely Bois de la Cambre, where you
can take your kids on weekends. It used to be
the domain of the nobility, whose former manor
houses have given their names to many areas of
Uccle. It is full of lovely houses, elegant apartment
blocks and listed buildings, historic sites like the
La Cambre Abbey, a European school, and an
enormous international community.
Woluwe-Saint-Pierre/Sint-Pieters-Woluwe
This commune is near many of the EU institutions,
and is the place to live if you want to share an
address with all the embassies that are based
here. This is a largely residential commune, and
is a favourite for expats with families, because it
is filled with highly affordable houses – both
terraced townhouses and detached houses with
gardens. You can also find apartments in
converted houses. This is a great place for
children, with a total of 180 hectares of green
spaces, including the Woluwe Park, the Mellaerts
ponds and the Forest of Soignes You’ll find a
whole range of amenities, including a huge
sports centre, a cultural centre, a conference
centre, daycare and crèche facilities, community
centres, libraries, and children’s playgrounds.
Woluwe Saint Lambert/Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe
Like its neighbour, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, this is
mostly residential, pleasant and leafy, and has
some quite rural areas bordering on the Catholic
University of Louvain campus. Woluwe Shopping
Centre, a large mall which attracts shoppers from
26 Expatica Communications BV
all over Brussels, is also located in this commune,
and both the Woluwes are very well placed for
the main route to Brussels airport and for the
British School of Brussels in Tervuren. One of the
European schools is situated in Woluwe-Saint-
Lambert, and this area is within easy reach of
the European Union institutions.
Auderghem/Oudergem
A good third of this commune spreads over the
Forest of Soignes and several smaller parks, and
is characterised by lots of green spaces, treelined
roads and beautiful, period houses with
landscaped lawns. It has its own shopping centre
and metro stations, and has become very popular
with EU officials for its proximity to the various
European institutions. There are a lot of large,
elegant old properties here which have become
particularly sought after by international executives
and officials. If you like to have attractive
surroundings this is a good choice – and
although much of the property is very expensive,
it is still possible to find affordable places in the
more reasonably priced parts of the commune.
Saint-Gilles/Sint-Gillis
The lower part of Saint-Gilles is dominated by the
Gare du Midi (South Station) which is presently
undergoing massive renovation and development.
Since it is the terminus for the Eurostar and the
high-speed TGV trains from Paris and Amsterdam,
it is likely that the area will be transformed in the
years to come. There are some lovely houses
and apartments to be had in this commune at
reasonable prices, and in the more elegant parts
of upper Saint-Gilles are some really superb artnouveau
houses that stand as a reminder of one
of Belgium’s greatest architect, Victor Horta, who
lived in this commune, and whose house is now
a museum.
Schaerbeek/Schaarbeek
Strategically placed midway between the
international headquarters of NATO and the
European Union, this up-and-coming commune
has much to commend it as a place to live, with
excellent sporting facilities, daycare provision,
schools, theatres and a recently renovated
swimming pool. The beautiful Josaphat Park is a
veritable goldmine of sculptures, and is surrounded
by lovely tree-lined avenues and elegant town
houses. Prices here for both renting and buying
are more reasonable than Brussels City or Ixelles,
and the lower part of Schaerbeek is well-placed
for getting to Brussels Airport. It’s a good place
for culture-seekers, with its Maison des Arts/
Huis der Kunsten, and the Victorian wrought-iron
buildings of Les Halles/de Hallen, the former
covered market in the Rue Royale Sainte-
Marie/Koninklijke St.-Mariastraat, which have
now been turned into an art and culture centre.
Watermael-Boitsfort/Watermaal-Bosvoorde
Another very green commune, half of Watermael-
Boitsfort is covered by the Forest of Soignes, and
if you’re looking for a slightly more rural ambiance,
you might like to live here. Originally two separate
villages, they merged into a much sought after
residential area during the course of the 19th
century and have maintained their reputation.
You have a good choice of houses and apartments
here, and the commune boasts some “garden
quarters” such as Le Logis and Le Floréal which
now have “listed” status. It’s a good commune
for international education, since the International
School of Brussels is in this commune, and one
of the European Schools is located in
neighbouring Uccle.
Tervuren
This lovely peaceful commune is only 20km from
the centre of Brussels, and has so much green
space that you can keep horses here and take
them out riding in the local woods. It is situated
at the end of the tree-lined Avenue de Tervuren,
which was built through the Forest of Soigne in
the 1890s to give access to King Leopold II’s new
Museum of the Belgian Congo – now called the
Royal Museum for Central Africa, and not to be
missed. To live in Tervuren would be very serene,
and extremely well situated, having the British
school right there, public transport (tram) to the
European institutions, and all the lovely woods
and Royal Parks that surround the area. What’s
more you can have space - the houses and gardens
here are bigger than in Auderghem or Uccle.
Gent
The municipal reorganisation of 1977 merged a
number of surrounding villages with Gent,
creating a new city of about a quarter of a million
inhabitants. Anywhere in Gent is pleasant to live,
but many expats opt to get out of the town and
have a more rural existence in the surrounding
villages. If you have children and want to have
27 Expat Survival Guide

more space, this is an option worth considering,
and the places to look at are the villages of Sint-
Martens, Lapen, Deurle and Heusden.
If you live in town, there are two places most
popular with expats. One is Muinparkwijk, a
pleasant residential area with lots of trees.
Housing here is very affordable and the houses
all have gardens. Or you might like to live on the
avenue called Coupure, which has the river
running through the middle. It is lined with very
nice houses, many of which are at least a
hundred years old.
If you are not at all short of money you can live in
Gent’s ‘millionaires’ row’ – an area known as
Miljoenenkwartier (the ‘millions quarter’). It is a
high-class and very expensive neighbourhood
which was developed between the two world
wars. If you can afford it, Miljoenenkwartier is a
beautiful place to live, with lots of broad, leafy
lanes and a park.
Antwerp
Antwerp, at the confluence of the the rivers Leie
and Scheldt, is a city of art, fashion and diamonds,
and was home to the great painter Rubens. It is
quite a small town. A lot of Americans and British
people choose to live in the north part of the city
to be close to the International School. Brasschaat
is one of the most popular places for this, for it is
very near the school and has a good selection of
houses and a pleasant residential atmosphere.
Other areas favoured by expats are Middelheim
Parc to the south, Wilrijk, Elsdonck, Edegem and
Wijnegem.
A lot of single expats or those without children
prefer to live downtown, close to the central park,
and near the boulevards which go across the city.
This central area is very picturesque and fun to
live in since it is on the river and close to all the
restaurants and entertainment.
Liege
Liège is a town rich in history, with an historic
commercial centre, and blessed by nature with a
beautiful river and green undulating hills. On
either side of the river in the centre of town is an
abundance of apartment dwellings. If you decide
to live centrally, look for a place in one of the
following streets, which are all very popular with
expat residents:
• Les Terrasses
• Boulevard Frère Orban
• Boulevard Piercot
• Botanique
• Le Mont Saint-Martin
If you opt for going out of town, look at the
university area of Le Sart Tilman, which is one of
the closer suburbs, with parks and greenery and
an open-air museum. The two other suburban
areas very popular with expats are Cointe and
Embourg. They are five and ten minutes respectively
from the city centre by car, and you’ll find plenty
of tree-lined streets and houses with gardens.
WHAT’S ON
Read Expatica for your guide to the must-see
exhibitions, theatre, music and dance where you
live. Our previews and reviews are written by
expats for expats, providing you with a guide you
can trust. Just click on the What’s On channel at
www.expatica.com.
EVENTS & FESTIVALS
The Ommegang Pagent
Don’t miss this colourful medieval festival which
takes place every year in Brussels. The
Procession of the Ommegang, which starts at the
Place du Sablon and ends at the Grand’Place, is
one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Belgium.
It is an historical evocation of the festival held in
the Grand’Place in 1549 to honour Charles V and
his Court, although the Ommegang is mentioned
as far back as 1359. This is a pageant of grand
proportions, with the Grand’Place ablaze with
light as the descendants of the nobility, decked
out in medieval costumes, take on the roles of
their ancestors.
Date: Every summer on the first Thursday of July
and the previous Tuesday
Venue: Grand’Place, Brussels
Reservations can be made through:
Tourist Information, Town Hall, Grand’Place
02 548 04 54 or
Ommegang-Brussels
02 512 19 61
www.ommegang-brussels.be
28 Expatica Communications BV
The Brussels Jazz Marathon
This is a major musical event in Brussels,
attracting more than 250,000 jazz lovers to the
capital of Europe. For three days more than 450
musicians perform on stages set up in cafés,
bars, hotels, and a whole host of other venues,
including free open-air concerts. Your ticket,
which is for the whole festival, comes in the form
of a bracelet and gives access to more than a
hundred concerts. It also allows you to ride free
on public transport, as well as the Jazz Marathon
bus, which runs between all the major venues of
the festival. A great event – don’t miss it!
Date: Last week in May
Venue: All over Brussels
(info) 02 456 04 85 / 02 456 04 86
(reservation) 0900 00 750
www.brusselsjazzmarathon.be
Couleur Café
The Couleur Café festival was inaugurated more
than a decade ago to build a bridge between Afro-
Caribbean culture and Belgium. The idea was to
create a melting-pot weekend, where people of
all racial backgrounds could come together to
celebrate the power of black music, share in its
exuberance and simply dance the night away. The
music is supported by exhibitions, displays and
the now famous Souk, a market place with
colourful goods from all over the world.
Date: Last week in June
Venue: Tour et Taxi (Tour & Taxis), Rue Picard 1,
1000 Bruxelles
02 237 06 55
www.couleurcafe.be
Carpet of Flowers (Tapis des Fleurs)
Every two years, the Grand’Place in Brussels
provides the backdrop to a unique but ephemeral
masterpiece - the Tapis des Fleurs, a precious
carpet that no one is allowed to walk on, but
which is universally admired for its dazzling array
of colours and elegant flower-beds. It is made
mostly from begonias, grown in and around Gent,
and there are about 300 blooms per square
metre, making a total of about 700,000 flowers
in the completed carpet. They are packed so
tightly against each other that they form their own
micro-climate, enabling them to stay fresh for the
entire five days. It’s a truly spectacular sight.
Date: Every other year, in August
Venue: Grand’Place, Brussels
www.dreamit.be/flowercarpet/index.htm
Skating in the Grand’Place
Every year, from mid-December until the first
week in January, an ice rink is set up in the
Grand’Place, and the whole of Brussels comes to
skate around the magnificent medieval square.
You don’t need your own ice skates, you can rent
them. Bring the kids and throw your cares to the
winds for an hour or two. It’s great fun.
Date: December/January every year
Venue: Grand’Place, Brussels
02 346 59 49
www.vocommunication.com
Procession of the Holy Blood – Brugge
This evocation of the biblical passion play has
been taking place in Brugge since 1970, but its
origins go all the way back to the Crusades, when
in 1150, according to legend, Diederik van den
Elzas, count of Flanders, brought the Relic of the
Holy Blood to Brugge from the Holy Land. The
procession re-enacts this legend, as well as
scenes from the Old and New Testaments, as the
golden shrine containing the holy relic is carried
through the streets. This event is so popular in
Brugge that many locals now talk of “Holy Blood
Day” instead of Ascension Day.
Place: Brugge
Date: Every year on Ascension Day
www.visit-bruges.com/prohblo1.htm
The Carnival of Binche
This is Belgium’s most famous carnival, in the
little town of Binche, in the Province of Hainaut,
about 55 km south of Brussels. It features a
fascinating assortment of folkloric characters,
including pierrots, harlequins, and peasants. At
10am on the first day the parade of “Mam’zeles”
and fancy dress groups begins, and various
processions, heralded by brass instruments,
converge at 3pm on the centre of town. The
second day is devoted to youth groups who form
a circle of friendship, while the final day (Shrove
Tuesday/Mardi Gras) belongs to the “Gilles” –
the men and boys of Binche dressed in colourful
costumes and eye-catching 4-foot high white
feathered headdresses.
Date: 49 days before Easter
Place: Binche (Hainaut)
www.chez.com/binche/carnival_fr.html
“Antilliaanse Feesten” (Caribbean Festival) –
Hoogstraten
For 20 years this has been the biggest Caribbean
29 Expat Survival Guide

music festival in Europe, hosting the most popular
groups from the entire Caribbean region: from
Cuba to Trinidad, Colombia to Belize, from Haiti
to Puerto Rico. Thousands of people from all over
the world converge on Hoogstraten to dance the
night away to salsa, merengue, calypso, soca,
ska, reggae and a host of other Caribbean sounds.
Prepare to party – along with over thirty thousand
other revellers. A weekend you’ll never forget!
Date: Every year, 2nd weekend in August
Place: Hoogstraten (about 50 km north of
Antwerp close to the Dutch border)
www.antilliaansefeesten.be
Mons – the Golden Coach Procession
(Car d’Or) and the Lumecon Battle
Belgians love processions, and the people of
Mons are no exception. Every year on Trinity
Sunday they witness the traditional Car d’Or
procession, a spectacular event featuring a 17th
century golden coach. During the procession the
coach carries the relic shrine of Saint Waudru
through the streets of the city, accompanied by
musicians, singers, flag-bearers and horsemen.
On the same day as the Car d’Or procession, the
famous ‘Lumeçon’ battle takes place in Mons. It
is now an integral part of the annual Trinity
procession, and features a 10 metre long green
dragon made out of willow branches.
Date: Every year, on Trinity Sunday (8th Sunday
after Easter)
Place: Mons
Vielsam – Sabbat des Macralles and Fête des
Myrtilles
If you’re into witches this is the place to be.
Every year on the evening of 20 July the mayor
hands the keys of Vielsalm to a band of
“macralles” – the wallon word for witch – and for
24 hours these macabre characters dominate
the town. At about ten o’clock in the evening they
head for a nearby hill called Tiennemesse, where,
carrying flaming torches, they recount in wallon
dialect all the wicked deeds they have committed
over the past year. Then, brandishing their
brooms, they surround the visiting notables and
ply them with a local brew made of bilberries
(myrtilles). A wild “danse macabre” follows,
accompanied by fireworks. The following day (21
July) is the Bilberry Festival (Fête des Myrtilles),
when a grand procession of colourful floats goes
through the town. For more about the macralles,
go to this website (in French only):
www.macralles.be.tf
Place: The village of Vielsam (north-east corner
of the province of Luxembourg)
Date: 20 and 21 July
www.vielsalm.be
THEATRES & CINEMAS
Live Theatres
The Studio Theatre and The Warehouse
Home of the American Theatre Company (ATC),
now in its 30th year, offering two mainstage
plays, two Café Theatres and at least one studio
project a season.
Address: 73 Rue Waelhem, 1030 Brussels
02 734 33 53
www.atc-brussels.org
The Theatre Factory
Professional English-language production company,
based in Brussels, presenting plays ranging from
Edinburgh Fringe hits to West End sell-outs.
www.theatrefactory.com
British American Theatrical Society
BATS has been active in Antwerp since 1956,
with three or four main productions a year
including a popular Christmas pantomime.
Address: The Belfry, Pothoekstraat 144,
2060 Antwerp
www.angelfire.com/tx/BATS
Brussels Light Opera Company
BLOC was founded in 1975 as the Gilbert &
Sullivan Society, now alternates between G&S,
other operettas and musicals.
02 653 78 27
users.skynet.be/sombrero/index.htm
Irish Theatre Group
Produces a wide variety of Irish drama, and aims
to produce one mainstage and one studio show
each year, as well as its traditional Bloomsnight
party in mid-June.
02 688 04 37
Brussels Shakespeare Society
Productions of the Great Bard’s works, as well as
readings, workshops and the occasional
exploration of other classic writings.
02 767 98 67
30 Expatica Communications BV
The English Comedy Club
Two full-scale productions, a pantomime and two
studio projects a season with play readings in
members’ homes on the first Wednesday of the
month. Also based at the Warehouse (see ATC
above).
02 514 10 68
www.angelfire.com/nb/eccbrussels
Cinemas
Brussels
Actor’s Studio
16 Petite Rue des Bouchers
1000 Brussels
02 512 10 84
www.cinebel.com/Actors_Studio
Arenberg Galeries
26 Galerie de la Reine
1000 Bruxelles
02 512 80 63
www.cinebel.com/arenberg
Kinepolis
1 Avenue du Centenaire
1020 Bruxelles
02 478 04 50
www.kinepolis.be
Kladaradatsch! Palace
85 Boulevard Anspach
1000 Brussels
02 501 67 76
UGC de Brouckère
38 Place de Brouckère
1000 Bruxelles
02 218 57 25
UGC Toison d’Or
8 Avenue de la Toison d’Or
1050 Brussels
02 289 71 30
Vendôme
18 chaussée de Wavre
1050 Bruxelles
02 537 12 07
www.cinebel.com/Vendome
Antwerp
Kladaradatsch! Cartoon’s
Kaasstraat 4-6
2000 Antwerp
03 232 96 32
Metropolis
Groenendaallaan 394
2030 Antwerp
03 544 36 00
UGC
Van Erbornstraat 17
2018 Antwerp
03 206 70 00
Gent
ABC
Brabantdam 106
9000 Gent
09 233 50 93
Sphinx
Sint-Michielshelling 3
9000 Gent
09 225 60 86
Decascoop
Ter Platen 12
9000 Gent
09 265 06 00
Studio Skoop
Sint-Annaplein 63
9000 Gent
09 225 08 45
Liege
Le Churchill
18-20 Rue du Mouton Blanc
4000 Liège
04 221 29 13
L’Opéra
Place de la République Française
4000 Liège
04 223 19 52
Kinepolis
200 Chaussée de Tongres
31 Expat Survival Guide

4000 Liège
04 224 66 00
www.kinepolis.com
Le Palace
Rue Pont d’Avroy
4000 Liège
04 223 30 54
Le Parc
22 Rue Paul-Joseph-Carpay
4020 Liège
04 222 24 67
TOURIST OFFICES
Belgian Tourist Office
Grasmarkt 63
1000 Brussels
02 504 03 90
Brussels Tourist Office (TIB)
Townhall of Brussels
Grand Place
1000 Brussels
02 513 89 40
Antwerp Dienst Toerisme
7 Grote Markt 15
2000 Antwerp
03 232 01 03
Gent Tourist Office
The Crypt of the Town Hall
9000 Gent
09 266 52 32
Liege Tourist Office
En Féronstrée 92
4000 Liege
04 221 92 21
LIFE IN BELGIUM
ELECTRICITY
The current in Belgium is AC 220-240 volts/50 Hz.
This is compatible with electrical appliances from
the UK, but any from the USA (110 volts/60 Hz)
will need to be used with a step-down transformer.
Belgian plugs are the standard European twopinned
type. You can buy small plug adapters from
any electrical shop before you leave – or buy
them in Belgium at Brico (go to www.brico.be to
find the branch nearest your home).
HOME TELEPHONES
Belgacom is Belgium’s national telecommunications
company, along with its subsidiary, Skynet, which
provides Internet access, line leasing, satellite
services and equipment. Nowadays you can opt
for other providers – Belgacom’s main competitor
is Telenet - but they all have to rent lines from
Belgacom, and you will need to use a personal
access code before placing your call in order to
benefit from their services and tarifs. It is easy to
set up a home telephone. Call one of the numbers
listed below, or visit a Belgacom teleboutique/
teleboetiek, where you can buy or rent a range of
equipment. You’ll need identification so take your
passport or Belgian ID card. To find a teleboutique
near you, go to the Belgacom website:
www.belgacom.be
Belgian Phone Numbers
Belgian toll-free numbers begin with 0800.
The prefix 078/15 means the caller pays zonal
rates - the owner of the number pays the rest.
“Universal” numbers are preceded by 070 and
are billed to the caller at interzonal rates.
Beware of 0900 and 077 numbers – calls with
these prefixes can be very expensive.
Telephone Providers
Belgacom:
Customer service (English): 0800 55800
Customer service - bus. (English): 0800 55500
Cut-price international services: 0800 55123
Special expat phone line: 0800 32005
Call 02 208 14 89 for the expatriate kit
Telenet:
015 333 000
0800 66 000 for general questions
0800 66 800 for questions about Internet
0800 66 200 with problems
www.telenet.be/english/index.htm
KPN Belgium:
02 275 33 11
www.kpnbelgium.be
32 Expatica Communications BV
Assistance Numbers
Fire Department: 100
Ambulance: 100 or
02 649 11 22
Police: 101
National and International
Directory Assistance in English: 1405
Problems Obtaining a Number: 1324
Lost or Stolen Credit Cards: 070 344 344
Child Help Line: 103
Belgian Red Cross: 105
AIDS Helpline: 078 15 15 15
Alcoholics Anonymous: 02 513 23 66
Antipoison Centre: 070 245 245
Burn Centre: 02 268 62 00
Suicide Prevention: 0800 32123
After Hours Doctors: 02 513 02 02
After Hours Dentists: 02 426 10 26
After Hours Pharmacy: 0900 10500
After Hours Vets: 02 479 99 90
Animal Ambulance: 02 426 12 46
Touring Assistance: 02 233 22 11
Water Accidents: 02 739 52 11
Websites for Directory Assistance:
www.yellowpages.be
www.infobel.com/belgium
belcast.skynet.be
PUBLIC TELEPHONES
There are about 10,000 public telephone booths
all over the country, and they are easy to find –
they are mostly glass with a dark green frame, a
small domed roof and a telephone receiver logo
on the glass. Some accept coins, but many more
accept Belgacom Telecards or Proton Bankcards.
Pre-paid telecards come in varying amounts and
are available at newsagents, kiosks, train
stations, small grocery shops, night shops and
some supermarkets. For international calls you
can use either Calling Cards (AT&T, MCI and
Sprint) or one of the many discount telephone
services advertised in the international press.
Booths where you can make international calls
are designated by international flags.
MOBILE TELEPHONES
In Belgium mobile phones are known as GSMs
(Global System for Mobile Comunication) and you
can get one very easily from one of the numerous
specialist phone shops. These shops usually
represent one of the three main Belgian operators,
Proximus, Mobistar and Orange; and you can open
an account with any one of them on the spot. All
three providers offer various means of payment,
including pre-paid cards, pay-as-you-go contracts
and subscriptions. Pre-paid cards can be bought
at newsagents, post offices, supermarkets and
even petrol stations, as well as your provider’s
own stores. They can be re-charged at a
Bancontact/Mister Cash dispenser, or a public
telephone, using a Proton card as payment.
Certain foreign mobiles won’t work in Belgium,
so you should consider getting a Belgian one,
especially if you intend to travel within Europe,
since they work very well in many other EU
countries.
Belgian Mobile Phone Operators
Proximus
02 205 40 00 or 0800 15212
www.proximus.be
Mobistar
0800 95 95 8
www.mobistar.be
BASE
02 728 42 00
www.base.be
TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
Your telephone directories (annuaire/telefoongid)
will be delivered shortly after you set up your home
phone line. In Brussels there are two volumes of
Yellow Pages (Pages d’Or/Gouden Gids) and one
White Pages (Pages Blanches/Witte Gids). To
use the Yellow Pages, look first at the index at
the front (in French, Dutch, English and German)
and find the category you want. Then look for the
number listed next to it (numéro de rubrique/
rubriek nummer). In Brussels, you need to note if
it’s in volume A or B - and go to this number in
the appropriate volume. All listings are in
alphabetical order. In the White Pages the listings
are sub-divided by city, and you will see the city
names in the outer corner of each page.
33 Expat Survival Guide

Telephone Directory
Here is a listing of the most commonly sought categories in the telephone directory.
English French Dutch
Accountant Comptable boekhouder
Airline Compagnie Aérienne Luchtvaartmaatschappij
Art Gallery Galerie d’art Kunsthandel/galerij/museum
Art Supplies Dessin, Peinture – Fourn. Kunstenaars benodigdheden
Auction Salle de Vente Veiling
Baby Goods Articles pour Bébés Baby artikelen
Bakery Boulangerie Bakkerij/brood en banket
Barber Salons de Coiffure – Messieurs Herenkapper
Bathroom Salle de Bain Badkamer
Beautician Institut de Beauté Schoonheidsspecialist
Bicycle Vélo Fiets/rijwiel
Bookshop Librairie Boekhandel
Builder Entrepreneur – Bâtiment Aannemer
Burglar Alarm Système d’Alarme Alarminstallatie
Butcher Boucherie Slager
Car Dealer Auto – Concessionnaire Auto-Dealer
Carpenter Menuisier/Charpentier Timmerman
Carpet Tapis Tapijt
Car Rentals Auto – Location Auto Verhuur
Car Repair Garage Garage
Central Heating Chauffage Centrale Centrale Verwarming
Chemist (prescriptive) Pharmacie Apotheek
Chemist (other items) Droguerie Drogist
Children’s Clothing Vêtements pour enfants Kinderkleding
Children’s Hospital Hôpital pour enfants Kinderziekenhuis
Chimney Sweep Ramonage Schoorsteenveger
Chiropractor Chiropracticien Manueel Therapeut
Church Eglise Kerk
Cinema Cinéma Bioscoop
Clothing Alterations Vêtements–repar./transf. Kleding Reparaties
Confectioners Confiserie Banketbakkerij
Dentist Dentiste Tandarts
Department Store Grand Magasin Warenhuis
Dermatologist Dermatologue Specialist Dermataloog
Dishwasher Lave-Vaisselle Vatwasmachine
Do-it-Yourself Bricolage Doe-het-zelf
Doctor Médecin Huisarts/arts specialist
Dog Kennel Pension pour animaux Hondenkennel/dierenpension
Dressmaker Tailleur-Tailleuse Naaister/Kleermakerij
Dress Material Tissus et Soieries Modestoffen
Driving School Auto-école Auto Rijschool
Drugstore Droguerie Drogisterij
Dry Cleaner Nettoyage à sec Stomerij
Electrical Appliances Electroménager Huishoud Apparaten en Artikelen
Embassy Ambassade/Consulat Ambassade/Consulate
Emergency Tel No Numéro d’urgence Alarmnummer
Employment Offices Bureau de Placement Arbeidsbureau (gov’t)
Employment Offices Intérimairie Uitzendbureau (private)
Eye Doctor Optometriste Oogarts
34 Expatica Communications BV
English French Dutch
Fire Brigade Pompiers Brandweer
Fish(Monger) Poissonerie Vis(Handel)
Flower Shop Fleuriste Bloemenboetik/Bloemen en Planten
Furniture Meubles Meubelen
Garden Centre Centre de Jardinage Tuincentrum
Garden Landscaping Paysagiste Tuinlandscaparchitectuur
Gifts Cadeaux Geschenkartikelen or kados
Golf Courses Golf – terrains Golfbanen
Greengrocer Fruits et légumes Groenteboer
Groceries Epicerie Levensmiddelen
Gynaecologist Gynaecologue Gynaecoloog or Vrouwenarts
Hairdresser Salon de Coiffure (Dames) Kapper
Hardware Store Quincaillerie Ijzerhandel
Health Club Fitness Centre Fitness Centrum
Health Food Alimentation en Produits Naturels Reform/Natuurvoeding
Home Furnishings Tissus d’ameublement Huishoudtextiel
Hospital Hôpital Ziekenhuis
House Cleaning Entreprise de Nettoyage Schoonmaakbedrijf
Insurance Assurance Verzekering
Interior Design Architect d’Intérieur Binnenhuisarchitectuur
Jeweller Bijouterie Juwelier
Key Cutting Serruriers Sleutel/Slot Service
Kitchen Cuisine Keuken
Ladies’ Clothing Vêtements pour Dames Dameskleding
Language School Ecole de Langues Talenonderwijs
Launderette Lavoir Wassalon
Lawyer Avocat/Notaire Advocaat
Leather Goods Maroquinerie Lederwaren
Legal Advice Conseils juridiques Bureau voor Rechtshulp
Library Bibliotèque Bibliotheek
Lighting Eclairage Verlichting
Maternity Clothes Vêtements pour futures mères Positiekleding
Medical Services Services Médicaux Kruisverenigingen
Men’s Wear Vêtements pour messieurs Herenkleding
Midwife Sages-femmes Verloskundige or Voedvrouw
Motorcycle Moto Motor
Movie Film Film
Movie Theatre Cinéma Bioscoop
Moving Companies Déménagement Verhuizingen
Museums Musées Musea
Music School Conservatoire Conservatorium /muziekschool
Nearly New Clothes Vêtements de Seconde Main Tweedehands Kleding
News Stand Journaux, distributeur de Kiosk
Nursery (flowers) Pépinières Bloemenkwekerij
Nursery (plants) Pépinières Kwekerij
Office Supplies Fourniture de bureau Kantoorbenodigdheden
Optician Peinture Lak or Verf
Painters Entrepreneurs de peinture Schilders
Party Goods Cotillons Feestartikelen
Pedicure Pédicures Pedicure or Voetverzorging
Pest Control Désinfection Ongediertebestrijding en Ontsmetting
Pet Shop Animaux domestiques Dierenwinkel
35 Expat Survival Guide

English French Dutch
Pharmacy Pharmacie Apotheek
Photography Shop Photographie & Film Fotozaak
Physiotherapist Kinesithérapeute Fysiotherapeut
Piano Tuner Pianos – accordeurs Pianostemmer en Reparateur
Picture Framer Cadres (encadreurs) Lijstenmakerij
Plumber Plombier Loodgieter
Police Police Politie
Post Office Bureau de Poste Postkantoor (PTT)
Poultry Shop Volaile & Gibier Poelier
Produce Fruits et légumes Groenten en Fruit
Railway Station Gare (Chemin de Fer) Spoorwegstation
Realtor Agences Immobilières Makelaar
Refrigerators Frigos Koelkasten
Riding Stables Manège Manege
Roofing Services Toitures Dakbedekkingen
Safe Coffres-forts Brandkast or Kluis
Second-hand Cars Autos – Occasions Auto Occasions
Sewing Machine Machine à coudre Naaimachine
Shoes Chaussures Schoenen
Stationery Papeterie Boeken en Tijdschriften
Supermarket Supermarché Supermarkt or Levensmiddelenhandel
Swimming Pool Piscine Zwembad
Tailor Tailleur Kleermaker
Tax Consultant Conseils fiscaux Belastingadviseur
Theatre Théâtre Schouwburg or concertzaal
Timber Merchant Bois Houthandel
Tools Outillage Gereedschappen
Town Hall Mairie/Maison Communale Gemeentehuis
Toys Jouets Speelgoed
Travel Agent Agence de Voyage Reisburo
Upholsterer Garnisseur Stoffeerder
Valuations Estimations (immobilier) Taxaties
Veterinarian Vétérinaire Dierenarts
Wallpaper Papiers peints Behang or Wandbekleding
Washing Machines Machine à laver Wasmachine
Watches Montres Horloges
Window Cleaner Lavage de vitres Glazenwasser
Window Repairs Vitrier Glashandel
Wood Supplier Bois Houthandel
TELEVISION
Most Belgian households (about 90 percent)
have cable television, offering up to 36 channels,
and if you add a satellite dish to this, the choice
of programmes is probably the best in Europe.
The service you get depends on where you live.
There are some 30 cable operators in Belgium,
each covering a particular region and not always
providing the same stations, but you can’t
choose – you must subscribe to the operator
covering your area.
Television Channels with
Programmes/Films in English
One great thing about living in Belgium is that all
Dutch-speaking channels transmit anglophone
programmes in their original version, with Dutch
subtitling.
Belgian channels
Kanaal 2
36 Expatica Communications BV
VTM
VT4
Ketnet/Canvas
Dutch channels
Holland 1
Holland 2
Holland 3
International channels
BBC 1 and 2
BBC World
CNN International
CNBC
Euro News
Euro Sport
MTV Europe
National Geographic
Canal+ (lots of English-language films, but you
need a special decoder box. Ask your cable
provider).
TV Listings online
www.eurotv.com
Note: A television licence is required in
Belgium (redevance) – you will receive a
demand once your television service is
installed.
Cable Television Providers
Brutélé
02 511 65 43
www.brutele.be
Coditel
02 226 52 52
www.coditel.be
Electrabel
078 78 01 23
www.tvcablenet.be
Satellite Providers
Astra 1 and 2 (operate from Luxembourg and
provide English language programmes)
www.astra.lu
INTERNET
Internet Providers Offering Free Access
Belgacom Skynet
02 706 13 11 or 0800 23 451
www.skynet.be
www.belgacom.net
Freeworld
071 81 58 10
www.freeworld.be
UUNet
02 404 60 00
www.be.uu.net
Planet Internet
03 275 12 00 (Antwerp) or 0800 84 000
www.planetinternet.be
Tiscali
078 16 01 60 or 0800 30 000
www.tiscali.be
Online/Cable & Wireless
02 627 34 00 or 0800 222 888 00
www.online.be
Infobel
Brussels 02 300 03 00 or 02 400 97 00
Gent 09 324 03 24 or 09 270 97 00
Liège 04 270 97 00
www.infobel.be
Providers of Internet and Cable TV
Brutélé
0800 800 25
www.brutele.be
Telenet
0800 66 000 (general), 0800 66 800 (Internet)
www.telenet.be
VIDEO
In Belgium videocassettes are on the PAL system,
and TV signals are encoded in PAL-G. Since UK
signals use PAL-I, it is best to buy a Belgian VCR,
especially since you will need one anyway if you
want to watch Belgian cable television. English
videocassettes work in a Belgian VCR, but if you
37 Expat Survival Guide

want to play American NTSC videos you’ll need a
VCR that is adapted to this.
WATER
Tap water in Belgium is perfectly safe to drink. In
fact it is very good for your health, since it is
quite hard and therefore rich in mineral deposits
– but this also means you need to use a salt
product (sel) in your dishwasher. Belgian water is
slightly chlorinated (40-50 micrograms per litre,
low in relation to the 250mcg permitted maximum)
and also contains fluoride (150-200 micrograms
per litre against a permitted maximum of 1500mcg)
– all intended to protect against disease.
RUBBISH/RECYCLING
There are usually two collections a week. The
general rule is to put your rubbish in sealed black
plastic bags and leave them in front of your
building after 6pm on the evening before collection.
Collection days vary from commune to commune,
so check with the numbers below.
Sorting rubbish into categories is becoming more
prevalent these days in Europe, but Belgium has
no national policy on this. In the 19 communes of
Brussels sorting is not obligatory, but many of
the Flemish communes are likely to require you
to sort your rubbish into recyclable and nonrecyclable
bags. These bags are colour-coded
and available in supermarkets, but bear in mind
that the colours vary from commune to commune,
so check before buying them. Some communes
– Tervuren, for example – will fine you for not
sorting your rubbish properly, so in general it is
advisable to respect the rules – it is not unusual
for officials to forage around in rubbish bags in
search of clues to the identity of an offender.
WASHER/DRYER
European washing machines and dryers are
usually front-loading. They are simple to use, and
many have no written instructions on them, but
only little symbols and drawings, so you can
operate them whatever language you speak. But
since not all of them are like this, here is a list of
all the terms you are likely to find on your
machines.
Washing Machine/Lave-Linge/Was Machine
English French Dutch
pre-wash rélavage voorwas
wash lavage hoofwas
rinse rinçage spoelen
spin essorage centrifuge
empty vidange pompen
end fin einde
whites blanc witte
colours couleurs bonte was
non-iron sans repassage strijkvrij
door porte deur
start marche start
pause pause pauze
soak trempage inweken
stains taches vlekken
delicate linge delicat fijne was
wool laine wol
starch amidon stijven
Dryer/Sèche-Linge/Droogkasten
English French Dutch
drying séchage droog
ready-to-wear prêt-à-porter kastdroog
iron repassage strijkdroog
linen lin linen
cotton cotton katoen
dry sec kast
iron-dry fer sec strijk
extra dry très sec extra droog
mixed fibres textiles melanges mengweefsels
machine machine mangeldroog
steam iron fer vapeur stoomstrijk
light on éclairage verlichting
signal/bell/buzzer signal sonore zoemer
delicate linge delicat lage temp.
synthetics synthétique synthetisch
timer minuterie tijd keuze
dry cycle séchage droogfase
cool refroidissement koudfase
fragile fragile beschemen
HOUSEKEEPERS
Finding domestic help
Think twice before you consider employing people
without papers and paying them “in the black”,
since you will be breaking the law and you might
end up with a fine. Since 1995 there has been a
Ministry of Employment scheme which enables
38 Expatica Communications BV
the officially unemployed to take on this kind of
work legally without losing their state benefit. It is
organised through local employment agencies
(ALE – Agence Locale pour l’Emploi). Telephone
your local commune, ALE or the Ministry of
Employment for information on this scheme and
a list of registered workers.
Otherwise look in the small ads – the Vlan, Le
Soir, the Bulletin, or on the postings board at GB
and Delhaize supermarkets. Even better, ask
your friends or colleagues to recommend people
– this way you are more likely to get someone
who will do a good job. Rates vary between 7 5
and 7 9 per hour, and you usually give them the
cost of their public transport in addition. Call the
Ministry of Employment for information on what
type of contract you should set up and what your
responsibilities will be.
Ministry of Employment and Work
Belliardstraat 51-53 Rue Belliard
1040 Brussels
02 233 41 11
For information on your local ALE: 02 515 44 61
LIBRARIES
Brussels
French Community
Brussels Main Public Library (Bibliothèque
Principale de Bruxelles)
Rue des Riches-Claires 24
1000 Brussels
02 548 26 10
www.brubib.brucity.be
Flemish Community
Central Public Library (Hoofdstedelijke Openbare
Bibliotheek)
Muntplein 6 Place de la Monnaie
1000 Brussels
02 229 18 40
bold.belnet.be
Children’s English Library
Centre Communautaire Crousse
Bosstraat 11 Rue aux Bois
1150 Brussels (Woluwe-Saint-Pierre)
02 771 83 59
Antwerp
Central Public Library of Antwerp (Antwerpen-
Stedelijke Openbare Bibliotheken)
Lange Nieuwstraat 105
2000 Antwerp
03 204 70 11 or 03 204 70 08
Gent
Central Public Library of Gent (Centrale Openbare
Bibliotheek)
Graaf Zan Vlaanderenplein 40
9000 Gent
09 266 70 00
www.bibliotheek.gent.be
Liege
Chiroux-Croisiers Central Library (Bibliothèque
Centrale Chiroux-Croisiers)
Place des Carmes 8 Rue des Croisiers 15
4000 Liège 4000 Liège
04 223 19 60 04 232 86 86
POSTAL NEEDS
Belgian Post Offices are recognisable by their red
façade, and are open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm,
although in smaller cities they usually close at
lunchtime and sometimes in the afternoons.
Some open on Saturday, but the post office at
Brussels South (Midi) Station, Brussels X, is
open 24 hours a day.
You can buy stamps at any post office, Delhaize
supermarkets, Di drugstores and there are
stamp machines outside most post offices. Post
boxes are red and have a gold emblem on the
front resembling a hunting horn and crown. Hours
of collection are written on the box.
Main Post Offices
Bruxelles 1
Centre Monnaie
1000 Brussels
02 226 20 10
Mon-Fri 8am–7pm, Sat 9.30am-3pm
Antwerpen 14
Pelikaanstraat 16
2018 Antwerp
39 Expat Survival Guide

03 233 06 77
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat 9am-12pm
Gent 12
Kon. M. Hendrikapl. 69-74
9000 Gent
09 241 84 50
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, Sat 8am-12.30pm
Liege 1
Rue de la Régence 61
4000 Liège
04 223 48 12
Mon-Fri 8.30am-7pm, Sat 8.30am-12.30pm
Postal dictionary
English French Dutch
Post office Bureau de Poste Postkantoor
Stamp Timbre Postzegel
Envelope Enveloppe Enveloppe
Package Colis Pakje
Mailbox Boîte aux letters Brievenbus
Postal code Code Postal Postnummer
Registered (letter) Recommandée Aangetekend
HOLIDAYS
If a holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the
following Monday becomes a public holiday. If it
falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, most organisations
close for a four-day weekend. This is known as
making a bridge (faire le pont/de brug maken).
New Year’s Day 1 January
Easter Monday 1st Monday after Easter
Labour Day 1 May
Ascension Day 6th Thursday after Easter
Whit Monday
(Pentecost) 7th Monday after Easter
Belgian National Day 21 July
Assumption of the
Virgin Mary 15 August
All Saints’ Day 1 November
Armistice Day 11 November
Christmas Day 25 December
Other important days:
6 December Saint-Nicolas. A big day
for Belgian children, who
receive a gift from Saint-
Nicolas.
11 July Community Day for the
Flemish community
27 September Community Day for the
Wallonian community
15 November King’s Day (Fête de la
Dynastie/Feest van de
Dynastie) banks and
government offices closed
In Antwerp you will get the following additional
holidays:
2 January Second New Year’s Day
2 November All Soul’s day
26 December Second Christmas Day
(Boxing Day to the English)
WEIGHTS & MEASUREMENTS
To convert Centrigrade/Celsius
temperatures to Fahrenheit
Multiply by 9, divide by 5, then add 32
To convert Fahrenheit temperatures to
Centigrade/Celsius
Subtract 32, multiply by 5, and divide by 9
Body Temperature
& Fever Chart
Celsius/Fahrenheit
36.0° = 96.8°
36.5° = 97.7°
37.0° = 98.6°
37.5° = 99.5°
38.0° = 100.4°
38.5° = 101.3°
39.0° = 102.2°
39.5° = 103.1°
40.0° = 104.0°
40.5° = 104.9°
41.0° = 105.0°
Boiling Point (water)
100°C = 212°F
Oven Temperatures
Oven Celsius Fahrenheit Gas Mark
Very Cool 130-140 250-275 .5-1
Cool 150 300 2
Warm 170 325 3
Moderate 180 350 5
Fairly Hot 190-200 375-400 5-6
Hot 220+ 450-475 7-8
40 Expatica Communications BV
Thermometer
Celsius/Fahrenheit
25° = 77°
23° = 73°
20° = 68°
18° = 64°
15° = 59°
13° = 55°
10° = 50°
8° = 46°
5° = 41°
3° = 37°
0° = 32°
- 5° = 23°
-10° = 14°
-15° = 5°
Linear Measurements
1 centimetre = 0.39 inch
2.54 centimetres = 1 inch
30.05 centimetres = 1 foot
91.4 centimetres = 1 yard
1 metre = 39.37 inches
1 kilometre (1000 m) = 0.62137 miles
(approx. 5/8 mile)
1.609344 kilometres = 1 mile
1.852 kilometres = 1 nautical mile
Mass
1 gram = 15 grains
28.4 grams = 1 ounce
454 grams = 1 pound
1 kilogram = 2.205 pounds
907 kilograms = 1 ton (short)
1002 kilograms = 1 ton (long or gross)
CLOTHING SIZE CONVERSIONS
Women’s Dress and Suits
BE 36 38 40 42 44 46 48
UK 30 32 34 36 38 40 42
USA 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
Women’s Shoes
BE 34 35 36 37 38 39
UK 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5
USA 4 5 6 7 8 9
Women’s Sweaters
BE 40 42 44 46 48 50 52
UK 34 36 38 40 42 44 46
USA 32 34 36 38 40 42 44
Kitchen Conversion Charts
Dry
30 g = 1 oz
115 g = 4 oz
170 g = 6 oz
225 g = 8 oz
450 g = 16 oz (1 pound)
Liquid
30 ml = 1 fl oz
60 ml = 2 fl oz
150 ml = 5 fl oz
240 ml = 8 fl oz
300 ml = 10 fl oz
450 ml = 15 fl oz
0.9 liter = 32 fl oz
1 liter = 34 fl oz
Women’s Bra Sizes (cup sizes are the same)
BE 71 76 80 87 91 97 102 107 A/B/C/D
USA 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 A/B/C/D
Men’s Shoes
BE 40.5 42 43 44 45
UK 7 8 9 10 11
USA 7.5 8.5 9 10.5 11
Men’s Shirts
BE 36 38 41 42
UK/USA 14 15 16 17
Men’s Suits and Coats
BE 46 48 50 52 54 56 58
UK/USA 36 38 40 42 44 46 48
41 Expat Survival Guide

Infant Sizes - Birth to 1 year
BE 44-52 52-56-62 62-68 74-80 74-80-86
USA Premie Newborn 3-6months 6-9months 9-12months
For smaller babies, go with the smaller sizes in each category. For bigger babies, go with the larger
sizes. For instance, an average newborn baby will need size 56 clothes, while a larger newborn
(4-4.5 kilograms) will need size 62.
Toddler Sizes - 1.5 years to 3 years
BE 86 92 98 104
UK 16-18 20-22
USA 1T (1.5 years) 2T (2 years) 3T (2.5 years) 4T (4 years)
Children’s Sizes
BE 104 108 116 128 140 152
UK 20 22 24-26 28-30 32-34 36-38
USA 4T 5T 6 8 10 12
Babies’ Shoes
BE newborn 18 19
USA 0-3 months 6-9 months 9-12 months
Children’s Shoes
BE 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32
UK/USA 2 3 3.5 4.5 5.5 6 7 7.5 8.5 9.5 10 11 12.5 13.5
Pre-Teen/Teen Shoe Sizes
BE 33 34 35 36
UK/USA 1 2 2.5 3 The above tables are only approximate
HEALTH & FITNESS
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
National numbers
Fire or Ambulance 101
Police 101
Ambulance 105
Police (non-emergency)
Brussels 02 279 79 79
Liege 04 349 57 11
Gent 09 266 51 11
Antwerp 03 202 55 11
Note: 24 hour Community Help Line and
Information Service in English: 02 648 40
14 (Call any time if you need support with
emotional problems, if you feel overwhelmed
by being away from home, or need
information on anything at all, including
finding an English-speaking doctor.)
Fire (non-emergency)
Brussels 02 219 49 90
Chemists
After-hours 0900 10 500
Doctors
Brussels (24hrs) 02 479 18 18
02 513 02 02
Antwerp (weekends) 03 239 58 54
Gent 09 240 72 42
09 236 50 00
Liège 04 225 61 11
04 225 60 41
04 366 71 11
Dentists
Brussels 02 426 10 26
Antwerp 03 448 02 20
Gent 09 240 72 42
FAMILY DOCTOR
To find a good doctor you should ask your friends
and colleagues, or call the above help line or your
42 Expatica Communications BV
embassy to get a list of English-speaking doctors.
In Brussels all GPs and specialists are listed in
the phone book under Docteurs en médecine/
Doctors in de Geneeskunde, and many of them
will speak some English. In Belgium you are free
to choose whichever doctor or specialist you want,
and doctors are free to choose whether they
register as conventionné (national health practitioner)
or non-conventionné (private). Make sure you find
out, though, as it affects how much you pay.
DENTIST
If you want to be reimbursed by your health
insurance for dental treatment, you are obliged to
go to the dentist once a year. The same procedures
for finding, registering and setting up appointments
with a doctor apply when looking for a dentist.
Similarly, you should ask around before making
up your mind. Once you have your appointment,
the dentist will inspect your teeth and tell you
what has to be done. The treatment may be
spread out over several appointments, and
cleaning and scaling (nettoyage et détartrage) is
usually done on the last appointment.
PHARMACY/CHEMIST
Pharmacies are indicated by a big green neon
cross flashing above the entrance. They are the
only place where you can buy medicines – you
won’t see aspirin or even cough mixture anywhere
else, but you can buy other things at the pharmacy,
such as baby products and food, cosmetics,
vitamins and health products. Most pharmacies
sell homeopathic products, but there is no reimbursement
from your mutual insurance for these.
Pharmacy hours are similar to a normal shop, but
they often stay open later, sometimes until 7pm,
and are generally open on Saturday morning –
but they might close for lunch. There will be a
sign on the door giving details of which pharmacy
you can find open outside normal hours
(pharmacie de garde/apotheek van wacht). There
will always be one open somewhere, but it might
require a short walk. Try to do your pharmacy
shopping during the week, however, because all
prices, including prescription drugs, are slightly
higher outside normal hours.
National emergency number for after-hours
pharmacies: 0900 10 500
HOSPITALS
You can choose whether you go to a state-funded
or private hospital. State-funded hospitals
affiliated with a university, however, do have an
added advantage of having resident medical staff
on the spot 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
This can often make a difference in an emergency.
They are also more likely to let you stay overnight
with a sick child, for a minimal charge. Don’t
forget to take your ID card, your certificate of
health insurance (carnet de mutuelle) and SIS
identity card – and money, since you will usually
have to pay something. It is possible to have a
private room, but you pay more – your mutual
insurance will only reimburse for a shared room.
Hospitals
Brussels
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Saint-Pierre
Rue Haute 322
1000 Bruxelles
02 535 31 11
www.stpierre-bru.be
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brugmann
Place Van Gehuchten 4
1020 Bruxelles
02 477 21 11
www.chu-brugmann.be
Hôpital Universitaire Des Enfants Reine Fabiola
(HUDERF) (Children’s Hospital)
Rue J.J. Crocq 15
1020 Bruxelles
02 477 21 11
www.huderf.be
La Clinique Générale Saint-Jean/Algemene
Kliniek Sint-Jan
Broekstraat 104 Rue du Marais
1000 Bruxelles
02 221 91 11
www.kliniek-sint-jan.be
Antwerp
Algemeen Ziekenhuis Middelheim
Lindendreef 1
2020 Antwerp
03 280 31 11
43 Expat Survival Guide

Algemeen Centrum Ziekenhuis Antwerpen-
Campus St-Elisabeth
Leopoldstraat 26
2000 Antwerp
03 234 41 11 (Emergency: 03 234 40 50)
Algemeen Centrum Ziekenhuis Antwerpen –
Campus St-Erasmus
Luitenant Lippenslaan
2140 Antwerp (Borgerhout)
03 270 80 11 or 03 270 80 15
Algemeen Ziekenhuis St. Augustinus - St.
Camillus - St. Bavo - St. Augustinus
Oosterveldlaan 24
2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk)
03 443 30 11
Algemeen Kinder Ziekenhuis Antwerpen
(Children’s Hospital)
Lindendreef 1
2000 Antwerp
03 230 58 80
Gent
University Hospital of Gent (Universitair
Ziekenhuis Gent)
De Pintelaan 185
9000 Gent
09 240 21 11
www.uzgent.be
Algemeen Ziekenhuis Maria Middelares - Sint-
Jozef Campus Maria Middelares
Kortrijksesteenweg 1026
9000 Gent
09 241 61 11 www.azmmsj.be
Algemeen Ziekenhuis St. Lucas
Groenebriel 1
9000 Gent
09 224 61 11
St.-Vincentius Kliniek
St.-Vincentiusplein 1
9000 Gent
09 235 72 11
Institut Moderne
Koningin Fabiolalaan 57
9000 Gent
09 240 98 11
Liege
Centre Hospitalier Régional de la Citadelle
Boulevard du Douzième de Ligne
4000 Liège 1
04 225 61 11 or 04 225 60 41
Centre Hospitalière Universitaire de Liège
Sart-Tilman
4000 Liège
04 366 71 11
Groupe Hospitalier Saint-Joseph-Espérance
Rue de Hesbaye 75
4000 Liège
04 224 81 11
Anderlecht
Hôpital Erasme ULB
Route de Lennik 808
1070 Bruxelles
02 555 31 11
hopitalerasme.org
Uccle
Institut Edith Cavell
Rue Edith Cavell 32
1180 Bruxelles
02 340 40 40
Cliniques de l’Europe - Site Ste-Elisabeth
Avenue De Fré 206
1180 Bruxelles
02 373 16 11
www.cliniquesdeleurope.be
Etterbeek
Cliniques de l’Europe - Site St.-Michel
Rue de Linthout 50
1040 Bruxelles
02 737 80 00
www.cliniquesdeleurope.be
Schaarbeek
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Brugmann
Rue du Foyer Schaerbeekois 36
1030 Bruxelles
02 247 22 11
www.iris-hopitaux.be/brien
44 Expatica Communications BV
45 Expat Survival Guide

Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
Cliniques Universitaires St Luc UCL
Avenue Hippocrate 10
1200 Bruxelles
02 764 11 11
www.md.ucl.ac.be/luc
HEALTH CLUBS
Brussels
World Class Health Academy
Rue de Parnasse 19
1050 Brussels
02 551 5990
www.worldclassfitness.net
John Harris Fitness
47 Rue de Fossé-aux-Loups
1000 Brussels (city centre)
02 219 82 54
www.johnharrisfitness.com
Passage Fitness nv Bruxelles
Rue Neuve 7 (Boulevard Adolf Max 7)
1000 Bruxelles (city centre)
02 229 52 10
www.passage.be
Aspria Club
Nijverheidsstraat 26-38 Rue de l’Industrie
1040 Brussels (Etterbeek)
02 511 10 00
www.aspria.be
Champneys Brussels
Louizalaan 71b Avenue Louise
1050 Brussels (Ixelles)
02 542 46 66
Passage Fitness nv
Sterstraat 99 Rue de l’Etoile
1180 Brussels (Uccle)
02 333 37 10
www.passage.be
Antwerp
World Class Health Academy Antwerp
Crowne Plaza Antwerp
Gerald le Grellelaan 10
2020 Antwerp
03 259 75 05
www.worldclassfitness.net
John Harris Fitness at the Radisson SAS Park
Lane Hotel
Van Eycklei 34
2018 Antwerp
03 285 81 38
L.A. Gym
Copernicuslaan 2
2018 Antwerp
03 231 58 68
www.la-gym.com
Passage Fitness nv Antwerpen
Kapiteintjesstraat 9
9300 Antwerp
053 76 74 60
053 76 74 69
www.passage.be
Gent
Passage Fitness nv Gent
Zuiderlaan 4
9000 Gent
09 222 89 17
Fizix
Coupure Links 625
9000 Gent
09 225 80 20
Quality Club
Rooigemlaan 226
9000 Gent
09 226 84 85
Liege
Energym
Rue Sur-la-Fontaine 1
4000 Liège 1
04 221 32 36
Holiday Fitness Club
Esplanade de l’Europe 2
4020 Liège 1 (Liège 2)
04 341 70 36
Olivier Bovy Aerobic Studio
Avenue Joseph Merlot 176
46 Expatica Communications BV
4020 Liège
04 342 34 68
SWIMMING POOLS
Brussels
Bains de la ville de Bruxelles
Rue du Chevreuil 28
1000 Brussels (city centre)
02 511 24 68
Piscine Neptunium
Rue de Jerusalem 56
1030 Brussels (Schaerbeek)
02 215 74 24
Piscine communale d’Ixelles
Rue de la Natation 10
1050 Brussels (Ixelles)
02 511 90 84
Piscine Wolubu
Avenue Salomé 2
1150 Brussels (Woluwé-St-Pierre)
02 773 18 20
Piscine de Longchamp
Square de Fré 1
1180 Brussels (Uccle)
02 374 90 05
Complexe Sportif Poseidon
Avenue des Vaillants 2
1200 Brussels (Woluwé-St-Lambert)
02 771 66 55
Antwerp
Olympisch Zwembad Wezenberg
Desguinlei 17-19
2018 Antwerp
03 237 78 88
De Clou
Veltwijcklaan 223
2180 Antwerp (Ekeren)
03 541 44 88
Zwembaden Stad Antwerpen
Doornstraat 3 b
2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk)
03 828 65 69
Aquatis
Leeuwlantstraat 29
2100 Antwerp (Deurne)
03 326 05 76
Gent
Zwembad Rosas
Sint Jozefstraat 7
9041 Oostakker
09 255 91 41
Zwembad Van Eyck
Vigneplein 5
9000 Gent
09 225 96 29
Liege
C.S.O.M. – Outremeuse
Rue de l’Ourthe 1
4020 Liège
04 342 81 76
Coronmeuse
Quai de Wallonie 7
4000 Liège
04 227 23 20
TRAVEL & TRANSPORT
TRAMS, BUSES & METRO
The Brussels metro, trams and buses run from
5am until midnight, and are operated by the
MIVB/STIB, while public transport outside the
centre is run by De Lijn in Flanders and TEC in
Wallonia. They don’t use the same tickets as the
MIVB/STIB so make sure you have the right one.
Tickets cost 7 1.40 (children under six are free)
and you can buy tickets at train and metro stations,
newsagents, the Brussels Tourist Office, and
from the bus or tram driver. If you get a ten-ride
ticket it costs 7 9. You can get monthly or annual
tickets by applying at the metro stations Rogier,
Porte de Namur, Gare du Midi or Bourse – take
your ID or passport and two photos.
You have to stamp your ticket in the machine
when you get on, and it remains valid for an hour.
If you get on another bus during that time you
can stamp it again and don’t need another ticket.
Ring the bell when you’re approaching your stop
47 Expat Survival Guide

or the driver might not stop. Be warned, if you
don’t have a ticket the inspectors are pitiless and
the fines quite substantial, so don’t risk it.
Bus, Tram and Metro Information
Brussels
MIVB/STIB
02 515 20 00
www.stib.irisnet.be
De Lijn (Vlaams-Brabant)
02 526 28 28
www.delijn.be
Antwerp
De Lijn Antwerpen
03 218 14 06
antwerp@delijn.be
Gent
De Lijn (Oost-Vlaanderen)
09 210 93 11
ovl@delijn.be
Liege
TEC Liège
04 361 94 44
www.tec-liege-verviers.be
Note: Go to www.stib.irisnet.be for
information on tram routes, metro lines, bus
routes, airport info and a map of the city.
TRAINS
Belgium is the crossroads of Europe, with trains
coming through it into the capital from all points
across the continent. Brussels South Station is
the terminus for the Eurostar coming from London
and Lille, and the high-speed Thalys and TGV
trains which connect France, Holland, Germany
and Switzerland. Alternatively, you can take one
of the more conventional EuroCity trains to any
European city. You can also take your car on a
train to numerous holiday destinations around
Europe using the motorail night service provided
by the SNCB/NMBS (Belgian’s national railway
company). If you want to drive to England, you
can take your car on the Eurostar shuttle service.
All train travel within Belgium, including commuter
train services, is operated by the SNCB/NMBS,
and is, for the most part, efficient and inexpensive.
Booking tickets on any of Belgium’s rail services
must be done in advance either at the station,
through a travel agent or on the internet. You can
also get information at railway stations about the
various season tickets, reductions, day-trips and
weekend tickets and all other services. Or if you
prefer you can call the SNCB/NMBS information
number (02 555 25 55) or visit www.b-rail.be.
Numbers and Websites
SNCB/NMBS
International Services
02 528 28 28
Eurostar
02 528 28 28
www.eurostar.be
Thalys/TGV
070 66 77 88
www.thalys.com
Info on Belgian public transport
www.trabel.com/framestreinen.htm
www.b-rail.be
Domestic Services
02 555 25 55
AIRPORTS & AIRLINES
Airports
Brussels International Airport, Zaventem
02 753 39 13
Flight information 0900 70 000
www.brusselsairport.be
Charleroi Brussels South Airport
071 25 12 11
www.charleroi-airport.com
Antwerp Airport (in Deurne)
03 230 29 35
Liège Airport
48 Expatica Communications BV
The Saab
Diplomat Sales
Programme
Here’s one deal you can reach without
one bit of diplomacy.
As an expatriate or as a member of the diplomatic corps serving abroad,you
have the opportunity to purchase a Saab at a very attractive price through our
International & Diplomat Sales Programme.There is simply no better way to
own one of the world’s safest and top-performing cars.What’s more,you can
choose from among our entire range of world-class automobiles,each of which
is backed by our personal service and extensive support.Take a closer look at
what the programme has to offer:
• A quality car at a very attractive price
• Tailor-made for its final destination
• Professional assistance with all the
necessary paperwork
• The option of delivery at Saab factory
in Sweden
• One-year free Saab Assistance
Service
• Extensive factory warranty
• Free home shipment to the USA and
Canada (only for cars with US and
Canadian specifications)
To learn more about Saab and our range of automobiles,please visit our website at www.saab.be
For more information on the Saab IDS Programme,please contact your Saab dealer.
www.saab.be
49 Expat Survival Guide
Now
the new
Saab 9-5
is available in
3 liter V6
and 2.2 liter
Turbo diesel
versions.
AMBROSIO - Chaussée de Nivelles, 3 - 1420 Braine l’Alleud - 02/385.05.64
BEHERMAN ANTWERPEN - Mechelsesteenweg, 279 - 2018 Antwerpen - 03/218.63.36
BEHERMAN BRUSSELS - Avenue Louise, 233 Louizalaan - Bruxelles 1050 Brussel - 02/640.00.87
BEHERMAN WOLUWE - Chée de Louvain, 319 Leuvensesteenweg - 1932 Sint-Stevens-Woluwe - 02/725.43.50
GILCON - Geldenaaksebaan, 454 - 3001 Heverlee - 016/40.03.27
V.D.R.AUTOMOBILES - Chaussée de Namur, 157 - 1300 Wavre - 010/45.70.04
For more information, please visit our website www.saab.be
Beherman European Importer - Industrieweg 3 - 2880 Bornem - TEL 03/890.91.11

04 234 84 11
www.liegeairport.com
Airlines
Aer Lingus
02 548 98 48
www.flyaerlingus.com
Air Canada
02 627 40 80
www.aircanada.ca
American Airlines
02 714 49 04
www.americanair.com
British Airways
02 717 32 17
www.british-airways.com
British European
02 712 64 26
www.flybe.com
British Midland
02 713 12 84
www.flybmi.com
Continental Airlines
02 643 39 39
www.continental.com
Delta Air Lines
02 711 97 99
www.delta.com
KLM
02 717 20 70
www.klm.nl
Lufthansa
02 745 44 88
www.lufthansa.be
Ryanair
071 25 12 02
www.ryanair.com
United Airlines
02 713 3600
www.unitedairlines.be
TAXIS
If you’re in Brussels look for the identifying symbol
on the roof of the taxi, known as the sputnik.
This shows the word TAXI in red and white, along
with the blue and yellow iris – symbol of the
Capital. It is not easy to hail a cab in Belgium, so
you’d do better to go to a taxi rank or call a taxi
company. The meter will show whether you’re on
tariff I (Brussels area) or II (outside the city), and
you will pay a supplement for a journey beginning
after 10 pm. The rates are clearly displayed
inside the taxi, and your driver won’t expect a tip
– it’s included in the tariff.
Brussels
Taxi Verts and Taxi Orange
02 349 49 49
www.taxisverts.be
Taxis Bleus
02 268 00 00
www.taxisbleus.be
Taxis Ucclois (cooperative)
02 374 20 20
Unitax
02 725 25 25
www.unitax.be
Antwerp
Antwerp Taxi
03 238 38 38
Brasschaat Taxi bvba
03 651 50 50
Metropole Taxi
03 231 31 31
Max Taxi bvba
03 825 75 75
Gent
V-Tax N.V.
09 225 25 25 or 09 222 22 22
Teletax bvba
09 222 25 55
50 Expatica Communications BV
Primus Gent bvba
09 282 60 00
Taxi Hendriks nv
09 216 80 20
Liege
Noveltax
04 252 52 52
Unitax
04 365 65 65
Marnette
04 349 02 02
N.B Taxi
04 342 30 30
DRIVING
Before You Start
Avis Club Eco Plus, you can depend on us
to cater for your every driving need, ensuring
your stay here is enjoyable and carefree.
Get up to
20% off
all your rentals
by becoming an
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Free membership for all Expatriates living in Belgium
or Luxemburg, saving 037 !
• Cars on your right have priority, unless you are
on a motorway, a roundabout, or on a priority
road. There will be triangle-shaped markings
painted on the road in front of you to indicate
whether you have priority or not. But if you are
in any doubt it is best to assume that any car
coming into your road from the right has priority,
even if you seem to be on a really major road.
Belgian drivers will not slow down, since they
know that the law is on their side. Trams always
have absolute priority, so always give them
right of way. If the tram stops, you should stop
and wait for it to unload and take on passengers.
• The law requires everyone to wear a seat belt –
in the front and back of the car. Children under
12 are not allowed to sit in the front seat if
there is a seat available in the back of the car.
• Driving in Brussels will be a new experience. Be
prepared to drive over cobblestones, potholes
and tram lines, and to weave your way around
a succession of double-parked cars.
• In the Flemish region you will see place names
Call 02 724 25 50 and identify yourself as an expatriate living in
Belgium or Luxemburg to receive your personal free membership card.
Visit us at : www.avis.be or www.avis.lu - e-mail: ecoplus@avis.be
51 Expat Survival Guide
Avis recommends Opel cars.

written in their Dutch version, and you might not
recognize places that you know by their French
name, or vice versa. Here are a few to help you:
French Dutch
Flandres Vlaanderen
Paris Parijs
Lille Rijsel
Bruxelles Brussel
Louvain Leuven
Anvers Antwerpen
Liège Luik
Gent Gand
Namur Namen
Mons Bergen
Courtrai Kortrijk
Ypres Ieper
Tournai Doornik
Ostend Oostende
Notre-Dame-au-Bois Jesus-Eik
Braine-le-Château Kasteelbrakel
Braine-le-Comte ’s Gravenbrakel
Braine-l’Alleud Eigenbrakel
Bruges Brugge
Malines Mechelen
Alost Aalst
Speed Limits
These are general guidelines only. Always look
out for signs that affect speed limits in an area.
50 km/h in a built-up area
90 km/h outside built-up areas
120 km/h (max.) and 70 km/h (min) on
motorways and other major
thoroughfares having at least four
lanes.
You should keep within the speed limits, since
they are often enforced by means of radar and
concealed cameras. If you’re caught the fine is
liable to be heavy.
≤Survive the Belgian traffic with Budget
52 Expatica Communications BV
Road Signs Explained
Speed limit
End of speed limit
Closed to all vehicles
One way only, no entry
Closed to motor vehicles except
motor cycles
Closed to motorcycles
No entry for all motor vehicles
Overtaking prohibited for all motorized
vehicles on 2 or more wheels
End of prohibited passing
No parking
No parking for cycles and autocycles
No stopping
Stop sign
Wait for counter-traffic
No turning
Obligatory driving direction
Obligatory driving direction
Obligatory driving direction
Obligatory driving direction
Obligatory driving direction
Roundabout
Pass on right side
End of all prohibitions
Right-hand curve
Left-hand curve
Double bend, beginning to the right
Uneven road
Road intersection
Draw bridge
53 Expat Survival Guide
Guarded R.R. crossing

Unguarded R.R. crossing
Road works
Children
Loose stones
Pier
Cyclist crossing
Road narrows
Danger
Counter-traffic
Low-flying planes
Squalls
Intersection with a minor road
Pedestrian crossing
Major road ahead / Give way
Pedestrian crossing
Main road having right of way
End of right of way
Entry to one-way street
Obligatory driving direction
This side has right-of-way
Parking
For motor vehicles only
End of motorway
Motorway
End of motorway
Lane ending
Street comes to a dead end
Street comes to a dead end
Built-up area
End of built-up area
Directions
54 Expatica Communications BV
Road Signs
Directions on motorways
District number
District name
Traffic under restrictions
End of restricted traffic
Parking disc compulsory
End of zone with parking disc
R.R. crossing with 2 or more tracks
Transport route – dangerous
substances
Some words you will see on road signs:
French English
obligatoire compulsory
interdit prohibited
rappel reminder (could mean
warning)
ceder le passage yield
péage toll-road
stationnement parking
arrêt stopping
excepté(s) exception(s)
riverains local residents
piétons pedestrians
passage clouté pedestrian crossing
circulation traffic
embouteillage traffic jam
Roadside Assistance
If your car breaks down or you have an accident
when driving on a motorway, you can call for
assistance on one of the orange emergency
phones. They are placed at regular intervals by
the side of the road, and connect you to a
centralised emergency control centre.
Call 101 if you need the police, and if you have
had an accident where medical help is needed,
you should dial 100. Keep the emergency
numbers of the Belgian Automobile Associations
in your car – you can call them even if you are not
a member (see below for numbers and more
information). You can also call the Touring
Assistance number – 02 233 22 11.
Automobile Associations
Belgium has several very good motoring
associations that provide assistance in the event
of a breakdown. You don’t even have to be a
member to call in an emergency, although you
will be asked to join and pay your membership
fee on the spot.
Royal Automobile Club de Belgique (RACB)
Membership Administration:
02 287 09 11
Breakdown Service:
02 287 09 00
Vlaamse Automobilistenbond (VAB)
Customer Service:
03 253 61 30
Emergency Centre:
070 344 666
Royal Touring Club of Belgium (RTCB)
Information and Membership:
02 233 22 11
Emergency Service:
070 344 777
55 Expat Survival Guide

Touring
Telephone number for all of Belgium
0900 10 280
www.touring.be
PARKING
There is still quite a lot of free parking in many
residential areas, although you sometimes have
to cruise around at great length to find a space.
If you don’t find one, most Belgian cities have
underground car parks and parking meters which
are easy to use and inexpensive.
Two things to remember about parking in Belgium:
• Never park in a place where the kerb is painted
yellow. It will only be a matter of time before
your car is towed away.
• Beware of the panneau! This is a notice board
standing by the kerb, full of scrawled dates and
times and long arrows. These are put up by the
communes to keep the road clear for roadworks,
deliveries or moving vans, and you park between
these boards at your peril. Your car will be towed
away and you will have to pay a large fine plus
the cost of towing. You will see arrows that
indicate in which direction from the board you
can’t park, and the dates and times when the
notice is in effect. Take them seriously.
SHOPPING
BUSINESS HOURS
There are no official hours for shops in Belgium.
Most are open from Monday to Saturday from
about 9.30am until about 6.30pm. There are a
few that will close for lunch. Fashion shops
sometimes don’t open until 10am, but stay open
a little later, and many supermarkets stay open
until 9pm or 10pm, except Saturdays, when they
usually close a bit earlier. Pharmacies usually
open from 8.30am until 7pm, but you can get
medicines after hours (see section on Health and
Fitness). Many shops stay open later on Fridays,
and Monday is the most usual day when shops
remain closed - especially florists, fishmongers,
butchers, bakers, newsagents, small grocery
shops and night-shops, all of whom tend to open
on Sunday morning.
Banking hours vary slightly, but most of them open
at 9am or 9.30am and close at 4pm or 4.30pm
– but some will close for between one and two
hours at lunchtime. All major banks have 24-hour
self-banking available at their dispensing machines.
Bars and cafés tend to be open all day and all
evening until 11pm or midnight, many even later,
and some in the centre don’t liven up until about
11pm. Restaurants open for lunch and then at
around 6pm until about midnight, but this varies
with the area and the kind of restaurant.
MAGAZINES & NEWSPAPERS
For English-language newspapers and magazines
you will find all you need in most newsagents.
There are also several places to go to find
English books, and most of them will also sell
English magazines.
Librairie de Rome
Avenue Louise 50 b
1050 Brussels
02 511 79 37
Open on Sundays from 8.30am to 8.30pm
major supplier of English newspapers and
magazines
Press Shop
This is a chain of newsagents with a very good
international section. You will find them
everywhere in most Belgian cities.
BOOKSTORES
Brussels
Sterling Books
38 Rue Fossé-aux-Loups
1000 Brussels
02 223 62 23
Waterstones
Boulevard Adolphe Max 71
1000 Brussels
02 219 27 08
www.waterstones.co.uk
La FNAC
1000 Brussels
02 275 11 11
56 Expatica Communications BV
De Slegte bvba
Lievevrouwbroersstraat 17
1000 Brussels
02 511 61 40
The English Shop
Rue Stevin 186
1000 Brussels
02 735 11 38
The Irish Shop
Rue Archimède 48
1040 Brussels
02 230 69 11
La Librairie des Etangs
chaussée d’Ixelles 319
1050 Brussels
02 646 90 51
Schlirf Books
Chaussée de Waterloo 752
1180 Brussels
02 648 04 40
Gavilan
Place Dumon 9 Dumonplein
1150 Brussels
02 772 78 78
Reading Room
Avenue G. Henri 503
1200 Brussels
02 734 79 17
Outside Brussels
Librairie Centrale
Avenue de la Forêt de Soignes 363
1640 Rhode Saint-Genèse
02 358 43 20
Treasure Trove Books
Tervurenlaan 1a
3080 Tervuren
02 767 74 76
Stonemanor
Steenhofstraat 28
3078 Everberg
02 759 49 79
Antwerp
La FNAC
Groenplaats 31
2000 Antwerp
03 213 56 11
Audivox English and American Books
Rubenslei 23
2018 Antwerp
03 232 84 65
Philadelphia Bookshop
Oude Koornmarkt 63
2000 Antwerp
03 231 60 11
De Slegte bvba
Meir 40
2000 Antwerp
03 233 29 14
Gent
La FNAC
Veldstraat 88
9000 Gent
09 223 4080
www.fnac.be
Audivox English and American Books
Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat 15
9000 Gent
09 224 24 88
Liege
La FNAC
Rue Joffre
4000 Liège 1
04 232 71 11
Audivox English and American Books
Rue du Méry 12
4000 Liège 1
04 222 48 94
INTERNATIONAL FOOD STORES
African
MTM
25-27 Boulevard d’Ypres
57 Expat Survival Guide

1000 Brussels
02 217 71 49
American
Graré
Prins Boudewijnlaan 175
2610 Antwerp (Wilrijk)
03 449 41 18
Cosmopolis
Drève Richelle 159
1410 Waterloo
02 351 48 03
USA Food Shop
Chaussée de Waterloo 254
1640 Rhode-Saint-Genèse
02 358 16 61
www.usafoodshop.com
Chinese
Sun Wah Supermarket
Rue Sainte-Cathérine 1-3
1000 Brussels
02 512 58 33
Sun Wah Supermarket
Rue de la Vierge Noire 2-4
1000 Brussels
02 512 58 31
China Co.
Rue Jules van Praet 16-18
1000 Brussels
02 511 49 53
Oriental Supermarket
Plantin en Moretuslei 85
2018 Antwerp
03 233 32 54
Continental
Le Déjeuner sur l’Herbe
Avenue Louis Lepoutre 6
1050 Brussels
02 346 17 59
La Ferme Landaise
41-43 Place Ste Catherine
1000 Brussels
02 512 95 39
English
The English Shop
Rue Stevin 186
1000 Brussels
02 735 1138
Stonemanor
Steenhofstraat 28
3078 Everberg
02 759 49 79
Irish
Kenlis - The Irish Shop
Rue Archimède 48
1000 Brussels
02 230 69 11
Italian
Casa Italia
Rue Archimède 39 - 1
1040 Brussels
02 733 40 70
Monti
Chaussée de Neerstalle 90
1190 Brussels.
02 332 21 71
Il Pastaiolo
18 Wiegstraat
2000 Antwerp
03 233 86 31
Japanese
Tagawa
Chaussée de Vleurgat 119
1050 Brussels
02 648 59 11
Miyuki
Chaussée d’Ixelles 347
1050 Brussels
02 640 56 82
Yama Food
Chaussée de Charleroi 24-26
1060 Brussels
02 538 99 50
58 Expatica Communications BV
Scandanavian
Scan-shop
Chaussée Tervuren 138
1410 Waterloo
02 351 12 75
Nordica
Rue Belliard 220
1000 Brussels
02 230 13 05
Spanish
España Calidade
Avenue De la Porte de Hal 63
1000 Brussels
02 537 23 87
Economato Marisol
Place de la Constitution 23
1070 Brussels
02 521 47 36
LOCAL MARKETS
Brussels
Grand’Place
Daily 8am-6pm
Flowers and plants
Sunday mornings 9am-1pm
Birds
Place du Grand Sablon
Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday 9am-2pm
Antiques, Art, Collectibles
Place du Jeu de Balle (Marolles quarter)
Daily 7am-2pm
Flea market
Place Sainte-Cathérine
Daily 7am-5pm
Fruit, Vegetables, Oysters
Marché du Midi, Gare du Midi
Sunday 5am-1pm
This is the biggest regional market in the
Brussels area.
Place du Châtelain
Wednesday 2pm-7pm (later in warm weather)
A very fashionable market with fruit and
vegetables, cheese, prepared foods, jewellery
and gifts, clothes, flowers and plants.
Place Jourdan
Sunday 7am-2pm
Food, Clothes, Toys, General market, Prepared Foods
Place Flagey
Sunday 8am-1pm
Food, Flowers, General market
Antwerp
Lijnwaadmarkt (north of the Cathedral)
Saturday (from Easter to October) 9am-5pm
Antiques
Rubensmarkt, in the Grote Markt
Every year on August 15th
Vendors wear 17th century garb and sell
everything
Vrijdagmarkt
Wednesday and Friday 9am-12pm
Public auction of furniture and second-hand items
Oudervaartplaats (Wapper, one block south of
Rubenhuis)
Saturday 8am-3pm, Sunday 8am-1pm
Flowers, fruit and vegetables.
Note: Birds and animals used to be sold here,
and some locals still refer to it as the bird market
(vogelmarkt)
Gent
Groothandelsmarkt
Wednesday 3pm-7pm
General market
Sint-Michielsplein
Sunday 7.30am-1pm
Groentenmarkt
Monday to Friday 7am-1pm
Saturday 7am-5pm
Fruit and vegetables
Kouter
Daily 7am-1pm
Flower market
59 Expat Survival Guide

Ledeberg
Sunday 7am-1pm
Flower market
Bij Sint-Jacobs/Beverhoutplein
Friday, Saturday, Sunday 8am-1pm
Flea market
Vrijdagmarkt
Sunday 7am-1pm
Birds
Oude Beestenmarkt
Sunday 7am-1pm
Pets and farmyard animals
Liege
Quai de la Batte et de Maastricht
04 221 92 29
Sunday 6am-2pm
The biggest outdoor market in Wallonia
Grâce-Hollogne - Place du Pérou
Sunday 7am-2pm
Antiques and Bric-a-brac
Sainte-Marguerite - Parking Goffin-Bovy
04 221 92 29
Wednesday 3pm-7pm
Antiques and Bric-a-brac
Saint-Pholien (Outremeuse) - Place Jehan-le-Bel -
Boulevard de la Constitution
04 221 92 29
Friday 7am-12pm
Old documents and papers
Petites Puces de Saint-Gilles - Boulevards Kleyer
et Hillier
04 221 92 29
Saturday 8am-1pm
Antiques and Bric-a-brac
WHERE TO GET STUFF
Supermarkets
Nopri, Carrefour, Aldi, AD Delhaize ( including
“Caddyhome”, an online home delivery service at
www.caddyhome.be),
Department Stores
Inno, Hema
Personal and Beauty Needs
Di, Ici Paris, Yves Rocher, Body Shop, Hema,
Waterl’eau
Home Improvement Stores
Brico
Baby Clothes
Prémaman, Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), De Groene
Wolk, Baby 2000
Children’s Clothes
De Groene Wolk, Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), C&A,
Dujardin, Marie-Noelle
Women and Men’s Clothes
Hennes & Mauritz (H&M), C&A, Inno
Women’s Clothes
Etam, Promod, Jeans Fizz, Pretty Woman, Zara
Men’s Clothes
Maison du Gand, John Kennis, Country,
Globetrotter
Lingerie
Hunkemöller, Madame
Shoe Stores
Brantano, Church’s Shoes, Lillis, Sacha Shoes,
Coccodrillo
Kitchen Supplies
New Vanden Borre, IKEA, Casa, Hema, Inno,
Blokker
Furniture and Household Supplies
Casa, Blokker, IKEA, Habitat, Nieuw de Wolf,
Muji, Espace Bizarre, Maison Boulanger
Greeting Cards and Party Goods
Hema, Plume et Pluche, La Caverne d’Alibaba,
Schrauwen, Algemeen Verhuurcenter Vangele, Art
Actuel, Festy Party
Sewing Needs
Veritas, La Maison d’Orée, Les Tissus du Chien
Vert, Fred Home Fabrics
Garden Centres
Aveve, Indemans sprl, Pépinières de Boitsfort SA
Office Supplies
60 Expatica Communications BV
Buro Market, Buromatic sa, Hema, Blokker,
Ganda Office Supplies bvba
Toy Stores
Serneels, Maxi Toys, Droomland, Christiaensen,
In Den Olifant, Bim et Bam, Blokker, Broze
EATING & DRINKING
DINING TERMS
English French Dutch
Starter/Appetiser hors d’oeuvre voorgerecht
Main Course entrée hoofdgerecht
Desserts desserts nagerechten
Fish specialities poissons visspecialiteiten
Meat specialities viandes vleesspecialiteiten
Vegetarian végétarien vegetarisch
Beverage boisson drank
Today’s special plat du jour dagschotel
Reserved réservé gereserveerd
Today’s special plat du jour dagschotel
Reserved réservé gereserveerd
May I have the bill est-ce que mag ik de
je peux avoir rekening?
l’addition s’il
vous plait?
Service included service inbegrepen
compris
Service/tip service/ bediening
pourboire
BARS & PUBS
Brussels
The Hairy Canary
Rue Archimède 12
1000 Brussels
02 230 13 36
James Joyce Irish Pub
34 Rue Archimède
1000 Brussels
02 230 98 94
Kitty O’Shea’s
42 Boulevard Charlemagne
1000 Brussels
02 230 78 75
Conways
10 Avenue de la Toison d’Or
1050 Brussels
02 511 26 68
The Crow
520 Avenue Louise
1050 Brussels
02 640 41 00
Monkey Business
30 Rue Defacqz
1050 Brussels
02 538 69 34
Ricks
344 Avenue Louise
1050 Brussels
02 647 75 30
Scruffy O’Neill
11 Avenue de la Toison d’Or
1050 Brussels
02 512 33 77
J.J.s
28 Rue Jourdan
1060 Brussels
02 538 78 28
MacSweeney’s
Rue Jean Stas 24
1060 Brussels
02 534 47 41
Antwerp
The Irish Times Pub
Grote Markt 52
2000 Antwerp
03 227 43 60
www.irish-times-pub.net
The Dubliner Pub
Grote Markt 36
2000 Antwerp
03 213 19 99
An Sibhin
Nationalestraat 44
2000 Antwerp
03 226 72 51
Molly Bloom
Jezuïetenrui 4
61 Expat Survival Guide

2000 Antwerp
03 227 23 52
Kate Whelan’s
Nationalestraat 45
2000 Antwerp
03 227 15 51
Gent
Patrick Foley’s
Recollentenlei 10
9000 Gent
Finnegan’s Irish Pub
Hooiaard 8
9000 Gent
Liege
Le Shamrock
Rue Louvrex 1
4000 Liège
04 221 31 50
Mad Murphy’s-Irish Pub
Rue Saint-Jean-en-Isle 21
4000 Liège
04 250 67 24
RESTAURANTS
Belgium is a gastronomic paradise with a
veritable goldmine of good restaurants. Nobody
lives here long without accumulating their
personal directory of favourite eating places.
For full reviews on restaurants in Belgium, visit
the Eating & Drinking channel at www.expatica.com
Guidebooks with good restaurant reviews:
The Michelin Guide to Benelux
One of the oldest and most venerated guides,
giving their famous stars to the restaurants most
likely to transport you to culinary paradise.
Gault & Millau Guide to Belgium, France and
Luxembourg
This has a good and quite lengthy section on
Belgian restaurants.
Grand Guide by Henri Lemaire
In addition to covering restaurants in the major
cities, this guide also gives you numerous out-ofthe-way
places in the Belgian countryside.
Time Out Guide to Brussels
Their restaurant section is particularly good for
finding ethnic specialities in Brussels. It also has
a section each on Antwerp, Gent and Brugge.
Websites that help you find restaurants:
www.expatica.com (reviews for all of Belgium)
www.resto.be (official Belgian site, in English,
French and Dutch)
www.horest.be (in English, French and Dutch,
choose by province or city)
www.fodors.com/miniguides (contains restaurant
guides to Brussels and Antwerp)
www.liege.be (good site with restaurants in Liège)
FAMILY & EDUCATION
OUT WITH THE KIDS
Antwerp’s World-Famous Zoo
This is one of the oldest and most famous zoos
in the world, with more than 4000 animals to
see, so you should plan to spend at least half a
day there. There are also several restaurants,
and it’s very easy to get to, being right next to
the Central Station.
Daily, 9am to 6.15pm in summer, 5.45pm in winter
Koningin Astridplein 26, 2000 Antwerp
03 202 45 40
www.zooantwerpen.be (Dutch only)
Discover Treasure at Mont Fat
A unique family adventure park near Dinant in the
Ardennes. You are taken on a guided tour through
an underground network of galleries, many of
which are hundreds of years old, bringing you, via
the “Devil’s Hole” and the hanging gardens, into
prehistoric caves. Then a chair lift takes you to a
children’s playground, bikes, go-carts and a
restaurant with a panoramic view of the Meuse.
You can also go on a treasure hunt.
1 April to 30 October, 10.30am-7pm
Rue en Rhée 15, B-5500 Dinant
082 22 27 83
www.dinant.be/montfat/index.htm
62 Expatica Communications BV
Giants and Romans in the Land of Ath
This is a once-a-year thing, but plan to be in Ath
with your kids when this historical town is taken
over by mediaeval myth and pageantry as it
celebrates the “Ducasse” – the wedding of the
legendary giant Goliath.
Every year on the fourth weekend of August
Tourist Office, Rue de Pintamont 18, 7800
06 844 57 24
www.ath.be
A Grand Banquet with the King and Queen
This is taking the kids out for dinner with a
difference. Anno 1468 in Brugge is a medieval
dinner and show that will take you back in time to
the wedding reception of Charles the Bold and
Margaret of York. The meal is a gargantuan fourcourse
feast – with plenty of wine and ale for the
grownups of course – and non-stop merriment
provided by jesters, minstrels, dancers, knights,
witches, a falconer and a fire-thrower.
1 April to 31 October - every Friday and Saturday
evening (some Thursday evenings)
Every Saturday evening the rest of the year
Former Church of the Holy Heart, Vlamingstraat
86, Brugge (next to the Market Square)
050 347 572
Make friends with a Koala at Planckendael
Park and Zoo
More than a thousand animals live in this openair
zoo, which is contained within a beautiful
forest of hundred-year-old Linden trees.
Daily, 9am to 4.30pm and 6pm depending on the
season
Dierenpark Planckendael, Leuvensesteenweg
582, 2812 Muizen-Mechelen
015 41 49 21
www.planckendael.be (Dutch only)
Launch a rocket or land a plane – you can do
it all at Technopolis
If you’re looking for a hi-tech adventure for the
whole family then this activity centre for science
and technology is the place to be with 259
interactive exhibits on offer.
Daily, 9.30am to 5pm
Technopolis, Technologielaan, 2800 Mechelen
015 34 20 00
Hold your breath – it’s Six Flags Belgium!
This gigantic amusement park used to be called
Walibi, and has long been a favourite place for
Belgians to take their children. It was recently
acquired by the American leisure group Six Flags,
and is now fast becoming one of Europe’s
favourite theme parks.
Opens at 10am, and closes at varying times
depending on the season
9 Rue Joseph Dachamps, 1300 Wavre
010 42 17 17
www.sixflagseurope.com
Something for everyone at Brupark
Take the tram to Heysel and spend a day at
Brupark, a complex of fun things for young and
old. It includes Mini-Europe, a magical
presentation of the most popular European cities
and sites, all in miniature. Afterwards you can
have a tropical beach experience at the indoor
Océade pool complex, then wander around a
reconstructed Belgian village and have lunch in
one of its cafés and restaurants. Next to Brupark
is the famous Atomium where you’ll get a
fabulous view over Brussels, and you can end
your day with a movie at one of the 24 screens of
the Kinepolis cinema complex.
Mini-Europe: Daily, 23 March to 5 January
02 478 05 50
Atomium: Open April to August 9am-8pm
September to March 10am-6pm, 02 474 89 77
1 Avenue du Football, Heysel, 1020 Brussels
www.bruparck.com
Step back in time at the Bokrijk Open Air
Museum
In this unique open-air museum in Limburg you
will see how your ancestors lived and worked.
The museum is made up of four villages, where
you can find blacksmiths, cartwrights, sawyers,
potters, and many other kinds of craftsmen,
working away in the museum’s 100 buildings and
cottages.
30 March to 27 October. The cottages stay open
until 6pm
011 265 300
www.limburg.be/bokrijk
From Coal to Cool – Parc d’Aventures
Scientifiques (PASS)
This stylish new interactive science and
technology centre is set in an abandoned
coalmine, now completely renovated by the
French architect, Jean Nouvel. In an elegant
fusion of ancient and modern, he has created a
place where you and your kids can lose yourself
63 Expat Survival Guide

in the wonders of science and nature.
During school year: 9am-5pm Mon, Tues,
Thurs, Fri; 10am-6pm week-ends and holidays;
Closed Wed
During school holidays: 10am-6pm every day
3, Rue de Mons, 7080 Frameries (Mons)
070 22 22 52
SCHOOL CALENDAR
1 Sept Beginning of school year (infants
and primary)
15 Sept Beginning of school year
(secondary)
27 Sept Belgian French Community Day
(Jour de la Communauté
Française)
29 Oct-2 Nov Half-term holiday (All Saints
holiday/Toussaint)
24 Dec-4 Jan Christmas holiday (Noël)
11 Feb-15 Feb Half-term holiday (Congé de
Carnaval or Congé de Détente)
1 April-12 April Easter holiday (Vacances de
Pâcques)
1 May Spring Bank holiday (Fête de Travail)
9 May Ascension
20 May Whitsun holiday (Pentecôte)
25 or 26 June End of school year (secondary)
30 June End of school year (infants and
primary)
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS
Infant and Junior Schools
World International School
280 Chaussée de Waterloo
1640 Rhode Saint Genèse
02 358 56 06
www.britishschool.be
International Christian Academy
Chaussée de Waterloo 47
1640 St. Genesius-Rode
02 358 16 64
Brussels English Primary School (BEPS)
23 Avenue Franklin Roosevelt
1050 Brussels
02 648 43 11
BEPS - Waterloo
280 Chaussée de Waterloo
1640 Rhode Saint Genèse
02 358 56 06
BEPS - Limal
13 Rue Léon Deladrière
1300 Limal
010 41 72 27
Junior and Middle Schools
Antwerp British School
Korte Altaarstraat 19
2018 Antwerp
03 271 09 43
British International School of Brussels
163 Avenue Emile Max
1030 Brussels
02 736 89 81
www.bisb.org
The British Junior Academy of Brussels
Boulevard St. Michel 83
1040 Brussels
02 732 53 76
www.ecis.org/bjab
British Primary
Stationstraat 3
3080 Tervuren
02 767 30 98
Brussels English Primary Schools
Avenue Franklin Roosevelt 23
1050 Brussels
02 648 43 11
www.beps.com
Infant to High Schools
British School of Brussels
Leuvensesteenweg 19
3080 Tervuren
02 766 04 30
Antwerp International School
Veltwijcklaan 180
2180 Ekeren-Antwerp
03 543 93 00
The International School of Brussels
Kattenberg 19
1170 Brussels
64 Expatica Communications BV
65 Expat Survival Guide

02 661 42 25
www.isb.be
Brussels European School of Brussels – Uccle
Avenue du Vert Chasseur 46
1180 Bruxelles
02 373 86 11
European School of Mol
Europawijk 100
2400 Mol
014 56 31 11
European School Brussels II
Woluwé Avenue Oscar Jespers 75
1200 Brussels
02 774 22 11
www.eeb2.be
European School of Brussels III
Boulevard du Triomphe 135
1050 Brussels
02 629 47 00
St. John’s International School
Drève Richelle 146
1410 Waterloo
02 352 06 10
www.stjohns.be
Ecole Internationale Le Verseau
Rue de Wavre 60
1301 Bièrges
Primary Section, 010 231 717
Secondary Section, 010 231 727
www.eiverseau.be
Da Vinci International School
Verbondstraat 67
2000 Antwerp
03 216 12 32
www.da-vinci.be
The British School of Brussels
Leuvensesteenweg 19
3080 Tervuren
02 766 04 30
www.britishschool.be
The City International School
Boulevard Louis Schmidt 101-103
1040 Brussels
02 734 44 13
Brussels American School
John F. Kennedylaan 12
1933 Sterrebeek
02 731 56 25
www.brus-ehs.odedodea.edu
UNIVERSITIES & COLLEGES
These institutions all offer English-language
programs
Universiteit Nyenrode
Straatweg 25
3621 BG Breukelen
The Netherlands
+31 346 29 12 91
www.nyenrode.nl
Boston University Brussels
Blvd. du Triomphe 39
1160 Brussels
02 640 74 74
www.bostonu.be
Solvay Business School
Avenue F.D. Roosevelt 21
1050 Brussels
02 650 41 83
www.solvaymba.edu
Cath University of Leuven
Oude Markt 13
3000 Leuven
016 324 271
www.kuleuven.ac.be
Free University of Brussels (VUB)
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Brussels
02 629 21 11
www.vub.ac.be
University of Antwerp
Lange Nieuwstraat 55
2000 Antwerp
03 212 16 70
www.ua.ac.be
Limburgs Universitair Centrum
3590 Diepenbeek
011 26 81 11
www.luc.ac.be/engels
66 Expatica Communications BV
Cath University of Brussels
Vrijheidslaan 17
1081 Brussels
02 412 42 11
www.kubrussel.ac.be
Vesalius College
Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Pleinlaan 2
1050 Brussels
02 629 2821
www.vub.ac.be/VECO
United Business Institute
Avenue Marnix 20
B-1000 Brussels
02 548 04 80
European Busin. and Management School Antwerp
J. Jordaensstraat 77
2018 Antwerp
03 218 54 31
www.ebms.edu
DAY CARE CENTRES
Regardless of whether a childcare facility is
private or communal, in Belgium it will be
accredited by one of these two national offices,
which will supply you with a list of officially
approved childcare facilities, crèches and private
child-minders in your area.
French Community
Office de la Naissance et de l’Enfance (ONE)
Administration Centrale
84-86 Avenue de la Toison d’Or
1060 Brussels
02 542 12 11
www.one.be
Flemish Community
Kind en Gezin
27 Hallepoortlaan
1060 Brussels
02 533 12 11
www.kindengezin.be
Contacts for additional information:
Antwerp
Copernicuslaan 1 bus 10
2018 Antwerp
03 224 61 01
Liege
Boulevard E. de Laveleye 40
4020 Liege
04 344 94 94
Gent
Jubileumlaan 25
9000 Gent
09 265 71 71
KINDERGARTENS & GARDERIES
Within the Belgium school system there are
kindergartens (écoles maternelles/kleuterschool)
available for children aged 2 to 6. These schools
are usually attached to primary schools, and are
often open before and after school hours.
Children start primary school at age six, and
most Belgian schools have a garderie, where
children can stay after school hours in the care of
trained supervisors. They are usually open until
6pm.
Halte Garderies
These are child care services for children from
birth to six organized either by the commune,
family groups or individuals. They are all run by
qualified personnel, and you can get information
from your local commune, or from this organisation:
Ligue des Familles
127 Rue du Trône
1050 Brussels
02 507 72 11
www.liguesdesfamilles.be
BABYSITTERS/AU PAIRS
Au Pairs
You can find an au pair through any of the
organisations listed below, and once au pairs
arrive in Belgium they must register at the
commune. If they are not from the EU they must
also apply for a work permit and residence card
before they get here. The basics that you are
required to provide are: their own room, full
board, laundry facilities, one or two days free
each week, five or six hours of work each day
which consists of childcare and small household
67 Expat Survival Guide

jobs. They must be involved in family life and
have their meals with you, and you need to make
sure they enrol in a language course. If they are
not protected by your own insurance, you should
take out a special domestic staff policy.
Au Pair Club
Meets every month at the Irish Club
67 Rue Archimède
1040 Brussels
02 767 33 91
Organisations that help you find an au pair:
La Ligue des Familles
(for details see “Halte Garderies”)
International Au Pair Association (IAPA)
(contact through Home from Home in Antwerp –
details below)
Home from Home
Spillemanstraat 1
2140 Antwerp
03 235 97 20
Au Pair Europa
BP 162
1060 Brussels
02 538 74 22
People to People
Avenue Minerve 29, bte 27
1190 Brussels
02 345 68 54
The Danish Church
02 660 93 34
The Norwegian Church
02 387 56 50
The Swedish Church
02 387 25 19
Babysitting
La Ligue des Familles
0900 273 71
Baby Kid Sitting
(student nurses, experienced babysitters)
Rue Paul Lauters 5
1000 Brussels
02 646 46 11
Infor jeunes - Service jobs
Place Dailly 8
1030 Brussels
02 733 11 93
Le Caramel
24-hours emergency baby-sitting service
Rue Kessel 85
1150 Brussels
02 772 66 61
UCL Student Job Service
02 762 11 96
ULB Student Job Service
02 650 21 71
GAY & LESBIAN
Support and Information
Brussels
Infor Homo
Avenue de l’Opale 100
1030 Bruxelles
02 733 10 24
users.skynet.be/gaymag/etablis.html
Ex Aequo asbl
Rue de Tervaete 89
1040 Bruxelles
02 736 28 61
www.exaequo.be/frame4.html
The English-speaking Gay Group in Brussels
eggbrussels@geocities.com
Brussels Gay Professionals
Place du Nouveau Marché aux Grains 5
1000 Brussels
02 514 26 96
English speaking Gay Organisation for Women
BP9, 1060 Brussels 6
egow11@hotmail.com
Antwerp
Gay map of Antwerp - call the following number to
get one: 03 268 61 61
68 Expatica Communications BV
Preventive Centre for Homosexual Men
Het Aidsteam
Tolstraat 13
2000 Antwerp
03 238 61 61
Coordinating Centre for the Fight Against AIDS
in Flanders
IPAC vzw Vlaams aidscoördinaat
Marnixplaats 16/17
2000 Antwerp 1
03 238 68 68
Atthis vzw - Centre for Lesbians
Geuzenstraat 27
2000 Antwerp 1
03 216 37 37
Gent
Federation of Homosexual Work Groups
Vlanderenstraat 22
9000 Gent
09 223 69 29
Young and Not Hetero
Postbus 323
B-9000 Gent 1
wjnh@ping.be
Liege
CHEL - Cercle Homosexuel Etudiant Liégeois(es)
Sips - 9 Rue Soeurs de Hasque
4000 Liège
04 222 33 76
chel@sips.be
GROUPS & CLUBS
GROUPS & CLUBS DIRECTORY
Business-Oriented
American Chamber of Commerce in Belgium
02 513 67 70
Australian Business in Europe (ABIE)
02 713 40 00
Institute of Directors
02 657 56 90
Men’s Clubs
Spouses Trailing Under Duress Successfully
02 649 83 55
American Men’s Club of Antwerp
02 660 54 68
Women’s Clubs
American Women’s Club of Antwerp
03 658 13 00 or 03 227 06 01
www.fawco.org/clubs/antwerp.html
Antwerp British Women
03 646 46 87 or 015 320 460
Antwerp International Christian Women’s Club
03 651 77 02
International Women’s Contact Antwerp
03 666 23 14
International Women’s Register
03 248 20 67
South Africa Women’s Club
03 385 17 56
International Women’s Club
02 687 58 55 or 02 375 39 98
Women’s International Club of Brussels
02 345 04 82
Women’s International Club of Liège
04 365 59 61 or 019 327 653
American Women’s Club of Brussels
02 358 47 53
www.awcb.org
Antwerp British Women
03 646 46 87
Canadian Women’s Club of Belgium
02 354 22 66
International Christian Women’s Club
02 375 61 19
Professional Women International (IFL-Bruxelles)
eva-lotta.Eriksson@ifl.se
69 Expat Survival Guide

British and Commonwealth Women’s Club of
Brussels
02 772 53 13
Asia Pacific Women’s Association
02 354 78 03
South African Women’s Club
02 767 10 31 or 02 688 24 74
Professional Women International
02 209 14 11
Clubs with a Cultural or National Focus
American & Common Market Club
02 647 58 01
American-Belgian Association
03 232 92 16 or 02 646 53 30
American Club of Brussels
02 542 47 80
www.americanclubbrussels.com
Antwerp British Community Association
03 475 430 920
Antwerp Indian Association
03 232 19 10
Australia Society in Belgium
aussieworld.com/AUSoc
Bharatiya Samaj - Indian Community
02 521 92 00
British Council
02 227 08 40
www.britishcouncil.org/belgium
Irish Club of Belgium
02 742 27 37
New Zealanders in Belgium
02 771 19 49
Philippine Cultural Group
02 640 74 34
Royal Belgo British Union
02 672 18 09
Scottish European Association
02 284 21 03
www.scotlandeuropa.com/sea.htm
Welsh Society of Brussels
02 673 87 13
Sports
Brussels Sports Association
02 354 11 14
www.bsasports.org
Brussels Hash House Harriers
02 734 45 60
Interests/Activities
British American Theatrical Society (BATS)
03 455 34 46
Square Dance Club
03 324 16 22
Brussels Choral Society
02 735 07 44
Brussels Harmony Club
02 660 94 89
Brussels Light Opera Company
02 673 98 82
European Salsa Club
02 546 94 26
International Chorale of Brussels
02 653 64 11
British Computer Society Belgium
02 662 18 59
Gardener’s Club of Brussels
02 767 65 14
Eurotravel Club
02 347 0778
Château Sainte Anne, International Club
02 660 29 00
Brussels British Community Association
02 344 68 77
70 Expatica Communications BV
Viewfinders English-Speaking Photography Club
01 622 8179
www.viewfinders.be
Friends International
02 767 26 05
People to People
02 345 68 54
Rainbow International
02 726 08 76
Youth
Boy Scouts of America
02 657 32 03
Girl Scouts of America
02 687 22 37
First Brussels British Scouts
02 767 26 69
First Waterloo Scouts International
067 21 19 45
British Guides Association
Brownies & Rainbows
02 354 20 63
Brussels Youth Theatre Society
02 675 54 64
Children’s Society
02 763 35 35
Spiritual and Support Groups
International Christian Fellowship
02 734 94 44
Community Help Service (CHS)
02 647 67 80
RELIGIOUS SERVICES IN ENGLISH
All Saints Episcopal Church
563 Chaussée de Louvain
1380 Ohain
02 384 35 56
www.ecusa.anglican.org/europe/waterloo
St. John’s Anglican Church
Edmond Boonenstraat 4
9000 Gent
09 222 36 59
The Liege/Luik English (Anglican) Church
Boulevard Frere Orban 29
4000 Liege
041 65 66 58
St. Boniface Anglican Church
Grétrystraat 39
2018 Antwerp
03 239 33 39
St. Paul’s Tervuren (Anglican)
Dorpstraat 707a
3061 Leefdaal
02 767 34 35
www.stpaulstervuren.com
St Anne’s Chapel (Keizerkapel)
Keizerstraat 23
2018 Antwerp
03 226 76 31
1st Church Of Christ Scientist
96 Chaussee de Vieurgat
1050 Brussels
02 647 6456
Beth Hillel Synagogue
Avenue Keersbeek 96
1190 Brussels
02 332 25 28
Great Synagogue Of Brussels
Rue Joseph Dupont
1000 Brussels
02 512 43 34
Jewish Community Of Antwerp
Terliststraat 35
2018 Antwerp
03 232 01 87
Synagogue Maale
Avenue Messidor 11
1180 Brussels
02 344 60 94
Lutheran Community of Brussels
03 233 62 50
71 Expat Survival Guide

Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints
Boulevard Brandt Whitlock 87
1200 Brussels
02 736 99 33
Brussels Mosque
Parc Cinquantenaire 14
1000 Brussels
02 735 21 73
Christian Center
47 Chaussée de Waterloo
1640 Rhode-St.-Genese
02 35818 71
International Christian Fellowship
32 Chaussée de Boondae
1000 Brussels
02 734 94 44
Danish Seamen’s Church Protestant
Violierstraat 2
2060 Antwerp
03 232 13 76
International Baptist Church
78 Lange Eikstraat
1970 Wezembeek-Oppem
02 731 12 24
www.ibcbrussels.org
International Protestant Church
19 Kattenberg
1170 Boitsfort
02 673 05 81
Quaker House
50 Square Amborix
1040 Brussels
02 230 49 35
St Andrew’s Church Of Scotland
181 Chaussée de Vleurgat
1050 Brussels
02 672 40 56
American Protestant Church Of Antwerp
Veltwijcklaan 297
2180 Ekeren
03 644 20 46
Assembly of God - Christian Center
47 Chaussée de Waterloo
1640 Rhode-St.-Genese
02 358 18 71
JOBS
JOB SEARCH TIPS FOR EUROPE
• Know your market. The best way to do that is
by actually spending time in the country you
are applying for jobs in.
• Present yourself as a solution to market needs.
If you've done your research you will know where
there are gaps - and how you can fill them.
• Build relationships with European managers
and team members. Solid personal and professional
relationships with key managers is even
more important in Europe than it is in the US.
• Create a European-style curriculum vitae.
Sometimes Europeans find US-style resumes
difficult to assess. Some US resumes can
appear to European managers as bragging,
without showing the actual responsibilities of
the position.
• Talk to them personally. Use personal
discussions with European managers to present
yourself as a potential candidate.
• Get ready for the interview stage.
Be prepared to participate in multiple in-depth
interviews.
• Be persistent but patient. The decisionmaking
in Europe can be a slow process.
Employment decisions especially need to be
considered and discussed at length with all
team members.
The above information was taken from the article
on Expatica, How to Hunt for Jobs in Europe.
To read more, visit www.expatica.com/jobs.
TIPS FOR EXPAT SPOUSES
• Begin your search immediately. It’s one thing
to find a job – but it’s another thing to find a job
in the same city as your spouse, say experts.
Long commutes will negate some of the
benefits of the expatriate experience. Starting
early will give you a greater chance of finding
work in the location you want.
• Cast a wide net. Contact everyone you know
who could possibly help you, such as
professors, colleagues and former colleagues.
• Arrange for a work permit. It can take a while
to get a work permit, so start the application
72 Expatica Communications BV
International English-language
Jobs for Expatriates
The easiest way to
find English-language
jobs in Europe
• Extensive database
of English-language jobs
• Instant “new posting”
notification
• Expert career advice
• Employer profiles
www.expatica.com/jobs
73 Expat Survival Guide

process early. Be ingenious and try to figure
out the quickest way to get yourself the right
papers.
• Expand your concept of work. Just because
the job advertised isn’t something you have
done before, don’t turn your nose up at it. Even
consider volunteer work to keep your skills up.
• Market the benefits of hiring an expatriate
spouse. Hiring a spouse is cheap because
companies don’t have to pay relocation
expenses – they get your skills without the
moving costs. So make sure potential
employers know this – and the fact that you
have intercultural knowledge.
• Make a career repatriation plan. You will have
to go home sometime, so make sure you keep
in touch with friends and former colleagues,
say experts. It will make life easier when the
time comes.
The above information was taken from the article
on Expatica, Job-Search Tips for Expatriate Spouses.
To read more, visit www.expatica.com/jobs.
CULTURALLY CORRECT CV’S
• Do your homework. Find out about the
corporate culture, country culture and culture
of the decision of the person making the hiring
decision. Read as many different examples of
CVs as possible so you are well prepared.
• Length. A CV typically is a lengthier version of
a resume, complete with numerous
attachments. An average length for a resume
or CV is two pages, regardless of the country
or position.
• Format. In many European countries, resumes
come with photos attached, but this simply
isn’t done in the US. If one is attached, the
employer is required to dispose of it.
So make sure you do the right thing – otherwise
it looks like you haven’t bothered to find out
about the rules.
• Education. Education terms differ from country
to country. In almost every case of cross-border
job hunting, merely stating the title of your
degree isn’t an adequate description. If you’re
counting on your educational background to get
a job, it’s important to provide the reader with
details about your studies and any related
projects and experience.
• Language. Most multinational companies will
expect you to speak both the language of their
country and English, which is widely accepted
as the universal language of business. Have
your resume or CV drafted in both languages
and be prepared for your interview to be
conducted in both languages.
• Accuracy. Use your word processing software’s
spell-check feature, then have someone check
your resume or CV for spelling errors as well.
Human-resources professionals the world over
frown on misspelled words or typos. Their
presumption is that if you submit a sloppy,
careless resume, you’ll be a sloppy, careless
employee.
• Delivery. Computer technology and Internet
accessibility vary widely from country to country.
Even if a company or individual lists an e-mail
address, there’s no guarantee that they’ll
receive your message. Email your resume as
an attachment in a widely accepted format,
such as Microsoft Word. Send a hard copy of
your resume or CV by conventional mail to
make sure that it’s received. Be aware that the
standard paper size is different in different
countries.
The above information was taken from the article
on Expatica, How to Create a Culturally Correct CV.
To read more, visit www.expatica.com/jobs.
EMPLOYMENT AGENCIES
Brussels
Avenue Louise
Louizalaan 207 Avenue Louise
1050 Brussels
02 640 91 91
www.avenuelouiseinterim.be
Big Interim
Koningsstraat 184 Rue Royale
1000 Brussels
02 217 0162
www.adg.be
Crown Careers
Avenue des Arts 10-11 Kunstlaan
1201 Brussels
02 223 63 78
www.crowncareers.com
Focus Career Services
Rue Lesbroussart 23
74 Expatica Communications BV
1050 Brussels
02 646 65 30
www.focusbelgium.org
Prolink Bruxelles
Bergstraat 17 Rue De La Montagne
1000 Brussels
02 552 04 20
www.prolink.be
Randstad Bruxelles
De Brouckère plein 4 Place de Brouckère
1000 Brussels
02 229 14 00
www.be.randstad.com
Antwerp
Prolink Antwerpen
Roseveltplaats 8-10
2060 Antwerp
03 226 70 36
Randstad Antwerpen 1
Frankrijklei 28
2000 Antwerp 1
03 231 38 38
www.be.randstad.com
Gent
Prolink Gent
François Laurentplein 1
9000 Gent
09 269 37 97
Randstad Gand
Brabantdam 64
9000 Gand (Gent)
09 269 98 98
Liege
Prolink Liège
Boulevard de la Sauvenière 45 r
4000 Liège
04 220 97 31
Randstad Liège 1
Boulevard de la Sauvenière 136 b
4000 Liège 1
04 230 50 30
75 Expat Survival Guide

Business Directory: A concise listing of organisations, products and services that
enable you and your family to establish and maintain new lives abroad as expatriates
Worldwide Movers
call : +32-2-422.21.10
Email : removal@zieglergroup.com
Web : www.zieglermoving.com
RELOCATION
76 Expatica Communications BV
Experience-based learning in a
suitable environment
Bilingual School
English - French
For children aged 11 /2 to 9
• Teachers certified by the International
Montessori Association.
• Individual and group teaching.
• A small school with a staff offering personalized
education.
• A pleasant learning environment in a large villa
in rural Lasne, offers large and bright classrooms
opening up to a vast garden / playground.
• Additional weekly activities include music,
children’s gym / coordination games, swimming
activities and art and craft activities.
• Bus Service.
• School officially recognised by O.N.E (Belgian
official youth authority), allowing for tax
reductions on school fees for children up to
3 years old.
4, Route de Renipont
1380 Ohain - Lasne
Tel & Fax : 02 / 633 66 52
E-mail : info@acmontessorikids.com
www.acmontessorikids.com
International
management programs
for the working
professional
Master’s degrees
Management, e-Commerce,
Multinational Commerce
Graduate certificate
& diploma programs
International Business, Finance,
Marketing, e-Commerce and Management
BRUSSELS
Boulevard du Triomphe 39, 1160 Brussels
Tel.: 02-640 74 74, Fax: 02-640 65 15
E-mail: Gradcenter@BostonU.be
Homepage: www.BostonU.be
FAMILY & EDUCATION
Antwerp
International
School
a multinational teaching staff for
students from around the world
• International Baccalaureate
• IGCSE Curriculum
• ECIS and NEASC Accredited
early childhood
through
high school
Veltwijcklaan 180 Tel: +32 (0)3 543.93.00
2180 Antwerp-Ekeren Fax: +32 (0)3 541.83.01
e-mail: ais@ais-antwerp.be
77 Expat Survival Guide
www.ais-antwerp.be
To Advertise
in future
Expat Survival Guides
or on www.expatica.com
call David Davis
+31 (0)20 888 4194
or email
david.davis@expatica.com
The
Ant
Inte
Sch

NOTES
78 Expatica Communications BV
expatriates in Belgium visit www.expatica.com