Belgium, nestled in the heart of Western Europe, is a country characterized by its contrasting landscapes—from the flat coastal plains in the northeast to the lush Ardennes Forest in the southeast. This multilingual nation embraces Dutch, French, German, and Flemish as its official languages, with Dutch being the most commonly spoken. Belgium's climate is fairly consistent, with predictable weather patterns and a temperate maritime climate.
Belgium's geography is a tale of two terrains: the low-lying, sandy coastal plains along the North Sea and the rolling hills of the Ardennes Forest. The country's official languages reflect its rich cultural tapestry, with Dutch (Flemish) being the primary language in the Flanders region, French in Wallonia, and German in a small eastern community. The weather in Belgium is generally mild, with the warmest months stretching from April to September. However, due to its coastal location, the country experiences a fair amount of humidity and overcast skies, making rain gear a travel necessity. For emergencies, the numbers to dial are 100 or 112.
Belgians are known for their proficiency in English and their willingness to communicate with foreigners in the language. When invited to someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift or flowers. If attending a party, the invitation will typically specify the dress code. Public smoking in Belgium is widely accepted.
Belgium's shopping scene is vibrant, with major hubs in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, Bruges, and Ghent. The country is renowned for its exquisite ceramics, handcrafted copperware from Dinant, delicate laces from Bruges, sparkling crystals from Val Saint Lambert, and intricate woodcarvings from Spa. Belgium's chocolate is world-famous, and Antwerp's diamonds are sought after globally.
Belgian cuisine offers a variety of dishes, with horse and rabbit meat being traditional favorites. Ethnic foods are readily available, but local staples such as frites with mayonnaise and the mitraillette—a hefty sandwich filled with fries, meat, and garlic sauce—are must-tries. Vegetarian options are also available. Tipping in restaurants is customary, as is a small gratuity for cinema attendants and after using public restrooms.
Belgium operates on a 230 V voltage and a 50 Hz frequency, so travelers should ensure they have the appropriate adapters for their devices.
The national airline, SN Brussels Airlines, offers flights to over 58 destinations in Europe and beyond. Brussels Zaventem Airport, located 12 km from the city center, provides a range of services including duty-free shopping, car rentals, and banking facilities. The Airport City Express train connects passengers to key railway stations in Brussels, while buses and taxis offer alternative transport options.
Brussels South Charleroi Airport, serving low-cost carriers like Ryanair, is another gateway to the region, offering easy access to various European destinations. Ostend and Antwerp airports also provide convenient facilities for travelers.
Belgium boasts an extensive network of high-speed Thalys trains connecting to France and other European countries. The national railway offers frequent services to neighboring nations, and residents can take advantage of the Inter-Rail pass for travel across 29 European countries.
Travelers can bring in limited quantities of alcohol, tobacco, cigarettes, coffee, and tea without incurring customs duty. It is advisable to check the latest allowances before traveling. Non-preserved food items are generally discouraged.
For more detailed information on Belgium's transportation options, visit the official Belgian National Railway Company website. To explore the country's rich cultural heritage and language diversity, the Visit Belgium site is an excellent resource.
Real Estate: Tips On Selling Your Home
Planning to sell your house? Or planning to move to a new house and selling the old one? There are some home selling tips to make your home selling attracts a buyer. You should pay attention to some aspects if you would sell your home. The price almost becomes a general of all. And then, the qualities of your house can be guarantee. The qualities include beauty, functionality, coziness, etc.
Real Estate: Home Selling Tips
Home selling tips are everywhere – some suggesting things you might never thought of, some are general ones you’re likely to find everywhere. But just because they’re common doesn’t mean we should stop making them.
Real Estate: Home selling processes
So many tips are being given on home selling. If only you knew where to begin with! Some homeowners get confused because they don’t have a big picture of what exactly will happen during the home selling process. While it may differ from various areas, some general steps sellers should expect are the same. The first thing to do is some preliminary planning. Though you may not feel like it, this is the step that kick-start the whole home selling process. Your house needs to be fully prepared to accept a new owner. If you plan to sell your house and buy another one, always know for a fact that you’re qualified to buy a new one before selling your old home.
