Experiencing Belgium

Culture

Most Belgians tend to view their culture as an integral part of European culture or Western culture; nevertheless, both main communities tend to make their thousands of individual and collective cultural choices mainly from within their own community, and then, when going beyond, the Flemish draw intensively from both the English-speaking culture (which dominates sciences, professional life and most news media) and French and other Latin cultures, whereas French-speakers focus on cultural life in Paris and elsewhere in the French-speaking world (la Francophonie), and less outside. A truly scientific discussion would also include discussion of the different cultures of Belgian ethnic minorities such as the Jews who have formed a remarkable component of Flemish culture - in particular that of Antwerp for over five hundred years.

Folklore plays a major role in Belgium's cultural life: the country has a comparatively high number of processions, cavalcades, 'ommegangs' and 'ducasses', 'kermesse', and other local festivals, nearly always with an originally religious background. The Carnival of Binche with its famous Gilles, and the 'Processional Giants and Dragons' of Ath, Brussels, Dendermonde, Mechelen and Mons are recognized by UNESCO as Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Other examples are the Carnival of Aalst; the still very religious processions of the Holy Blood in Bruges, Virga Jesse in Hasselt, and Hanswijk in Mechelen; the August 15 festival in Liège; and the Walloon festival in Namur. Originated in 1832 and revived in the 1960s, the Gentse Feesten have become a modern tradition. A major non-official holiday is the Saint Nicholas Day, a festivity for children and, in Liège, for students.

Good cooking and fine beers are seen by many as part of Belgian culture. One of the many beers with the high prestige is that of the Trappist monks. Technically, it is an ale and traditionally each abbey's beer is served in its own glass (the forms, heights and widths are different). There are only seven breweries (six of them are Belgian) that are allowed to brew Trappist beer.

Although Belgian gastronomy is connected to French cuisine, some recipes were reputedly invented there as e.g. french fried potatoes (regardless that name), Vlaamse stoofkarbonnaden aka carbonnades flamandes (a beef stew with beer, mustard and laurel), speculaas (a sort of cookie), Belgian waffles, waterzooi (a broth made with chicken or fish, cream and vegetables), endive with bechamel sauce, Brussels sprouts, Belgian pralines (Belgium has some of the most renown chocolate houses), and Paling In 't Groen (river eels in a sauce of green herbs). Belgian cookies are noted for their aroma and unique texture.

Soccer and cycling are especially popular amongst Belgians. Eddy Merckx is considered one of the greatest cyclists ever, given five victories of the Tour de France and numerous other bicycle races records; his hour speed record set in 1972 stood for twelve years. Belgium has produced two female tennis champions who repeatedly ranked number one of the world, Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin.

The Spa-Francorchamps motor-racing circuit hosts the Formula One World Championship Belgian Grand Prix. The Belgian driver Jacky Ickx won eight Grands Prix and six 24 Hours of Le Mans, and twice finished as runner-up in the Formula One World Championship. Thierry Boutsen also won three races in 1989 and 1990. Belgium also has a strong reputation in motocross; world champions include Roger De Coster, Joël Robert, Georges Jobé, Eric Geboers, Joël Smets and Stefan Everts.

Belgium has played a major part in the promotion and development of Duathlon. More specifically Benny Vansteelant has made a lasting legacy concquering a stunning 8 World Champion titles and 5 European Champion titles.

Business Customs

Belgium has three national languages: Dutch (also referred to as Flemish), French, and German. English is spoken and understood throughout most of Belgium. In Flanders, the northern region of Belgium, Dutch is the predominant language while in Wallonia, the southern region, most people speak French. Residents in a small section of Belgium near Germany speak German as their primary language. Brussels, the center region, is officially bilingual, speaking both Dutch and French. As in any other country, language is a crucial part of doing business in Belgium. Many documents must be filed in at least one of the three national languages. It would benefit companies to have personnel who speak one of the languages, or to seek the help of a professional translator.

Travel Advisory

Belgium remains a relatively safe country and the level of anti-American sentiment is low. By taking reasonable precautions, visitors should enjoy a peaceful stay. However, street thefts, purse snatching and pick pocketing do occur, especially at the main train stations in Brussels. The emergency numbers are as follows:

101: Police
100: Ambulance/Fire
112: General Emergency Number (Equivalent to 911 in the U.S.)

For more information, contact the U.S. Embassy Regional Security Office at 32/2/508-2370 or visit the U.S. Embassy in Belgium’s website at www.usembassy.be. information regarding the security situation can be found on the State Department’s Consular Information site at www.travel.state.gov. Consular Information Sheet on Belgium gives information on security, medical facilities, road conditions, etc., and is available at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1044.html.UpdatedThe

Visa Requirements

U.S. citizens do not need a visa when they travel to Belgium for business or for personal travel for less than 90 days. The American visitor will need to present a valid American passport (valid for at least 6 months), proof of sufficient funds and a return airline ticket. U.S. citizens wishing to reside in Belgium for employment purposes must obtain a residency visa that can only be issued upon the presentation of a work permit and supporting documents. The work permit is applied for and must be obtained by the employer in Belgium at the appropriate regional government office before the prospective employee enters Belgium. Those who wish to be self-employed in Belgium must apply for a professional card. For more information please visit the website of the Belgian Embassy in the United States at www.diplobel.us. Specialized lawyers in Belgium can assist in the process. U.S. Companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should allow sufficient time for visa issuance if required.

Telecommunications

Belgium has the highest broadband penetration in Europe. Increasingly, internet hotspots are becoming available in higher end business hotels rooms either as a courtesy or for fee. Internet café are on the increase and easy to find in Brussels as well as all major cities. The Belgian government dos not censor the internet. Cell phones operate on the GSM standard. Mobile phones may be rented at the airport for a business stay. Public phones operate on rechargeable cards obtainable at gas stations and newspaper shops. Calling cards using toll free numbers are compatible with public phones. Broadband mobile services (UMTS) are not available for SMEs or private persons.

Transportation

Transportation and communication links are excellent. International and local travel can be easily accomplished via a vast network of airports and train stations. Belgium provides a wide variety of media, offering the broadest selection of television channels in Europe. TV viewers currently have access to programs broadcast from seven different countries in Dutch, English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian. CNN and CNBC are also available on cable. For further information, contact the Belgian Tourist Office, rue Marché aux Herbes 63, B-1000 Brussels. Tel: 32/2 504-03.90, www.Belgium-tourism.net or consult http://www.visitbelgium.com/.

Language

Belgium has three national languages: Dutch (also referred to as Flemish), French, and German. English is spoken and understood throughout most of Belgium. In Flanders, the northern region of Belgium, Dutch is the predominant language while in Wallonia, the southern region, most people speak French. Residents in a small section of Belgium near Germany speak German as their primary language. Brussels, the center region, is officially bilingual, speaking both Dutch and French. As in any other country, language is a crucial part of doing business in Belgium. Many documents must be filed in at least one of the three national languages. It would benefit companies to have personnel who speak one of the languages, or to seek the help of a professional translator.

Health

For more information, see: http://www.usembassy.be/belgium/beltourism.htm-Medical%20Information.

Temporary Entry of Materials & Personal Belongings

For more information, see: http://www.diplobel.us/TravelingBelgium/Customs.asp.