Local Knowledge
Telephone
Dialing Codes
Country code for Belgium: +32 Area code for Brussels: 02 (drop the zero when calling from abroad)
Emergency Numbers
Police : 101 Ambulance 100 Fire: 100
Tipping
Hotel bills include a service charge. Restaurant bills include 16% gratuity and VAT,
so tipping is not necessary. You may want to tip extra for exceptional service,
though.
VAT & Taxes
The standard VAT rate in Brussels is 21%.
Getting Around
The public transit system, STIB/MIVB or “Bootik,” includes the Metro, trams and
buses, and tickets are good on all three. Buy single-ride and multiple-ride tickets
at stations, some newsstands and tourist information centers, and from drivers.
Taxis
Taxis should bear the official sign of the Brussels District. Look for a taxi at
major taxi stands (around the Bourse and De Broukère) and rail
stations. The driver switches the meter on when you enter the cab. Fares include
a service fee, so drivers don't expect tips - but they do welcome them.
The driver should give you a printed receipt at your destination.
Metro
Metro stations are marked with a white M on a blue background. Useful main stops
on the three metro lines include Bourse and Midi.
Trams & Buses
Red-and-white signs mark tram and bus stops. Trams quickly connect Gare du Nord
and Gare du Midi and outlying districts.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day
1 January
Liberation Day
April 25
Labor Day
May 1
Whitsunday
Seventh Sunday after Easter (May-June)
Independence Day/National Day
July 21
Assumption
August 15
All Saints' Day
November 1
Armistice Day
November 11
Christmas Day
December 25
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