Banks: 09.00 to 13.00 and 14.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 09.00 to 18.00, Monday to Friday; 09.00 to 15.00, Saturday
Government Offices: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday
Shops: 09.00 to 19.00, Monday to Saturday; 10.00 to 17.00, Sunday

Antwerp is a very safe city to travel to. There is a very low crime rate and violent crime against tourists is virtually unheard of. However, be sure to use common sense when looking after valuables and never flash lots of cash around. If you are hiring a car, be aware that car theft in Antwerp does happen so never leave anything on display while you are out of the car and always be sure to lock up and close all windows.

220 Volts AC, 50Hz; European round two-pin plugs are standard

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer an accident or health problems while you are in Antwerp, you will find that the city hospitals are very good and the standards of care are excellent. Make sure you carry your European Health Insurance Card if you are from Europe and take out health insurance if you are not. For minor ailments, the city’s pharmacists are on hand to help and give advice. Pharmacies can be found throughout the city.

Emergency services: 112
General Hospital: +32 280 31 11

There are three official languages in Belgium: French, German and of course Flemish. English is widely spoken, however, so you should not have any problems being understood.

Belgium uses the euro (EUR), with €1 equal to 100 cents.

You must clear customs when arriving in Antwerp from any international destination. You will need to declare anything unusual such as prescription medicine and needles. There will be a customs declaration form to fill out before entering the country. Certain agricultural items are illegal when brought into the country such as fruit, plants, meats, soil and bird products. Pornography is also illegal as are all firearms. You are allowed to bring in up to 200 cigarettes, a reasonable amount of perfume (for personal use only) and up to one litre of spirits.

First appearances are very important to Belgian people and the day-to-day dress code is smarter than in the UK or US. Belgians usually greet each other with some formality such as a handshake for men or three kisses on alternate cheeks for women.

Belgians are generally quite introverted and explicit displays of affection between the sexes are frowned upon, as is shouting in public. If you have a meeting with a Belgian, whether it be for business or pleasure, make sure you are on time and if you are invited to a friend’s home for dinner, bring chocolates or flowers, although avoid white chrysanthemums as these are a symbol of death. If you receive a gift while you are in the country, open it when you are handed it as it is considered rude to take gifts away which have been unopened.

If you are a citizen of the EU, you can enter Belgium with your official ID card. If you are arriving from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan or the USA, you will need a passport. Tourists from these countries are eligible to stay in the country for up to three months without a visa. If you are arriving from a country not mentioned, you will need to contact your nearest Belgian embassy.

You will find the tourist information office at: Grote Markt 13, 2000 Antwerp and can contact them on: +32 03 221 1333.