Belgium

NEED TO KNOW

GOOD TO KNOW

Books and Movies
The Belgian cultural scene, apart from some art museums, is an exercise in practiced obscurity. Let's put it this way: The most famous book written in Belgium is The Communist Manifesto, by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels (both German). And Belgium's greatest contribution to film is undoubtedly the Muscles from Brussels, Jean-Claude van Damme.

Cuisine
The Belgian cultural scene, apart from some art museums, is an exercise in practiced obscurity. Let's put it this way: The most famous book written in Belgium is The Communist Manifesto, by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels (both German). And Belgium's greatest contribution to film is undoubtedly the Muscles from Brussels, Jean-Claude van Damme.

Good Buys
Nothing in Belgium is an especially good bargain, but high-quality merchandise is everywhere. Diamonds in Antwerp, crystal and porcelain in Brussels, and antiques throughout the country are exquisite. If you're looking for a petit (read: cheap) gift to bring home, Belgian chocolate can't be beat.

Money
A value added tax (VAT) of 21 percent is added to every purchase, but non-EU tourists can get refunds at the airport or by mail. When you leave the country, go to the airport or train station's VAT Office to file your refund. In restaurants and bars, the tip is never added to your bill. It is customary to round up to the nearest euro when paying and to provide an extra 10 percent for truly exceptional service.

NATIONAL HOLIDAYS

January: 1, New Year's Day
May: 1, May Day
July: 11, Flemish Independence Day; 21, Independence Day
August: 15, Assumption Day
September: 27, French Community Day
November: 1, All Saints' Day; 11, Armistice Day
December: Christmas Day
Spring: Easter; day after Easter, Easter Monday; sixth Thursday after Easter, Ascension; eighth Monday after Easter, Pentecost Monday