ABOUT BELGIUM

Before you travel to the Belgian GP, look at some basic information about this country.

Entry to the country

Belgium is part of the European Union and the Schengen area. None of thecitizens of the European Union needs a visa to enter the country. All they need is a valid passport or ID card.

Currency

The official currency in Belgium is the Euro (EUR). Most merchants accept credit cards from global card companies such as VISA and Mastercard. 

Electricity

The mains voltage is 230 volts, 50 Hz AC (as well as in Germany, France, or Poland). If you have a dual-voltage device, you will need an adapter.

Mobile services

Belgium has one of the best mobile networks in Europe, with splendid coverage of 5G and 4G signals, even in rural areas. Three main operators provide their services – Proximus, Orange, and Base.Customers from countries in the European Union call within Belgium under the same conditions as in their home country. Internet connection charges may differ. 
For visitors from non-EU countries, the terms and conditions agreed with the operator apply. When you enter the country and first connect your phone to the network, you will usually receive a text message from your operator with call and data charges. 

Important phone numbers

The international prefix for Belgium is +32 (00320).
Police: 101
Ambulance and Fire Department: 100
International emergency line: 112

Trivia about Belgium

Belgium is one of Europe’s richest countries with an exceptional standard of living. The small country has been divided for centuries into the regions of Wallonia and Flanders. Their inhabitants speak different languages - French and Flemish. But you don’t have to worry about communicating with the locals as virtually everyone speaks excellent English.

Belgium is the founding country of the European Union, with Brussels as its capital. And the NATO defence alliance is based there. Belgium is, in short, the centre of modern Europe.

There are many people from Belgium whose names you know but whose origins may surprise you. How about Audrey Hepburn, the movie princess from the legendary Roman Holiday? Did you know? Or the creator of the famous comic book detective Tin-Tin, cartoonist Hergé? And speaking of painters, the famous Peter Paul Rubens andthe surrealist René Magritte were also born in Belgium. 

And did you know that the creator of the saxophone, Adolf Sax, also came from Belgium? It’s true!
Anyway, the most famous personality of Belgium is undoubtedly the peeing boy - MannekenPis. There are many legends about how he came to Brussels. In any case, this statue is a national symbol dressed up forvarious occasions. But did you know that there is also a peeing little girl? You’ll find this one on one of the dead ends of Brussels’Grand Place. But she’s much younger than her male counterpart. 

If you don’t know Belgian personalities, you’ll be better off with food! Belgium gave the world French fries and waffles! When you go to the F1 race in Spa, don’t forget to try them. You’ll find them on every corner. You’ll also find Belgian beer. The local beer culture has an incredible tradition dating back to the Middle Ages. And the locals may not be champions at drinking beer by volume, but once you taste their brands, you’ll understand. They’re tasty but damn strong!