Useful info about Belgium

CREDIT CARDS
National and foreign Maestro cards as well as MasterCard, American Express, Visa and Diners are accepted. Credit cards are also accepted by numerous hotels, restaurants, shops and gas stations.

ELECTRICITY
The standard voltage in Belgium is 230 V. The Belgium network supplies a frequenc___ of 50Hz.
Plugs are continental style two pins (type E plugs).

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EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS

European SOS 112
The number 112 can be dialled to reach emergency services – medical, fire and police –from anywhere in Europe.
This Pan-European emergency number 112 can be called from any telephone (landline, pay phone or mobile cellular phone). Calls are free. It can be used for any life-threatening situation, including:
· Serious medical problems (accident, unconscious person, severe injuries, chest pain, seizure)
· Any type of fire (house, car)
· Life-threatening situations (crimes)

For medical emergency and fire brigade: call 100

Police: call 101

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SHOPPING AND BUSINESS HOURS
Shopping hours are Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. The shops are closed on Sundays. Visitors from non-EU countries should ask for VAT refunds when purchasing goods.

VAT – VALUE ADDED TAX
Value Added Tax and similar taxes are charged on most goods and services in Belgium. VAT in Belgium is currently 21%. VAT is included in all Congress fees. As a participant in the ESOT Brussels 2015 Congress you may have the possibility – under certain conditions – to recover the VAT paid on certain types of expenses incurred. This may apply to both non-European business travellers visiting Europe and to European business travellers to other EU countries. For further information, please contact Customs and Excise on departure at the airport.

VISA INFORMATION
Delegates travelling to Brussels from outside the EU must ensure that they have the proper documentation before departure. Visa letters are available through the Congress Secretariat: esot2015@aimgroup.eu