Preparation file

Preparing for Ghent

Belgium is small, distances are short and the rail network is dense. Its particular difficulty is the language regions: the same city can have two different names, north and south. What follows applies across the whole country.

Last updated: 2026-08

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Language and etiquette

All of Belgium

Knowing which region you are in is part of being polite: greet in Flemish in the north and in French in the south. English is understood everywhere and is the safe choice.

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Getting around the country

All of Belgium

The intercity rail network is dense and distances are short; you cross the country in a few hours. Within a city the tram, metro and bus share one ticket system.

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Money and cards

All of Belgium

The currency is the euro; cards are common but cash is still practical in small businesses. Tipping is not obligatory — rounding up is enough.

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Practical notes

All of Belgium

Sockets are type C/E at 230 V, though some have a protruding earth pin. Tap water is drinkable. Pharmacies carry a green cross.

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In an emergency

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Emergency call: 112One number for police, ambulance and fire. It is the same across Europe, so there is nothing to look up on arrival.
Non-emergency police: 101For reporting theft; in an emergency call 112.
Pharmacy: APOTHEEK / PHARMACIEMarked with a green cross; the out-of-hours rota is posted at the door.
Lost passport: Your country's missionReport the loss to the police first, then apply to your mission. On a group tour, tell your tour leader immediately.

Checklists

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Phrases worth knowing

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