Location:
Geel, Belgium

Capital:
Brussels

Official Language:
There are three officially recognized languages: French, Dutch, and German - although English is widely spoken.
Population: 10,364,388 (July 2005 est.)

Well situated in the heart of Europe, between France, Holland and Germany lies the kingdom of Belgium.  The town of Geel is situated in the center of an agricultural region in Kempenland in the eastern part of the province of Antwerp.

Passport/Visa Requirements

• US and Canadian citizens need a valid passport. A visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days.  For more information on passport/visa information, visit: http://www.cibt.com.  Please note:  your passport should be valid throughout your stay in Belgium.  

Currency
The official currency of Belgium is the Euro, which is divided as follows: bills of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500; coins of 1, 2, 5, 10 Euros, 20 and 50 cents. Visit www.xe.com current exchange rates.

Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at ATM’s, banks, post offices, some hotels and Foreign Exchange Offices, many of which are open on Sundays.  All major cards are accepted (Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club). ATM machines are available in all major cities.  If you are unsure about the compatibility of your card, contact your credit card company or local bank.  It is always a good idea to let your credit card company know you will be traveling out of the country to avoid any usage problems. 

Time
In terms of standard time zones, Belgium is six hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and nine hours ahead of Pacific Standard time.

Electricity
The electrical current in Belgium is AC - 50Hz, 220 volts.  Plugs are the round two-pin type; therefore a plug adapter is needed.  Adapters and transformers, if required, should be purchased prior to leaving the U.S.  

Climate
Belgium is seldom too hot or too cold. Summer temperatures average from 54° F to 72° F and winter averages from 32° F to 43° F. In summer bring lightweight, comfortable clothing, and a sweater or a jacket for the evening. During the winter bring warm clothes, and it is always a good idea to pack an umbrella and a rain coat.

Communication
The region is very well developed in terms of telephone communications. The international country access code is 32 and the city code is 3.  Hotels offer Internet access.

Transportation
Biking is not only the best way to get around this charming city, but it is also a great way to enjoy local scenery.  However, PPS has organized transportation to training sites, official functions and for race day. 

Tipping
Service charges and VAT are always included in prices. If exceptional service is given, you may tip at your discretion. Suggested tip for hotel bellhops, airport/train station porters 1 Euro per piece of luggage, 1.25 to 2.50 (Euro) per coat for coatroom attendants and 0.25 to 0.50 Euro for bathroom attendants

Local Fare
Of course Belgium is famous for its chocolates. There are more than 2,200 chocolate shops throughout Belgium.  The country produces more than 175,000 tons of chocolate per year. Every town and even small villages have chocolate stores with luxurious Belgian pralines. Make sure you bring home a box or two for your friends & family or they will never forgive you!

In addition to its fine chocolates, Belgium is also famous for its beers. With more than 500 available varieties, there are almost as many beer styles as there are breweries.  Connoisseurs favor Belgian beers for their variety, real flavor and character. The choices are endless when you consider raspberry beer, white beer, geuze beer, cherry beer, brown beer, Trappist beer and of course the beer that Belgium is most famous for - the lambic beer.

Related Links:

Official Du Long Worlds Website