Here is a list of tips for our forthcoming trip to Belgium.
Be forewarned that these reflect my own biases on cultural aspects
of Europe and my own travel experiences.
The euro has become the official currency of most of continental
Europe since January 1, 1999.
You will find that the cost of living in Europe is comparable to that in
the U.S. (Britain is much more expensive).
By now, ``euro'' notes and bills are in use in the Euro-12 zone
(the European Union of 15 except UK, Denmark, and Sweden).
What to take
* The most efficient way to obtain foreign currency is to
use your U.S. VISA or ATM card in the foreign country.
Check with your bank that the ATM card can be used in Belgium,
or France, or Holland, or wherever you go. These offer many advantages:
a) the conversion rate is much better than exchanging cash (which
typically has spreads of 5-15%, versus 1-2% for VISA conversions
which are done at bulk rates)
b) better control of expenses and less cash to carry.
* Travelers checks can also be used, but still face some
substantial costs (e.g. 5% to buy checks in US, then about 5%
to exchange US dollars into European currency). Using foreign
currency-denominated travelers checks is usually cheaper, as major
banks exchange them free or with a low fee (2-3%).
* Cash It is also advisable not to convert too much in
foreign currencies, as converting back into dollars adds to the
cost. The other parameter of this inventory problem, of course,
is the cost of being caught in a foreign country without cash.
Where to change
* Generally, the best rates are offered by banks. Beware
of business hours, as banks are usually closed for lunch (12-2pm).
Banks rates can also vary widely, so it always pays to check first
the cost at the cashier, or to ask the advice of locals.
* Airports bank tellers give you convenient access to cash
but unfavorable rates in Brussels. I would suggest to buy some
BF immediately at your arrival, while waiting for your luggage
(remember, things are often slower in Europe).
* Hotels are systematically more expensive than banks,
with spreads on the order of 10-20%.
* Kiosks can vary in cost, depending on competition. When
group together (such as on Brussel's Grand Place), rates can be
competitive.
Preparing for climate
Belgium has a maritime mild climate. It could be 60 and pleasant
or 40 and rainy. It is often cloudy, like in northern California.
In the winter, the temperature rarely drops below freezing.
It is safe to assume it will rain. A rain jacket and umbrella
are a must. You can bring back one of the large European Union
umbrellas (blue with golden stars), which are quite nice and useful.
What to wear
The dress at the residential is European casual (i.e.
no shorts nor jeans).
Remember that as you go from the West Coast
to the East Coast to Europe, clothing habits become more conservative.
In case of doubt, it is better to be overdressed.
For plant visits,
which may involve meeting high-level executives who are formally
dressed, the dress is more formal, with at a minimum sports jacket
and tie.
Most of Europe operates on 220 volts, 50 Hertz.
This means that your electric equipment
may not work on European current.
Laptops, however, are generally
built to accept 220v, provided you take along a simple $1-2 plug
converter; plugs in Europe are round and wider apart than in the
U.S. These can be found in any Radio Shack store. For some other
equipment, you may also need a transformer (220 to 110), which
costs $10-20.
Modern hotels usually have standard plugs for room phones.
More importantly, calls placed from Belgium may cost 3 times the
same call originating from the U.S. Hotel calls are also more
expensive than phone card calls. It is therefore essential to
take a phone card (AT&T, MCI) and ask the access number in
Belgium.
To give you an idea of costs, a 4-minute hotel call may
cost about $12, but only $8 with an MCI card.
Back
to GSM 295© 2003 Philippe Jorion. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.