Page 320 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Belgium & Luxembourg

318  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

Banking and Currency

As befits their status at the heart of the European Union,
both geographically and administratively, Belgium and
Luxembourg have trustworthy and efficient banking sys tems,
dedicated to businesses as well as individuals. The currency
used by both countries, as well as by most of the older
member-states of the European Union, is the euro. Cash
is easily available through Automated Teller Machines
(ATMs) and banks, and most of the essential transactions Debit and credit cards, accepted at major
can be conducted through major credit cards. stores and most hotels
travel hubs that regularly receive
foreign visitors. They have much
All transactions, especially longer opening hours than
money transfers, are liable to banks, but will often charge a
banking fees, and it is best to commission of 3–4 per cent, on
check the rates in advance. top of which they may not have
as competitive exchange rates.
It is worth comparing prices
ATM Services
between different bureaus to
Most bank branches have 24-hour ensure a good deal.
cashpoint facilities. Visitors will
find that there is often a machine
in the lobby used by members Credit and Charge Cards
of the bank, while a second ATM MasterCard and Visa cards are
on the wall outside is available widely accepted across the
to everyone. ATMs accept a wide region; more reluctance may be
A man collects money at a BNP Paribas range of cards, including those shown towards Diners Club and
Fortis Bank ATM belonging to Maestro and Cirrus. American Express. Most hotels
It is advisable to check with the accept credit cards to secure
Banks home bank or card-provider reservations and for payment
Banking hours in Belgium and whether a card is acceptable when leaving. Small hotels and
Luxembourg are gener ally 9am abroad. Usually, there is no trans- bed-and-breakfast accom-
to 4pm from Monday to Friday. action fee at the ATM itself, but modation may take only cash.
In Belgium, some banks might the bank or card-provider at The mode of payment needs to
close for lunch between noon home may have set the exchange be established before the stay.
and 2pm. A few branches rate and will charge a fee. Again, restaurants are usually
operate until 4:30pm or 5pm happy to take payment by credit
on Fridays, and may open on card, but it is best to check
Saturday mornings. Most banks Foreign Exchange before ordering if this is not
Bureaus
within the city centre are happy clear. Bars almost always accept
to serve non-clients, and often Visitors who are unable to only cash payments (no cards).
offer very competitive exchange change money at a bank or use
rates. They are also able to cash a cashpoint machine to obtain DIRECTORY
travellers’ cheques and exchange euros, may be forced to rely on
foreign currency. To do this, the foreign exchange bureaus Credit and
signatory’s passport or some (bureaux de change in French; Charge Cards
other form of photographic wisselkantoren in Dutch). These American Express
identification will be required. can be found in all cities and
Tel (02) 6762121.
∑ americanexpress.be
Diners Club
Tel (44) 1244 470928.
∑ dinersclub.be
MasterCard
Tel 0800 15096.
∑ mastercard.com/be
Visa
Tel 0800 18397.
∑ visaeurope.com
Foreign exchange bureau at the Brussels Midi railway station

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Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Practical template “UK” LAYER
(Source v1.7)
Date 5th March 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm