Special purchases include
ceramics and hand-beaten copperware from Dinant;
Belgian chocolates; crystals from Val Saint Lambert;
diamonds; jewelry from Antwerp; lace from Bruges, Brussels and Mechelen (Malines), woodcarvings from Spa and
bandes dessinées (
comic-strip books) by a number of talented Belgian cartoon artists from Brussels. Main shopping centers are located in Antwerp, Bruges, Brussels, Ghent, Liège, Mechelen, Mons, Namur and Ostend.
Shopping hours Mon-Sat 1000-1800/1900. Department stores often remain open longer,
up to 2100 on Friday. Outside main areas, some shops may close at lunchtime.
Currency Information:CurrencyEuro (EUR; symbol €) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2, 1 and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are widespread.
Traveller's ChequesWidely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, visitors are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros, Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.
Banking HoursMon-Fri 0900-1600.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | €1.06 |
| $1.00= | €0.73 |
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