Transport alternatives

ARRIVALS: Let me know in detail when and where you will arrive. When possible I will try to organise a welcome committee.

(A) With your own means of transport

In all directions: follow the ring road
If you come from Breda, Eindhoven, Hasselt or Luik, take exit 3 Borgerhout and at the top, turn right onto the 'Plantin en Moretuslei'.
If you come from Gent, Brussels or Boom, take exit 3 Borgerhout and at the top, turn left on to the 'Plantin en Moretuslei'. Follow this road 'Plantin en Moretuslei' until you get to the fifth traffic lights, just in front of the railway bridge. Turn right onto the Van Immerseelstraat and then take the first left (= Van Sangenstraat). Just around the corner on your right is the Stoomstraat; there you'll find Scoutel.

Parking inside the hostel can only during weekends. For parking place in the surrounding streets you’ll have to be lucky. There are underground parkings (payable) nearby. Large free parking at about 30 min. walk from the hostel.

(B) Public transport

By train:
From Antwerp central station, go left and follow the Pelikaanstraat. After about 500m, turn left (past the last jewellery store on the left side), walk under the bridge through the pedestrian passage and you arrive at the Stoomstraat.

By bus:
From the bus station on the 'Rooseveldplaats', you walk in the direction of the Keyserlei via the Anneessensstraat. Then you turn left in the direction of Antwerp central station. Next, go right and follow the Pelikaanstraat. After about 500m, turn left (past the last jewellery store on the left side), walk under the bridge through the pedestrian passage and you arrive at the Stoomstraat

By underground:
Line 2 (Hoboken) or 15 (Mortsel) until you get to the 'Diamant' station. You follow the Pelikaanstraat. After about 500m, turn left (past the last jewellery store on the left side), walk under the bridge through the pedestrian passage and you arrive at the Stoomstraat.

By airport:
Fly to Brussels airport or Charleroi (Brussels south) Take a train to Antwerp Central station or first to Brussels if you come from Charleroi.

Travel related information

Time: Six hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time. One hour ahead of GMT.

Passports and visas.
Requirements for U.S. and Canadian citizens : valid passports without visa, provided their stay does not exceed 90 days. For nationals of other countries, consult the Belgian Consulate in your area.

Pets, cats and dogs
A veterinarian's certificate is needed, issued not less than 30 days or more than one year prior to entry, certifying that the animal is in good health and has been vaccinated against rabies within one year.

Currency
Since 1 January 2002 the official currency is the EURO (€). In case you should come accross prices that are still indicated in Belgian Francs, the conversion rate is : 1 Euro = 40.3399 BEF.

Airport
Brussels Airport is connected with frequent trains to the center of the town. The ride takes 17 minutes.

Rules of the road
There is a speed limit of 90 km per hour (56 mph) on all roads throughout the country, with the exception of highways and trunk roads with four traffic lanes, where speed is limited to 120 km per hour. In most main towns the speed limit is 50 km.p.h. and is indicated by traffic signs. Traffic of the right has right of way. Safety belts must be worn at all times and children under 12 are prohibited from sitting in the front seat, unless no other seat is available.

The roads
Roads are very good. Since Dutch is spoken in the northern part of the country and French in the Southern part, several towns and villages have two names, one in French and one in Dutch: Antwerpen - Anvers - Antwerp

Accidents
Dial 101 in case of accident when medical help is needed.

Breakdowns
On highways, orange phones enable you to call for assistance (police, garage, medical help)

Parking
Most cities and towns have parking meters.

Taxis
Available in most towns. the tip is included in the price shown on the meter

Car rental
You must have a valid driver's license and be at least 23 years of age.

By Train
The Belgian National Railways operate the densest rail network in the world and the majority of the international lines pass through Brussels, the center of this network. There is a frequent efficient train service from Brussels to almost all parts of the country. Look in our special train section for the departure schedules of the most important lines.

Other useful information

Electricity
Current is A.C. 220 volts 50 cycles

Luggage lockers
These lockers are available in most train stations and other locations in large towns. If you wish to leave your luggage for more than a few days, it is advisable to do so at a baggage check room in a railway station.

Postal service
Hours : 9 AM to 12 AM and 2 PM to 5 PM

Bank service
Hours : Monday through Friday 9 AM to 3 PM (some closing for an hour at lunch time)

Religious Services
Practically every religion is represented in the main towns in Belgium

Tips, VAT, Taxes
In Belgium prices are quoted "all inclusive". No additional tipping necessary

Telephones
The main international operators (AT&T, Sprint, etc.) have free call-in numbers in Belgium.In most of the Belgian street phone boots, international calling is possible.