Kevin Loesing
Information on Belgium Population: 10 Million Religion: Mainly Christianity Location: N. Central Europe
Flag and Currency Currency: Euro - 1 Euro= USD Flag Meaning: -Yellow symbolizes generosity -Red symbolizes hardiness, bravery and strength -Black symbolizes determination
Things to know Crime - Relatively free of violent crime - Low level street crime is common Speed Limits -120 kmph highways -50 kmph Urban -30 kmph in Brussels city limits Entry/Exit Restrictions -U.S. citizens may enter Belgium for up to 90 days for tourist or business purposes without a visa
Words to Know Dutch Hello- Hallo Goodbye-Afscheid Thank you- Dank U Good day- Goedendag French Hello- Bonjour Goodbye-revoir Thank you- Merci Good day- Journée bonne
Making Appointments First meeting is usually a social meeting Belgians like to get to know a person before conducting business Contact for the appointment at lease one week in advance
Business Dress Dress formally Men- High quality suit Women- Simple Suit or dress
Topics of Conversation Bad Topics Personal Subjects The Germans Belgian History Good Topics Belgian Food Belgian Art Sports
Addressing Others Dutch Mevrouw-Mrs Meneer-Mr mejuffrouw-Miss French Monsieur-Mr Madame-Mrs Mademoiselle-Miss
Acceptable Behavior Unacceptable Behavior in public Cracking Fingers Yawning Using Toothpicks Chewing Gum Blowing your nose Belgians shake hands with everyone in the room on arrival and departure French-speakers may kiss or embrace closer acquaintances
Gift Giving Not usual business culture If you do present a gift it should be close business partner Without your company logo No business card Opened in front of giver and you should do the same if the recipient If invited into a Belgians home, present the gift upon arrival
Negotiating Trade business cards Don’t be early but don’t be late Distribute agenda Speak Logically
Entertaining If going to a restaurant, get your table by 12:30 P.M. Wait for them to initiate business talk Usually don’t host guests at their home
Dining Favorite foods Mussels Beer Speculaas Frites Chocolate
Conclusion Belgium Watch speed limit No Gifts Be on time Formal Business wear USA Not as heavy of a fine No Gifts Be Early Formal Business wear