Bruges Tourist Information

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Getting around in Bruges is generally quite easy. English is widely spoken in this beautiful city, helping you deal with the practicalities with a little more ease. However, Dutch (Flemish) and French are the main languages so familiarising yourself with the local ways and learning some basic phrases will enable you to connect with the locals in a more sociable manner.

Read more information on this destination in the AA City Pack Guide to Brussels & Bruges.

Useful information

What to take: Remember these key items when travelling: passport, money, travel documents, credit cards and any medication you may need.

Passports & Visas: Be sure to check the latest entry advice before travelling, as regulations can change at short notice. UK, US and Canadian visitors do need a passport, but do not require a visa (if staying for less than 3 months).

Embassies & Consulates: The UK embassy is in Brussels - Avenue d'Auderghem 10, Oudergemlaan,1040 Brussels. The UK consulate is also in Brussels - Avenue des Nerviens 9-31 Nervierslaan, 1040 Brussels.

Customs: The following guidelines are for your personal use allowance, when travelling from another EU country: 110 litres of beer, 90 litres of wine, of which 60 litres can be sparkling wine, 20 litres of aperitifs and 10 litres of spirits (over 22%). 200 cigars OR 1 Kilogram of tabacco OR 800 cigarettes. Your personal use allowances when travelling from a non-EU country are: The maximum value for all goods is €175. 250 millilitres of eau de toilette, 50 millilitres of perfume, 2 litres of still wine, 2 litres of intermediary products (eg sherry) and sparkling wine, 1 litre of spirits (over 22%), 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250 grams of tobacco.

Money matters: The official currency of Belgium is the Euro. Bank notes come in denominations of 5,10,20,50,100,200 and 500 euros and coins in denominations of 1,2,5,10,20 and 50 cents and 1 and 2 euros.

Medical: Standards of medical care are high. Most doctors speak French and English and can visit you if you are too sick to move. Visits must be paid in cash or by cheque. For an emergency doctor in Bruges call 078 15 15 90 (Fri-Mon 8am - 8pm). Pharmacies (Pharmacie/Apotheek) are marked with a green cross, open Mon-Fri 9-6.

Visitors with disabilities: There are not very many facilities on buses, trams or the metro for people who have a disability. There is a minibus service which is equipped for wheechairs, and is available at a very reasonable cost from the public transport network STIB/MIVB - Tel: 02 515 2365. Buildings in Brussels and Bruges do not have many facilities for people with disabilities, and the uneven cobblestones in the streets are tough on wheelchairs. For more info contact Mobility International - Boulevard Baudouin 18.

Lost property & theft: Always report stolen items to the police. For the purpose of an insurance claim ask for a certificate of loss.

Emergency numbers