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