Others
Bank services
There are no bank facilities at the campus, yet there are several banks close to the campus. Note that these banks do not provide exchange services. You can, however, withdraw money (€) from bank automates using credit cards and bank cards at all times (24/24).
Banks are open on week days from 9h00 to 16h00.
Although paying by credit cards is very common in Belgium, it is not customary to do so for small amounts (e.g. for a beer in a pub or a ticket on a bus). Hence it would be good to have some cash € in the pocket (small bills and/or coins!).
Money exchange facilities are available at the airports and in
«Antwerpen Centraal» railway station (also in the major railway
stations in Brussels of course). Yet, these facilities are
not 24/24 open. So it may be a good idea to change some money in your country of departure.
Please note that in Belgium only € is accepted for cash payments.
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.
Currency converter : Converter (site will be opened in a new window).
Climate
Belgium has a temperate climate, but last years the weather in July has been dry and hot (to our standards), with temperatures often in the range of 25-35°C, yet for the same price temperatures can drop to 15°C.
Rain and showers are not excluded. So, weather may be quite
unpredictable and variable, but on average, July is a very nice
month... with usually excellent weather for enjoying a drink (and
malacological discussions of course...) on one of the many terasses in the city centre...
Time
Six hours ahead of US Eastern Standard Time. One hour ahead of GMT.
Dress standards
Yes, be dressed.... Casual clothing will be perfect for all congress activities.
Smoking
According to Belgian law, it is forbidden to smoke in public places. Hence ALL congress facilities are non smoking areas. From January 1st 2007, smoking will also be forbidden in restaurants and restricted in pubs.
