Belgium - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture (2)

A great guide to the culture and customs of Belgium. I would not visit any other country without reading the appropriate book for that nation even though I lived and traveled in Europe for 5 years previously

I was grateful to learn that the Belgians expect you to shake their hands firmly and look them in the eye. But I want to make one minor point. It's wise, as the guide says, not to bring up the tormented question of languages in Belgium, given its history. However, do not let that scare you off from speaking French in Flanders, if you know it and find Vlaams too hard. I constantly heard customers and patrons asking questions in French and waiters sometimes even asking them if they understood French. Obviously, English is used with Japanese tourists and others not likely to speak French, but French is not taboo. And I often fell back on it when my Vlaams ran out.

This small book is just filled with important information to help understand the history, customs, and culture of Belgium. I am very satisfied, and glad that I bought it!

Has info I need That will help me for my move. Do wish it was available on Audio

My daughter is going to Belgium and said that after reading, that it was very helpful knowledge before she travels. She feels more confident.

This guide focuses on Belgian customs and attitudes more than where the attractions are. Belgium, having such a split personality, makes this guide uniquely useful. For me, interacting with the people and the culture is a major part of the experience of travel so this is a nice primer. This is an accessory guide and should not be your main one.

Great fun to read as I lived in Belgium for 25 years.

This book has good content, but it is a bit boring. Sometimes the culture smart series are fun to read. While all the information in this text was true and relevant and useful, it was not as engaging as books in the series on other countries.