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Communications in Belgium

Telephone

The country dialling code is 32. For operator services dial 1324.

Mobile Telephone

There are three main mobile phone networks, all of them accessible with monthly subscription or pay-as-you-go formats:

Proximus is the most favoured provider. It offers several packages, from proxitime (minimal use) to proxipro (extensive use) and pay-as-you-go cards. Mobistar is linked to Orange. It offers monthly subscription packages and prepaid cards. Base offers monthly subscription packages and prepaid cards.

Voice over Internet Protocol

VoIP is a new technology which allows users to verbally communicate through their computer. Essentially a telephone call made using the internet, VoIP is becoming increasingly more common in the business world due to its low costs, and easy set-up and maintenance.

Forget installation engineers and phone number changes, as long as you have a broadband connection, you can use VoIP any time, any where.

For businesses, this software is sure to eventually phase out the traditional phonecall. For as low as 4p for local and national calls, the economical potential is vast. With international calls often even less than that, VoIP is perfect if you are prone to long-distance telecommunication, or have offices, clients, partners, etc, overseas. What's more, calls made between VoIP users are typically free all you pay for is the standard internet service.

Internet

There are three internet providers offering ADSL services: Versatel, La Tribu and Talessa. You will find it just as contemporary and widespread as the UK.

Post

Post offices are open from 0900 to 1200, and from 1400 to 1700 between Monday and Friday. Main city post offices have longer opening hours, including Saturdays.

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