Practical Information

Time Zone

Ghent Time Zone is Central European Time (GMT + 2 hours).

Weather

Ghent has a typical Western European oceanic climate which is affected by the North Atlantic Current. The overall climate throughout the year is mild and moderately wet.  Summer days are usually warm and pleasant with average temperatures between 15 and 25 °C (59 and 77 °F), and a fair amount of sunshine (although we are used to rain as well). Use this link for weather forecast in Ghent.

Power Supply

The standard domestic electricity supply in Belgium is single phase 220 volts, 50 Hz. Voltage and sockets vary from country to country and so an adapter and a transformer too may be necessary. In Belgium, plugs are type C and earthed type E.

Currency

On 1 January 2002, along with eleven other Member States of the European Union, Belgium adopted the Euro currency.

Notes: €5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500

Coins: €1, 2, as well as 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents

In Belgium, most merchants accept credit card NFC payments or mobile payment. This function makes it possible to make small purchases for a maximum amount of €25. We discourage attendees to use €200 or €500 banknotes.

Banks and Currency Exchange

There is a multitude of banks in Ghent, both Belgian and foreign. They are generally open from 9 am to 5 pm, or 6 pm, from Monday to Friday, sometimes from Tuesday to Saturday. some branches may close at lunchtime, between 12.30 pm and 2 pm.

Your credit card will enable you to withdraw cash in Euros 24 hours a day at hundreds of automatic cash points in the city. They often give you the choice of instructions in Dutch, English or other languages. The majority of international cards are accepted by cash dispensers at the principal Belgian and foreign banks. However, not all banks provide a currency exchange service.