https://hitchwiki.org/en/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Arn&feedformat=atomHitchwiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T10:25:42ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.32.3https://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Gent&diff=53448Gent2011-07-17T08:21:43Z<p>Arn: </p>
<hr />
<div>'''Gent''' is a city in [[Belgium]].<br />
<map lat='51.02682057115055' lng='3.7205886840820312' zoom='12' view='3' float='right' /><br />
<br />
== Hitchhiking out ==<br />
Getting out of Gent isn't too difficult.<br />
<br />
=== All directions ===<br />
<br />
Go to the spot near the Woodrow Wilson square. Not many people know this square, but if you say "de zuid", everybody knows where you're talking about. Hitch at the road going to the motorway (). There is a 3 meters wide bike lane, so plenty of place to stop for the cars. Using a cardboard would be clever, as this entry of the motorway splits to different directions.<br />
Very good place to hitch towards any direction and there is a big bus station.<br />
(tram and bus: www.delijn.be, bus stop "zuid")<br />
<br />
=== Southwest towards [[Lille]] ===<br />
<br />
<br />
* Option 1: Try getting a ride at the light [http://www.liftershalte.info/?lat=51.03653663169207&lng=3.7372398376464844&zoom=17&trip=24 here], all traffic has to stop so you have plenty of time to talk to people or show your sign off. But make sure you don't make the mistake of trying to get there by getting on the ramp [http://www.liftershalte.info/?lat=51.042722811470185&lng=3.7326908111572266&zoom=17&trip=0 here]. It's a lot longer than it looks and cars are going dangerously fast. You'll end up having to jump from the bridge to the ground below like [[User:Zac Stewart|Zac]] did.<br />
<br />
* Option 2: Go to the big roundabout “De Sterre” near the Sint Pieter station. There you can hitch the N60 towards “Oudenaarde” until you reach the motorway E 17 at Eke.<br />
<br />
=== Northeast towards [[Antwerpen]] ===<br />
* Option 1 of hitching to Lille (make a cardboard)<br />
<br />
* Take the tram 4 in the city center towards Moscou and get off 1 stop before the tram reaches it's end station. Walk left into the Walstraat and then the first street to the right into the de naeyerdreef (sand road with lot's of trees). At the end of the road you'll reach the entrance to the A14 (E17) where you can easily get a ride towards Antwerpen or Kortrijk.<br />
[[File:gent.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Ghent offers many cultural highlights.]]<br />
<br />
== Useful Resources ==<br />
A very important thing to know is that Ghent is one of the biggest university cities in Belgium. The main area for students is the Sint Pietersplein, but schools and student dorms are scattered all over the city. Students are very friendly and very proud of their city, so if you need help, don't hesitate to ask them.<br />
<br />
You can get free internet access at the university library “de boekentoren,” or in English “the book tower.” It's a big tower located at Blandijnberg, near Sint Pieters plein (which is '''not''' same as Sint Pieters station).<br />
Just log in as anonymous.<br />
<br />
When looking for cheap food and drinks, you can easily try the student areas (Sint-Pietersplein, Overpoortstraat), as there are many cheap bars (drinks €1-€2) and restaurants/snack bars. If you need a good meal, you can go to the subsidized student restaurants. Just ask the student next to you in line at the pay desk to use his student card. This way you'll have to pay about 4 euro's for a decent meal. I suggest "De Brug" in the Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat (Locations of student restaurants: [http://www.ugent.be/en/facilities/food/overview.htm])<br />
<br />
Scattered through the city are also a lot of so-called frietkoten. These are small restaurants or even shacks where you can buy fries and snacks at extremely low prices. It's real Belgian culture, and you should really try it out if you ever visit Belgium.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Oost-Vlaanderen}}<br />
[[Trash:Gent]]<br />
[[trash:Gent]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Oost-Vlaanderen]]<br />
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[[de:Gent]]</div>Arnhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Belgium&diff=53430Belgium2011-07-15T15:14:35Z<p>Arn: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = Belgium<br />
|map = <map lat='50.53' lng='4.44' zoom='7' view='0' width='360' height='310' country='Belgium' /><br />
|language = Dutch, French, German<br />
|capital = [[Brussels]]<br />
|pop = 10,584,534<br />
|currency = Euro (€)<br />
|hitch = {{good}} to {{very good}}<br />
}}<br />
'''Belgium''' is a small country between, clockwise from the North, the [[Netherlands]], [[Germany]], [[Luxembourg]] and [[France]]. It is a member state of the [[European Union]] as well as the [[Schengen Agreement]].<br />
The country is divided into a Dutch speaking part in the North ([[Flanders]]), and a French speaking part in the South ([[Wallonia]]) and a tiny German speaking part in the East. [[Brussels]], the country and European capital, has a bilingual status. In Flanders most people will be able to help you out easily in English.<br />
<br />
Hitch-hiking in the country is in general fairly easy, and, due to the high number of foreigners working in the country, getting a ride out of the country is usually just as easy. The country has one of the most dense road and motorway networks in Europe which can make it slightly complex when trying to find a direct route to a destination. Still, hitching out of a city or moving from on-ramp to on-ramp is usually fairly simple.<br />
<br />
The best places to start are the roundabouts near the entrance of the main highways (such spots can be found very easily in [[Oostende]], [[Liège]], [[Louvain-la-Neuve]] and [[Namur]]).<br />
<br />
Belgium has a very high density of petrol stations and service areas on the motorways. This makes it easier to find one, but also leads to less traffic on a single service area. Because of its bilingual status, it could be helpful to approach drivers in their native language. Although there is no specific way to be sure of telling what language a driver speaks, some solutions are:<br />
* quickly say 'Hi' in both Dutch (dag) or French (bonjour)<br />
* check up the sticker of the car retailer to notice in what part of the country it has been bought<br />
* introduce yourself as a foreigner<br />
<br />
Useful tip: Free use of Internet PC's in many city libraries.<br />
<br />
It is common practice to use the E-numbers for motorways, instead of A-numbers like in most countries. Even on road signs you will only find E-numbers.<br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
[[File:Netherlands.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Leaving for the [[Netherlands]]]]<br />
* [[Antwerpen]] ''(Anvers, Antwerp)''<br />
* [[Arlon]] ''(Arlon)''<br />
* [[Brugge]] ''(Bruges, Brügge)''<br />
* [[Brussels]] ''(Bruxelles, Brussel)''<br />
* [[Gent]] ''(Gand, Ghent)''<br />
* [[Hasselt]]<br />
* [[Liège]] ''(Luik, Lüttich)''<br />
* [[Namur]]<br />
* [[Louvain-la-Neuve]]<br />
* [[Leuven]]<br />
* [[Oostende]] ''(Ostend)''<br />
* [[Mons]] ''(Bergen)''<br />
<br />
== License plates ==<br />
Belgian license plates do not contain information about where the car comes from. A Belgian license plate is assigned for life to the owner of a car. Usually the plates are white with red text. Cars owned by employees of institutes of the European Union in Brussels and Diplomatic Technical and Administrative Staff have a white plate with blue letters. Diplomatic license plates start with "CD". When Belgians replace their cars, they will keep the same license plate number. Often the name and the city of the garage where the car was bought is indicated just under or at the left side of the license plate on the backside of the car. A license plate of an old timer starts with "O".<br />
<br />
== European Carpooling ''(Taxi Stop - Eurostop)'' ==<br />
[http://www.taxistop.be Taxi Stop] is an agency that offers carpooling possibilities to drivers in destination or from [[Europe|European]] countries as well as passengers looking for a destination. The website is available in English (as opposed to its [[Germany|German]] equivalent) but requires to create a free subscription account in matter to contact a driver or a passenger. Although the availability and destination listing does not require to log in. This service is called ''eurostop'' and has a set rule regarding the fees which is pretty simple: registration to the service is free of charge, a passenger is simply asked to pay 3€/100km to the driver once at destination.<br />
<br />
== Public Transport ==<br />
Public transport is extensive and affordable to a certain point. <br />
<br />
'''Train:'''<br />
<br />
The Belgian train ([http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/index.php SNCB/NMBS] Company reaches all major cities with a regular service. On weekends (from Friday after 19h until Sunday evening), the return ticket is reduced by 50% which is good option for a weekend evasion within the country. The Go-Pass/Rail-Pass is a 10 journeys ticket that allows you to go everywhere in the country (borders excluded). The Go-Pass cost €50 (so 5€/journey) and is for the -26, although if you don't look too old you probably won't be asked to prove your age. The Rail-Pass, for those over 26, costs €74. The Go-Pass is a good option to go from one side of the country to another. The pass is valid for a year from the date of purchase.<br />
<br />
'''Buses/Tram:'''<br />
* In Flanders (north), the public transport company is [http://www.delijn.be/ DeLijn] which completes the train services into the rural towns and inside the urbanised areas. It is possible to buy a 'LijnKaart' which saves you on the cost of local transport.<br />
* In [[Brussels]], public transport are provided by the [http://www.stib.be/index.htm?guest_user=guest_en STIB/MIVB]. There again you can buy a 5 or 10 journeys ticket. Note that buying your ticket inside the bus/tram costs you more. More details will be added regarding Public Transport in Brussels on the city page itself.<br />
* In Wallonia (south), the regional bus company is [http://www.infotec.be/index.aspx?PageId=631734023237830544&Language=english TEC]<br />
<br />
== Food & Toilets ==<br />
The price of food on motorway services is relatively high, so try to stock up before leaving and note that very few motorway services have free toilets. The price (usually between €0.30 and 0.50) sometimes includes a voucher that can be used in the restaurant. The cheapest supermarkets in the country are ''Lidl'', ''Aldi'' and ''Colruyt'', and food bought in them will be significantly cheaper than on motorway services. ''Carrefour'' and ''Delhaize'' are more expensive options, but are extensively located downtown with longer opening hours (Often 20:00, but not all of them!) which will offer better prices than the night stores. Note that in Belgium most shops close at 18:00 and very few shops are open on Sundays.<br />
<br />
There are few free public toilets around, and you might even be charged in places like McDonald's. It is best to avoid the touristic areas when looking for a free toilet and aim at the less obvious places such as big chain hotels (Radisson...), public buildings (libraries and schools) and some cafes where you can use the toilet without being spot by the staff who might request you to pay a fee up to 50 cents, although many will allow you to use the toilet if you ask them in English!<br />
<br />
Belgium is famous for its frietkoten. These are small restaurants or shacks, that sell French fries (a Belgian dish mind you! Protip: Make sure you don't call them French fries, but just fries. Because some will lecture lecture you about fries not being french.) and all sorts of snacks for relatively low prices. It's not very healthy, but for €5 you can have quite a big meal which is bigger & cheaper then McDonald's. Every village has a frietkot, and every city has at least one in every neighborhood.<br />
<br />
Also make sure you try out the beer. Belgians have the most and best types of beer in the world, and often it'll be cheaper then water or soda.<br />
<br />
== Useful links ==<br />
<!-- * The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motorways_in_Belgium List of motorways in Belgium] on Wikipedia contains useful information. --><br />
* [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_Belgische_autosnelwegen The Dutch Wikipedia] contains much more useful information than the English Wikipedia (even you don't read Dutch), with specific information about locations of gas stations, e.g. about the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/A13_%28Belgi%C3%AB%29 A13/E313].<br />
* [http://www.liftpunt.tk Liftpunt], discussion forum about hitchhiking in Dutch, also for Flandres!<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Western Europe}}<br />
{{Template:Regions Belgium}}<br />
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{{Template:Europe/countries}}<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
[[trash:Belgium]]<br />
[[wikipedia:Belgium]]<br />
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[[Category:Belgium| ]]<br />
[[Category:Western Europe]]<br />
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[[de:Belgien]]<br />
[[es:Bélgica]]<br />
[[fi:Belgia]]<br />
[[fr:Belgique]]<br />
[[tr:Belçika]]</div>Arnhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Hitchhiking_races&diff=53270Hitchhiking races2011-07-10T15:17:09Z<p>Arn: </p>
<hr />
<div>There are a lot of '''[[hitchhiking]] races''', mostly in Summer.<br />
<br />
==[[Europe]]==<br />
* '''[http://www.eurizons.net/ Eurizons]''' is an annual hitchhiking race through Europe with about 50 participants, funded by the European Union including some workshops about the Millennium Development Goals.<br />
* '''Race to Riga''' was a race from [[Faro]], [[Portugal]], to [[Riga]]. <!-- ''[http://www.racetoriga.com/ Link broken 00:34, 9 January 2010 (UTC) --><br />
<br />
===[[Belgium]]===<br />
* The '''[[BBOHC3|Big Belgian Hitchhiking Contest]]''' is an annually event, starting in [[Ghent]].<br />
* '''[http://www.routedusoleil.org/ Route du Soleil]''' is an annual race for Belgian students. In the summer of 2011 they will even try to break the world record of biggest hitchhiking race with 900 participants. The 2010 series was from Ghent to Barcelona. In 2011 they go from Ghent/Antwerp/Leuven to Venice.<br />
<br />
===[[France]]===<br />
* The '''[http://hitchhikingcontest.org/ Hitchhiking Contest]''' is an un-official event, from [[Paris]] to [[Dakar]], start in 2011.<br />
* The '''[http://poucedor.free.fr/ Pouce d’Or]''' (In English @ [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=93643 CS]<br />
<br />
===[[Germany]]===<br />
[[File:Siegerehrung.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Winners of the [[Abgefahren hitchhiking race 2010]]]]<br />
* The '''[http://race.abgefahren-ev.de German hitchhiking society]''' [[Abgefahren e.V.]] is organizing the German Hitchhiking Championships every year in early summer, starting somewhere in [[Germany]].<br />
* [[Viva con Agua]] organizes yearly races and raising funds for drinking water projects.<br />
<br />
===[[Lithuania]]===<br />
* The '''[http://www.autostop.lt/main.php Vilnius Hitchhiking Club]''' has been organizing the annual '''Baltics''' competition since 1997. The competition itself pre-dates the foundation of the VHHC by two years. It takes place at the end of April, usually over a distance of around 1,000km, the last edition, '''Baltics 2010''' attracted a record number of participants, 44 pairs.<br />
<br />
===[[Netherlands]]===<br />
* The '''[http://www.oostboc.com BOC]''' organizes races occasionally just for fun, usually starting from [[Utrecht]], [[Netherlands]].<br />
* Some Dutch people from [[Uden]] in the [[Netherlands]] are organizing a hitchhiking competition once a year, known in Dutch as the '''[http://www.liftwedstrijd.com Liftwedstrijd]''' (Website gone, [[User:Prino|Prino]] 01:29, 24 September 2010 (CEST))<br />
* [http://www.aegee-groningen.nl/ AEGEE-Groningen] organises every year hitchhiking races to several cities in Europe, with a cultural program and a lot of going out in the night being there! Usually during the week-ends! In October 2010 we will go to Copenhagen!<br />
<br />
===[[Poland]]===<br />
* The '''[http://www.klubprzygody.pl/ Klub Przygody]''' from [[Poland]] is organising a hitchhiking competition once a year in the beginning of May. Mostly they start from [[Gdansk]] to some destination in [[Europe]].<br />
* Students from '''[http://www.kpbit.pl/ BIT The Travelers Club]''' of the Wrocław University of Economy every year organize the '''[http://www.autostoprace.pl/ Auto Stop Race]''' with around 200-250 pairs. The event takes place during a Polish long weekend, at the beginning of May. The race starts in Wrocław.<br />
<br />
===[[United Kingdom]]===<br />
* The University of [[Sheffield]] is organizing a hitchhiking race every year:<br />
** The '''[http://www.bummit.co.uk/pastbummits/ Bummit to Belgrade]''' was a hitchhiking race in 2007 with 200 students from [[Sheffield]] to [[Belgrade]].<br />
** The '''[http://www.bummit.co.uk/ Bummit to] [[Tallinn]]''' (via [[Leipzig]]) takes place Eastern 2008 with over 300 students from [[Sheffield]] to [[Tallinn]].<br />
* The '''[http://www.lcd.org.uk/events/hitch/ Link Community Development]''' organizes an annual race from the UK to Morocco and Prague for charity.<br />
* ''' [http://www.race2amsterdam.co.uk/ The University of St. Andrews Charities Campaign]''' organizes a hitchhiking competition once a year in January. In 2008 they will hitchhike from [[Scotland]] towards [[Amsterdam]]. - Link broken 00:34, 9 January 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
''Know of any other contest? Add it [http://en.hitchwiki.org/index.php?title=Hitchhiking_races&action=edit here!]''<br />
<br />
''See also [[hitchhiking for charity]]''<br />
<br />
[[Category:General info]]<br />
[[Category:Contests]]<br />
<br />
[[zh:Hitchhiking competitions]]</div>Arnhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Hitchhiking_races&diff=53269Hitchhiking races2011-07-10T15:16:57Z<p>Arn: </p>
<hr />
<div>There are a lot of '''[[hitchhiking]] races''', mostly in Summer.<br />
<br />
==[[Europe]]==<br />
* '''[http://www.eurizons.net/ Eurizons]''' is an annual hitchhiking race through Europe with about 50 participants, funded by the European Union including some workshops about the Millennium Development Goals.<br />
* '''Race to Riga''' was a race from [[Faro]], [[Portugal]], to [[Riga]]. <!-- ''[http://www.racetoriga.com/ Link broken 00:34, 9 January 2010 (UTC) --><br />
<br />
===[[Belgium]]===<br />
* The '''[[BBOHC3|Big Belgian Hitchhiking Contest]]''' is an annually event, starting in [[Ghent]].<br />
* '''[http://www.routedusoleil.org/ Route du Soleil]''' is an annually race for Belgian students. In the summer of 2011 they will even try to break the world record of biggest hitchhiking race with 900 participants. The 2010 series was from Ghent to Barcelona. In 2011 they go from Ghent/Antwerp/Leuven to Venice.<br />
<br />
===[[France]]===<br />
* The '''[http://hitchhikingcontest.org/ Hitchhiking Contest]''' is an un-official event, from [[Paris]] to [[Dakar]], start in 2011.<br />
* The '''[http://poucedor.free.fr/ Pouce d’Or]''' (In English @ [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=93643 CS]<br />
<br />
===[[Germany]]===<br />
[[File:Siegerehrung.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Winners of the [[Abgefahren hitchhiking race 2010]]]]<br />
* The '''[http://race.abgefahren-ev.de German hitchhiking society]''' [[Abgefahren e.V.]] is organizing the German Hitchhiking Championships every year in early summer, starting somewhere in [[Germany]].<br />
* [[Viva con Agua]] organizes yearly races and raising funds for drinking water projects.<br />
<br />
===[[Lithuania]]===<br />
* The '''[http://www.autostop.lt/main.php Vilnius Hitchhiking Club]''' has been organizing the annual '''Baltics''' competition since 1997. The competition itself pre-dates the foundation of the VHHC by two years. It takes place at the end of April, usually over a distance of around 1,000km, the last edition, '''Baltics 2010''' attracted a record number of participants, 44 pairs.<br />
<br />
===[[Netherlands]]===<br />
* The '''[http://www.oostboc.com BOC]''' organizes races occasionally just for fun, usually starting from [[Utrecht]], [[Netherlands]].<br />
* Some Dutch people from [[Uden]] in the [[Netherlands]] are organizing a hitchhiking competition once a year, known in Dutch as the '''[http://www.liftwedstrijd.com Liftwedstrijd]''' (Website gone, [[User:Prino|Prino]] 01:29, 24 September 2010 (CEST))<br />
* [http://www.aegee-groningen.nl/ AEGEE-Groningen] organises every year hitchhiking races to several cities in Europe, with a cultural program and a lot of going out in the night being there! Usually during the week-ends! In October 2010 we will go to Copenhagen!<br />
<br />
===[[Poland]]===<br />
* The '''[http://www.klubprzygody.pl/ Klub Przygody]''' from [[Poland]] is organising a hitchhiking competition once a year in the beginning of May. Mostly they start from [[Gdansk]] to some destination in [[Europe]].<br />
* Students from '''[http://www.kpbit.pl/ BIT The Travelers Club]''' of the Wrocław University of Economy every year organize the '''[http://www.autostoprace.pl/ Auto Stop Race]''' with around 200-250 pairs. The event takes place during a Polish long weekend, at the beginning of May. The race starts in Wrocław.<br />
<br />
===[[United Kingdom]]===<br />
* The University of [[Sheffield]] is organizing a hitchhiking race every year:<br />
** The '''[http://www.bummit.co.uk/pastbummits/ Bummit to Belgrade]''' was a hitchhiking race in 2007 with 200 students from [[Sheffield]] to [[Belgrade]].<br />
** The '''[http://www.bummit.co.uk/ Bummit to] [[Tallinn]]''' (via [[Leipzig]]) takes place Eastern 2008 with over 300 students from [[Sheffield]] to [[Tallinn]].<br />
* The '''[http://www.lcd.org.uk/events/hitch/ Link Community Development]''' organizes an annual race from the UK to Morocco and Prague for charity.<br />
* ''' [http://www.race2amsterdam.co.uk/ The University of St. Andrews Charities Campaign]''' organizes a hitchhiking competition once a year in January. In 2008 they will hitchhike from [[Scotland]] towards [[Amsterdam]]. - Link broken 00:34, 9 January 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
''Know of any other contest? Add it [http://en.hitchwiki.org/index.php?title=Hitchhiking_races&action=edit here!]''<br />
<br />
''See also [[hitchhiking for charity]]''<br />
<br />
[[Category:General info]]<br />
[[Category:Contests]]<br />
<br />
[[zh:Hitchhiking competitions]]</div>Arnhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Hitchhiking_races&diff=53268Hitchhiking races2011-07-10T15:16:13Z<p>Arn: </p>
<hr />
<div>There are a lot of '''[[hitchhiking]] races''', mostly in Summer.<br />
<br />
==[[Europe]]==<br />
* '''[http://www.eurizons.net/ Eurizons]''' is an annual hitchhiking race through Europe with about 50 participants, funded by the European Union including some workshops about the Millennium Development Goals.<br />
* '''Race to Riga''' was a race from [[Faro]], [[Portugal]], to [[Riga]]. <!-- ''[http://www.racetoriga.com/ Link broken 00:34, 9 January 2010 (UTC) --><br />
<br />
===[[Belgium]]===<br />
* The '''[[BBOHC3|Big Belgian Hitchhiking Contest]]''' is an annually event, starting in [[Ghent]].<br />
* Route du soleil is an annually race for Belgian students. In the summer of 2011 they will even try to break the world record of biggest hitchhiking race with 900 participants. The 2010 series was from Ghent to Barcelona. In 2011 they go from Ghent/Antwerp/Leuven to Venice.<br />
(Info at www.routedusoleil.org)<br />
<br />
===[[France]]===<br />
* The '''[http://hitchhikingcontest.org/ Hitchhiking Contest]''' is an un-official event, from [[Paris]] to [[Dakar]], start in 2011.<br />
* The '''[http://poucedor.free.fr/ Pouce d’Or]''' (In English @ [http://www.couchsurfing.org/meetings.html?mid=93643 CS]<br />
<br />
===[[Germany]]===<br />
[[File:Siegerehrung.JPG|thumb|right|250px|Winners of the [[Abgefahren hitchhiking race 2010]]]]<br />
* The '''[http://race.abgefahren-ev.de German hitchhiking society]''' [[Abgefahren e.V.]] is organizing the German Hitchhiking Championships every year in early summer, starting somewhere in [[Germany]].<br />
* [[Viva con Agua]] organizes yearly races and raising funds for drinking water projects.<br />
<br />
===[[Lithuania]]===<br />
* The '''[http://www.autostop.lt/main.php Vilnius Hitchhiking Club]''' has been organizing the annual '''Baltics''' competition since 1997. The competition itself pre-dates the foundation of the VHHC by two years. It takes place at the end of April, usually over a distance of around 1,000km, the last edition, '''Baltics 2010''' attracted a record number of participants, 44 pairs.<br />
<br />
===[[Netherlands]]===<br />
* The '''[http://www.oostboc.com BOC]''' organizes races occasionally just for fun, usually starting from [[Utrecht]], [[Netherlands]].<br />
* Some Dutch people from [[Uden]] in the [[Netherlands]] are organizing a hitchhiking competition once a year, known in Dutch as the '''[http://www.liftwedstrijd.com Liftwedstrijd]''' (Website gone, [[User:Prino|Prino]] 01:29, 24 September 2010 (CEST))<br />
* [http://www.aegee-groningen.nl/ AEGEE-Groningen] organises every year hitchhiking races to several cities in Europe, with a cultural program and a lot of going out in the night being there! Usually during the week-ends! In October 2010 we will go to Copenhagen!<br />
<br />
===[[Poland]]===<br />
* The '''[http://www.klubprzygody.pl/ Klub Przygody]''' from [[Poland]] is organising a hitchhiking competition once a year in the beginning of May. Mostly they start from [[Gdansk]] to some destination in [[Europe]].<br />
* Students from '''[http://www.kpbit.pl/ BIT The Travelers Club]''' of the Wrocław University of Economy every year organize the '''[http://www.autostoprace.pl/ Auto Stop Race]''' with around 200-250 pairs. The event takes place during a Polish long weekend, at the beginning of May. The race starts in Wrocław.<br />
<br />
===[[United Kingdom]]===<br />
* The University of [[Sheffield]] is organizing a hitchhiking race every year:<br />
** The '''[http://www.bummit.co.uk/pastbummits/ Bummit to Belgrade]''' was a hitchhiking race in 2007 with 200 students from [[Sheffield]] to [[Belgrade]].<br />
** The '''[http://www.bummit.co.uk/ Bummit to] [[Tallinn]]''' (via [[Leipzig]]) takes place Eastern 2008 with over 300 students from [[Sheffield]] to [[Tallinn]].<br />
* The '''[http://www.lcd.org.uk/events/hitch/ Link Community Development]''' organizes an annual race from the UK to Morocco and Prague for charity.<br />
* ''' [http://www.race2amsterdam.co.uk/ The University of St. Andrews Charities Campaign]''' organizes a hitchhiking competition once a year in January. In 2008 they will hitchhike from [[Scotland]] towards [[Amsterdam]]. - Link broken 00:34, 9 January 2010 (UTC)<br />
<br />
''Know of any other contest? Add it [http://en.hitchwiki.org/index.php?title=Hitchhiking_races&action=edit here!]''<br />
<br />
''See also [[hitchhiking for charity]]''<br />
<br />
[[Category:General info]]<br />
[[Category:Contests]]<br />
<br />
[[zh:Hitchhiking competitions]]</div>Arnhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Belgium&diff=53267Belgium2011-07-10T15:08:31Z<p>Arn: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = Belgium<br />
|map = <map lat='50.53' lng='4.44' zoom='7' view='0' width='360' height='310' country='Belgium' /><br />
|language = Dutch, French, German<br />
|capital = [[Brussels]]<br />
|pop = 10,584,534<br />
|currency = Euro (€)<br />
|hitch = {{good}} to {{very good}}<br />
}}<br />
'''Belgium''' is a small country between, clockwise from the North, the [[Netherlands]], [[Germany]], [[Luxembourg]] and [[France]]. It is a member state of the [[European Union]] as well as the [[Schengen Agreement]].<br />
The country is divided into a Dutch speaking part in the North ([[Flanders]]), and a French speaking part in the South ([[Wallonia]]) and a tiny German speaking part in the East. [[Brussels]], the country and European capital, has a bilingual status. In Flanders most people will be able to help you out easily in English.<br />
<br />
Hitch-hiking in the country is in general fairly easy, and, due to the high number of foreigners working in the country, getting a ride out of the country is usually just as easy. The country has one of the most dense road and motorway networks in Europe which can make it slightly complex when trying to find a direct route to a destination. Still, hitching out of a city or moving from on-ramp to on-ramp is usually fairly simple.<br />
<br />
The best places to start are the roundabouts near the entrance of the main highways (such spots can be found very easily in [[Oostende]], [[Liège]], [[Louvain-la-Neuve]] and [[Namur]]).<br />
<br />
Belgium has a very high density of petrol stations and service areas on the motorways. This makes it easier to find one, but also leads to less traffic on a single service area. Because of its bilingual status, it could be helpful to approach drivers in their native language. Although there is no specific way to be sure of telling what language a driver speaks, some solutions are:<br />
* quickly say 'Hi' in both Dutch (dag) or French (bonjour)<br />
* check up the sticker of the car retailer to notice in what part of the country it has been bought<br />
* introduce yourself as a foreigner<br />
<br />
Useful tip: Free use of Internet PC's in many city libraries.<br />
<br />
It is common practice to use the E-numbers for motorways, instead of A-numbers like in most countries. Even on road signs you will only find E-numbers.<br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
[[File:Netherlands.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Leaving for the [[Netherlands]]]]<br />
* [[Antwerpen]] ''(Anvers, Antwerp)''<br />
* [[Arlon]] ''(Arlon)''<br />
* [[Brugge]] ''(Bruges, Brügge)''<br />
* [[Brussels]] ''(Bruxelles, Brussel)''<br />
* [[Gent]] ''(Gand, Ghent)''<br />
* [[Hasselt]]<br />
* [[Liège]] ''(Luik, Lüttich)''<br />
* [[Namur]]<br />
* [[Louvain-la-Neuve]]<br />
* [[Leuven]]<br />
* [[Oostende]] ''(Ostend)''<br />
* [[Mons]] ''(Bergen)''<br />
<br />
== License plates ==<br />
Belgian license plates do not contain information about where the car comes from. A Belgian license plate is assigned for life to the owner of a car. Usually the plates are white with red text. Cars owned by employees of institutes of the European Union in Brussels and Diplomatic Technical and Administrative Staff have a white plate with blue letters. Diplomatic license plates start with "CD". When Belgians replace their cars, they will keep the same license plate number. Often the name and the city of the garage where the car was bought is indicated just under or at the left side of the license plate on the backside of the car. A license plate of an old timer starts with "O".<br />
<br />
== European Carpooling ''(Taxi Stop - Eurostop)'' ==<br />
[http://www.taxistop.be Taxi Stop] is an agency that offers carpooling possibilities to drivers in destination or from [[Europe|European]] countries as well as passengers looking for a destination. The website is available in English (as opposed to its [[Germany|German]] equivalent) but requires to create a free subscription account in matter to contact a driver or a passenger. Although the availability and destination listing does not require to log in. This service is called ''eurostop'' and has a set rule regarding the fees which is pretty simple: registration to the service is free of charge, a passenger is simply asked to pay 3€/100km to the driver once at destination.<br />
<br />
== Public Transport ==<br />
Public transport is extensive and affordable to a certain point. <br />
<br />
'''Train:'''<br />
<br />
The Belgian train ([http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/index.php SNCB/NMBS] Company reaches all major cities with a regular service. On weekends (from Friday after 19h until Sunday evening), the return ticket is reduced by 50% which is good option for a weekend evasion within the country. The Go-Pass/Rail-Pass is a 10 journeys ticket that allows you to go everywhere in the country (borders excluded). The Go-Pass cost €50 (so 5€/journey) and is for the -26, although if you don't look too old you probably won't be asked to prove your age. The Rail-Pass, for those over 26, costs €74. The Go-Pass is a good option to go from one side of the country to another. The pass is valid for a year from the date of purchase.<br />
<br />
'''Buses/Tram:'''<br />
* In Flanders (north), the public transport company is [http://www.delijn.be/ DeLijn] which completes the train services into the rural towns and inside the urbanised areas. It is possible to buy a 'LijnKaart' which saves you on the cost of local transport.<br />
* In [[Brussels]], public transport are provided by the [http://www.stib.be/index.htm?guest_user=guest_en STIB/MIVB]. There again you can buy a 5 or 10 journeys ticket. Note that buying your ticket inside the bus/tram costs you more. More details will be added regarding Public Transport in Brussels on the city page itself.<br />
* In Wallonia (south), the regional bus company is [http://www.infotec.be/index.aspx?PageId=631734023237830544&Language=english TEC]<br />
<br />
== Food & Toilets ==<br />
The price of food on motorway services is relatively high, so try to stock up before leaving and note that very few motorway services have free toilets. The price (usually between €0.30 and 0.50) sometimes includes a voucher that can be used in the restaurant. The cheapest supermarkets in the country are ''Lidl'', ''Aldi'' and ''Colruyt'', and food bought in them will be significantly cheaper than on motorway services. ''GB'' and ''Delhaize'' are more expensive options, but are extensively located downtown with longer opening hours which will offer better prices than the night stores. Note that in Belgium most shops close at 18:00 and very few shops are open on Sundays.<br />
<br />
There are few free public toilets around, and you might even be charged in places like McDonald's. It is best to avoid the touristic areas when looking for a free toilet and aim at the less obvious places such as big chain hotels (Radisson...), public buildings (libraries and schools) and some cafes where you can use the toilet without being spot by the staff who might request you to pay a fee up to 50 cents, although many will allow you to use the toilet if you ask them in English!<br />
<br />
Belgium is famous for its frietkoten. These are small restaurants or shacks, that sell French fries (a Belgian dish mind you! Protip: Make sure you don't call them French fries, but just fries. Because some will lecture lecture you about fries not being french.) and all sorts of snacks for relatively low prices. It's not very healthy, but for €5 you can have quite a big meal which is bigger & cheaper then McDonald's. Every village has a frietkot, and every city has at least one in every neighborhood.<br />
<br />
Also make sure you try out the beer. Belgians have the most and best types of beer in the world, and often it'll be cheaper then water or soda.<br />
<br />
== Useful links ==<br />
<!-- * The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motorways_in_Belgium List of motorways in Belgium] on Wikipedia contains useful information. --><br />
* [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_Belgische_autosnelwegen The Dutch Wikipedia] contains much more useful information than the English Wikipedia (even you don't read Dutch), with specific information about locations of gas stations, e.g. about the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/A13_%28Belgi%C3%AB%29 A13/E313].<br />
* [http://www.liftpunt.tk Liftpunt], discussion forum about hitchhiking in Dutch, also for Flandres!<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Western Europe}}<br />
{{Template:Regions Belgium}}<br />
<br />
{{Template:Europe/countries}}<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
[[trash:Belgium]]<br />
[[wikipedia:Belgium]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Belgium| ]]<br />
[[Category:Western Europe]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Belgien]]<br />
[[es:Bélgica]]<br />
[[fi:Belgia]]<br />
[[fr:Belgique]]<br />
[[tr:Belçika]]</div>Arnhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Belgium&diff=53266Belgium2011-07-10T15:07:21Z<p>Arn: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = Belgium<br />
|map = <map lat='50.53' lng='4.44' zoom='7' view='0' width='360' height='310' country='Belgium' /><br />
|language = Dutch, French, German<br />
|capital = [[Brussels]]<br />
|pop = 10,584,534<br />
|currency = Euro (€)<br />
|hitch = {{good}} to {{very good}}<br />
}}<br />
'''Belgium''' is a small country between, clockwise from the North, the [[Netherlands]], [[Germany]], [[Luxembourg]] and [[France]]. It is a member state of the [[European Union]] as well as the [[Schengen Agreement]].<br />
The country is divided into a Dutch speaking part in the North ([[Flanders]]), and a French speaking part in the South ([[Wallonia]]) and a tiny German speaking part in the East. [[Brussels]], the country and European capital, has a bilingual status.<br />
<br />
Hitch-hiking in the country is in general fairly easy, and, due to the high number of foreigners working in the country, getting a ride out of the country is usually just as easy. The country has one of the most dense road and motorway networks in Europe which can make it slightly complex when trying to find a direct route to a destination. Still, hitching out of a city or moving from on-ramp to on-ramp is usually fairly simple.<br />
<br />
The best places to start are the roundabouts near the entrance of the main highways (such spots can be found very easily in [[Oostende]], [[Liège]], [[Louvain-la-Neuve]] and [[Namur]]).<br />
<br />
Belgium has a very high density of petrol stations and service areas on the motorways. This makes it easier to find one, but also leads to less traffic on a single service area. Because of its bilingual status, it could be helpful to approach drivers in their native language. Although there is no specific way to be sure of telling what language a driver speaks, some solutions are:<br />
* quickly say 'Hi' in both Dutch (dag) or French (bonjour)<br />
* check up the sticker of the car retailer to notice in what part of the country it has been bought<br />
* introduce yourself as a foreigner<br />
<br />
Useful tip: Free use of Internet PC's in many city libraries.<br />
<br />
It is common practice to use the E-numbers for motorways, instead of A-numbers like in most countries. Even on road signs you will only find E-numbers.<br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
[[File:Netherlands.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Leaving for the [[Netherlands]]]]<br />
* [[Antwerpen]] ''(Anvers, Antwerp)''<br />
* [[Arlon]] ''(Arlon)''<br />
* [[Brugge]] ''(Bruges, Brügge)''<br />
* [[Brussels]] ''(Bruxelles, Brussel)''<br />
* [[Gent]] ''(Gand, Ghent)''<br />
* [[Hasselt]]<br />
* [[Liège]] ''(Luik, Lüttich)''<br />
* [[Namur]]<br />
* [[Louvain-la-Neuve]]<br />
* [[Leuven]]<br />
* [[Oostende]] ''(Ostend)''<br />
* [[Mons]] ''(Bergen)''<br />
<br />
== License plates ==<br />
Belgian license plates do not contain information about where the car comes from. A Belgian license plate is assigned for life to the owner of a car. Usually the plates are white with red text. Cars owned by employees of institutes of the European Union in Brussels and Diplomatic Technical and Administrative Staff have a white plate with blue letters. Diplomatic license plates start with "CD". When Belgians replace their cars, they will keep the same license plate number. Often the name and the city of the garage where the car was bought is indicated just under or at the left side of the license plate on the backside of the car. A license plate of an old timer starts with "O".<br />
<br />
== European Carpooling ''(Taxi Stop - Eurostop)'' ==<br />
[http://www.taxistop.be Taxi Stop] is an agency that offers carpooling possibilities to drivers in destination or from [[Europe|European]] countries as well as passengers looking for a destination. The website is available in English (as opposed to its [[Germany|German]] equivalent) but requires to create a free subscription account in matter to contact a driver or a passenger. Although the availability and destination listing does not require to log in. This service is called ''eurostop'' and has a set rule regarding the fees which is pretty simple: registration to the service is free of charge, a passenger is simply asked to pay 3€/100km to the driver once at destination.<br />
<br />
== Public Transport ==<br />
Public transport is extensive and affordable to a certain point. <br />
<br />
'''Train:'''<br />
<br />
The Belgian train ([http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/index.php SNCB/NMBS] Company reaches all major cities with a regular service. On weekends (from Friday after 19h until Sunday evening), the return ticket is reduced by 50% which is good option for a weekend evasion within the country. The Go-Pass/Rail-Pass is a 10 journeys ticket that allows you to go everywhere in the country (borders excluded). The Go-Pass cost €50 (so 5€/journey) and is for the -26, although if you don't look too old you probably won't be asked to prove your age. The Rail-Pass, for those over 26, costs €74. The Go-Pass is a good option to go from one side of the country to another. The pass is valid for a year from the date of purchase.<br />
<br />
'''Buses/Tram:'''<br />
* In Flanders (north), the public transport company is [http://www.delijn.be/ DeLijn] which completes the train services into the rural towns and inside the urbanised areas. It is possible to buy a 'LijnKaart' which saves you on the cost of local transport.<br />
* In [[Brussels]], public transport are provided by the [http://www.stib.be/index.htm?guest_user=guest_en STIB/MIVB]. There again you can buy a 5 or 10 journeys ticket. Note that buying your ticket inside the bus/tram costs you more. More details will be added regarding Public Transport in Brussels on the city page itself.<br />
* In Wallonia (south), the regional bus company is [http://www.infotec.be/index.aspx?PageId=631734023237830544&Language=english TEC]<br />
<br />
== Food & Toilets ==<br />
The price of food on motorway services is relatively high, so try to stock up before leaving and note that very few motorway services have free toilets. The price (usually between €0.30 and 0.50) sometimes includes a voucher that can be used in the restaurant. The cheapest supermarkets in the country are ''Lidl'', ''Aldi'' and ''Colruyt'', and food bought in them will be significantly cheaper than on motorway services. ''GB'' and ''Delhaize'' are more expensive options, but are extensively located downtown with longer opening hours which will offer better prices than the night stores. Note that in Belgium most shops close at 18:00 and very few shops are open on Sundays.<br />
<br />
There are few free public toilets around, and you might even be charged in places like McDonald's. It is best to avoid the touristic areas when looking for a free toilet and aim at the less obvious places such as big chain hotels (Radisson...), public buildings (libraries and schools) and some cafes where you can use the toilet without being spot by the staff who might request you to pay a fee up to 50 cents, although many will allow you to use the toilet if you ask them in English!<br />
<br />
Belgium is famous for its frietkoten. These are small restaurants or shacks, that sell French fries (a Belgian dish mind you! Protip: Make sure you don't call them French fries, but just fries. Because some will lecture lecture you about fries not being french.) and all sorts of snacks for relatively low prices. It's not very healthy, but for €5 you can have quite a big meal which is bigger & cheaper then McDonald's. Every village has a frietkot, and every city has at least one in every neighborhood.<br />
<br />
Also make sure you try out the beer. Belgians have the most and best types of beer in the world, and often it'll be cheaper then water or soda.<br />
<br />
== Useful links ==<br />
<!-- * The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motorways_in_Belgium List of motorways in Belgium] on Wikipedia contains useful information. --><br />
* [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_Belgische_autosnelwegen The Dutch Wikipedia] contains much more useful information than the English Wikipedia (even you don't read Dutch), with specific information about locations of gas stations, e.g. about the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/A13_%28Belgi%C3%AB%29 A13/E313].<br />
* [http://www.liftpunt.tk Liftpunt], discussion forum about hitchhiking in Dutch, also for Flandres!<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Western Europe}}<br />
{{Template:Regions Belgium}}<br />
<br />
{{Template:Europe/countries}}<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
[[trash:Belgium]]<br />
[[wikipedia:Belgium]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Belgium| ]]<br />
[[Category:Western Europe]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Belgien]]<br />
[[es:Bélgica]]<br />
[[fi:Belgia]]<br />
[[fr:Belgique]]<br />
[[tr:Belçika]]</div>Arnhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Belgium&diff=53265Belgium2011-07-10T15:05:05Z<p>Arn: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = Belgium<br />
|map = <map lat='50.53' lng='4.44' zoom='7' view='0' width='360' height='310' country='Belgium' /><br />
|language = Dutch, French, German<br />
|capital = [[Brussels]]<br />
|pop = 10,584,534<br />
|currency = Euro (€)<br />
|hitch = {{good}} to {{very good}}<br />
}}<br />
'''Belgium''' is a small country between, clockwise from the North, the [[Netherlands]], [[Germany]], [[Luxembourg]] and [[France]]. It is a member state of the [[European Union]] as well as the [[Schengen Agreement]].<br />
The country is divided into a Dutch speaking part in the North ([[Flanders]]), and a French speaking part in the South ([[Wallonia]]) and a tiny German speaking part in the East. [[Brussels]], the country and European capital, has a bilingual status.<br />
<br />
Hitch-hiking in the country is in general fairly easy, and, due to the high number of foreigners working in the country, getting a ride out of the country is usually just as easy. The country has one of the most dense road and motorway networks in Europe which can make it slightly complex when trying to find a direct route to a destination. Still, hitching out of a city or moving from on-ramp to on-ramp is usually fairly simple.<br />
<br />
The best places to start are the roundabouts near the entrance of the main highways (such spots can be found very easily in [[Oostende]], [[Liège]], [[Louvain-la-Neuve]] and [[Namur]]).<br />
<br />
Belgium has a very high density of petrol stations and service areas on the motorways. This makes it easier to find one, but also leads to less traffic on a single service area. Because of its bilingual status, it could be helpful to approach drivers in their native language. Although there is no specific way to be sure of telling what language a driver speaks, some solutions are:<br />
* quickly say 'Hi' in both Dutch (dag) or French (bonjour)<br />
* check up the sticker of the car retailer to notice in what part of the country it has been bought<br />
* introduce yourself as a foreigner<br />
<br />
Useful tip: Free use of Internet PC's in many city libraries.<br />
<br />
It is common practice to use the E-numbers for motorways, instead of A-numbers like in most countries. Even on road signs you will only find E-numbers.<br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
[[File:Netherlands.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Leaving for the [[Netherlands]]]]<br />
* [[Antwerpen]] ''(Anvers, Antwerp)''<br />
* [[Arlon]] ''(Arlon)''<br />
* [[Brugge]] ''(Bruges, Brügge)''<br />
* [[Brussels]] ''(Bruxelles, Brussel)''<br />
* [[Gent]] ''(Gand, Ghent)''<br />
* [[Hasselt]]<br />
* [[Liège]] ''(Luik, Lüttich)''<br />
* [[Namur]]<br />
* [[Louvain-la-Neuve]]<br />
* [[Leuven]]<br />
* [[Oostende]] ''(Ostend)''<br />
* [[Mons]] ''(Bergen)''<br />
<br />
== License plates ==<br />
Belgian license plates do not contain information about where the car comes from. A Belgian license plate is assigned for life to the owner of a car. Usually the plates are white with red text. Cars owned by employees of institutes of the European Union in Brussels and Diplomatic Technical and Administrative Staff have a white plate with blue letters. Diplomatic license plates start with "CD". When Belgians replace their cars, they will keep the same license plate number. Often the name and the city of the garage where the car was bought is indicated just under or at the left side of the license plate on the backside of the car. A license plate of an old timer starts with "O".<br />
<br />
== European Carpooling ''(Taxi Stop - Eurostop)'' ==<br />
[http://www.taxistop.be Taxi Stop] is an agency that offers carpooling possibilities to drivers in destination or from [[Europe|European]] countries as well as passengers looking for a destination. The website is available in English (as opposed to its [[Germany|German]] equivalent) but requires to create a free subscription account in matter to contact a driver or a passenger. Although the availability and destination listing does not require to log in. This service is called ''eurostop'' and has a set rule regarding the fees which is pretty simple: registration to the service is free of charge, a passenger is simply asked to pay 3€/100km to the driver once at destination.<br />
<br />
== Public Transport ==<br />
Public transport is extensive and affordable to a certain point. <br />
<br />
'''Train:'''<br />
<br />
The Belgian train ([http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/index.php SNCB/NMBS] Company reaches all major cities with a regular service. On weekends (from Friday after 19h until Sunday evening), the return ticket is reduced by 50% which is good option for a weekend evasion within the country. The Go-Pass/Rail-Pass is a 10 journeys ticket that allows you to go everywhere in the country (borders excluded). The Go-Pass cost €50 (so 5€/journey) and is for the -26, although if you don't look too old you probably won't be asked to prove your age. The Rail-Pass, for those over 26, costs €74. The Go-Pass is a good option to go from one side of the country to another. The pass is valid for a year from the date of purchase.<br />
<br />
'''Buses/Tram:'''<br />
* In Flanders (north), the public transport company is [http://www.delijn.be/ DeLijn] which completes the train services into the rural towns and inside the urbanised areas. It is possible to buy a 'LijnKaart' which saves you on the cost of local transport.<br />
* In [[Brussels]], public transport are provided by the [http://www.stib.be/index.htm?guest_user=guest_en STIB/MIVB]. There again you can buy a 5 or 10 journeys ticket. Note that buying your ticket inside the bus/tram costs you more. More details will be added regarding Public Transport in Brussels on the city page itself.<br />
* In Wallonia (south), the regional bus company is [http://www.infotec.be/index.aspx?PageId=631734023237830544&Language=english TEC]<br />
<br />
== Food & Toilets ==<br />
The price of food on motorway services is relatively high, so try to stock up before leaving and note that very few motorway services have free toilets. The price (usually between €0.30 and 0.50) sometimes includes a voucher that can be used in the restaurant. The cheapest supermarkets in the country are ''Lidl'', ''Aldi'' and ''Colruyt'', and food bought in them will be significantly cheaper than on motorway services. ''GB'' and ''Delhaize'' are more expensive options, but are extensively located downtown with longer opening hours which will offer better prices than the night stores. Note that in Belgium most shops close at 18:00 and very few shops are open on Sundays.<br />
<br />
There are few free public toilets around, and you might even be charged in places like McDonald's. It is best to avoid the touristic areas when looking for a free toilet and aim at the less obvious places such as big chain hotels (Radisson...), public buildings (libraries and schools) and some cafes where you can use the toilet without being spot by the staff who might request you to pay a fee up to 50 cents, although many will allow you to use the toilet if you ask them in English!<br />
<br />
Belgium is famous for its frietkoten. These are small restaurants or shacks, that sell French fries (a Belgian dish mind you! Protip: Make sure you don't call them French fries, but just fries. Because some will lecture lecture you about fries not being french.) and all sorts of snacks for relatively low prices. It's not very healthy, but for €5 you can have quite a big meal which is bigger & cheaper then McDonald's. Every village has a frietkot, and every city has at least one in every neighborhood.<br />
<br />
== Useful links ==<br />
<!-- * The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motorways_in_Belgium List of motorways in Belgium] on Wikipedia contains useful information. --><br />
* [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_Belgische_autosnelwegen The Dutch Wikipedia] contains much more useful information than the English Wikipedia (even you don't read Dutch), with specific information about locations of gas stations, e.g. about the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/A13_%28Belgi%C3%AB%29 A13/E313].<br />
* [http://www.liftpunt.tk Liftpunt], discussion forum about hitchhiking in Dutch, also for Flandres!<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Western Europe}}<br />
{{Template:Regions Belgium}}<br />
<br />
{{Template:Europe/countries}}<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
[[trash:Belgium]]<br />
[[wikipedia:Belgium]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Belgium| ]]<br />
[[Category:Western Europe]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Belgien]]<br />
[[es:Bélgica]]<br />
[[fi:Belgia]]<br />
[[fr:Belgique]]<br />
[[tr:Belçika]]</div>Arnhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Belgium&diff=53264Belgium2011-07-10T15:04:29Z<p>Arn: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = Belgium<br />
|map = <map lat='50.53' lng='4.44' zoom='7' view='0' width='360' height='310' country='Belgium' /><br />
|language = Dutch, French, German<br />
|capital = [[Brussels]]<br />
|pop = 10,584,534<br />
|currency = Euro (€)<br />
|hitch = {{good}} to {{very good}}<br />
}}<br />
'''Belgium''' is a small country between, clockwise from the North, the [[Netherlands]], [[Germany]], [[Luxembourg]] and [[France]]. It is a member state of the [[European Union]] as well as the [[Schengen Agreement]].<br />
The country is divided into a Dutch speaking part in the North ([[Flanders]]), and a French speaking part in the South ([[Wallonia]]) and a tiny German speaking part in the East. [[Brussels]], the country and European capital, has a bilingual status.<br />
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Hitch-hiking in the country is in general fairly easy, and, due to the high number of foreigners working in the country, getting a ride out of the country is usually just as easy. The country has one of the most dense road and motorway networks in Europe which can make it slightly complex when trying to find a direct route to a destination. Still, hitching out of a city or moving from on-ramp to on-ramp is usually fairly simple.<br />
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The best places to start are the roundabouts near the entrance of the main highways (such spots can be found very easily in [[Oostende]], [[Liège]], [[Louvain-la-Neuve]] and [[Namur]]).<br />
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Belgium has a very high density of petrol stations and service areas on the motorways. This makes it easier to find one, but also leads to less traffic on a single service area. Because of its bilingual status, it could be helpful to approach drivers in their native language. Although there is no specific way to be sure of telling what language a driver speaks, some solutions are:<br />
* quickly say 'Hi' in both Dutch (dag) or French (bonjour)<br />
* check up the sticker of the car retailer to notice in what part of the country it has been bought<br />
* introduce yourself as a foreigner<br />
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Useful tip: Free use of Internet PC's in many city libraries.<br />
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It is common practice to use the E-numbers for motorways, instead of A-numbers like in most countries. Even on road signs you will only find E-numbers.<br />
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== Cities ==<br />
[[File:Netherlands.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Leaving for the [[Netherlands]]]]<br />
* [[Antwerpen]] ''(Anvers, Antwerp)''<br />
* [[Arlon]] ''(Arlon)''<br />
* [[Brugge]] ''(Bruges, Brügge)''<br />
* [[Brussels]] ''(Bruxelles, Brussel)''<br />
* [[Gent]] ''(Gand, Ghent)''<br />
* [[Hasselt]]<br />
* [[Liège]] ''(Luik, Lüttich)''<br />
* [[Namur]]<br />
* [[Louvain-la-Neuve]]<br />
* [[Leuven]]<br />
* [[Oostende]] ''(Ostend)''<br />
* [[Mons]] ''(Bergen)''<br />
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== License plates ==<br />
Belgian license plates do not contain information about where the car comes from. A Belgian license plate is assigned for life to the owner of a car. Usually the plates are white with red text. Cars owned by employees of institutes of the European Union in Brussels and Diplomatic Technical and Administrative Staff have a white plate with blue letters. Diplomatic license plates start with "CD". When Belgians replace their cars, they will keep the same license plate number. Often the name and the city of the garage where the car was bought is indicated just under or at the left side of the license plate on the backside of the car. A license plate of an old timer starts with "O".<br />
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== European Carpooling ''(Taxi Stop - Eurostop)'' ==<br />
[http://www.taxistop.be Taxi Stop] is an agency that offers carpooling possibilities to drivers in destination or from [[Europe|European]] countries as well as passengers looking for a destination. The website is available in English (as opposed to its [[Germany|German]] equivalent) but requires to create a free subscription account in matter to contact a driver or a passenger. Although the availability and destination listing does not require to log in. This service is called ''eurostop'' and has a set rule regarding the fees which is pretty simple: registration to the service is free of charge, a passenger is simply asked to pay 3€/100km to the driver once at destination.<br />
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== Public Transport ==<br />
Public transport is extensive and affordable to a certain point. <br />
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'''Train:'''<br />
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The Belgian train ([http://www.b-rail.be/main/E/index.php SNCB/NMBS] Company reaches all major cities with a regular service. On weekends (from Friday after 19h until Sunday evening), the return ticket is reduced by 50% which is good option for a weekend evasion within the country. The Go-Pass/Rail-Pass is a 10 journeys ticket that allows you to go everywhere in the country (borders excluded). The Go-Pass cost €50 (so 5€/journey) and is for the -26, although if you don't look too old you probably won't be asked to prove your age. The Rail-Pass, for those over 26, costs €74. The Go-Pass is a good option to go from one side of the country to another. The pass is valid for a year from the date of purchase.<br />
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'''Buses/Tram:'''<br />
* In Flanders (north), the public transport company is [http://www.delijn.be/ DeLijn] which completes the train services into the rural towns and inside the urbanised areas. It is possible to buy a 'LijnKaart' which saves you on the cost of local transport.<br />
* In [[Brussels]], public transport are provided by the [http://www.stib.be/index.htm?guest_user=guest_en STIB/MIVB]. There again you can buy a 5 or 10 journeys ticket. Note that buying your ticket inside the bus/tram costs you more. More details will be added regarding Public Transport in Brussels on the city page itself.<br />
* In Wallonia (south), the regional bus company is [http://www.infotec.be/index.aspx?PageId=631734023237830544&Language=english TEC]<br />
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== Food & Toilets ==<br />
The price of food on motorway services is relatively high, so try to stock up before leaving and note that very few motorway services have free toilets. The price (usually between €0.30 and 0.50) sometimes includes a voucher that can be used in the restaurant. The cheapest supermarkets in the country are ''Lidl'', ''Aldi'' and ''Colruyt'', and food bought in them will be significantly cheaper than on motorway services. ''GB'' and ''Delhaize'' are more expensive options, but are extensively located downtown with longer opening hours which will offer better prices than the night stores. Note that in Belgium most shops close at 18:00 and very few shops are open on Sundays.<br />
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There are few free public toilets around, and you might even be charged in places like McDonald's. It is best to avoid the touristic areas when looking for a free toilet and aim at the less obvious places such as big chain hotels (Radisson...), public buildings (libraries and schools) and some cafes where you can use the toilet without being spot by the staff who might request you to pay a fee up to 50 cents, although many will allow you to use the toilet if you ask them in English!<br />
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Belgium is famous for its frietkoten. These are small restaurants or shacks, that sell French fries (a Belgian dish mind you! Protip: Make sure you don't call them French fries, but just fries. Because some will give you a lecture about fries not being french) and all sorts of snacks for relatively low prices. It's not very healthy, but for €5 you can have quite a big meal which is bigger & cheaper then McDonald's. Every village has a frietkot, and every city has at least one in every neighborhood.<br />
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== Useful links ==<br />
<!-- * The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motorways_in_Belgium List of motorways in Belgium] on Wikipedia contains useful information. --><br />
* [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lijst_van_Belgische_autosnelwegen The Dutch Wikipedia] contains much more useful information than the English Wikipedia (even you don't read Dutch), with specific information about locations of gas stations, e.g. about the [http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/A13_%28Belgi%C3%AB%29 A13/E313].<br />
* [http://www.liftpunt.tk Liftpunt], discussion forum about hitchhiking in Dutch, also for Flandres!<br />
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