Communication ...

The communication network in Belgium is first rate, but also can be expensive at times. The use of pay phones usually requires that you buy a calling card and even then it is at a very expensive rate. Most people who come to Belgium buy a cheap cell phone (or have their international tri-band sim-card phone unlocked) and buy a cheap pre-paid sim card. This will allow you to make calls in Belgium, but moreover, receive calls for free. Most plans only require a top up every 6 months and can be a very economical way to have people call you and be able to keep in touch. The most common pre-paid plans are:

Mobistar - http://www.mobistar.be/
Base - http://www.base.be/
Proximus - http://www.proximus.be/
and Ortel (which is focused to international calling) - http://www.ortel.be/

The cheapest way to stay in touch is by using Skype, http://www.skype.com/. The service will allow you to keep in contact with friends and family for free if they use the service or you can call for extremely low rates to both cell and land lines.

International calling cards are also available, but be sure to dial the 0800 number attached with it and not the local number as local calls in Belgium cost money and are not included with the cost of your phone plan. Calls from a land line to a cell phone are also charged at a higher rate.