I'll be renting a car when I arrive BRU airport. I've rented cars in the US many times in other cities, no big deal. BUT, driving in EU always felt difficult (this will be my first time).

The reason that I need a car is that I'll be staying in one city and working in another, so a car is more cost effective compared with taxi everywhere for a week. BTW, I plan to get a GPS when I retrieve the rental car - so far I can't confirm one with the rental agency.

Have you guys driven in Europe (or specifically in Belgium) and have some "I wish I knew that before" type advise? I know the long usual street names and roundabouts will be a challenge.

You'll find this of interest:
http://brussels.angloinfo.com/countr...um/driving.asp

The main thing to learn and remember is when traffic from the right has priority.

This is from the US department of State website:
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Belgium is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Belgian urban highways are generally well built and maintained with extensive lighting systems, but rain and fog often reduce visibility. Rural roads are less likely to be illuminated at night. Belgian rules for right-of-way differ from those in the U.S., and new drivers should thoroughly understand these rules before driving in Belgium. For instance, traffic coming from the right generally has priority at uncontrolled intersections and roundabouts, even if coming from a smaller street. The maximum speed limit on Belgian highways is 120 kilometers (72 miles) per hour, but is not always posted except at Belgium’s borders and on roads leaving major airports. The maximum speed in urban areas is normally 50 km (30 miles) per hour. While Belgian authorities strictly enforce speed limits, many Belgians still drive significantly faster than the posted limit. Claims of ignorance may not prevent a significant fine for speeding, which can also lead to the vehicle’s being impounded if the driver is unable to pay the fine on the spot. Belgian police also conduct breath analysis checks for alcohol use, particularly at night and during major holidays.

Roadside assistance and information on road conditions are available in English from Touring Mobilis, tel: 0900 10280. Belgian police will also provide information on road conditions, tel: 02-642-6666. Emergency services are efficient and responsive. By phone within Belgium, for police emergencies dial 101. For all other emergencies, dial 112.

I find driving in Belgium no different from anywhere else on continental Europe: drive on the right, overtake (pass) on the left. The standard of driving too is much better than it used to be - I remember in the 1970's when a maority of Belgian drivers hadn't had to pass a driving test, and bad or poor driving was all too common.
Things I watch out for when driving in Belgium today is the right of way, as mentioned - but most roads have priority and non-priority clearly indicated to aid safe travel. The centre of older towns with cobbled streets which can turn slipperly when wet. Significant cycle traffic and trams (streetcars) whose tracks meander all over the place and always have (and assert) priority. Also remember that toilets (washrooms) on the side of motorways (autoroutes) always carry compulsory charges and if you don't leave the correct amount in the little saucer, you will be chased by a furious cleaner/attendant!

Not clear where you're staying versus working. I would either stay and work in the same town or use a train back and forth. (If you're talking Brussels to Leuven the train takes about 20 minutes.)

Cars are great in Belgium for seeing smaller towns and countryside - but driving in towns (and town centers are often very old, may be pedestrian only and, have one-way driving systems and expensive parking lots) really doesn't make a lot of sense.

We have done numerous road trips in europe - and highway driving is easy. Driving in town centers can be frustrating until you learn the one-way systems and where to put the car. (Typically if we stop in a larger town or city on a road trip we just leave the car in a lot for a couple of days and use local transit in the cities.)

I would not recommend trying to drive around Brussels if that's what you're complicating.

Thanks for great tips. I'll remember the speed limits and the right of way.

Most of my coworkers who frequently work there also stay in Leuven. Most would rather take the 30 min commute over staying somewhere with not much to do after work and restaurant choices.

I won't take the car into Brussels at all since I know driving around the city and finding parking is a nightmare. I'm going to Leuven from the airport and there seems to be free parking at the hotel.

If I am not too tired after getting off the plane in the early AM, I may make a stop in Teveran to see the Congo museum. I searched old postings here and this seems to be a good recommendation as I've already been to Brussels a few times.

Tervuren Museum is worth seeing, and very easy to get to from Zaventem airport and then on to Leuven. Have a great time.

wobbers