Welcome to Belgium 😊

Quick Facts About Belgium

Money and Finances

The currency used in Belgium is the euro (EUR). Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, and 50 euro cents, as well as 1 and 2 euro coins. Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 euros.

ATM Network

Belgium has an extensive network of ATMs, which are widely available throughout the country, particularly in major cities and tourist areas.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are widely accepted in Belgium and are generally easy to use for purchases, although smaller businesses may only accept cash. Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, while American Express is less commonly accepted.

Internet and Phones

Belgium has a developed internet infrastructure with an average download speed of 70 Mbps and an upload speed of 20 Mbps. The government does not interfere with internet use.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

Belgium has three main telco companies, Proximus, Orange, and Telenet. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around 30 euros per month. Sim compatibility should not be an issue if your phone is unlocked.

Dialling to Belgium

To call Belgium from another country, you would dial +32 followed by the appropriate area code. The area code for Brussels, the capital, is 2.

Transport Around Belgium

Air Travel

Belgium has two major international airports: Brussels Airport and Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Brussels Airport is the largest airport in Belgium and serves as the primary hub for many major airlines. It is located about 12 km northeast of the city center of Brussels. Brussels South Charleroi Airport is located about 46 km south of Brussels and is mainly served by low-cost airlines.

Train Travel

Belgium has a well-developed train network connecting major cities and towns. The inter-city trains are operated by the national railway company, SNCB/NMBS. The prices and journey times vary depending on the destination, but as an example, a one-way ticket from Brussels to Antwerp costs around 8-16€ and the journey takes about 45 minutes.

Metro / Local Trains

Belgium has metro systems in Brussels and Charleroi. The Brussels metro has four lines and connects the city center with its suburbs. The Charleroi metro has one line and connects the city with its suburbs as well.

Buses

Belgium also has a reliable bus network, mainly operated by De Lijn and TEC. The prices and journey times vary depending on the route and destination, but as an example, a one-way ticket from Brussels to Ghent costs around 6-10€ and the journey takes about 1.5-2 hours.

Rideshare

Uber is available in Brussels and some other cities in Belgium. The average price for a 5 km ride in Brussels is around 10-15€.

Driving by Car

Driving in Belgium is relatively easy, although traffic can be heavy in major cities. The speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 120 km/h on highways, and 130 km/h on motorways. Belgium drives on the right-hand side of the road.

Local Customs

In Belgium, tipping is not as common as in other countries. However, it is polite to round up the bill or leave a small amount of change as a tip for exceptional service. Locals typically greet each other with a handshake, but in more formal situations or with older generations, a kiss on each cheek may be expected. When speaking with strangers, it is common to use formal titles and last names until a more personal relationship is established. Men and women typically address each other in the same manner, without any specific customs distinguishing between genders.

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Belgium has a universal healthcare system that is publicly funded and regulated. The cost for a visit to the doctor depends on the type of service and insurance coverage. A visit to a general practitioner can cost anywhere from €25 to €50, while a specialist consultation could cost up to €90 or more if out of regular office hours.

COVID Situation

Belgium was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, but has since managed to bring down the number of cases. As of October 2021, the vaccination rate is relatively high and restrictions have been eased, although masks are still required in certain settings. It is advisable to check the latest requirements and guidelines before traveling to Belgium.

Common Health Risks

Belgium is generally a safe country with few health risks. However, travelers should be aware of the risk of tick-borne diseases in certain areas, particularly during the warmer months. Food poisoning can also occur from consuming raw or undercooked meat, shellfish, and unpasteurized dairy products. It is recommended that visitors have updated vaccines for tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis A and B.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Belgium, the legal age for alcohol consumption is 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits. Public drunkenness is a criminal offense and can result in a fine or even imprisonment. However, alcohol is not banned in the country.

Recreational Drugs

Although the use of cannabis is allowed in small amounts for personal use in Belgium, the sale and production of cannabis is illegal and can result in fines and imprisonment. Other recreational drugs are strictly prohibited and can result in severe punishment.

Pre-Marital Relationships

There are no specific laws about pre-marital relationships in Belgium. Sexual activity between consenting adults is legal and allowed.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

Belgium has some of the most progressive LGBTQ laws in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2003, and discrimination based on sexual orientation is prohibited. However, public displays of affection may still be met with some cultural opposition.

Firearms / Guns

Owning firearms in Belgium is heavily regulated, and strict conditions must be met to obtain a gun license. Concealed carry is prohibited, and there are strict laws governing the use and storage of firearms.