Basics
Sockets & plugs
Belgium uses 230V, 50Hz with sockets and plugs Type C and Type E.
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Money
Currency
Belgium uses the euro (symbol: €), code EUR.
Banknotes come in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 euros. Euro is subdivided into 100 cents. Coins come in denominations of 2 and 1 euros and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Credit & debit cards
Credit cards are widely accepted within Belgium (at hotels, shops, and restaurants, travel agencies, car-rental agencies etc.). Maestro, MasterCard and Visa are the most widely accepted. American Express is less common. Diners Club is pretty rare. Discover, JCB, RuPay and UnionPay are unknown.
Tipping
Tipping is usually not expected in Belgium. However, if you are satisfied with the service provided you can show your appreciation by leaving a small ‘extra’ tip. Receipts usually include a service charge. If there is a service charge there is no need to tip.
ATMs
Automatic teller machines (local names: Guichet automatique bancaire (GAB), distributeur automatique de billets (DAB), distributeur automatique, bancontact, Geldautomat or ATM) are very common in Belgium. You can find them in both large & small cities, tourist areas etc.
You do not need a chip & PIN card to use an ATM — your standard magnetic card will work fine.
Communications
Internet
Internet speed in Belgium is on average 14.2 Mbps.
WiFi coverage in Belgium is very high. Most hotels, hostels, cafes, restaurants and bars have it.
Mobile phone
Belgium uses GSM mobile networks GSM 900 and GSM 1800.
If you don't want to buy SIM card in Belgium upon arrival, make sure to check the roaming charges with your telecom provider before your departure so there are no surprises when you return home.
Dial code
To call Belgium, dial +, then 32 (the country code for Belgium), then the area code (without the initial 0) and the local number.
For local calls within Belgium, start with the area code (with the initial 0). In the case above area code is 12 .
Health & safety
LGBTIQ+
Homosexuality is legal in Belgium.
Same-sex couples can be married like everyone else.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are required to enter the country, but it is recommended to perform routine immunizations for your protection and to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
These apply only to select travelers or persons on work assignments.
Travel advisories
Alerts are issued for short-term events we think you should know about when planning travel to a country.
