The main regions to consider when traveling in Belgium include Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, and smaller cities. Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the European center of the country, home to the headquarters of the European Union; Bruges features unique medieval architecture and the beautiful River Leie and Ghent is home to the medieval fortress of Gravensteen. Belgium is also famous for its delicious chocolate and beer, and sampling the local cuisine is part of the fun.
1. Belgium Quick Facts
Language Dutch , French , German
Religion Christianity
Currency EURO (€, EUR)
Visa Free 90 day visa-free stay upon visit. Schengen Agreement member country
Power Plugs 127/230 V 50 Hz (C/E Type)
Capital Brussels
ATM ATMs are also readily available, allowing you to withdraw local currency using your credit or debit card.
Use card There is no major difficulty in using the card.
APP
Google Maps
Eurail/Interrail Rail Planner: Guide to traveling in Europe
Brussels Card https://www.visit.brussels/en/visitors/what-to-do/brussels-card
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
3. Transportation
Brussels
MOBIB transportation card (card issuance fee 5 euros)
Brussels Pass 1 day €2.4 10 days €15.6
Brussels Pass XL Single €3.1 10-trip €21
*1 ticket allows 1 transfer within 1 hour
Paper Ticket
Single ticket € 2.6 1 transfer within 1 hour
1-day ticket € 8 Valid only on the day of travel (from 05:00 to 01:00 the following day)
Brussels Card
Basic card for access to museums and galleries
24 hours Basic €32
48 hours Basic €44
72 hours basic €50
Brussels Card + STIB / MIVB public transportation (tram, metro, bus) Card for museums and galleries plus transportation
24 Hour plus Public Transport €8 = €40
+48 Hour plus Public Transport €15 = €59
+72 Hour plus Public Transport €19=€69
Unlimited access to Hop on, Hop off tourist buses(TOOTbus) and It can be added for an additional fee.
Brugge or Ghent can be explored on foot if you’re not heading out to the outskirts and want to focus on the city sights.
Ghent boat tour €10-€13
4. Safety
In Belgium, as in all cities in Europe, security in immigrant neighborhoods is poor, especially in Brussels, where the risk is slightly higher around Brussels Midi and North stations. There is catcalling targeting women and you may encounter racist young people. Pickpockets are common at night and you should avoid walking around as much as possible.
On the plus side, Bruges and smaller towns have better security than Brussels.
Emergency phone numbers
Police: 101
Ambulance: 100
Fire department: 100
General emergency number: 112
5. Climate
Belgium has a temperate oceanic climate with an average winter temperature of 0°C(32°F)-10°C(50°F) and an average summer temperature of 12°C (54°F)-25°C(77°F), with frequent rainfall. The most rain falls in June and July, with March being the driest month.
In the capital city of Brussels, the average temperature in July is 18°C(64°F)and the average temperature in January is 1.5°C(35°F). Snowfall is not common in winter, and while temperatures can rise above 30°C(86°F) in summer, they rarely last more than a week.
6. price
Supermarket prices are similar to other countries in Western Europe. Expect to pay a little more for cooked food in tourist areas and food in restaurants.
Gasoline (1 liter): €1.80
McDonald’s combo meal: €9.00
Water (1.5 liters): €0.81
Milk (1 liter): €0.97
7. Travel precautions
Wait for the person following you at the door to hold it.
Avoid making loud noises in public.
Avoid burping in public.Feeding animals in public is prohibited.
Pick up fruits, vegetables, etc. in stores without touching them.
If you are invited to bring flowers, avoid chrysanthemums.
There are many paid toilets. Be sure to prepare coins when going out.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
Avoid talking loudly in public places.
Tip
Most restaurants and cafes include a tip in the bill. If you’re happy with the service or plan to return, it’s a good idea to leave a small extra tip.
It’s customary to tip €1-€3 for porters at airports, train stations, and hotels when you ask them to carry your luggage.
10. Holidays
The following are the national public holidays for 2024:
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
1 Apr Mon Easter Monday
1 May Wed Labour Day
9 May Thu Ascension Day
20 May Mon Whit Monday
21 Jul Sun National Day
15 Aug Thu Assumption Day
1 Nov Fri All Saints’ Day
11 Nov Mon Armistice Day
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Monday, 21 April : Easter Monday
Thursday,1 May : Labour Day
Thursday,29 May : Ascension Day
Monday, 9 June : Whit Monday
Monday, 21 July: National Day
Friday,15 August : Assumption Day
Saturday, 1 November : All Saints’ Day
Tuesday, 11 November : Armistice Day
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day