Travel Essentials › Belgium
Travel Essentials
Plugs: Types C and E; 230 V, 50 Hz. Emergency: One number for everything 112, Police 101, Ambulance 100, Fire 100. Tipping: Service is included; rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated but not expected. Tap water: Generally safe to drink.
Types C and E; 230 V, 50 Hz
| One number for everything | 112 |
| Police | 101 |
| Ambulance | 100 |
| Fire | 100 |
Service is included; rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is appreciated but not expected.
Greetings. A handshake is standard in business; among friends and family, cheek kisses (typically one to three) are common.
Beer culture. Many Belgian beers are served in their own specific glassware — part of the experience, not a formality to skip.
Language sensitivity. Belgium is linguistically divided (Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia); don't assume French is spoken everywhere.
Belgium is very safe overall with low rates of violent crime.
Pickpocketing in tourist areas. Stay alert around Grand Place, major transit hubs, and Brussels-Midi station.
Overpriced restaurants on the Grand Place. Check menus and prices before sitting down at restaurants directly on major squares.
Women travelers. Very safe, including solo travel.
Legal · Safe
Legal with strong protections; Belgium was among the first countries to legalize same-sex marriage (2003), and Brussels and Antwerp have active LGBTQ+ scenes.
| Coffee (café) | €3.60 | $3.90 |
| Local bus or metro ride (Brussels) | €2.60 | $2.80 |
| Mid-range restaurant meal | €22 | $24 |
| Hostel bed / budget room (night) | €32 | $35 |
| Mid-range hotel (night) | €120 | $130 |
| Daily budget, mid-range traveler | €95 | $103 |
2026-09
May-June and September are best: mild and less crowded. July-August is warm with festivals like Tomorrowland; December brings Christmas markets; January-February is cold, grey low season.
Basic Dutch phrases · Basic French phrases · Basic German phrases