Belgium international travel guide

Belgium international travel guide

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Belgium travel details
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Belgium has a population of 11M with main currency as Euro. The languages spoken are French. Belgium travel safety advice is Exercise a high degree of caution. Automatic teller machines are very common in Belgium. Tipping is usually not expected in Belgium. Internet speed in Belgium is on average 14.2 Mbps.In Belgium you drive on the right side.

Belgium travel advice

Exercise a high degree of caution
There's an ongoing threat of terrorism in Belgium. The threat level issued by Belgian authorities remains at level 3 of 4 - 'Serious' (see 'Safety'). Crowded places, such as music and cultural events, festivals, tourist areas, shopping areas, transport hubs, major sporting events and other public areas, are possible targets. Be vigilant in public places and follow the advice of local authorities. We advise: Exercise a high degree of caution in Belgium due to the threat of terrorism.

Issue Date : May 18, 2024

Belgium weather

Belgium essential details

Plugs

Belgium uses 230V, 50Hz with sockets and plugs Type C and Type E.

Languages

The languages that are typically spoken are French

Money in Belgium

Currencies

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.

Cards

Widely accepted Credit cards are widely accepted within Belgium (at hotels, shops, and restaurants, travel agencies, car-rental agencies etc.). Visa, MasterCard and Maestro are the most widely accepted. American Express is less common. Diners Club is pretty rare. Discover, JCB, UnionPay and RuPay are unknown.

ATM

Automatic teller machines 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.

Tipping

Not expected, but can leave extra tip 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.

Internet in Belgium

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.

Phones

You can buy a SIM card for about €22.56, which includes 2 GB of data plan. You can choose from 3 telecoms: BASE, Mobistar or Proximus. 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.

Calling

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 .

Belgium travel details

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Driving in Belgium

Road rules

In Belgium you drive on the right side. Most cars have manual transmission (stick). Unless otherwise posted, the speed limits for cars and motorcycles are as follows: 120 km/h (74 mph) on motorways, 120 km/h (74 mph) on expressways, 30 km/h (18 mph) in residential areas, 50 km/h (31 mph) in all built-up areas and 90 km/h (55 mph) on undivided highways. Right turn on red lights is strictly forbidden unless an additional green semaphore arrow allows it. It is illegal to drive with blood alcohol content higher than 0.05%.

On the road

Road assistance is available at 070 344 777 (Touring), 078 222 222 (VAB) or 078 481 414 (Charlie24). For general news on Belgium's traffic use Verkeerscentrum, RTBF Traffic info or Belgium Automobile Club. Most popular petrol stations in Belgium are Total Belgium, Shell, Octa+, Lukoil, Q8, Total, Texaco, Esso and Power. Petrol (unleaded) gas options are called Euro 95, Super Euro (95), benzine, essence, Super 98, Super Plus (98) or Ongelood (95/98). Petrol costs about €1.27 per liter.Diesel option is called diesel.

Emergecy

Police
999
Ambulance
997
Fire department
998

Belgium map

Belgium visa advice

If you're considering exploring Belgium beyond the usual transit spots, our comprehensive guide on Belgium transit visa offers deeper insights and broader options for travelers of different nationalities. For those transiting through other countries en route to Belgium, understanding Belgium Transit Visa requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth journey.
Disclaimer
The information on the site should be used as a guide only you are advised to contact your local official mission consulate embassy and ensure you have the latest information we take no responsibility