Organize your stay Bruxelles - Brussel
Money Bruxelles - Brussel
The currency of Belgium is the Euro. King Philip I is the one who appears on the coins.
Budget & Tips Bruxelles - Brussel
You will quickly notice that except for beer, the cost of living is a bit more expensive in Belgium: restaurants, shopping, hotels, transportation, museums... For smaller budgets (for example, staying in a youth hostel dormitory), count on at least 60 €/day. In restaurants and bars, service is included in the bill, so there is no need to tip, unless you want to reward particularly attentive service.
Passport and visas Bruxelles - Brussel
Travelers from the European Union only need to bring their identity card or passport. For other travelers, a valid passport is required.
For visas and other legal documents, the rules may differ depending on whether the visitor is from a country belonging to the Schengen area or not. There are also differences depending on the length of the stay, especially if the stay exceeds 3 months of residence. Foreigners residing in France and in good standing - holders of a prefectural residence permit or a residence permit - in metropolitan France or in the French overseas departments, are authorized to stay up to 90 days per semester in Belgium without needing a visa, as long as they do not carry out any paid activity or pursue studies there. They must carry their valid national passport and their French residence permit.
For more information on the conditions of entry in Belgium: https://diplomatie.belgium.be
Driver's license Bruxelles - Brussel
If you come with your own car, no problem, European permits are valid in Belgium. However, since the establishment of the low emission zone on the territory of the Brussels Region, some of the most polluting vehicles are no longer allowed. These are diesel vehicles without standard, Euro 1, 2, 3 and 4 (put into circulation before 01/01/2011) and gasoline Euro 1 and without standard (put into circulation before 01/01/1997). All vehicles registered abroad that can circulate in the zone must register (free of charge) via: https://lez.brussels/mytax/fr/registration. The registration is free and valid for 3 years.
Zone 30: The maximum speed limit in Brussels is now 30 km/h on all roads in the Brussels-Capital Region, except on major roads where the speed limit remains 50 or 70 km/h. Pay attention to the signs!
Parking. The parking lots in the center are very expensive and limited in time. Opt for the peripheral parking lots at a moderate price with the purchase of a public transport ticket. More information on parking.brussels/en/smart/park-ride-pr.
To rent a car in Belgium, all agencies will require the main driver to have a valid driver's license and identity card. A minimum age is almost always required (21 years old) and a deposit will have to be provided, either in cash or in the form of a credit card hold. Be sure to check all other requirements with the rental agency.
Health Bruxelles - Brussel
The Belgian health care system is among the best in Europe, but don't forget to take your European Health Insurance Card with you to make it easier for you to be taken care of in case of a problem. It is free of charge and can be requested via your health insurance organization or via your Ameli or France Connect account.
Security Bruxelles - Brussel
Brussels is a big city with the same small problems as other big cities, like pickpockets for example. Avoid leaving your valuables unattended.
Spoken languages Bruxelles - Brussel
Brussels is officially bilingual French-Dutch. You will see that everything, from street names to restaurant menus, is indicated in the 2 main national languages (the3rd being German, but not official in Brussels). In fact, the majority of the population is French-speaking, but you will hear many other languages. Obviously English (which is often used as a lingua franca, even between French and Flemish speakers) but also Arabic, Turkish, Lingala, Spanish, Italian, Mandarin... A real Tower of Babel!
Communication Bruxelles - Brussel
If your telecom operator is from a European Union country, your subscription will work just like at home. Internet is available almost everywhere (in hotels, restaurants, bars...) and a few free hot spots are open in the city, notably on the Grand-Place, near the De Brouckère square or the Saint Catherine square.
Luggage Bruxelles - Brussel
"With a sky so low, that a canal was hung," said the Grand Jacques. The essential item to pack is... an umbrella. Belgians rarely travel without an umbrella in their bag, especially between November and May when the weather is particularly variable. A waterproof jacket is also recommended.
