Many shops and restaurants in Brussels accept credit cards, but not all. It is, therefore, recommended that you either ask before you order or ensure you have enough in cash to cover the bill.
For anyone on the fence about doing away with hard cash as the common currency, all merchants in Belgium have been legally obliged to accept digital payment since July 2022.
Belgians prefer the use of debit cards over credit cards. Debit cards will be accepted at most places, whilst credit cards may be refused at smaller shops or retailers. Often an extra fee of 5% is charged for paying with your credit card. Make sure you have a card with the Visa, Mastercard , Maestro or Cirrus logo.
You can find a contactless payment validating machine in every STIB-MIVB metro station, tram and bus. It is a specific device for contactless payment only, in addition to the usual red MOBIB validating machines.
You can use your debit card in shops and cash machines anywhere with the Visa sign around the world. You don't need to tell us when you're travelling. We check all transactions to make sure your account is protected from fraud.
Wherever you wander in Europe, it's wise to travel with cash euros. While ATMs and card facilities are widespread across the continent, this cannot always be relied upon. Some countries or areas off the beaten track have yet to fully embrace card payments, so cash means you won't get caught short.
Not only are cards more secure, and more convenient, they can be cheaper than paying for things in cash. The rates of exchange when you buy currency in advance mean that you are guaranteed to lose out – perhaps by three per cent if you order online, probably much more if you turn up at an airport bureau de change.
You can pay for your trip using your contactless bank card (debit or credit), smartphone or smartwatch. Every STIB bus, tram and metro station is equipped with a specific contactless payment device.
Note, many places in Bruges will take credit card, but some smaller restaurants and shops are cash-only. We recommend that you exchange a small amount of cash prior to your trip, enough for a cab ride or basic spending on arrival.
Taxis must accept the payment of the fare by credit card, but it's still better to check with the driver before you get in. The driver must give you a printed ticket once the ride is finished. Uber and local taxi apps can also be used to hail a taxi in Brussels.
Generally, you should tell your bank the locations you are traveling to and the dates/duration of your travels. This will allow you to continue using your credit cards and debit cards without the fraud detection on your accounts being triggered, preventing you from using your cards.
Is it better to get euros before going to Europe from UK?
If you do want to wait until you arrive in Europe to get your euros, a word of caution. It's not usually a good idea to exchange currency at the airport, or even at your hotel. These places are definitely convenient, but you're likely to pay a premium for it. Commission fees can be high and exchange rates unfavorable.
You'll only be able to spend in EUR while you're in Belgium. Carrying some money in cash and using a travel debit card from a service like Wise is usually the best way to spend while you're away from home.
There may be additional charges from cash machines or banks when you withdraw money abroad or in a foreign currency. Check before you make the transaction.
Anytime I've used an ATM I've gotten a rate very close to the rate listed on XE. To answer your question, no, you absolutely won't be paying the same rate your own bank would charge you when you use an ATM. You'll likely be paying 5-10% less than if you walked into your bank and exchanged dollars for euros.
Physical cash is easier to lose/get stolen. You might get stuck with loads of euros after your trip. You can sell them back but you'll typically get less than the amount you paid. You could get a better exchange rate with a top travel credit or debit card.
Most US, UK and Australian bank cards will work in Belgium. Visa is most commonly accepted, with Mastercard/Maestro close behind. American Express and Discover are less common.
Belgians prefer the use of debit cards over credit cards. Debit cards will be accepted at most places, whilst credit cards may be refused at smaller shops or retailers.
Belgium's most commonly used payment method is its domestic payment system, Bancontact. Bancontact partners with the majority of Belgian banks so their customers can use Bancontact-branded debit cards. Credit cards are also one of the most popular payment methods in the Belgian market.
Many shops and restaurants in Brussels accept credit cards, but not all. It is, therefore, recommended that you either ask before you order or ensure you have enough in cash to cover the bill.
If you plan to enter or leave the EU with €10 000 in cash (or its equivalent in other currencies) or carry one or more of the commodities listed below (to the value of €10 000) you must declare it to the customs authorities in the EU country you are entering or leaving, using the EU cash declaration form.
If you enter or leave the European Union with 10,000 euro or more in cash, you have to declare it at customs. This is not required when travelling between two EU member states.
