Should I bring cash to Belgium?

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.

How much money should I bring to Belgium?

If you're a budget traveler, you can expect to spend around $50 to $80 per day in Belgium, including accommodation, meals, transportation, and activities. On the other hand, a mid-range traveler might spend approximately $100 to $150 per day.

Is cash widely used in Belgium?

Paying with cash in Belgium

While it's true that the majority of payments in Belgium are made with cards, it's always a good idea to have some euro cash. You will find some smaller vendors that only accept cash.

Is Belgium cashless?

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.

How much cash can I carry to Belgium?

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.

How Much Money Should You Travel With?

What can't you bring to Belgium?

Forbidden products include firearms, counterfeit goods, banned narcotic substances, and protected animals and plants and products made from these. For more information, contact Belgian Customs (tel. 02/753-48-50, 32-2/753-48-50 from outside Belgium).

How much cash can you take from UK to EU?

You must declare cash of £10,000 or more to UK customs if you're carrying it between Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) and a country outside the UK. If you're travelling as a family or group with more than £10,000 in total (even if individuals are carrying less than that) you still need to make a declaration.

Can I use my UK bank card in Belgium?

At a glance. You can use your debit or credit card at shops, restaurants and cash machines while you're away. Fees may apply when using your card outside the UK. Switch on notifications in mobile banking so you know when money goes in or out of your account.

What is the best way to spend money in Belgium?

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.

Does Belgium use contactless?

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.

Should I get euros before going to Belgium?

Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.

Wait until you arrive to withdraw money. I've yet to see a European airport that didn't have plenty of ATMs.

Do you need cash in Bruges?

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.

Is Belgium a tipping country?

Tipping in Belgium isn't a standard practice, nor is it expected, as most service staff are paid a fair living wage. Furthermore, most restaurants automatically include a 10–15% tip in the bill. If you think the service was excellent and want to leave more, you can always leave a few euros on the table after your meal.

What is the 30% rule in Belgium?

A new Belgian expat regime for inbound taxpayers and researchers has come into force from 1 January 2022 onwards. Just like the Dutch 30% tax ruling regime, there is a tax-free reimbursement of 30% of the gross taxable salary for the expat.

Is Belgium cheap or expensive?

Living in Belgium isn't cheap, but its relatively high cost of living goes hand in hand with high salaries and a high living standard.

Is Belgium expensive to eat out?

Prices are usually very reasonable – reckon on about €12 for the more modest dishes, €17 for the more substantial – though of course you will often pay more in the most popular tourist destinations.

Is 1000 Euros enough for a month in Brussels?

In short, as a student in Belgium, you are expected to spend 800-1000 EUR per month. Finding a place to live on your own is more expensive, especially in a capital city like Brussels. Budget at least 800 EUR per month for dormitories.

Does Belgium accept debit cards?

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.

Do taxis in Belgium take credit cards?

Taking a taxi

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.

Is it better to get euros or use debit card?

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.

Do I need to tell my bank I'm going abroad?

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 cheaper to use cash or card abroad?

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.

Why declare cash at airport?

You can declare money that you are taking out of the UK online at the gov.uk website or by completing a form at your departure airport or port. Failure to comply with the above means the cash you are carrying can be seized by a Border Force officer and you may have to pay a penalty of up to £5,000 to get it back.

Do I need cash in EU?

Don't Expect to Get Too Far Without Cash

There's a lot that you can buy with a credit card in Europe, so bring at least one. But don't expect to get very far without a little cash, too—especially if you're a tourist. Transportation services, such as taxis and buses, often require local currency.

How much cash should I bring to Europe?

As you can see from our travel costs table above, some European cities are cheaper or more expensive than others. As a general rule, though, it's a good idea to budget at least $100 a day for your vacation.