In Belgium, it is essential to be punctual, respect personal space, and follow dining etiquette, such as keeping hands visible and finishing your plate. Key DON'Ts include being loud in public, giving white chrysanthemums, and expecting shops to be open on Sundays. Use public transit, avoid bringing up language politics, and always carry some cash for tips or restrooms.
It is considered impolite to snap your fingers. Do not put your hands in your pockets, yawn, scratch or use toothpicks in public. Feet should never be put on chairs or tables. Back slapping is considered offensive.
Belgium's "30% tax ruling" refers to a special tax regime for expatriates and inpatriates, allowing employers to reimburse certain recurring relocation costs tax-free, generally up to 30% of gross remuneration, capped at €90,000 annually, plus other specific costs like school fees, replacing older schemes for many. This regime aims to attract international talent, exempting these allowances from tax and social security, with conditions like minimum salary thresholds (€75k for non-researchers) and a 5-year duration (extendable).
Greetings: When meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is customary. Among close friends, three kisses on the cheek are common. Dining Etiquette: Wait for the host to begin eating at formal meals, and keep your hands visible on the table. Raising a Glass: Just like France,”Santé” is the Belgian form of Cheers!
Belgium has no real dress code for men or women. Usually, you'll see all sorts of fashion styles, brands, and colors out on the streets. However, typically, the clothing style is conservative and smart. Popular western casual clothing (e.g., jeans, t-shirts, shirts, skirts, dresses, and sneakers) is common.
Yes, you can absolutely speak English in Belgium, especially in cities and tourist areas, as many Belgians, particularly younger generations and those in Flanders, have high English proficiency; you'll find it easy to get by, though learning a few basic phrases in French or Dutch helps with integration, especially outside major hubs.
Dress in layers to be prepared for extremes in weather. Belgium can be chilly and rainy or sunny and warm. Gloves and hat if needed. 1 business casual outfit; dress pants, dress shirt/collared shirt, skirt/dress and blouses for visiting schools, churches, etc.
In Belgium, the price of your meal or taxi ride includes the service charge. As a result, you do not have to leave a tip. However, you may if you received good service. You can give cash to your waiter or taxi driver or ask them to round the amount up to a higher figure if you are paying by card.
all loans, whereby the beneficial owner is not subject to income taxes, or, with regard to the interest income, is subject to a tax regime that is substantially more advantageous than the Belgian tax regime, and.
During a control by Customs while you are travelling within the European Union, you may be asked about any large sums of cash money that you are holding. When you are travelling with 10,000 euros or more, you are required to submit a declaration.
In Belgium, all drivers must give priority to any vehicles joining a road from the right, even if they have stopped at a junction or are allowing pedestrians to cross.
Both French allez and Belgian Dutch allee have been claimed to be primarily markers indicating some form of encouragement or exhortation (Sierra Soriano, 2006; Kloots, 2007). Most obviously, and most literally, the speaker encourages co-participants (not) to do something.
The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.
In Bruges, a simple "Hallo" (Hello) or "Goedendag" (Good day) will work perfectly in most situations. When meeting someone for the first time, a polite "Aangenaam" (Nice to meet you) will set a warm, welcoming tone.
Brussels is a very safe and friendly city, but it is still a major European capital, and as such, touristy, so don't forget that pickpockets may be present. Keep your belongings in your pockets and your bags and purses close to you.
Non-profit organisation Love Food, Hate Waste recommends the 2:2:2 rule. Two hours to get them in the fridge. Two days to eat them once they're in there. Or freeze them for up to two months.
