The currency in Bruges is the euro. With over 50 currencies and a travel money card partner, our foreign exchange options cover a whopping 98% of worldwide destinations, so wherever you're headed we're sure to have what you need.
The currency used in Belgium is the euro (€), US dollars are not accepted. You can get euros in different banks opened from Monday to Saturday and automatic cash points opened 24 hours a day. ATMs are widespread throughout the city.
Bruges is a “touristy” destination so prices are higher than what you'll find in the rest of Belgium—most notably food and accommodation. In this travel price guide, we'll cover typical Bruges travel costs for food, accommodation, sights, and extras so you can better budget your trip.
As in most European countries, the currency of Belgium is the Euro (symbolised as EUR or €). Other currencies are normally not accepted, so be sure to change dollars, etc. at one of the many currency exchange offices located throughout the city.
Although many people in Europe routinely drink bottled water, the tap water in Belgium is quite safe to drink. The tap water is perfect to drink, totally no need to buy bottled water. FYI: some restaurants sell tap water in "own" bottles really expensive.
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.
Bruges is a peaceful city and highly respectful towards women. Instances of street harassment are significantly low. The locals are polite and helpful. It's generally very safe to walk around, even at night.
Residents of Bruges love their beer, Belgian fries and chocolate – Bruges even has its own official city chocolate: the Bruges swan, or Brugsch Swaentje.
The historic city center of Bruges is relatively compact and can be easily explored on foot. There are many pedestrian-friendly streets and charming alleyways that are perfect for strolling and taking in the sights.
Overall, 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 city like Brussels, ranging around 600-800 EUR per month. In smaller cities like Ghent or Leuven, the cost is smaller for student private accommodation.
According to our estimations a single person would need a net salary of €1,500 to live comfortably in Ghent while a family of four would typically require a net salary of at least €4,000 per month.
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.
Safety in Bruges during daytime is remarkably high, making it challenging to encounter trouble. The city boasts an exceptionally low rate of robberies and thefts. However, it's worth noting that incidents of theft from budget hotel rooms have been reported.
Petty crime is far less prevalent in the Flemish cites of Antwerp, Bruges and Ghent than it is in Brussels. The historic centers of each, where tourists head to first, especially that of ever-thronged Bruges and Grote Markt in central Antwerp, are again places to watch your bags, pockets and phones.
You can purchase your ticket from the driver on the bus, or in the Bruges train station (in the 'De Lijn' shop): De Lijn bus shop inside the Bruges train station: open from Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 17:45 | Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00 | Sunday from 10:00 to 17:10.
Bruges is a great walking town. The historical center is compact and filled with cobbled pedestrian-only streets, which makes walking the best way to get around.
Famous elements of the Belgian culture include gastronomy (Belgian beers, fries, chocolate, waffles, etc.), the comic strip tradition (Tintin, the Smurfs, Spirou & Fantasio, the Marsupilami, Lucky Luke, Largo Winch, etc.), painting and architecture (the Art Nouveau, the Mosan art, the Early Netherlandish painting, the ...
You can use the euro in 20 EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain. Discover more about the euro, which countries use it and the exchange rates.
