What to know before going to Belgium?
Before visiting Belgium, note that you must carry your passport at all times due to increased border checks until late 2025. The country has three official languages—Dutch, French, and German—so use English in cities or check local language regions. Pack for quickly changing weather with layers, rain gear, and comfortable walking shoes for cobblestones.What is the 30% rule in Belgium?
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).What do I need to travel to Belgium from the UK?
British citizens don't need a visa to enter Belgium but must have a valid passport. You can check your passport's valid for Belgium using our handy tool. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belgium/entry-requirements.What is considered impolite in Belgium?
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.Is it okay to speak English in Belgium?
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.BELGIUM TRAVEL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS | 20+ Must-Knows Before Visiting Belgium + What NOT to Do!
Is Belgium foreign friendly?
Belgium is a small, well-connected, and family-friendly country with 11.5 million inhabitants in the heart of Europe. It offers a welcoming environment for international families, making it a popular destination for those moving to Belgium with children.What can you not bring into Belgium?
On this page- Counterfeit goods.
- Protected plant and animal species.
- Livestock products and foodstuffs.
- Plants, flowers, vegetables and fruit (phytosanitary products)
- Weapons, ammunition, dummy weapons and explosives.
- Medicines.
- Narcotics.
- Cultural goods.
Why do Belgians say allez?
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.What is the currency in Belgium?
As in most European countries, the currency of Belgium is the Euro (symbolised as EUR or €).Do you have to carry your passport in Belgium?
You must carry your passport with you at all times.What do I need to know before going to Belgium?
11 things to know before a trip to Belgium- Endives are more popular than Brussels sprouts. ...
- You'll pay for water but you don't need to tip. ...
- Carry coins: it might cost to use the bathroom. ...
- Cash payments are rounded up to the nearest €0.05. ...
- ATMs are hard to find. ...
- Eat frites not French fries. ...
- Cafes are more for beer than coffee.
What is the thin cap rule in Belgium?
Thin capitalisation- 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.
- all intra-group loans.
How much cash can I bring to Belgium?
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.What is priority to the right in Belgium?
What is priority to the right in Belgium? 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. This rule applies to all roads, with the exception of motorways and roundabouts.What is polite in Belgium?
Yes, in Belgium, saying “thank you” is a sign of politeness and respect. Business etiquette emphasizes formality and indirect communication to build strong professional relationships. Using polite expressions, including gratitude, is important in professional interactions.Can I visit Belgium if I only speak English?
Furthermore, there is no language called 'Belgian'. Many people in the Flemish speaking part of Belgium also have a great level of English and so you can easily get around by just speaking English, though learning a little bit of French or Flemish is always appreciated.How do we say "hi" in Belgium?
Saying hello in Flemish or Dutch“Hallo” is the Dutch way of saying hello and greeting someone. This allows you to initiate a conversation with someone in Belgium and the Netherlands. “Goedendag” is the most formal greeting that can be used throughout the day without any variation.