About
Belgium is a constitutional parliamentary monarchy in Western Europe with a population of about 11.8 million. The country is known for its multilingualism, historic cities, and diverse culture.
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Cities and Resorts
What to See
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faq.subtitle Belgium
Belgium is part of Schengen Area and EU. EU citizens enter freely. Russians, Chinese, etc. need Schengen visa (€90). From October 2025, EES biometric registration at entry. US, Canada, Australia citizens — up to 90 days visa-free. Brussels is EU capital, strict document control here.
Terror threat level is 3 out of 4 (serious). Increased police and military presence, especially in Brussels near EU buildings. Watch belongings at stations and tourist spots — pickpockets active. Some Brussels areas (Molenbeek) best avoided by tourists. Emergency: 112. Overall country is safe for tourists.
Belgium has THREE official languages: Dutch (Flanders, north), French (Wallonia, south), and German (small eastern region). Brussels is officially bilingual (Dutch/French) but French dominates. English widely understood, especially in Flanders and Brussels. Important: in Flanders better to start conversation in English, not French!
Belgium is mid-range expensive for EU. Restaurant lunch: €15-25. Beer (famous Belgian!): €3-5. 3* hotel: from €80-120/night. Trains affordable: Brussels-Bruges ~€15. Museums: €8-15. Rail Pass good value for trips. Weekend Ticket — 50% off trains on weekends. Tipping 5-10% optional (service usually included).
Connectivity & Internet
Average Speed110 Mbps
4G Coverageexcellent nationwide
SIM from Proximus, Orange or Base costs €15-25 for 5-15GB. EU roaming included. Good coverage in all regions.
Electricity
Voltage:230VV
Frequency:50HzHz
⚡
C
E
European plugs Type C and E (French style with grounding). Voltage 230V. US/UK travelers need adapter
Local Transport
Operators: FlixBus, De Lijn (Flanders), TEC (Wallonia)
Booking: flixbus.be, bus stations
Popular Routes
Brussels-Ghent50min-1h
€3.50-8
Brussels-Bruges1h15min-1h30min
€5-11
Brussels-Antwerp1h-1h15min
€3.50-9
Belgium is tiny—trains best for everything. Brussels to Bruges 1h by train (€15-18.50). Buses cheaper (€5-11) but slower. Weekend Ticket offers 50% off Friday-Sunday! Brussels has metro (€2.20). MOBIB card €6 one-time, reloadable. No domestic flights needed—country smaller than many cities. Trains often late but comprehensive. International trains to Netherlands, France, Germany very easy.
Local Cuisine
Mussels
waffles
chocolate
fries
Tipping
Local term: Fooi/Pourboire
Restaurants
Service included, round up optionalTaxi
Round up fareHotels
Porter1-2 EUR per bag
Housekeeping1-2 EUR per day
Concierge5 EUR for special service
Tours
Guide (per day)5-10 EUR per person
Driver (per day)2-5 EUR per person
Tipping in Belgium is not expected - service charge is included by law. Rounding up or leaving small change is a nice gesture.