£1 €1.16
Today
4:58 am
+1h from you
Weather in Belgium
Belgium
13°
Slight rain
Wed
3
13
Thu
2
6
Fri
1
10
Sat
4
8
Sun
2
11
SPF level in Belgium
Recommended: SPF 30
Spring
SPF 30
Summer
SPF 30
Autumn
SPF 15
Winter
SPF 15
Suncream is often more expensive in tourist zones. Pack your preferred SPF from the UK, especially for beach holidays. Always carry travel-size (100ml max) for hand luggage.
Getting around Belgium
Languages in Belgium
Tipping in Belgium
Tipping is generally appreciated in Belgium for good service, but it's not mandatory as service charges are often included in the bill. Rounding up is common.
Restaurant
5-10% of the bill if service is not included or was exceptional. Round up if service is included.
Bar/Café
Round up the bill or leave a small amount (e.g., €1-2) for good service.
Taxi
Round up the fare or add 5-10% for good service.
Hotel Porter
€1-2 per bag is appreciated.
Hotel Housekeeper
€1-2 per night, left at the end of your stay.
Tour Guide
€5-10 per person for a good tour.
Safety in Belgium
Tips for British travellers
Belgium is tourist-friendly but has some key cultural and legal rules:
Carry your passport with you at all times as it is required by law.
Beware of pickpocketing and theft in crowded areas, especially at major railway stations like Brussels Gare du Midi and on international trains.
Only use official, licensed taxis and do not accept rides from taxis that stop to offer them.
Keep valuables out of sight in your car, as thieves on motorbikes may break windows to snatch items when your vehicle is stopped.
It is illegal to wear clothing that covers your face in public, and doing so can result in a fine or detention.
Bonus tips:
Register your foreign vehicle online before driving into the low emission zones in Brussels, Ghent, or Antwerp.
When driving, do not use a handheld mobile phone unless you have hands-free equipment, as this is illegal.
Driving in Belgium
A valid UK driving license is required. Ensure you have the necessary vehicle insurance and documentation.
Side of road
right
Motorway speed limit
120 km/h
Urban speed limit
50 km/h
Alcohol limit
0.05%
Remember: Belgium drives on the right. Take extra care at junctions if you normally drive on the left.
Emergency numbers
Universal emergency
112
Police
101
Save 112 in your phone before travelling.
Electrical in Belgium
Voltage
230V / 50Hz
Plug types
Type C, Type E
UK adapter needed?
Yes
Belgium operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. Plugs are Type C and Type E. British travelers will need a plug adapter.
Cards & payments
Cards are widely accepted in major establishments, hotels, and larger shops, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and markets.
Visa
High
Mastercard
High
American Express
Medium
Lost card? Call Visa: +13039671096
ATMs in Belgium
Good. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns.
Local name
Geldautomaat
Chip & PIN required?
Yes
ATMs are readily available, especially in urban areas. Chip and PIN is required for transactions. Ensure your bank card is enabled for international use before travelling.
Mobile & roaming
Since Brexit, the guarantee of free EU roaming no longer applies. Check with your mobile provider about roaming charges in Belgium. Many providers offer daily roaming packages. Consider purchasing a local SIM card for longer stays to avoid high roaming costs.
Local SIM data package
10 GB for 25 EUR (~£21)
Network coverage
4G, 5G
Local carriers
Proximus, Telenet, Orange
WiFi & internet
Good. Free WiFi is available in many cafes, restaurants, hotels, and public spaces, particularly in major cities.
Average speed
50 Mbps
Belgium has good internet coverage. WiFi is readily available in urban areas and tourist hotspots. Mobile data is also reliable.
Health & vaccinations in Belgium
If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC), it will be valid during your trip. These cards allow you to access state-provided healthcare in Belgium on the same basis as a Belgian citizen. However, it's still advisable to have comprehensive travel insurance as EHIC/GHIC may not cover all costs, including repatriation.
Vaccinations required?
No
Recommended
Generally, no specific vaccinations are required for entry into Belgium from the UK. However, it's always recommended to ensure your routine vaccinations are up-to-date. Consult your GP or a travel clinic for personalized advice, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Calling Belgium
Country code
+32
To call Belgium from the UK, dial 00 32 followed by the Belgian phone number (without the initial zero if there is one).
To call a Brussels number 02 123 4567 from the UK, you would dial 00 32 2 123 4567.
The country code for Belgium is 32. The exit code from the UK is 00. Be mindful of time differences when calling, as Belgium operates on Central European Time (CET).
UK Embassy in Belgium
British Embassy Brussels
Avenue d'Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels, Belgium
Airports in Belgium
Frequently asked questions
While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, AtoBeach cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. We recommend verifying details with official sources before travelling.