Belgium (BE)
Belgium is a small but densely populated federal kingdom at the crossroads of Western Europe, split across three linguistic regions — Dutch-speaking Flanders, French-speaking Wallonia, and bilingual Brussels — and famed for its medieval cities, world-class beer and chocolate, and its role as the de facto capital of the European Union.
Currency & Money
Practical money tips for living in Belgium.
Denominations
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2. Notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500.
Payment Culture
Belgium is largely card-friendly — Bancontact (the Belgian debit card network) is accepted almost everywhere, including small shops, markets, and cafés. Contactless payment via smartphone is widespread. Carry €20 in cash for smaller vendors and markets.
ATM Tips
Use ATMs from major Belgian banks (BNP Paribas Fortis, ING, Belfius, KBC) to minimise fees. Foreign Visa and Mastercard debit/credit cards work widely. Bancontact is Belgian-only; ensure your card supports Maestro or Mastercard for wider acceptance.
Exchange Tips
Avoid airport exchange bureaus — rates are poor. Use Wise or Revolut for international transfers. Argenta and Belfius offer competitive rates for currency exchange.
Pro tip: Best apps for expats
- • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
- • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
- • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents