Money Talk
- Currency and Exchange
In 2002 the € EURO replaced the Belgian franc as the country’s official currency, 1 euro equalling 40.3399 francs. The very name of the new currency was even first proposed by a Belgian and the € symbol was designed by a Belgian, Alain Billiet. Between 1926 and 1946 Belgium also used the “Belga” as currency (five francs to a Belga), but the name was never popular and quickly went out of use.
Euros are issued in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 notes. Although shop keepers and traders are legally obliged to accept all notes not everybody is keen on accepting the €200 and €500 notes and some will protest if you want to pay with a €100 note. The coins are available in €1 and €2 as well as 1, 2, 5, 10 and 20 cent pieces. Each country participating in the € still has their own separate design for coins but the notes are identical wherever you go.
There are no limits on the amount of foreign currency you can take in our out of Belgium. You can exchange your pounds or dollars at bureaux de changes, banks, large railway stations and airports. However, remember that you’ll usually get the best exchange rates at banks.
.
- Cash Points and ATM’s
Are found everywhere, from airports to rail stations and in every commercial street and city centre in the country. Almost every bank also has machines inside which can be used even if you are not a client, all cards are accepted. These cash points are open to the public well after the banks have closed. When these eventually close down for the night at around 10pm most banks have a machine outside that is accessible 24/7.
- Credit Cards
Although most major credit cards are widely accepted, Belgium has nothing like the credit card use of somewhere like the USA. Nevertheless all major shops and most hotels and restaurants will happily accept them. Be warned that not all cash machines take credit cards.
- Banks
Belgium has plenty of banks so you’ll never be too far from one. If you find yourself short of cash, the general rule - no matter how small the town - is that if you can find the market place you won’t be far from a bank. It’s also useful to know that all Belgian post offices offer bank-services too. Banks are open from Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm and usually close for lunch for an hour or two. They also closed for weekends and on national Holidays, check our Official Holidays-page for more information.
- VAT, Taxes & Tipping
Prices in Belgium always include service and VAT or sales tax. Although there are exceptions (only 6% is charged on taxi fares for instance) the general value added tax rate is 21%. Since January 2010 the VAT rate for restaurant meals has been lowered to 12%.
Tipping is common practice in Belgium and is usually given to reward exceptional service. This is certainly the case in bars, restaurants and hotels as well as for taxis and tour guides. There is no fixed percentage for tipping, but what you give is always appreciated.
- Duty Free
Sadly, this only applies to visitors traveling to a final destination outside the E.U. All goods including tobacco, chocolates, spirits and perfumes can be bought tax-free at shops in every airport. Be sure to check the legal allowances on what you can take back home with you.
Comments
You must be logged in to leave a comment
SHARE:
You Might Like
The Duvel Moortgat Brewery caters to everyone’s tastes with 3 different brewery experiences. From complete novice to experienced beer lover, Duvel has the brewery visit package for you.
Kasteel Brouwerij Vanhonsebrouck, well known for it's "Kasteel" beer range, now offers their Bierkasteel beer experience; brewery visit, event location, restaurant, bar and shop.
Everything you ever wanted to know about (Belgian) beer under one roof. You get to feel, smell and taste ingredients and discover the typical Belgian beer styles. Come celebrate Belgian beer culture in heart of historic Bruges! Shop and bar are accessible without visiting the museum.
This freemium App for IOS and Android lets you explore and find the best that Belgium's UNESCO recognised beer culture has to offer. Find breweries, bars, restaurants, festivals, events, experiences and beer shops; create you own beer trips and be your own tour guide!
Brasserie Dubussion prides itself on tradition and taste and has opened a brand new visitors centre, the Beerstorium. Learn about the rich history, beers and brewing at the oldest brewery in Wallonia. You can visit this authentic Belgian brewery, see brewing in action, as well as taste some of their delicious brews for yourself, including their legendary Bush (Scaldis) beer range.
BLOG
POSTS
Brussels Beer Challenge 2019, and the winners are...
BRUSSELS/MONS - We’ve made our way down to the historic city of Mons (Bergen) for the eighth edition of the international Brussels Beer Challenge. A 90-strong jury is busy tasting; there are four morning sessions in a ro... [ more ]
Brugge Tripel contributes to renovation of Burgundian chapel of worship
BRUGES - This city draws you back in time to the heydays of the Burgundian era. After years of renovation works the Gruuthusemuseum has re-opened its doors. This former city palace is the showca... [ more ]
Brewers of Europe Forum 2019: Craftsmanship on the old continent
ANTWERP - Brewers from 59 different countries flocked to attend the Brewers of Europe Forum 2019 in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall, right next to the renowned Antwerp Central Station building. ... [ more ]
Craftsmanship and balance at brewery Van Steenberge
ERTVELDE - To track down a brewer within his own domain is a high-ranking form of sports, or that’s the impression I get. After a bit of practice I spot Jef Versele, CEO of the Van Steenberge brewery, well hidden amongst... [ more ]
Brussels Beer Challenge 2018 - The results!
MECHELEN - The historic city of Mechelen, halfway between Brussels and Antwerp, is truly a hidden gem. The presence of the Dukes of Burgundy, who ruled here in the late middle ages, still permeates the ancient city centr... [ more ]
More Beer
1990 was an important year for Brouwerij Roman, as they launched a triumphant trio of abbey beers: Ename Blond, Dubbel and Tripel. The launch coincided with an open air spectacle h... [ more ]
Beer Tourism Newsletter Signup
Enter your name and email address on the right and click "SignUp" to join.