---
title: "Belgium: Trip Preparation & Destination Information"
description: Traveling to Belgium? Check out our trip prep page for tips to help you prepare.
image: https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Brugge-Belgium.jpg
---

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# Belgium: Trip Preparation & Destination Information

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![Belgium: Trip Preparation & Destination Information](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Brugge-Belgium.jpg)

### About Belgium

- [Overview](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/belgium#overview)
- [Packing List](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/belgium#packing)
- [Language ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/belgium#language)
- [Weather](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/belgium#weather)
- [Fun Facts](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/belgium#funfacts)
- [Tipping](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/belgium#tipping)
- [FAQ](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/belgium#faq)
- [Luggage Restrictions](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/belgium#full-image-title)
- [Other](https://trovatrip.com/traveler/trip-prep/europe/belgium#other-if-needed)

#### Overview

Belgium was declared a separate nation after being granted independence from the Netherlands in 1831. One of the smallest countries in Europe, Belgium, has a total landmass of 11,849 sq. miles. Bordered by Germany, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and France, Belgium is famous for its medieval towns, its ancient architecture, its beer, and its delicious chocolate. Belgium’s western border on the North Sea consists of 42 miles of soft sandy coastline, popular resorts, pristine beaches, and scenic coastal towns. Here visitors and locals alike enjoy a wide variety of sports and recreational facilities and due to the iodine and salt content in the air, beachgoers acquire a healthy tan. 

 

Disclaimer: Space is a precious commodity in Europe, especially in its most dense cities, be prepared for smaller hotel rooms. The same goes for bathrooms and elevators, don’t be surprised if they feel cozier than those in the US.

 

**Capital City**: Brussels

**Population:** 11,535,000 (2022 est.)

**Currency:** Euro (€)

**Emergency Number:** 112

**Outlet:** Type C/E

![Frites-Belgium](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Frites-Belgium.jpg)

![Belgian-Waffles](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Belgian-Sweets.jpg)

#### Packing List

**Active Shoes** - Great for long days on your feet.

**Fleece Sweater** - Even in the summer temps can drop. A warm sweater will ensure you stay comfortable.

**Warm Hat/Beanie** - If you are visiting in the winter, make sure you bring something to keep your head warm.

**Umbrella** - So you don't get caught in the rain.

**Protect Your Tummy** - Pack some Pepto Bismol and Imodium. Dramamine is helpful if you're prone to motion sickness.

**Sunblock with SPF** - Nothing ruins a vacation like a bad sunburn. Remember to pack sunblock with SPF to protect your skin while outside.

**Day Pack** - For carrying cameras, snacks, sunscreen, water, etc.

**Hand Sanitizer** - Need I say more?

**Reusable Water Bottle** - Staying hydrated is a recipe for success. You will have access to clean water for refilling throughout your stay.

**Portable Chargers** - Great for charging batteries while on the go.

**Travel Adaptor ** - Grab a universal travel adaptor for your electronics.

**Ear Plugs** - Light sleeper? Nice to have in case of a snoring roommate.

**Packing Cubes** - We'll be moving in and out of hotels frequently and these will keep you organized.

**Laundry Soap** - Single packets are perfect for sink washes when you're running low on clean clothes.

** Local Currency** - Make sure to get some local currency. On average, you'll lose around 15% at the airport if you use the currency exchange. While many places do accept cards, small local restaurants tend to be cash only.

**Call Your Bank** - Your bank may suspend your card if they suspect unusual activity. Give them a call to let them know when and where you'll be traveling.

**Always pack extra underwear!**

#### Speak the Language

Language: The primary language in Belgium is Dutch, spoken by approximately 60% of the population.  The country has distinctive regions including Dutch-speaking Flanders to the north, French-speaking Wallonia to the south and a German-speaking community to the east.

**Dutch:**

- **Hello** - Hallo
- **Goodbye ****- **Tot Ziens
- **Thank you** - Dank je
- **Do you speak English?** - spreekt u Engels
- **How are you? **- Hoe is hey met je
- **I’m fine, thank you **- Alles goed, bedankt
- **What’s your name?** - Wat is je naam?
- **My name is**… - Mijn naam is
- **Where is**... - Waar is...  
     
    - The bathroom - de badkamer
    - An ATM - been pinautomaat

**French:**

- **Good morning** - Bonjour 
- **Good afternoon** - Bon apres midi
- **Good night** - Bon nuit
- **Goodbye** (to a person leaving) - Au revoir
- **See you soon** - A bientot
- **Thank you** - Merci
- **How are you?** - Ca va?
- **I’m fine** - Ca va
- **I’m sorry** - Je suis desole
- **Where is**... - Où est….  
     
    - The bathroom - trouvent les toilettes
    - An ATM - un guichet automatique

**German:**

- **Good morning** - Guten Morgen
- **Good afternoon** - Guten Tag
- **Good night** - Guten Nacht
- **Goodbye** - Auf Wiedersehen
- **See you soon** - She dich später
- **Thank you** - Danke
- **How are you?** - Wie get es dir?
- **I’m fine** - Es geht mir gut
- **I’m sorry** - Es tut mir Leid
- **Where is**... - Wo ist...  
     
    - The bathroom - die toilette?
    - An ATM - ein geldautomat?

 

**Google Translate:** Google Translate: Download the Google Translate app or click [**here**](https://translate.google.com/) 

![Cinquentenaire-Brussles-Belgium](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/cinquentenaire-Brussles_belgium.jpg)

#### Weather

[BRUSSELS WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/50d854d35/brussels/?unit=us)

[BRUGES WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/51d213d22/bruges/?unit=us)

 

[COLOGNE WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/50d946d96/cologne/?unit=us)

 

[BAMBERG WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/49d9010d90/bamberg/?unit=us)

 

[MUNICH WEATHER](https://forecast7.com/en/48d1411d58/munich/?unit=us)

 

#### Fun Facts

- Brussels South Charleroi Airport is the most punctual airport in Europe.
- Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Contrary to what many people believe, Flemish is not a language. It's a dialect cluster or simply the way people from the Northern part of Belgium – Flanders – speak Dutch.
- Belgium has the lowest salary gap between men and women in the EU.
- The world's first beer academy opened in Herk-de-Stad, in the province of Limburg, in 1999.
- The world’s first recorded lottery took place in Belgium. It was held to raise money for the poor.
- The capital of Brussels is home both to NATO and the European Union.

#### Tipping

Tipping Suggestions: Tipping is not very common in Belgium, and is always at your discretion. It’s a nice way to show your appreciation for good service, and each culture has different etiquette around when to tip—and how much. Be prepared by carrying some cash in the local currency.

| **Guides** |  | USD $7-10 per person/per day |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Drivers** |  | USD $3-4 per person/per day |
| **Restaurants**  |  | Ask your Guide if you have any questions about how much to tip at a restaurant, in a bar, or in a taxi while you’re out exploring. |

 

#### FAQ

**Where can I find information on travel safety?** Check out the US Department of State's [website](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Belgium.html) for the most up-to-date information on safety while traveling. To minimize the risk of pickpocketing it is recommended to be discreet: don’t flash anything of value, keep a firm hand on your camera, and carry shoulder bags slung across your body. Overall it’s a good idea to avoid badly lit areas completely at night and deserted inner-city areas by day.

 

**Is the water safe to drink? **Despite the fact that many Europeans drink bottled water, tap water in Belgium is quite safe to drink. Drinking tap water is all that is required, and there is no need to buy bottled water.

 

**Do I need a Visa?** For Visa information, click [here](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Belgium.html). Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after you return home and has two or more blank pages. Otherwise, some countries may not let you enter.

 

**What about vaccines?** For vaccination information, click [here.](https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/belgium)

 

**Do you recommend travel insurance?** While not required, we highly recommend all travelers get travel insurance for their trip to protect themselves from the unknown! Check out travel insurance options from our partner, [worldnomads.com](https://www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance?affiliate=trvtrip&subld=banner&affiliateTrackingld=db44277c07544303b92d043564508276&utm_source=trvtrip&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=Affiliate&utm_content=banner), or from a provider of your choice.

 

**How much should I pack?** As we will be using shared transfers and spaces throughout our tour we recommend all travelers pack as lightly as possible. Please review our luggage restrictions below.

 

**What does public transportation look like? **The Belgium public transport network is quite extensive, making it easy to travel through Belgium on train, tram or bus.

 

**Is Uber or Lyft available?** Yes, both are common in larger cities throughout the country.

 

**What about Wifi?**  4G is readily available and 5G is becoming more common.

#### Luggage Restrictions

![Luggage Restrictions purple](https://trovatrip.com/hubfs/Luggage%20Restrictions%20purple%20(2).jpg)

![Luggage restrictions purple – mobile – 1](https://trovatrip.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png?width=390&height=929&name=Luggage%20restrictions%20purple%20%E2%80%93%20mobile%20%E2%80%93%201.png)

### Book With Confidence

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