Praktisch · Kapitel 6
By the HolidayGenie editorial team ·
Entry, Money, Transportation, Safety, and Emergency Numbers at a Glance.
Entry & Documents
EU and Schengen member. For German, Austrian, and Swiss citizens, an identity card is sufficient. No border controls.
When driving: Vehicle documents, driver's license, safety vest per passenger (mandatory in BE). Toll app for Antwerp LEZ.
Money & Payment
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Card payment is very common, even for small amounts
- ATMs (Bancontact, Visa, MasterCard) are widespread
- Tips: Service usually included, 5-10% appreciated if satisfied
Getting Around the Country
Train (SNCB/NMBS)
Dense network, fast connections between all major cities. Brussels ↔ Antwerp 40 min, Brussels ↔ Ghent 30 min, Brussels ↔ Bruges 60 min. Weekend and senior rates. The Rail Pass (10 trips) is economical if visiting multiple cities.
Public Transport
Brussels: STIB/MIVB (metro, tram, bus). Antwerp & Flanders: De Lijn. Wallonia: TEC.
Car
Highways are toll-free for cars, but traffic jams in the Brussels/Antwerp area (best travel time outside rush hour). Highway speed 120 km/h, country roads 90 km/h, urban areas 50 km/h. Caution: Frequent radar checks.
Bicycle
Especially well-developed in Flanders and in cities like Ghent, Bruges, and Antwerp. Node point system with numbers ("Fietsknooppunten") makes planning bike routes very easy.
Safety
Belgium is considered a safe travel destination. The main issue, as in all metropolises, is pickpocketing in Brussels (especially at Brussels-Midi station, Grand Place, in metros) and in Antwerp.
- Evenings: Caution in certain districts near Brussels-Midi and Molenbeek; tourist areas are safe
- Order taxis at the airport only officially or via app (Uber, Heetch)
- Keep distance during demonstrations in the EU district
Health
Belgium has excellent medical care. EHIC applies. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross. Travel pharmacy not necessary, but recommended. Tap water is drinkable everywhere.
Useful Information
Emergency Numbers
- 112 — general (police, fire department, emergency doctor)
- 101 — police
- 100 — fire department/emergency doctor
German Embassy in Brussels
- Rue Jacques de Lalaing 8-14, 1040 Bruxelles
Austrian Embassy
- Place du Champ de Mars 5, 1050 Bruxelles
Swiss Embassy
- Rue de la Loi 26, 1040 Bruxelles
Tourism Websites
- VisitFlanders: visitflanders.com
- VisitWallonia: visitwallonia.com
- Visit.brussels: visit.brussels
- Train: belgiantrain.be
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