Belgium
Western Europe · Dutch · Euro
Order your frites with mayo, never call them French, and pick your language lane: Dutch in Flanders, French in Wallonia.
Today in Belgium
No Belgium stories in today's wires — read the global briefing.
5 phrases you need in Belgium
- HelloHalloHAH-loh
- GoodbyeTot zienstot ZEENS
- PleaseAlstublieftAHL-stoo-bleeft
- Thank youDank u weldahnk uu VEL
- Excuse mePardonpar-DON
The Trovlr app drills all 8 Belgium phrases with audio, Duolingo-style. Get the app →
Know before you go
etiquette
Language is political: open in Dutch in Flanders and French in Wallonia, or stick to English in Brussels, which offends nobody.
transport
SNCB trains connect every major city in under two hours; weekend return tickets are roughly half price, so day-trip Bruges or Ghent on a Saturday.
tipping
Service is included by law, so Belgians rarely tip; rounding up a euro or two for great service is plenty.
money
Cards work nearly everywhere, but the best frietkoten and some public toilets still want coins, so keep a little change handy.
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