Getting Euros for Your Trip to Belgium

Belgium offers a comfortable balance between card acceptance and cash usage. Brussels, as the EU capital, is thoroughly modern and card-friendly. Tourist favourites like Bruges and Ghent also have good card infrastructure, though some traditional establishments prefer cash.

Belgian people tend to be pragmatic about money — you'll find most places accept cards, but cash remains popular for smaller purchases, market stalls, and the famous friteries (chip shops).

Key insight for 2026: Belgium uses the Bancontact system for debit cards, similar to the Netherlands' PIN system. Most places now accept Visa/Mastercard alongside Bancontact, but you might occasionally encounter "Bancontact only" signs at smaller establishments.

Best Ways to Get Euros for Belgium

1. Multi-currency cards (Wise, Revolut) — Ideal for Belgium. Use contactless for most purchases and withdraw cash when needed.
2. Order Euros online before travel — Get cash at good rates for markets and small purchases.
3. Belgian bank ATMs — KBC, BNP Paribas Fortis, ING, and Belfius ATMs don't charge foreign card fees.
4. UK specialist bureaux — Good rates for Euros before travel.
5. UK banks — Convenient but typically 3-4% worse than specialists.
6. Airport exchanges — Poor rates at both UK airports and Brussels Airport. Avoid.

Using Cards in Belgium

Where Cards Work Well

• Hotels: Universal card acceptance
• Restaurants: Most accept cards, especially in tourist areas
• Supermarkets: Delhaize, Carrefour, Colruyt all accept cards
• Shops: Most shops in city centres accept cards
• Museums: All major museums accept cards
• Public transport: STIB/MIVB machines accept cards

Where Cash is Better

• Friteries: Many chip shops are cash-only or prefer cash
• Markets: Weekend markets, flea markets, Christmas markets
• Small cafés: Traditional beer cafés and small bars
• Street food: Waffle stands and food stalls
• "Bancontact only" places: Rare but still exists

ATMs in Belgium

Best ATMs

• KBC: Blue/white ATMs. No fees for foreign cards.
• BNP Paribas Fortis: Common throughout Belgium. Fee-free.
• ING: Orange ATMs. No foreign card fees.
• Belfius: Widely available. Fee-free withdrawals.

ATMs to Avoid

• Euronet: Yellow ATMs in tourist areas. €4-6 fees.
• Non-bank ATMs: Standalone machines often charge fees.

How Much Cash to Bring

• Weekend in Brussels: €50-100 backup is sufficient
• Bruges/Ghent trip: €80-150 for markets, cafés, small shops
• Week-long trip: €150-250 for incidentals

Daily Spending Guide

• Budget: €60-90/day — hostels, friteries, supermarket picnics
• Mid-range: €120-180/day — good hotels, restaurants, museums
• Comfortable: €200-350/day — boutique hotels, fine dining, tours

Tipping in Belgium

Service is included in Belgian bills by law, so tipping isn't expected:

• Restaurants: Service included. Round up or add €1-2 for exceptional service.
• Cafés: Not expected. Leave small change if you wish.
• Taxis: Round up to nearest Euro
• Hotels: €1-2 per bag for porters; housekeeping tips rare