Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Belgium doesn’t require special vaccinations for travelers. However, it’s a good idea to ensure routine vaccines are up to date:
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MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)-
DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis)-
InfluenzaCheck if you need a COVID-19 vaccine or booster, as requirements can change. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Belgium, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for BelgiumCulture & Customs
In Belgium, a handshake is a common greeting, but don’t be surprised if you receive a light kiss on the cheek, especially in informal settings. *Punctuality matters*; being late is considered rude. When dining, wait for the host to give a toast before drinking. Dress smartly when dining out or visiting someone’s home.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Belgium is very welcoming and same-sex marriage is legal. Public displays of affection are generally accepted. Women should feel safe, but it’s wise to stay aware, especially at night in less crowded areas. Always carry cash as some smaller places might not accept cards.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Belgium.
- Moules-Frites: A classic dish of mussels cooked in white wine, herbs, and butter, served with crispy fries. It’s a staple in Belgian cuisine, often enjoyed in coastal areas, reflecting the country’s love for seafood and hearty meals.
- Stoofvlees: A rich beef stew slow-cooked with Belgian beer, onions, and mustard. This comfort food is quintessentially Belgian, highlighting the nation’s brewing prowess and love for robust, savory dishes.
- Waterzooi: A creamy stew, originally made with fish but now more often with chicken, vegetables, and potatoes. Originating from Ghent, it’s a comforting dish that showcases the Belgian knack for hearty, satisfying meals.
- Speculoos: Spiced shortcrust biscuits traditionally baked for St. Nicholas’ feast. Their caramelized flavor and spiced aroma are an integral part of Belgian festive traditions, now enjoyed year-round.
- Waffles: Belgian waffles come in two main types: Brussels (light and crispy) and Liège (denser with caramelized sugar). They’re a street food staple, perfect for a quick treat, reflecting Belgium’s sweet tooth.
Tap water in Belgium is safe to drink, and locals consume it regularly. As a tourist, you’ll be fine drinking it straight from the tap, so no need to splurge on bottled water unless you prefer it. If you’ve got a sensitive stomach, a portable filter might give extra peace of mind, but it’s generally unnecessary.
Belgium has 3 official languages: Dutch, French and German.
In Belgium,
English is widely spoken, particularly in urban areas and among younger generations. The country has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. In cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, you’ll find that many locals, especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors, are fluent in English.
However, the level of English proficiency can vary significantly in more rural areas, where residents may be less comfortable speaking English. In general, Belgians are multilingual, and many learn English as a second or third language in school.
While English is commonly understood, it’s always appreciated when travelers make an effort to use the local languages, whether it’s Dutch or French, as a sign of respect for the culture. Overall, you should have no trouble communicating in English during your travels in Belgium.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Belgium is EUR (€).
If you’re backpacking in Belgium, here are some quick money tips to keep your wallet happy:
ATM Access: ATMs are widespread and your best bet for getting cash. Just make sure your home bank knows you’re traveling to avoid any annoying card blocks.
Currency: Belgium uses the Euro (€). Forget about bringing dollars; you’ll just waste time and money on currency exchange fees.
Carrying Cash: It’s handy to carry a bit of cash for small purchases, especially in rural areas or smaller towns. In bigger cities, cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to have cash just in case.
Card Acceptance: Most places in cities will take cards, but double-check for those smaller, local spots. Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted, but American Express might not be as welcome.
Currency Exchange: If you must exchange cash, do it at a bank for better rates. Avoid airport exchanges unless it’s an emergency—they tend to have the worst rates.
Travel smart and enjoy those waffles and fries without worrying about your budget too much!
Tipping in Belgium is generally not expected as service charges are included in the bill, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated. In restaurants, rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving up to 10% is common. In taxis, rounding up the fare is sufficient.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.