Medical care is excellent but expensive. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid for nationals of EU and EFTA countries. The EHIC regulates care and reimbursement of costs in the event of illness for EU and EFTA citizens. In the event of illness, EHIC holders contact a resident doctor or dentist. The costs of the treatment must first be paid on site. The invoice is then submitted to the health insurance company in your home country for reimbursement. The EHIC does not include repatriation after a serious illness or an accident abroad. Statutory health insurance companies are not allowed to offer this service. Only private travel insurance companies pay for return transport. It is therefore recommended that you take out health insurance abroad for the duration of your stay, which covers risks that are not covered by statutory health insurance companies. If necessary, the rescue coordination center can be reached via the emergency number 100. Check indexdotcom for more information.
Food and drink
Shellfish poisoning is very rare. The famous Belgian fries stands are also safe from a hygienic point of view.
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci, poliomyelitis and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Across the country, there is a risk of transmission of borreliosis/Lyme disease from ticks, especially in grass, shrubs and undergrowth. Protection is offered by skin-covering clothes and insect repellents. Hepatitis B occurs. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given for longer stays and for children and adolescents in general. Children and young people in particular should be vaccinated against meningococcal meningitis.
Health certificate
In Belgium and all other EU countries, proof of the COVID vaccination status with the paper vaccination card is valid in addition to the digital COVID-19 vaccination card (EU Digital COVID Certificate). Belgium accepts the Swiss COVID certificate.
Money
Currency
1 euro = 100 cents. Currency code: €, EUR (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, coins in denominations of 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
Credit cards
American Express, Mastercard, Diners Club and Visa are accepted. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card. An extensive network of ATMs is accessible by credit card. Numerous shops, boutiques, restaurants, car rental companies etc. accept credit cards.
ATMs
Girocard With the Girocard (formerly EC card) such as the Maestro card, V Pay or Sparcard and PIN number, cash can be withdrawn from ATMs in the national currency throughout Europe. In many European countries it is also possible to pay with a debit card in shops. Cards with the Cirrus, V-Pay or Maestro symbol are accepted throughout Europe. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, some banks are also open on Saturday mornings.
Foreign exchange regulations
There are no restrictions on the import or export of local and foreign currency for travelers within the EU. Travelers entering or leaving the EU with cash of €10,000 or more (or the equivalent in other currencies or other easily convertible values such as checks made out to a third party or gold coins with a gold content of at least 90% or gold bars, nuggets or nuggets with a gold content of at least 99.5% and prepaid cards other than prepaid cards) must declare this amount to the customs authorities.
