The Good Trip guide · For U.S. travelers
BelgiumA little local knowledge.
Savor world-famous chocolates, waffles, and craft beers, while exploring historic cities like Brussels, Bruges, and Ghent.
Tap water is safe to drink.
Ambulance: 112
Euro
Exercise Increased Caution
Essential Etiquette in Belgium
Key dos and don'ts every American traveler should know before arriving.
Respect the linguistic division
Belgium is divided into Flanders (Dutch-speaking north) and Wallonia (French-speaking south), with Brussels being bilingual. Avoid speaking French to someone in Flanders or Dutch in Wallonia. If in doubt, ask 'Do you speak English?' or stick to English, which is widely spoken.
Alcohol and drug laws
Drinking age is 16 for beer and wine, 18 for liquor. Possessing small amounts of marijuana is punishable by a fine. Driving under the influence is strictly enforced with serious penalties including on-the-spot fines and potential imprisonment.
Keep it polite and reserved
Belgians tend to value privacy, modesty, and quiet behavior. Loud public talking or boasting about wealth is frowned upon. Say 'Goedendag' (Dutch) or 'Bonjour' (French) when entering shops.
Speed cameras are everywhere
Belgium uses fixed and average-speed cameras extensively on motorways and secondary roads, especially around major cities. Speed limits are strictly enforced with fines sent to rental car agencies.
Essential Dutch (Flemish) Phrases
Respectful expressions with phonetic pronunciations to help you connect with locals.
"Hello"
"Thank you"
"Thank you (formal)"
"Sorry / Excuse me"
Take all 69 phrases and offline audio with you in Good Trip.
Water & pharmacies
Tap water is drinkable
Tap water is safe throughout. In older buildings in Brussels/historic cities, lead pipes may exist — run tap 30 seconds before drinking. Ardennes spring water is excellent.
Local Pharmacy Rules
Well-stocked with highly trained pharmacists. Look for the green cross sign (Apotheek/Pharmacie). 24-hour pharmacie de garde available. English widely spoken.
Apps to Download Before Flying to Belgium
Useful apps for transit, navigation, and food delivery in Belgium.
SNCB
SNCB/NMBS is the official Belgian national railway app. It is essential for checking timetables, finding platform numbers, and purchasing tickets for high-speed or local trains between Brussels, Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, and Liège.
STIB-MIVB
STIB-MIVB is the official app for Brussels public transit (Metro, tram, and bus). It provides real-time arrival estimates, network status, and route planning within the capital region.
De Lijn
De Lijn is the public transit operator for Flanders, the northern region of Belgium. Use this app for buses and trams when visiting historic cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Antwerp, or the Belgian coast.
Emergency Contacts & U.S. Embassy
If you lose your passport, need urgent medical evacuation, or encounter legal trouble, keep this info accessible offline.
U.S. Embassy Brussels
Regentlaan 27, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Field Guides & Dispatches for Belgium
This preview comes from the Good Trip country guide. Conditions and travel advisories can change. Check the latest U.S. State Department advice before departure.
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