Practical Guide

This is just a short guide to help you live, work and play in Belgium. If it doesn’t provide the information you need, also check out the Charlie’s Tribe Directory which features reviews by expats and locals or maybe someone on the Forum will be able to answer your questions.

If you’ve got something to add to one of our existing topics or would like to suggest something you think others need to know about, please Contact Us.

Where to live

Brussels or one of its 19 communes (municipalities) seems to be an obvious choice as this is where most companies and institutions are located. Expatriates tend to stick to the south and south-east parts of Brussels with Etterbeek, Ixelles, Uccle, Woluwe-Saint-Pierre, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, and Water...

Renting/Buying

So you know which area you want to live in but you don’t know whether to rent or buy. It all depends on how long you’re planning to stay and how much money you have.Renting When you first move here it is probably easier to rent first so that you get to know Belgium. Be very careful with ...

Utilities

If you’re renting you should be able to sort out electricity, gas and water with your landlord. Electrable and Sibelgaz are still the main providers but there are cheaper/alternative providers. If you own your property you'll need to arrange with the previous owners to transfer all utilities i...

Telephone, Television, Internet

Telephone For fixed line telephony Belgacom is still the biggest player on the market. Telenet offers competition but is only available in certain parts of Belgium. There are various mobile phone operators so you should shop around to see which ones can offer what you need. Proximus, Mobistar and...

Banks

Belgium offers a wide choice of banks and financial institutions. When choosing a bank, make sure that the branch you choose is conveniently located as some operations you will only be able to perform at your own branch. Also note that many banks close for lunch and on Saturdays. This can be rather ...

Healthcare

Belgium has one of the best healthcare systems in Europe. You do pay hefty social security contributions but at the same time you are relatively free in choosing a doctors, hospitals and other medical services. There are also no major delays for operations or getting appointments with specialists. W...

Transport

It is very easy to get to Belgium, leave it and also to drive around in it. Within an hours drive you can be in France, Germany or The Netherlands. Most major airlines serve Brussels National Airport, the taxi services are good and cheaper than most European capitals and public transport, especially...

Gay/Lesbian

Belgium offers all a gay boy or girl could wish for. Civil marriage has been legal since 2003 and it was only the second country in the world to remove gender references in marriage laws. Since 2006 gay and lesbian couples can also adopt children. Your commune can provide all the information on g...