🇧🇪
Essential apps for
Belgium
België
Dutch, French, GermanEUR5 apps
Brussels and Bruges are very compact. Uber works in Brussels but trains rule between cities.
🔌
Power & Plug
TypeC / E
Voltage230V
Freq50Hz
French-style plugs.
💬
Basic phrases
Dutch
- HelloHalloHAH-loh
- Thank youDank jeDAHNK yuh
- Excuse me / SorrySorry / PardonSOR-ree / par-DON
- YesJayah
- NoNeenay
+10 more below
🎎
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory because service is included in restaurant and cafe prices, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for good service is appreciated. For taxis, rounding up the fare is customary.
🚖Rideshare & Taxi
See all →🗺️Navigation & Maps
See all →💬Translation
See all →Phrases
All Dutch phrases
Hello
Hallo
HAH-loh
Thank you
Dank je
DAHNK yuh
Excuse me / Sorry
Sorry / Pardon
SOR-ree / par-DON
Yes
Ja
yah
No
Nee
nay
Please
Alsjeblieft
AHL-shuh-bleeft
Goodbye
Tot ziens
tot zeens
How much?
Hoeveel kost het?
HOO-vayl kost het
Where is the bathroom?
Waar is het toilet?
vahr is het twa-LET
The check, please
De rekening, alsjeblieft
duh RAY-kuh-ning AHL-shuh-bleeft
I don't understand
Ik begrijp het niet
ik buh-GHRYP het neet
Do you speak English?
Spreekt u Engels?
spraykt oo ENG-uls
Help!
Help!
help
Delicious
Heerlijk
HAYR-luhk
Cheers
Proost
prohst
Briefing
What to know before you go
✓ Do
- Greet with a handshake in formal settings; close friends may exchange a single kiss on the cheek
- Be aware of the language divide: French in Wallonia, Dutch (Flemish) in Flanders, and bilingual Brussels; greet in the local language where possible
- Punctuality is valued for both business and social appointments
- Belgians are generally reserved and polite; keep your voice moderate in public
- Use 'please' and 'thank you' freely, and say hello when entering small shops
- Beer and food are points of national pride; show appreciation for local specialties
✕Don't
- Do not assume which language a region speaks or insist on French in Flanders (or vice versa); it can cause real offense
- Avoid loud or boastful behavior, which is seen as poor manners
- Do not compare Belgium unfavorably to France or the Netherlands, or call Belgians by those nationalities
- Avoid jaywalking and littering, which are frowned upon
⚠️ Common scams to know
- Overpriced waffles, fries, or drinks at tourist-trap stalls near Brussels' Grand Place with no clear prices
- Fake petition or 'deaf charity' collectors who distract you while an accomplice picks your pocket
- Pickpockets and bag-snatchers on crowded trams, metros, and around major train stations
- Unofficial taxi drivers at stations or the airport overcharging without a meter
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