Europe
Money, cards and tipping in Belgium
EUREuro
Money in Belgium
Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; every business must offer a digital payment option. Keep coins for markets and paid toilets. US$1 ≈ €0.89 (03 Oct 2026).
Key facts
- Tipping: Service is included; rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is enough.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs are fewer than before; avoid Euronet's fees and always decline the machine's currency conversion.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted; the Bancontact app needs a Belgian bank account.
- Price level: about 81% of US prices (World Bank PPP).
Cash or card, by place
| Place | Cards | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brussels | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; cash for some market stalls, small cafés and bars. Bancontact debit cards are the local standard. |
| Bruges | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; cash for some market stalls, small cafés and bars. Bancontact debit cards are the local standard. |
| Ghent | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; cash for some market stalls, small cafés and bars. Bancontact debit cards are the local standard. |
| Antwerp | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; cash for some market stalls, small cafés and bars. Bancontact debit cards are the local standard. |
| Leuven | Cards almost everywhere | Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; cash for some market stalls, small cafés and bars. Bancontact debit cards are the local standard. |
Quick answers
Do you tip in Belgium?
Service is included; rounding up or leaving a few euros for good service is enough.
Is Belgium cashless?
Cards almost everywhere. Cards and contactless work almost everywhere; every business must offer a digital payment option. Keep coins for markets and paid toilets.
What currency does Belgium use?
The Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 (03 Oct 2026).
Sources
- ExchangeRate-API open rates
- US State Department travel advisory
- Immigration Office (DOFI)
- SNCB/NMBS Belgian Railways
- European Commission: Entry/Exit System
- Speedtest Global Index: Belgium
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.