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Bookmark & shareBelgium is still largely a cash-based society, locals generally use cash for small purchases so you can't avoid having at least some cash in your pocket. Major credit cards are widely accepted at top and mid-range hotels and restaurants, and in many shops and petrol stations. City centres are well populated with ATMs.
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Currency
- Name
- Euro
- Symbol
- €
Euro notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500. It is often difficult to get change for a Euro500 note.
One euro is divided into 100 cents or centimes. Coins of 1, 2 and 5 centimes are copper-coloured; coins of 10, 20 and 50 centimes are gold-coloured; 1 and 2 euro coins are gold-and-silver coloured. It's a good idea to keep a supply of various coins for parking meters, laundrettes, tolls etc.
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Changing Your Money
Banks are the best place to change your money, charging only a small commission on travellers' cheques. Out of hours, there are the less generous exchange bureaus.
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Sample Price Guide
- baguette sandwich
- € 3.00
- one kilogram of pralines
- € 30.00-50.00
- movie ticket
- € 6.00
- roll of film
- € 6.00
- litre of petrol
- € 1.60
- small bottle of water
- € 0.75
- bottle of Trappist beer
- € 3.50
- souvenir t-shirt
- € 13.00
- street snack - fries
- € 1.80
Average Room Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe €15-80 €80-150 €150-350 €350+ Average Meal Prices
Low Mid High Deluxe €5-15 €15-30 €30-60 €60+ -
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory as service and value-added tax (VAT) are included in hotel and restaurant prices. But if you're pleased with the service, add a little extra. Cinema and theatre attendants generally expect a Euro0.50 tip, and in public toilets it's usual to leave Euro0.25 for the attendant.
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