Everyday life in Belgium: strange habits and how to get used to them

As we all know, all cultures are different. If you come from the bordering countries, you might have similar habits. Me, once I arrived in Belgium, I found out a few things that shocked me a little bit about their culture and habits.

If you are willing to have a tea/coffee at 5 pm in a café you might not get one because many cafés are closed at that time. Instead, you can have a beer or eat. Pubs and restaurants are open at 5.30/6 pm since is dinner time in Belgium, that means that by 9 pm there will be only kebabs and fast food left (not the Mc Donald’s or Burger king, they close early too). Don’t be surprised if your Belgian friends invite you to have a beer at 4 pm or parties are scheduled for 8 pm, it’s normal.

Talking about cafés, you can find a very tasteful café in Belgium, notably the café liegois but if you ask for a Cappuccino, it won't be always made the Italian way with foam, they may serve you an American coffee with some cream or milk aside, so if you are not sure just go to Starbucks.

In Belgium, most stores accept only Belgian credit cards and will refuse yours. This happens in certain supermarkets as Colruyt and Okay Market as well as in some restaurants. Always ask and be sure you can use your card or take enough money with you.

Likewise, take some money with you if you are going to the doctor or to the hospital. You will have to pay for it. A visit can cost around 30 euros. Even though, if you have an assurance (private or public), which you can make at your arrival for free, they will refund you. A fire assurance is also asked by the landlords to cover the possibles damages of the apartment, it is important to do it as you sign your contract (in some of them is already included).

Street food is very popular in Belgium, Belgian people can eat literally everything walking: chips, waffles, pizza, a sandwich, a salad, pasta in a box!! You will find some cheap snack-bars that make very tasteful grandma-sized pasta boxes for super prices, from 3 to 5 euros with a huge variety of sauces.

Be ready to do a lot of stairs. In fact, the houses and buildings are usually tall and there is not enough space to install an elevator (not so nice for people with disability). Frequently, in the student apartments, the kitchen and the bathroom aren’t on the same floor. If you are looking for a room in Belgium, this could be a clever question to ask.

In the street, the only trash can you will find is for glass. But, one day a week you will find a lot of garbage bags by the street. A garbage truck will pick them up and clean the street by night. The day changes for each city but it is usually form Monday to Friday, not during weekends.

On Sunday supermarkets and shops are closed. Only restaurants, cafés and Museums are open, but they might change their opening hours.
To avoid boredom, use this day to discover the hidden corners of the city or to visit some place else (train tickets are usually cheaper during weekends).

That’s what I discovered during my first months in Belgium. I hope that this can help you to fit in faster and if you find out more, share it with me!