Money, money, money

The monetary unit in Belgium is the euro (EUR). 

No euros yet?  You can either use a cash dispenser (widely spread) or exchange money in an exchange office (at the airport and in main cities). 

Credit cards

Nearly all cash dispensers accept EC cards. Credit cards are accepted in many shops or may be used to withdraw money. Foreign currency can be exchanged in banks. Also credit cards such as Visa, American Express, and Diners Club are accepted in many shops and restaurants.

Bank account

International students are advised to open a bank account on arrival. Such an account provides you with a cash card for automatic teller machines [Bancontact (incl. Proton i.e. digital purse), Mister Cash]. To transfer money from your bank in your home country, you give them the name and address of your Belgian bank, together with the account number and international bank sorting code. To open a bank account, you will need a valid ID or international passport, a certificate of enrolment at HUBrussel and a copy of your rental agreement. Some of the main banks in Belgium are KBC, ING, BNP Paribas Fortis. Take a look at their website. You can find their branch offices in and around Brussels.

There are small differences from bank to bank:

KBC: at KBC foreign students younger than 26, can open an account without any problem. They can receive a bankcard (Bancontact, Mister Cash) for free and they have all the rights Belgian students have.

ING: foreign students can open an account without any problem. The ING bankcard gives access to Bancontact and Mister Cash.

Card Stop

Attention: if you lose your credit card call Card Stop (070 344 344), they can block your account immediately. Be aware of the fact that you will have to give them your bank account number. Write it on a piece of paper in order not to forget it.