Brussels, Belgium Report of what it's like to live there - 06/05/25
Personal Experiences from Brussels, Belgium
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I have lived in Moscow, Quito, Prague, London, and Toronto prior to living in Brussels.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
In the US we split time between Mesa AZ and Washington DC. It's about 8.5 hours to DC and another 4.5 hours from DC to Phoenix. There's at least one flight daily between Brussels and DC.
3. What years did you live here?
2022-2025.
4. How long have you lived here?
Almost three years.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We're out in the suburbs by the American school and have a surprisingly large house with full basement and ginormo back yard. In general housing here seems to be larger than average U.S. government-provided housing elsewhere in Europe.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
I'd say availability and prices of most groceries are equivalent to any large US city. As always, it depends on how flexible you're willing to be. For example, if you want cheese, there's loads of cheese everywhere at reasonable prices, but almost all of it is mild cheese like Edam and Gouda. Since I strongly prefer extremely sharp cheddar, I shell out a relative fortune for British cheddar (Cathedral City Vintage).
If you're posted to the US Tri-Mission, then you'll also have shopping privileges on the base in Chievres, so if you don't mind driving an hour each way then you can stock up on your US delicacies.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Downtown there's a large variety of restaurants. Out in the 'burbs there are fewer options; most restaurants seem to be bistros with a smattering of sushi places. Be aware that Belgians have a tendency to sprinkle crispy (fake) onion bits on sushi. ???
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
We have lots of weird ladybug-ish-but-not-ladybug things, but they stay outside.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We're spoiled with Diplomatic Post Office mail through the Embassy, but we've also received plenty of packages through the Belgian postal system without any issues.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
There's a voucher system for services like that house cleaning we never managed to make work. Others seem happy with it.
3. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Brussels is as safe as any large Western city.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are Lots of gyms all over the community, but we've found them to be quite expensive.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Haven't had any issues with credit cards or ATMs here.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most of the time English will work to communicate. Occasionally you'll encounter a situation where only French or Flemish will work, so keep your phone with Google translate handy!
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes! There are hills and uneven sidewalks, some of which appear to be under perpetual construction. Metro elevators sometimes work and sometimes don't.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They all seem to be safe. The main Brussels city transportation seems to be pretty reliable (unless they're on strike, which happens ALL THE TIME). The De Lijn busses that hypothetically serve Flanders are much less reliable, with busses getting canceled or showing up at +/- 5-10 minutes from their scheduled times on a regular basis. This is a huge issue when even during rush hour they're only scheduled to come every 20 minutes or so.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
We have a Kia Soul, and it barely fits in the parking spaces in many parking lots. Go as small as you can!
Car repair takes forever to schedule, and if you have a US spec car that needs a part you'll generally be expected to obtain it and bring it in to be installed. Maybe non-Kia places offer better customer service?
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, it's available. Not sure how long it takes because ours was installed before we arrived. Sadly, pre-arrival installation is no longer available.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We use T-Mobile with the magenta plan. It's a bit on the pricey side but has generally served us well.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
There are lots of vets with reasonable prices. Pet food/toys/everything is widely available at prices maybe 10% above DC prices. There's no quarantine, and Belgians LOOOOOOVE pets, so all is good.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
My spouse didn't work, so no idea.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
I'd say that on average it's US or slightly dressier. If you're going to the Marine Ball or something then you'd need something formal, but you won't need a whole closet full of black-tie outfits.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
As in any large city, there are tons of pickpockets, especially in touristy areas. Just pay attention and take reasonable precautions.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care has been good. Getting detailed bills that US insurance companies will accept for reimbursement can be extremely difficult, though.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Pollen is ridiculous for a couple of months, so if you have seasonal allergies expect to be sad and/or groggy for several weeks. Out in the suburbs I've smelled wood stoves frequently, but the level hasn't risen to a problematic level.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
There will be pollen, pollen, and more pollen. Belgium, like most of Europe, is attuned to food allergies and label food appropriately.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Belgium is cold and rainy for months on end. If you're prone to SAD, bring a sun lamp. As weird as it sounds, the constant strikes really started to get on my nerves, and I had to monitor my less-than-constructive reactions to them.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Cold and wet most of the time between late Sept and late April. Summer is sunnier but still not actually warm (25 C or 80 F) most of the time.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It's huge. Brussels has so many international organizations that the city is chock full of expats from just about everywhere.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Avoiding expats is harder than finding them, even if you're not working somewhere with expats.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's a good city for just about everyone.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Yes, no issues.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes. It's generally safe and accepting.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I haven't encountered any issues as a white, straight, cis female.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
ROAD TRIPS! You can get to much of western Europe in four hours. Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp, Strasbourg, Paris, Amsterdam, Aachen, Trier...
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Belgium is a country full of history with a strong tourist infrastructure. The whole country is full of hidden gems. Check out Villers Abbey for sure!
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Chocolate!
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Proximity to so many other great tourist spots
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The difficulty of getting restaurant food out in the suburbs between about 3:30 and 6 pm any day of the week.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
sunscreen
4. But don't forget your:
hunger
