Belgium
The practical basics before you go: plugs, emergency numbers, money, tipping and the time.
The country in brief
About 11.9 million people live in Belgium, on 30,688 km². The capital is Brussels.
- Capital
- Brussels
- Population
- 11,941,781
- Area
- 30,688 km²
- Official languages
- French, German, and Dutch
Facts change, so check the important things before you travel.
Population: World Bank, 2025 (CC BY 4.0). Capital, area and languages: Wikidata. Facts fetched October 30, 2026.
Before you go
Which plugs are used in Belgium?
Sockets take plug type C/E, at 230 V and 50 Hz.
What is the emergency number in Belgium?
Call 112 for police, ambulance and fire.
Do you tip in Belgium?
Round up, or leave small change.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Belgium?
Traffic drives on the right.
What currency is used in Belgium?
Prices are in Euro (EUR).
What language do they speak in Belgium?
Official languages: French, German, and Dutch.
How do I call a number in Belgium from abroad?
To call a number there from abroad, start with +32.
Entry rules and travel advice
Visa rules depend on your passport and can change at short notice. Your own government keeps them up to date, so check its advice before you book.
Links checked October 30, 2026.
