Local Customs

Customs in Belgium

For such a small country, Belgium has a diverse culture and somewhat complex political and administrative system, largely brought about by rising tensions between the Dutch and French speaking regions and movements for regional autonomy which resulted in constitutional changes in recent years.

The attitude of the people and the ambience of an environment can be very different depending on which part of Belgium you happen to be in at the time. Brussels, being the location of both the EU and NATO headquarters, sees a lot of diplomats and eurocrats coming and going and a large portion of the city’s economy is geared toward servicing this sector. Prices tend to be higher in Brussels than elsewhere in Belgium and the life of locals faster paced and more frantic. In this sense, Brussels is no different to any other large capital city in the world.

Other cities and towns in Belgium are more laid back and relaxed allowing the more traditional personality of the people to shine through, especially their love of music, dining out, partying and being social and sociable.This is especially true in some of the towns and cities dominated by students such as Leuven and Ghent. Alternatively the City of Antwerp, though still friendly is geared more towards fashion and style.

Tipping is not expected in restaurants, cafes or hotels as a service charge is almost always included in the bill, but If the service has been very good a small tip will always be welcome. Tipping a hotel porter 1 euro per bag is customary, and rounding up a taxi fare is normal.

When shopping in Belgium it is not customary to bargain except perhaps at markets. Politely asking for a discount in some situations may get a good result, but be prepared to take no for an answer.

About 45% of Belgians identify with the Catholic religion. Around 4% are Muslim. Many Belgians claim to be either atheist or agnostic.

Generally, Belgians love to enjoy themselves, and tend to do so frequently and publicly. They do however, possess a finely tuned sense of appropriate public behaviour which seems to be self-regulating. This results in police keeping a fairly low profile, except in cases public disturbance and being too drunk. As a rule, enjoy yourself, but do so with a sense of self control, discretion and respect. It is also important to remember that by law everyone is required to carry ID at all times.