Brussels, Belgium Report of what it's like to live there - 04/24/24
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?
Yes.
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?
Honolulu, Hawaii. It takes about 3 flights with a total of 23 hours of travel.
3. How long have you lived here?
3 years and 9 months.
4. What years did you live here?
2020-2024.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Military
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
My husband is assigned on military orders and we don't qualify for embassy housing. We are in a spacious 3 bedroom, 2 bath apartment in Woluwe Saint Lambert. Most live in houses further out from the city. Commute time to NATO is about 15 minutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Costs for groceries seem to be more than in the United States.
3. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
We use Dilveroo and Ubereats.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Our mail is sent to our APO at NATO HQ.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We do not use household help.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
We use the gym at USAG Brussels, it is free.
4. 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?
We live in a safe neighborhood. There are parts of Brussels, like most cities, where it doesn't feel the safest.
Belgium has many bike lanes and lovely parks.
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?
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted. There are ATMs, and we do try to take money out at the ATM at USAG Brussels.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most Belgians speak very good English. Even if I attempt to speak French, they speak English to me.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It seems most metro stations have elevators which would help physically disabled persons to access the metro. I am sure there are other things that could make it more accessible.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes.
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?
Bring a compact car. I do not recommend large vehicles as parking garages are very difficult to park in here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It is. It took us quite some time, due to moving during the pandemic.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I do not recommend Proximus.
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?
Employment opportunities are pretty limited in Brussels because of the SOFA agreement. There are volunteer opportunities at USAG Brussels and the Brussels Consignment Shop.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There is a organization called "Serve the City" that has many different volunteer opportunities to give back to the Brussels community.
Health & Safety:
1. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Many people have bad allergies in Brussels.
2. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Seasonal Affective Disorder.
3. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Wet and mild temperature
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
It is not a huge community, that I am aware of. I think there could be more of a sense of community. With NATO, USAG Brussels and the Embassy all separate, it is hard to feel a part of a community.
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?
I volunteered at the Brussels Consignment Shop. That's how I met people.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's what you make of it. We love it here.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
I have not made any friends with locals.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Belgium is very LGBT friendly.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I am aware of.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Visiting the Dolomites. One of my favorite places in the world.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Visiting the trolls in Boom, Belgium
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Being so central, it is very easy to travel throughout Europe.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I would have not brought items that were not dual voltage and would not have brought a king-sized bed.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. I love Belgium.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
King-size bed, any electronics that are 110 voltage.
4. But don't forget your:
Walking shoes! So much to see and do!
