Brussels, Belgium Report of what it's like to live there - 08/12/24
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?
Third time posted overseas (Stuttgart and Strasbourg)
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?
USA. Brussels Internation is a major European travel hub and you will have no problems moving around.
3. What years did you live here?
2023-2024
4. How long have you lived here?
One year.
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?
We were on the economy for housing. We went slightly above OHA for our apartment, but it was worth it for the quality of the accomodations and the location, as well as the quick move-in. You could easily find a place to live within your price range, but you do need to hire a good realtor, which is just the cost of doing business.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Brussels is quite affordable for a European capital.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None. It's Europe, so in my opinion, if you can't live on the economy here, you're not going to enjoy living here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
We didn't eat out a lot. You can get restaurant delivery from takeaway.com. You can get groceries delivered from Carrefour.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Our building was immaculate.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Local postal facilities are good. The APO is good for its small size, but it's not as easy as going to your local PO in the US of course.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We didn't use any, but I think you can get extremely affordable cleaners through any company that offers "titres services."
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?
In my opinion, Brussels is very safe. There are probably places you could get into trouble at night if you run around with criminals, but for an average, law-abiding, workaday person, you aren't likely to have any problems whatsoever, no matter what you read on the news or hear from RSO. Just be aware of your surroundings and don't go to extreme lengths to advertise who you are, where you're from, and what you're doing while in public.
Everyone in Brussels is from somewhere else, so you really aren't going to stand out anyway. I found biking to be very convenient, safe, and enjoyable. It's a city, but they do a good job accommodating cyclists. Depending on where you live, you should have reasonable access to outdoor spaces, but the weather is often not very pleasant for outdoor activities. Take advantage of nice weather when you have it.
4. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Many options at all price points.
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?
You will fare better with a local bank card. ATMS are accessible, but usually have very high fees if you aren't a customer at a local bank.
6. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Holy Trinity Anglican. There are probably others, but this is the one we know of.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Some French will make for a better experience, but in Brussels proper you can get by with English. Everywhere outside of Brussels is Flemish-speaking. The Flemish generally speak enough English for you to get by.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It's more accomodating than Paris, for example.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public transit is quite good and reasonably priced. We didn't have a car so we used public transit and bikes to get around. We never felt like we were at a disadvantage for not having a car. In fact, the traffic is pretty notorious, and a car would have been a liability.
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?
It's Europe, so the smaller, the better.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
We were able to get fiber internet within a short time of taking our lease.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We used Proximus for both internet and cell phone. They have terrible customer service, however we never had any technical problems.
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?
If you're coming for military, the working rules are dismal as always. Your best bet is working at USAG or the Embassy. Getting a work visa is a separate process and will take a while.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Ample opportunities to volunteer in the Embassy community, the USAG community, and the local community.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Brussels is diverse enough that you'll see some of everything, but you will feel more comfortable and less conspicuous if you dress neatly and respectfully for your age. It's Europe, so just class it up a little and you'll be just fine.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
In my opinion, Brussels is very safe.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is good, but like everywhere, it takes time to see a specialist.
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?
Air quality is reasonable. My family experienced bad allergies in the spring. Otherwise, the incessant wind and rain seem to do an adequate job of cleaning the air.
4. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
The winter is long, dark, and wet, so let that be your guide.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Wet, but generally very temperate. Don't leave home without your rain jacket or umbrella, no matter what the forecase says. Overall, we didn't mind the weather.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Lots of schools available, and lots of competition for spots. We ended up in a local public school. Private can be insanely expensive. There is a highly-rated DODEA school.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Plenty of affordable options for before and after school care. Kids start going to maternelle (pre-school) at 2-3 years old. Completely affordable and good quality.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Lots of extra-curriculars for students, but you always need to seek these out separately from school (unless your at DODEA or a private).
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Between the Tri-mission, NATO, and the the numerous other international institutuions, there is a very robust expat community. Morale seems good, but we were more integrated in the local community ourselves.
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?
Clubs and volunteering will help you meet some people. Our neighbors were very friendly. Many people will happily speak English with you.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
We are a family of 3 and found Brussels to be an exceedingly nice place to live. In my opinion there is something for everyone.
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
The city is so diverse that it's hard to imagine anyone having too hard of a time here compared to other places.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Seems accommodating and friendly.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Again, quite a diverse and overall friendly place.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
We found Brussels to be a totally comfortable place to live. Much easier than other places in Europe because of it's relative diversity. You won't feel like an outsider, because almost everyone comes from somewhere else. There is much to offer in Belgium, and travel to the rest of Europe is very easy.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Just go do local stuff and you'll have a good time. Shop at the markets. Buy local products. Drink Belgian beer. Take the train to other cities for half off on the weekends and discover other places in Belgium. I think it's an underrated country, and for that reason, it's a perfect place to live and explore.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Not especially.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Great public transit, great spot to travel to and from, not very touristic. Quality of life is very good.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
We'd visited before, and it met our expectations. Get the Museum Pass early on and take advantage of it often.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
(if living in Brussels): car, grill, gardening tools
4. But don't forget your:
Bikes, rain gear
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Rick Steves seems to give pretty good highlights.
