Belgium
Pros and Cons of Living in Belgium
Last updated on Jul 03, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Belgium include its central location in Europe, making it easy to travel to other countries, its high quality of life, and its diverse culture. Additionally, Belgium has a strong economy and a well-developed infrastructure. On the other hand, the cost of living in Belgium is relatively high, and the weather can be unpredictable. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who do not speak Dutch, French, or German.
What are the pros and cons of living in Belgium?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Belgium responded:
"Public transport is good, services are regular but some are 30 mins or more between buses. Restaurants can be a pain to get into. Book in advance especially in the City centre. ," explained one expat living in Ghent.
"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the high quality of life in Belgium, with its excellent public transportation, modern infrastructure, and vibrant cultural scene. They also enjoy the country's diverse cuisine, with its wide range of international restaurants and local specialties. Additionally, Belgium's central location in Europe makes it an ideal base for exploring the continent. On the other hand, expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Belgium to be quite high, and the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Dutch or French," said one in Belgium.
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William RussellWilliam Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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What do expats in Belgium appreciate most about the local culture?
"Expats in Belgium appreciate the country's rich cultural heritage, which includes a variety of art, music, and architecture. They also enjoy the country's diverse cuisine, which features a variety of regional specialties. Additionally, expats appreciate the friendly and welcoming nature of the Belgian people, who are known for their hospitality and openness to foreigners. Finally, expats enjoy the country's excellent public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around and explore the country," said one person in Belgium.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
What do expats find most challenging?
"Expats in Belgium often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as many Belgians speak both French and Dutch, and English is not as widely spoken as in other countries. Additionally, the Belgian culture is quite formal, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the more formal way of interacting with people. Furthermore, the Belgian bureaucracy can be complex and time-consuming, making it difficult for expats to navigate the system. Finally, the cost of living in Belgium is quite high, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the higher prices," explained one expat living in Belgium.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Belgium?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Belgium?
- Will I be able to find a job in Belgium?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Belgium appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Belgium?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Belgium accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Belgium like?
- How are healthcare services in Belgium?
- What are medical services in Belgium like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Belgium?
- What are emergency services like in Belgium?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Belgium?
- How are local medical facilities in Belgium?
- As a foreigner living in Belgium, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
