ExpatFinder.com tips

How to Prepare for a Move to Brussels

Written by Expat Finder Tuesday, 14 June 2011 09:14

If you are moving to Belgium, health care is one of the first few things that you will have to consider. You will want to consider all your options carefully, but for an overview to get you started, see below:

Health Insurance

Expat health insurance is mandatory in Belgium, so one of the first few things you will need when you decide to move to Brussels is look out for suitable international health insurance providers. Investing in overseas health insurance makes a lot of sense and you should start your search as early as possible before you make the move.

In Belgium, as part of the process of national social security enrolment, the employed as well as self-employed must contribute to a health insurance fund (mutualité/ziekenfonds). Information about various fund options can be sought from your employers, friends and colleagues. All funds charge the same basic contribution (7.35%), pay similar benefits and provide automatic cover for dependent family (including a spouse who does not have cover and children up to 18 years of age); the only difference being the period for reimbursement. Employers provide supplementary health cover in the form of an employee benefit.

You may seek treatment at a public or private hospital in Belgium. Irrespective of the type of hospital you choose, always carry your passport or your Belgian identification card with you. Your SIS (Système d’Information Sociale) card is necessary if you are undergoing treatment using the public health system. However, if you subscribe to a private international medical insurance scheme, carry your receipt as proof of insurance. Remember to check which insurance plans are accepted at your chosen hospital before you are admitted.

Hospitals & Clinics

Refer to the Yellow Pages for a comprehensive list of hospitals and clinics. However, the best way to locate a reliable medical facility is through friends and colleagues who will be able to give you an idea about the functioning of the hospital and its emergency unit.

There are two kinds of hospitals in Belgium. The first you may encounter is a hospital (hôpital or ziekenhuis) that has its own staff on duty 24 hours a day. The staff here is in charge of a patient’s treatment and it is unlikely that your own General Practitioner will oversee your treatment. The other type is a private hospital known as clinic (clinique/kliniek) where your General Practitioner is in charge of your treatment and the role of the staff is limited to care giving. Most doctors are associated with at least one or two clinics.

Doctors & Dentists

Doctors advertise in the Yellow Pages, but the best way to find a reliable doctor is by asking your friends, family and colleagues. Many doctors in Belgium speak English so you don’t have to worry on that account.

General Practitioners are the best people to refer you to a specialist should you need one. A number of well trained dentists practice in Belgium, though you typically have to pay them directly. Proposals for major dental treatment must be submitted by the dentist to the health insurance company or National Health Service before the work is done.

What to do when you Arrive in Brussels

Written by Expat Finder Tuesday, 14 June 2011 09:08

When you arrive in Belgium, one of the first few things that you need to get around would be the Belgian Euro. Fortunately, you have many choices in how to go about finding what you need. Here is some more information…

Changing Currency

If you are moving to Brussels, you will most likely need to purchase foreign currency. Most Brussels banks or specialized stores, called Foreign Exchange Bureaus, can assist you in exchanging your money for the Euro. Look out for signs that say Bureau De Change, Geld Wechseln or Cambio.

You can also exchange your money at the Brussels airport; however, exchange rates here may not be the best. You should consider purchasing the Euro currency at a more favorable exchange rate, or even before you arrive in Brussels. You can do so by looking up online currency brokers that do foreign exchange. Remember to consult with your credit or debit card bank about the foreign exchange transaction fees charged for using your card in Brussels. Often, the fees for foreign currency exchange through your credit card can be high, so it would be wise to hold onto that only for emergencies.

Opening an Account

To open a current account (compte à vue/zichtrekening) anywhere in Belgium you only require your passport or any other photo identification. It is also possible for you to open an account and receive code numbers to manage your account even before your arrival in Belgium. You may collect your bank and credit cards when you visit the bank after your arrival in the country.

You can open different types of savings accounts with most banks. A certain amount of savings account interest is exempt from taxes in Belgium. Term deposits usually require an investment of up to 12 months.

Normal banking hours in Belgium are 9am to 4 or 4.30pm Mondays to Fridays; a few banks are open on Saturdays and smaller branches close for an hour at lunchtime (usually 1 to 2pm).

Debit Cards & Credit Cards

When you open an account you will initially receive a debit card which you can use to make payments, transfer money and use the ATMs (distributeurs automatiques) (an additional charge for using ATM’s of other banks may be applicable). Debit cards are widely accepted by retailers and service providers across Belgium. Major debit card providers include Bancontact, Mister Cash and Maestro.

To make small purchases in the country you can use a cash card (named “Proton” in Belgium), which is just like a phone card.