Etiquette & taboos

Etiquette & taboos

Understanding local customs is where a journey begins. Find the topics that matter to you and feel at ease wherever you go.

Belgium

1 rules found

Local customsTippingCountry-wide guidance · Belgium

Belgium: service is included; round up or tip about 5–10% if pleased

Do

  • For good restaurant service, round up or leave about 5–10%
  • In cafés and bars, leaving some change is enough
  • Round up taxi fares; give porters a little per bag
  • Carry some euro cash for stalls and markets that take cash only
  • If unsure whether cards are accepted, ask before ordering

Don’t

  • Don't treat a tip as compulsory: service is usually included in the price
  • Don't pay with €200 or €500 notes; most shops refuse them

Not tipping is not rude. Since July 2022 Belgian businesses must by law offer at least one electronic payment method, but which cards are accepted varies, and cash is still accepted.

Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Official site: visit.brussels – Money, currency and change

Site-specific notes 3

Taken from the "don'ts" on each site page here. Open a site for its full etiquette and background.

Carnival of Binche, Belgium

  • Rushing into the procession to grab oranges
  • touching the Gilles' masks and feather hats
  • setting off fireworks in restricted zones

Ghent

  • Using flash in the altarpiece gallery
  • pushing or running on the castle walls
  • stepping backwards near the edge of waterside steps to frame a shot

Grand Place, Brussels

  • Climbing the façades, statues and fountains
  • entering the Flower Carpet area and ceremony zones