Belgium

Belgium’s rail network is one of the densest in the world, making it incredibly easy to hop between medieval cities. From Brussels-Central, you can reach the diamond district of Antwerp or the fairy-tale canals of Ghent in under an hour. For a budget-friendly tip, look for the Weekend Ticket, which offers a 50% discount on return journeys from Friday evening through Sunday. While the trains are reliable, navigating the bilingual station names—such as Brussel-Zuid vs. Bruxelles-Midi—can be tricky for first-timers. To avoid getting turned around, activate a Hello eSIM before you land. Having a steady data connection allows you to check live platform changes on the SNCB app without hunting for spotty station Wi-Fi. Once you arrive in cities like Bruges, the best way to explore is on foot or by bicycle. Most historic centers are compact and pedestrian-friendly, though the cobblestones are unforgiving, so pack sturdy walking shoes. If you are traveling with a group, use the Hello trip planning feature to pin your must-see spots like the Belfry of Bruges or the Gravensteen castle, ensuring your itinerary stays organized across every city stop.

Belgian cuisine is a serious affair, ranging from world-class fine dining to legendary street food. You haven't truly visited until you’ve tried Moules-Frites (mussels and fries) or a caramelized Liège waffle, which is denser and sweeter than the rectangular Brussels variety. Expect to pay around €5 ($5.40) for a loaded waffle and about €25 ($27) for a hearty pot of mussels in a central bistro. For beer enthusiasts, a visit to a traditional estaminet is essential to sample Trappist ales or a tart, spontaneously fermented Lambic. To keep your finances in check, use the Hello budget tracker to log your spending in Euros as you go. If you are sharing a round of specialty beers or a massive platter of Bitterballen (savory fried snacks), the Hello expense splitting feature makes it simple to divide the cost fairly without the awkward mental math at the table. Remember that while service charges are included in the bill by law, rounding up to the nearest Euro is a common and appreciated gesture for friendly service.

Belgium is a fascinating linguistic patchwork, divided mainly into Dutch-speaking Flanders in the north and French-speaking Wallonia in the south. In Brussels, you’ll find a mix of both. While English is widely spoken in tourist hubs, learning a simple "Goeiedag" or "Bonjour" goes a long way with locals. One practical tip for your Hello trip planner: keep in mind that many shops, including smaller supermarkets and boutiques, close entirely on Sundays. This is the perfect day to head to the Marché du Midi in Brussels, one of the largest markets in Europe, or to explore the Belgian Comic Strip Center. Museums often have late-night openings on Thursdays, which is a great way to avoid the midday crowds at the Magritte Museum. Stay connected with a Hello eSIM to easily look up the opening hours of local pharmacies or smaller galleries, which can vary by region. By tracking your daily outgoings in the Hello app, you can enjoy the festive Christmas markets or summer festivals without any budget surprises, ensuring your Belgian adventure is as smooth as a piece of Godiva chocolate.