Packing list for Belgium, insurance for Belgium and packing your belongings

What to take to Belgium: brief

To pack and check

• Documents and money: a valid identity card or passport is sufficient for travelers from the EU, but for most other nationalities, a visa might be required. Belgium uses the euro, and you can pay by debit card or contactless payment almost everywhere. A small amount of cash can be handy for markets, chip shops, or a local café.
• Clothing: layers! Belgium is known for changeable weather, with sun, rain, and wind all on the same day. A good raincoat or folding umbrella is almost always a good idea, regardless of the season. Furthermore, clothing depends on the season you are going in.
• Shoes: comfortable sneakers are ideal for cities like Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels, where you will be walking on cobblestones a lot. When you are visiting the Ardennes, bring comfortable hiking boots with good grip.
• Personal care and hygiene: sunscreen.
• Packing and protection: a rain cover for your backpack and possibly a dry bag if you intend to do a lot of hiking or cycling.
• Insects and animals: mosquito repellent when camping near rivers or lakes during the summer months. Medicines and travel first aid kit: a small first aid kit with plasters, painkillers, and blister plasters is usually sufficient.
• Outdoors and practicalities: a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, and a reusable bag. Plastic bags are prohibited in shops.
• Technology and equipment: a travel adapter for type C and E sockets.

To consider

• Rain trousers for hikes in the Ardennes.
• Cycling gloves if you plan to explore the many cycling routes.
• Swimwear for the Belgian coast or wellness centers.
• An insulated mug for hot chocolate or coffee during winter city walks.
• A little space in your suitcase for Belgian chocolate, beer glasses, and speculaas.

Are there mosquitoes in Belgium?

• Yes, everywhere during the warmer months, with larger populations near stagnant water, rivers, and forest areas.
• They are mostly just annoying, but not dangerous.
• More about protection against mosquitoes and insects.

Are there sandflies in Belgium?

• Sandflies do not pose a relevant problem for travelers in Belgium.
• More about sandflies and sand fleas.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Belgium?

• Yes, DEET, picaridine, and other mosquito repellents are available everywhere at pharmacies, outdoor stores, drugstores, and supermarkets.
• For example, visit a Kruidvat, Medi-Market, A.S. Adventure, Delhaize, or Carrefour, and you will have a huge selection.
• See also DEET mosquito repellents and the percentages.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Belgium, or bring it into Belgium?

• Cannabis is illegal in Belgium. There are no official points of sale, and the sale, cultivation, and import of weed, hash, space cake, and CBD products containing THC are punishable offenses.
• Possession of small quantities for personal use is sometimes tolerated, sometimes resulting in a simple police report, but it officially remains an offense. Taking cannabis across the border is not permitted, not even from the Netherlands.