Belgium has a well-developed and sophisticated banking system. The four main Belgian banks are ING, Dexia Bank, Fortis Bank and KBC. A full range of financial services are offered, with special account facilities for non-Belgian nationals. Banking services are also available from the Post Office. Bank of America, Citibank and JP Morgan also have branches in Belgium, along with a number of other foreign banks.

Banking hours are normally 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.

The main type of card in use is Belgium is the Mister Cash-Bancontact debit card (like a Switch card in the UK) which will be issued to you, along with a PIN number, when you open a bank account in Belgium. To open an account you will just have to show proof of identify such as your passport.

The Bancontact card can be used to withdraw cash at ATMs, but also as a means of payment for virtually everything in Belgium, including your daily newspaper, the parking meter, petrol and a loaf of bread from the bakery! The vendor records the amount to be paid on the computer terminal, you key in your PIN number, and the money is debited from your bank account. Credit options are available on application.

All bank ATMs in Belgium accept the Bancontact card, and some additionally take MasterCard, Visa and other credit and debit cards. The major credit cards are generally accepted in stores, restaurants and hotels.

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