Belgium has a lot to offer for real adventure seekers and merry makers. In the country you get to have great sightseeing, a chance to reconnect contemporary and historical realities. It’s no wonder the country is among the major tourist spots in Europe. But as a visitor or even resident of Belgium, getting to these attractions and just experiencing the full breadth and length of the country comes at a cost. Even living your normal life in Portugal without taking the trouble to travel can be so financially demanding. Talk of meeting your normal bills, buying a trendy electronic, purchasing a designer wear and so forth. You are likely to overrun your budget while traveling or in your normal life in Belgium. Remedy? Having credit cards from reliable lenders.
While having some spare change to carry out might be helpful, you risk losing it or something. Besides, the world has come a long way to using paperless cash. This is where your credit card will come in handy. Today, most businesses accept credit cards as a mode of payment.
Some Brief lessons about Belgium
The Belgian economy has not been left behind in this movement to offer attractive credit facilities to those who need it. The country receives many tourists every year and are therefore invested in making their lives easier. You are not likely to run into any trouble with your credit card while in Belgium. Credit cards can save you in many situations especially when you don’t have any cash at hand.
Be careful though because they can come with steep interest rates. Be sure to use your credit card sensibly to avoid accruing a mountain of debt. Using your credit securely can lead to many benefits including air miles and online discounts. Hey, just manage your spending and you are in for a smooth ride in Belgium.
Overview of Credit Card use in Belgium
You are probably wondering which payment method will be most convenient for you in Belgium. This is a common question among many people whether you are just traveling through Belgium or planning to move there. Well, wonder no more. Just get your credit ready and anticipate to have fun, fun and more fun in Belgium.
The leading mode of payment in Belgium today is credit cards. VISA is the most common one in Belgium and other European countries like Denmark. However, don’t worry yourself so much if you have a MasterCard. They are also widely accepted and used in Belgium. You only need to worry if you own an American Express and Diners Club credit card since they are not as widely used or accepted in Belgium. Most shops and restaurants in Belgium accept credit cards. So you can rest assured you will be able to grab a bite even when you have run out of cash.
How Credit Cards Work in Belgium
The concept of using your credit card in Belgium will work the same way as in other countries. So you can spend up to a set limit every month and pay off your bill at the end of the month. Before you get too happy, remember that failure to repay at the end of the month will only drive you into debt.
Most credit card companies will charge a very high interest rate when you don’t repay your debt in full. And what’s more the interest is not just charged on the amount you failed to pay. It goes for the full amount. Tricky no? Be careful. Credit cards in Belgium have a yearly maintenance fee starting from approximately 5€ to 200€.
The fee will depend on your bank, services (gold, premium, platinum) and features. The same applies to the benefits and rewards you will get from your card. Different credit cards will have varying benefits and rewards so compare before settling on the one to use. But remember you are headed to Belgium and Visa is the most popularly accepted credit card.
Steps to Choosing a Credit Card in Belgium
Choosing your credit card in Belgium will not be as complicated. You now know that Visa and MasterCard/Maestro are the main providers in Belgium. Both cards are widely accepted. The hustle will be selecting a bank.
You are probably wondering why the bank matters more than the card. Well, the bank you settle on will decide the features of your card. Features include interest rate, annual maintenance fees, benefits/freebies/rewards and wait for it, your monthly limit.
The trick therefore, is to base your choice of bank on these features. The good news is that almost all banks in Belgium will offer you a credit card. Thus, you have many to choose from. An effective way to conduct your comparison would be by using moneySaver. The site will enable you to examine all the credit cards and features available to you.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Your Credit Card in Belgium
By now you are probably aware that payment is the most important part of using your credit card. So link a monthly direct debit from your Belgian bank account to pay your credit card bill. It will ensure that you don’t miss any repayments.
You can also be on the lookout for the 0% introductory interest rate offered to new customers by most banks. Ensure you know its expiry date. Manage your spending by tracking what you spend. By checking everything you purchase with your credit card you will avoid spending more than you can pay back.
In today’s world where technology is on the rise, security is essential. Thus switch on Two-factor authentication whenever possible. Save money by ensuring you pay the full amount you owe every month. Also, avoid withdrawal fees and interests by not using your card to withdraw cash from an ATM. Before you use your card, always check the transaction fees.
