Social customs

Over the past 50 years, Brussels has developed into one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, with almost half the population made up of foreigners. Here are a few of the facts of life that often strike the foreigner as different.

Dogs

Belgians are deeply attached to their dogs, which they take with them everywhere they go, including into shops, cafés and restaurants. Asking your neighbour about their dog can be an easy way of establishing social contact. Complaining about its behaviour can be a shortcut to social exclusion.

Dinner

When invited to dinner, most Belgians take along flowers or a box of Belgian chocolates. It is not customary to take wine.

Kissing

Most Belgians kiss friends and work colleagues once on the cheek when they meet. Kissing three times is more formal and is used to mark birthdays or a return from a long absence.

Language

For historical reasons, there is tension between French and Dutch speakers in Belgium, making English the language of compromise in some instances. And with the influx of new EU nationals from Eastern Europe into Belgium, English has become the lingua franca in many social and business settings. Most Dutch speakers learn French at school, but are more likely to speak English better - and they often prefer it. In Flanders, for example, the working languages are Dutch and English, with French spoken only rarely. Though less fluent in English than their Flemish compatriots, French speakers have, in recent years, taken to learning English as well – and they often speak it better than they do Dutch. French and Dutch remain the official languages of Brussels, but English is the working language of many international companies.

Tipping

Bills in restaurants and cafés include a service charge, and it’s not necessary to leave a large tip. Many Belgians, however, leave a few coins or tell the waiter to round up the amount to the nearest euro. It is not necessary to tip hairdressers or taxi drivers, though it is customary to round up taxi fares to the nearest euro. Some cinemas have usherettes who welcome customers and offer a free magazine. These women normally rely on tips as their only source of income, and it is customary to give 50 cents.

Children

Belgian children are raised fairly strictly and it is not normal for them to call around to play without a phone call in advance. They will kiss you once when they arrive.

Madame Pipi

Many public toilets in Belgium are supervised by attendants, often a woman known fondly as Madame Pipi. She will often be found sitting at a table by the entrance reading a magazine, with a saucer holding a few coins. These women often rely entirely on tips for their income and occasionally have to pay for cleaning materials out of their own pocket. The amount requested is usually between 30 and 50 cents.

Business style

Most offices have a smart dress code, and men normally wear suits for meetings. In general, legal firms are the most formal, while you can often get away with dressing informally in translating and the media. Belgians are more formal at work than in their free time. Unless otherwise stated, the dress code for a supper at someone’s house rarely requires a tie. At the opera or a concert, it’s up to you if you want to dress up. Belgians don't make a big fuss. However, if ‘tenue de ville’ is mentioned on an invitation, this means a smart suit.

Small talk

When meeting a Belgian for the first time, never ask, “What do you do for a living?” This can be considered indiscreet. Also tread lightly regarding politics. Safe bets for discussion are restaurants, travel and culture. Most people take umbrage when foreigners are negative about their country, so keep negative comments about Belgium to yourself.

Out for lunch

Business meetings are often held over lunch in a good restaurant. It is perfectly acceptable to drink a glass of wine or a Belgian beer during a working lunch.