Zipper269
American expat in Belgium
Forum posts
48
About me
American
Lives in Chastre
Registration: 04 February 2011
HELP! URGENT! Work Permit for non EU married with EU citizen by marcello.ligi
Hi everyone! I need help to understand some issues with the work permit for non EU in Belgium. I will explain briefly the situation. I'm Italian and I moved in Belgium last October (2 months ago) with my girlfriend. We are in a relationship ...
If you get married or a co-habitation visa she won't need the work permit seeing as she is in a relationship with a EU Citizen. I'm not married but Co-habitation and was told by my Commune that because I reside with a Citizen I don't ... Read More
Getting married with a tourist visa by Mhmdmansour
Good day to you all, My partner and I are living in Abu Dhabi, and we'd like to get married and relocate to Belgium. I've been told that it's possible to get married with a tourist visa whilst being in Belgium, as the procedure was ...
Given the time constraints it is possible but improbable. Also you need to establish residency and that isn't impossible for a foreigner but not easy either. However, you can try a co-habitation visa but you'd need to apply before you arrive ... Read More
Long term resident card - Type B card by Tubeloid
Hello All, As of 30.03.2017, I have completed 5 years of stay in Belgium. this was also confirmed by the commune. However my current resident card does not expire until 09.1.2018 could you kindly let me know how I can request for a long term ...
I have applied for the F+. I also have more than 5 years but the B card was not offered to me just the F+. My commune is a country commune so maybe not in the know... And I'm still waiting for it. I guess because I renewed my F card they will ... Read More
Practical questions on Belgium, from a recent arrival by cbthomas2006
I'm a long-term American expat. Belgium is the 6th foreign country where I've lived and worked. A few practical questions, since I'm a bit baffled by my experience here so far: 1.) Why does everything close so early? How does anyone ...
Hey Clayton, 8 years ago I'm sure things were different. I left before the Obamacare came into effect. I worked for the State and we paid $700 a month for the health care. I paid an additional $600 for my daughter, on a salary of $3000 gross so ... Read More
Practical questions on Belgium, from a recent arrival by cbthomas2006
I'm a long-term American expat. Belgium is the 6th foreign country where I've lived and worked. A few practical questions, since I'm a bit baffled by my experience here so far: 1.) Why does everything close so early? How does anyone ...
Just to let you know I'm available on occasion to grab a beer or two if you need someone to vent to. I don't know if it is possible as I work in Waterloo(1410) and live in Chastre(1450), and rarely get to Brussels. I think in the 8 years ... Read More
Practical questions on Belgium, from a recent arrival by cbthomas2006
I'm a long-term American expat. Belgium is the 6th foreign country where I've lived and worked. A few practical questions, since I'm a bit baffled by my experience here so far: 1.) Why does everything close so early? How does anyone ...
Hello fellow American... Ok I'm going to cut and paste from your post to answer as many as I can or have experience with so I'm sorry if this is abrupt but here ya go: 1.) "Why does everything close so early?" Easy answer people ... Read More
How to learn french faster? by Phanich
Hello all! I have question, if somebody kindly tell me the tips to faster learning French language. I'm learning by self but I'm stuck in memorizing those grammar rules and pronunciation. I want to communicate with people... :sosad: please ...
The other idea is to download tv series/movies on VOSTFR or Version Original with SubTitles in FRench and read as you listen/watch. That way it will become more easy and you stay entertained at the same time. I do this with my wife who is Belgian ... Read More
Is Belgium a good country for living? by Arthur2016
Hello do you guys now if belgium is good country for living let me know please because I want to move to Belgium with my wife and son, thanks
Nope no better beer. Or at least I haven't found better yet...lol Read More
French language lessons for teens by ingridfrenchy
Hello Does anyone have any information on good French language schools for teenagers? I have a 17 year old and a 14 year old and I am trying to find some french lessons for them over the summer holidays to improve their French before they go to ...
Check for Alpha group. They are usually free or low cost. Not sure if they have a location in Waterloo. They helped me alot when I first started and have multiple fluency levels. If you send me your email or try to find me on FB I can try to send ... Read More
Is Belgium a good country for living? by Arthur2016
Hello do you guys now if belgium is good country for living let me know please because I want to move to Belgium with my wife and son, thanks
I feel the same as Sean above with the exception that I know I'm here to stay as the woman of my dreams lives here with me. Read More
Driving License in BE by Faizan_mqt
Dear All, I move to Antwerp in Mid Feb 2016. Although, I have bene legally driving since 10 years and currently hold an international license. I have checked that my issuing country license (PK) is not valid in BE. Will I get any exemption as I ...
Not 100% sure but when you register at your commune ask them to be sure. But for me the commune is the one that does all of the license stuff. IE checking verifying and then eventually issuing a driver license. I'm pretty sure you will not be ... Read More
Volunteering in Belgium
My suggestion would be to contact People to People International/Belgium and talk to "Chalks". He is the president and can point you toward more volunteering opportunities than you can handle. FB page: ... Read More
Working in Belgium -What is the tax on salary for 44000euro? by raselmahbub
Hi Experts in EXPAT! I live and work in the UK. I have just got a job offer from one of the big company to work for them in Belgium. When asked I have told them to match 35000 GBP equivalent salary. They have offered me 44000 euro which is ...
Just to let you know the train system is pretty good here. So even if you need to go out a little farther if it is near a train station it is really no big deal. Most companies here give a reimbursement for the train if you use it and ask them for ... Read More
Working in Belgium -What is the tax on salary for 44000euro? by raselmahbub
Hi Experts in EXPAT! I live and work in the UK. I have just got a job offer from one of the big company to work for them in Belgium. When asked I have told them to match 35000 GBP equivalent salary. They have offered me 44000 euro which is ...
I have a couple English friends and they have told me that the cost of living is much less here in comparison to the UK. Housing is also less depending on where you live but as a whole is less. Schooling will be less out of pocket unless you elect ... Read More
Is this enough by mindgutter
Hi, I have a job offer from a company in Brussels. The monthly salary is 8.500 Euro. We are a family of four. What kind of life can we afford on this salary? Background: we currently live in Washington DC and my US salary is $170K. Thanks.
Another thought is is your company going to pay for private schools for your children, or is that coming out of your salary? There are no english primary language schools here and adjustment for your kids will include learning one of the primary ... Read More
Is this enough by mindgutter
Hi, I have a job offer from a company in Brussels. The monthly salary is 8.500 Euro. We are a family of four. What kind of life can we afford on this salary? Background: we currently live in Washington DC and my US salary is $170K. Thanks.
Nice salary... Now like the rest I'd keep that under wraps... If you can still edit your post still I'd remove or diminish the amount. Your Belgian salary will be well in line with your US if not a (little/lot) better... Here there is no ... Read More
Help! Double US/BE: My bank wants to close my account? by zinneken
Hello, I'm Belgian and have only been born in the USA. I never lived, studied or worked there. My bank has notified me that because I am a US Citizen (they say I am just because I was born there) I am supposed to pay taxes in the USA and because ...
Just a quick note. It costs $2350 to renounce now. The US raised the rate when tons of Expats started jumping ship. I am seriously considering it but need to wait until I can find out if I am eligible for Belgian citizenship. I just needed to sign a ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Belgium by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Belgium. What recommendations would you ...
Sorry I have no answer as I was already in Belgium at the time... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Belgium by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Belgium. What recommendations would you ...
By the way forgot to tell you it is government and my co-habitation visa took more than 6 months to accomplish and I had all pertinent paperwork before applying... Don't worry like I said they are probably just awaiting paperwork. Read More
Best places for living with the family well comunicated with EC? by eyp
Hi all, I'm just gathering information about Brussels communes. I'll work near Schuman station, but I don't want to live there because it doesn't seem good for living with the family, too much business, it isn't a residential ...
I've been told it is easier to learn dutch than french due to the origin of the language. Dutch english etc is germanic vs french being latin. That being said I live in the french areas so started there and have not yet needed to try to learn ... Read More
Best places for living with the family well comunicated with EC? by eyp
Hi all, I'm just gathering information about Brussels communes. I'll work near Schuman station, but I don't want to live there because it doesn't seem good for living with the family, too much business, it isn't a residential ...
My uncle was a proffesor at St Stanislav. He told me it is a good school. He might be prejudiced as he was a teacher there but he told me there is a huge mix as to the social classes so there is a little bit of everything. I can ask him questions if ... Read More
Healthcare in Belgium by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Belgium ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Belgium? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
I must stress I am in no way intending to be rude... Hospitals are the same all over... They triage their patients as to the severity of issues. Some are better than others. You can potentially be bumped back if a more severe case arrives even hours ... Read More
Healthcare in Belgium by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Belgium ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Belgium? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
I at first was worried about surgical practices here in regards to cleanliness etc... BUT...I have just had a major surgery 2 weeks ago(main veins in my leg). The quality of care and service in St.Pierre (LLN) was great for the day surgery. The ... Read More
School and education system by anijain
Hi all, I am Mrs jain, from India. I am with my husband and 2.5 year's old kid coming to Brussels in July this year. I have very little information about education system in Brussels...please guide me on this... 1) My daughter is 2.5 ...
Hello Anijain, I work for a Commune. Like Tervurener said school is day long here at that age. 1) The public schools(Communal) are not that bad here. 2) You can register but there is the possibility of a wait for private schooling. 3)The extra ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Belgium by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Belgium. What recommendations would you ...
Hello, Not to worry... Sounds like they are awaiting some missing paperwork from your embassy or his boss or both. regards, Howard Read More
Student exchange in Belgium, in rural area
First question is whether or not she speaks dutch or french. Not having a clue will make it more difficult but not impossible. If she gets a rail-pass it will not be too terribly expensive but to profit from the sights and such the weekends will be ... Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Belgium by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Belgium. What recommendations would you ...
Number 1 (and is the most important...) Learn the language corresponding to the area you will be living/moving to. Northern Half is primarily Dutch. Southern half primarily French. Number 2 If you leave your area for work in the "other" ... Read More
Hello from Las Vegas Nevada! by steve_sanchez
My wife and I are retired and hoping to move to Brussels so that we can start to travel around Europe. I will be living off my U.S. pension and was wondering if it is taxable in Belgium? In the U.S. it is not taxable. Looking forward to ...
There is a big American community in Waterloo also but it would really be good to learn one of the two major national languages. If only to show a little respect for the community you choose to move into. I'm from Texas and tried to "get ... Read More
Cost of living in Brussels by expat.com
It would be interesting to update the info on the cost of life in Brussels, so that future expats in Brussels can make a budget! For a start, we thing about the cost of: - accomodation (appartment, or house) - water and electricity - public ...
A decent but not extravagant salary in Belgium is in the area of 2500 net. Less than that and you have to start looking a little more closely and watching your budget. I live outside of Brussels and we made do with 1600 net but we were always on the ... Read More
Would love to know some things about Brussels before coming by woobear
Hi everyone! I'm new to the forum - my boyfriend and I live in London, UK, but are considering taking a job in Brussels in a few months and would love to get to know some things about the city before we do!
Hello, Going to be abrupt so don't take this wrong. Only searching jobs using the english language is going to be quite a trying experience. I am american and believe me, I tried to find any sort of work and it took me a LONG time (3 1/2 years) ... Read More
will hopefully be in Brussels this august
Hello, Don't know if it helps but if you talk to "Chalks" at People to People Belgium, I bet he can find a way to help you out... He is on FB as Chalks Corriette... I believe he has a FB site for People to People Belgium also. He is a ... Read More
The other side of the Belgian postcard by Julien
Hi, As a tourist in a foreign country, very often, we are enchanted with what we discover. Living abroad is different. It's a rich experience but there are also some difficulties to face. When people ask me for advice on living abroad, I ...
Ok for me the good is a slower more comfortable place in life... After the struggle and hustle of life in the states with the you snooze you lose attitude the slower pace of life here was a refreshing relief... Yes friendships with the Belgian ... Read More
Find a job in Belgium by expat.com
Hi, You are an expat living in Belgium? Please share your experience! [b]What is the best way to find a job in Belgium?[/b] [u]The Internet?[/u] Please tell us which are the most useful / effective websites for job seekers in ...
For those of you interested though there is an english speaking group that meets every Thursday morning at the Aloft Hotel at Place Jean Rey, Etterbeek, Brussels 1040, Belgium. The organiser is Richard Chalks with People to People Belgium... They ... Read More
Find a job in Belgium by expat.com
Hi, You are an expat living in Belgium? Please share your experience! [b]What is the best way to find a job in Belgium?[/b] [u]The Internet?[/u] Please tell us which are the most useful / effective websites for job seekers in ...
Not to be a buzzkill people but when in Belgium do as they do...lol the same thing goes for language... it has taken me 3 years to become fluent enough in french to apply for and get a job... I work now for a Commune that has a HUGE American ... Read More
Mobile phone plans? by toweringbarracuda
Hey all! I will be coming to brussels in a little over a month (yay!) and was just wondering about cell phone plans. I have checked online and found the major companies (mobistar, base, proximus). but i was wondering how contracts work. I am use ...
If I'm not mistaken you MUST have a SIM/GSM capable phone. In the US there are alot of companies that don't use the sim style phones. If yours is unlocked it will most likely work here... I use a pay and go as I don't make much use of a cell phone ... Read More
Brussels meetings?
Just wondering if there is already regular meetings taking place and if so where? I need english speaking friends to help practice my french... I also have been in country for more than 2 years and have no friends save my girlfriend and family.... ... Read More
Where can I find American products and coffee? by m.elias
Hello, I have been in Belgium for 3 days and I am in dire need of a super large, american cup of java! Where can I find it in Brussels? Also, just as when I lived in the US I always saw those ethnic mini-markets, I was wondering if there's ...
well im probs gonna give the one in antwerp a go its about a hour from bru by trainI think I'll give it a try also. But I'll need to wait until I can get a job. I still seem to have trouble there. I have the skills and competence just can't seem to ... Read More
Moving to Belgium from USA: some help please by ndefossez
Hello everyone, I'm a Belgian Citizen living and working in Antwerp. My girlfriend is a US citizen (CA) and we're looking into getting her to move in with me without getting married straight away (I'd like to marry her for the RIGHT reasons one ...
I'm wondering what the differences between following options are: A) She can find a job out here before she comes over B) She comes over and we apply for a cohabitation contract In case of A) Do we still need to go for B? How long can she stay? In ... Read More
Where can I find American products and coffee? by m.elias
Hello, I have been in Belgium for 3 days and I am in dire need of a super large, american cup of java! Where can I find it in Brussels? Also, just as when I lived in the US I always saw those ethnic mini-markets, I was wondering if there's ...
Where can I find Crisco in the Brussels area? JohndavisProbably not going to find that.... But when at the grocery look for "graisse a frire"... it is basically the same thing although it might not taste exactly the same... And that is a generic ... Read More
Where can I find American products and coffee? by m.elias
Hello, I have been in Belgium for 3 days and I am in dire need of a super large, american cup of java! Where can I find it in Brussels? Also, just as when I lived in the US I always saw those ethnic mini-markets, I was wondering if there's ...
I have absolutely no problems guarding the small businesses. They are ultimately the integral backbone of the entrepreneurial spirit. But in the interests of convenience the larger markets already have a large selection, but it is lacking and the ... Read More
Where can I find American products and coffee? by m.elias
Hello, I have been in Belgium for 3 days and I am in dire need of a super large, american cup of java! Where can I find it in Brussels? Also, just as when I lived in the US I always saw those ethnic mini-markets, I was wondering if there's ...
First of all please this is my opinion not a benchmark... I have to agree in one form or another with what each of you have said. For me the things I miss are the tastes I grew up with... the things that provoke/awaken memories... One of the things ... Read More
Moving to Brussels. Am I on the right lines? by porbeagle
Hello All, I am currently looking to move to Brussels with my family and am trying to put together a rough budget of costs per month. Could someone tell me if I am on the right lines? Rent (3 bed house in with 30 mins of Vilvoorde) - ...
If you really miss UK stuff you can go to Stonemanor but it is quite pricy... Read More
Moving to Brussels. Am I on the right lines? by porbeagle
Hello All, I am currently looking to move to Brussels with my family and am trying to put together a rough budget of costs per month. Could someone tell me if I am on the right lines? Rent (3 bed house in with 30 mins of Vilvoorde) - ...
Lydl or Aldi is a good frugal places to do basic food shopping. There are the 4 of us, 2 adults and 2 kiddos and we get by on around 400聙 a month. Of the two I prefer Lydl as they have some fresh veggies and meat and such... Read More
Wanted: American male for little role in a Belgian feature film
44 Male from Texas. let me know what you think. I think I can find more photos if you need them. Read More
5 good reasons for living in Belgium by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Belgium, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
Brabant Walloon here...lol My reasons: 1. The people 2. The way of life 3. OMG the country is Beautiful 4. The vast extent of cultural opportunities 5. Like those above the FOOD/drink is beyond anything available or even appreciated anywhere in the ... Read More
Hello and Glad To Be Here! by clb
Greetings to all of the forum members here. My main purpo:)se in being a member of this community is to listen and learn. I am 63 years old and not in good health. However, I AM reasonably fit for my age and have a very caring heart and spirit. ...
Hey clb, Welcome the weather here is very compatible to someone from Washington. I did my military service there and it is about the same as when I was in Ft. Lewis. There is rain and it does get cold but I think it is the best place in the world ... Read More
Where can I find American products and coffee? by m.elias
Hello, I have been in Belgium for 3 days and I am in dire need of a super large, american cup of java! Where can I find it in Brussels? Also, just as when I lived in the US I always saw those ethnic mini-markets, I was wondering if there's ...
I agree with Melby. When in Rome?...lol I've been here for a year now and aside from Butter-pecan syrup from IHOP there really isn't much that I miss. I'm sure you can go to Starbucks.com and order the beans and such. Or if uyou have a friend in ... Read More