Another Sean
Belgian citizen
Forum posts
56
About me
Belgian
Speaks English, Vlaams/Nederlands and Afrikaans.
Registration: 19 March 2011
Keeping in touch while living in Belgium by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the best ways you've found for keeping in touch with friends and family back home while living in Belgium? How frequently do you stay in touch with loved ones? Are there local equivalents to common instant messaging ...
I use mostly either Skype, Whatsapp or facebook voice to call family in South Africa and various friends all over the world no matter where I am. Belgium and South Africa are in the same time zone during the European summer/South African ... Read More
How do i go about moving to Belgium? by prince boateng
Im totally lost in the wilderness as to how to organise myself to get to Belgium.I really want to come there and work and have a meaningful life since life here in Ghana is very hard and unbearable. If you could help me get a job and also assist me ...
Hi Prince Boateng, While I cannot help you directly, maybe I can offer some advice or suggestions, with a little more information concerning your current situation. Bear in mind this is a public forum, so we don't want to get too personal or ... Read More
Visas and Permits to stay in Belgium as an EU resident by ClaireSto
My boyfriend and I are moving to Belgium in August from the UK, we plan to stay long term (minimum 6 months - 1 year) and as current EU citizens, do we need to apply for any long-term stay visas/permits prior to arriving or getting a job? We have ...
Don't worry, I'm still around, but I am busy with other things at the moment. Read More
Visas and Permits to stay in Belgium as an EU resident by ClaireSto
My boyfriend and I are moving to Belgium in August from the UK, we plan to stay long term (minimum 6 months - 1 year) and as current EU citizens, do we need to apply for any long-term stay visas/permits prior to arriving or getting a job? We have ...
:) I can relate to that. I am completely off nowadays because each and every answer was countered with zero respect in Belgium/Brussels forum. Still my EUR 0.02. When we stay for long term in a different country, we are advised (again, not ... Read More
Visas and Permits to stay in Belgium as an EU resident by ClaireSto
My boyfriend and I are moving to Belgium in August from the UK, we plan to stay long term (minimum 6 months - 1 year) and as current EU citizens, do we need to apply for any long-term stay visas/permits prior to arriving or getting a job? We have ...
Clearly someone knows more than I do, I'm out. Read More
Visas and Permits to stay in Belgium as an EU resident by ClaireSto
My boyfriend and I are moving to Belgium in August from the UK, we plan to stay long term (minimum 6 months - 1 year) and as current EU citizens, do we need to apply for any long-term stay visas/permits prior to arriving or getting a job? We have ...
Would you care to explain this to me then: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_diaspora An embassy is set up abroad for may reasons, but also to protect the interests of its citizens living in the receiving country. They can't help you if ... Read More
Attractions in Brussels
Ah, you said you had 3 days, wasn't sure if you stayed here. Either way, there is lots more to see in this strange interesting little country. You have time to soak it all in. Read More
Attractions in Brussels
That very little statue of a boy taking a whiz (Manekin Pis), and a huge metal structure (Atomium) made of....balls. No really, it's true, that's Brussels :D But even if you just wander the cities inner streets, you will most likely see ... Read More
Visas and Permits to stay in Belgium as an EU resident by ClaireSto
My boyfriend and I are moving to Belgium in August from the UK, we plan to stay long term (minimum 6 months - 1 year) and as current EU citizens, do we need to apply for any long-term stay visas/permits prior to arriving or getting a job? We have ...
I'd be curious to know how it works out for you. Feel free to come back and post here :-) Read More
Visas and Permits to stay in Belgium as an EU resident by ClaireSto
My boyfriend and I are moving to Belgium in August from the UK, we plan to stay long term (minimum 6 months - 1 year) and as current EU citizens, do we need to apply for any long-term stay visas/permits prior to arriving or getting a job? We have ...
I just edited my previous post. Are you both British citizens? If you are, I would contact Home Office or the embassy in Brussels, before or after you arrive. They should be able to tell you what to do. As you have accommodation with friends, I ... Read More
Visas and Permits to stay in Belgium as an EU resident by ClaireSto
My boyfriend and I are moving to Belgium in August from the UK, we plan to stay long term (minimum 6 months - 1 year) and as current EU citizens, do we need to apply for any long-term stay visas/permits prior to arriving or getting a job? We have ...
In your title you say resident, but in your post you say citizen. There is a big difference in as far as what you can do in the rest of the EU. Add the Schengen agreement which not all EU countries have signed, and yes, things do get a little more ... Read More
Expand your social circle in Belgium by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Moving to Belgium means leaving one's family and friends behind. Creating a circle of friends or joining an existing one should therefore be paramount in order to fight loneliness in your host country. But how can one develop a ...
It's been said many times that one of the most important things to learn when moving to any country is the local language, Belgium is no different, and this goes a long way when making new friends. I was somewhat lucky in that I moved here with ... 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 should have added that I'm only here because the woman (wife) of my dreams is a Belgian...and the beer. ;-) Unless there is another country that brews better beer.... 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
Short answer, yes, it is a good place to live. 5 years here and I don't intend leaving. Read More
Dealing with emergency situations in Belgium by Priscilla
Hello everybody, Dealing with unexpected situations abroad can be a very difficult matter. In order to better help expats and soon-to-be expats in Belgium face such tricky situations, we invite you to share your advice and experience. What are ...
I believe it is any GSM standard phone without a sim card, but you still need to be within range of any local network to get signal to call 112, with or without sim. All other numbers require a working local or foreign sim that roams. Americans / ... Read More
Your new local habits in Belgium by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Living in Belgium is a great way to immerse in a new culture and lifestyle. Have you embraced local customs since you've lived in Belgium? If so, which one(s)? Did local customs change the way you see things, appreciate life ...
Belgium has probably got to be one of the quirkiest countries I have ever had the pleasure of spending time in. Of all the countries I ever thought I'd settle in, Belgium was probably lower on the list, until I met a Belgian girl some 7+ years ... Read More
Adapting to the climate in Belgium by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Adjusting to new climatic conditions is key in any expatriation process. Moving to Belgium is no exception. What are the climate characteristics of Belgium? How does the local weather impact your daily life, mood or ...
I have some pics of this miserable Belgian weather when I opened my window this morning...I'm tired of walking around outside in flip-flops and a T-shirt and shorts... This is a link to Flickr, you will be redirected there: (or how can I post ... Read More
Adapting to the climate in Belgium by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Adjusting to new climatic conditions is key in any expatriation process. Moving to Belgium is no exception. What are the climate characteristics of Belgium? How does the local weather impact your daily life, mood or ...
As has been said, Belgium weather is not fantastic, but by no means the worst. The houses and workplaces have been excellently adapted. I have spent almost 3 years in West African countries like Benin and Togo, among others. And there the rain makes ... Read More
Adapting to the climate in Belgium by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Adjusting to new climatic conditions is key in any expatriation process. Moving to Belgium is no exception. What are the climate characteristics of Belgium? How does the local weather impact your daily life, mood or ...
I'll be honest, like most people who move to Canada, I didn't come to Belgium for the weather, but for many other reasons instead, such as work, lifestyle, and the fact that my wife is Belgian. Yes, it can be cold and dark (outside) with ... Read More
Environmental protection in Belgium
I drive a new Ford Fiesta Ecoboost petrol. It's only a 3 cylinder 999cc, so in the lowest emissions tax bracket :top: (I think) But it goes like a rocket!...in Germany...autobahn... :D Read More
Best cities to live in Belgium by Julien
Hi, It聮s not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Belgium. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
I first need to figure out how to PM on this website ;-)...please stand by. Ok, figured it out. You've got mail :-) I didn't actually start the joke, I just ran with it, too far, apparently. Maybe I should get out more often. There really ... Read More
can I keep my right after I got divorced? by jane98
Hi everyone, I would really appreciate if someone can share their own experience of getting divorce here in Belgium. my husband and I are planning to get a divorce. he's Belgian and I'm Asian. we are no longer happy together and better to ...
I'm sorry to hear your marriage isn't working out. But I am glad you now have some clear answers. I wish you all the best for the future. Read More
Best cities to live in Belgium by Julien
Hi, It聮s not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Belgium. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
I must apologise if anything I said was inappropriate. I thought it was rather funny, much like Donald Trumps comments about Brussels were just that, a joke. He clearly has no idea. I also certainly didn't mean to advocate the use of any illegal ... Read More
Best cities to live in Belgium by Julien
Hi, It聮s not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Belgium. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
Genk...need I say more? 5 years here now. Probably the most efficient 'gemeentehuis' in Belgium, huge bibleotheek, and free fast wi-fi (30mbs/sec) in the city centre :-) Read More
can I keep my right after I got divorced? by jane98
Hi everyone, I would really appreciate if someone can share their own experience of getting divorce here in Belgium. my husband and I are planning to get a divorce. he's Belgian and I'm Asian. we are no longer happy together and better to ...
I can't say more on this subject as I am not getting divorced. I just don't know more, nor do I really want to. My best suggestion is to go to the gemeente where you got your card and ask them, that's what I would do. Read More
HELP! Advise needed urgently, by kezz
I am moving into a new flat, but I have to do the TV and internet connection myself. Have no clue. Which do I trun to Telenet or Belgacom? Which has better customer service, I'm English speaking, and do not understand dutch or french. Who ...
Telenet all the way! Can't find fault with them, and no, I don't work for them and am not getting paid to say this, I'm just a very happy customer. If you want cable TV and ... Read More
can I keep my right after I got divorced? by jane98
Hi everyone, I would really appreciate if someone can share their own experience of getting divorce here in Belgium. my husband and I are planning to get a divorce. he's Belgian and I'm Asian. we are no longer happy together and better to ...
"Verblijfskaart van een familielid van een burger van de Unie" is what it says on my F-Kaart. Translated: Residence card of a family member of a citizen of the Union (of Europe) In other words, if I get divorced and am no longer a family ... Read More
Making phone calls in Belgium
Telenet 'King' first month free, thereafter 鈧�15 for 150 minutes, 10 000 sms's and 1 gig mobile internet. Read More
Making phone calls in Belgium
Have a look at Telenet. We have a fixed line which includes what they call 'FreePhone Europe'. Included in your monthly fee is unlimited calls to all Belgian fixed line numbers, after 16h00 and all weekend. On top of that also included is ... Read More
Driving in Belgium by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Belgium? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess聟 what are the characteristics of the driving style ...
This is exactly what I'm trying to say...if those who complain about traffic in Belgium should go drive in India or most African countries, they will be in for a shock. 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.
hehehe, so true! I would rather make a throw away account for this.I actually meant to say that I would not discuss how much I earn, with anyone, anytime, period. At least all people will be informed on a need to know basis. There are only 4, maybe ... 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.
The tax rates in Belgium are extremely complicated to understand. It all depends on your status. Citizen, Xpat, foreign resident etc, and how much you earn. The best advice I can give is to ask the company who will be paying you that salary how much ... Read More
Driving in Belgium by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Belgium? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess聟 what are the characteristics of the driving style ...
Compared to driving in some of the West African countries I have been to, Belgium is a walk in the park. My advice to driving in the second most densely populated country in Europe is to take a deep breath...and drive. I got used to it and have no ... 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.
wow, just wow. That is most certainly a salary I would not confess to earning on an open forum if I didn't want a whole bunch of new 'friends'. Belgians in general do not discuss salaries, even with their closest friends. But yes, you ... Read More
Searching for any Job to get by - babysitter/cleaning/etc by mercywanjiru
Is this Blog still on.. i am almost doing a year in this country(Belgium) and am really going nuts because of luck of work.I have been in the logistics field for the last more than 10 years,in an International environment(UAE),but here experience ...
Bottom line, I have learned in the last 3 years living here, is you need to speak the language, how well depends on you and what your living / working environment is. Granted, it's not easy for some people to learn languages, like me, same is ... Read More
Hi! New here, considering moving to Belgium by JenR82
Hello everyone, My name is Jen, I am an American working on cruise ships and looking for a place to land in the next year or so. My boyfriend of two years is Belgian and we are considering moving out there when we get off ship but we have ...
Hi, I am flying to Brussels in 2 weeks, I am romanian, I speak english, french and of course romanian. I am taking this challenge, by moving to Belgium, because I want to live in a neutral country, my husband is filipino, so I want equal chances for ... Read More
Hi! New here, considering moving to Belgium by JenR82
Hello everyone, My name is Jen, I am an American working on cruise ships and looking for a place to land in the next year or so. My boyfriend of two years is Belgian and we are considering moving out there when we get off ship but we have ...
Hello everyone, My name is Jen, I am an American working on cruise ships and looking for a place to land in the next year or so. My boyfriend of two years is Belgian and we are considering moving out there when we get off ship but we have ... Read More
Allowed travelling on Visa? by Liela0705
Hi there! I am South african and will be going to Belgium as an Au Pair soon. I was wondering if anyone out there knows if I will be allowed to travel to other countries on my Shengen Visa that i will obtain throught the belgium consulate? will I ...
Liela, if you are applying for the visa I think you are, then it should be the one I just got, a visum D, which is not actually a Schengen travel visa, the D visa allows you to register a long stay in Belgium. This means you will have to go to your ... Read More
Truck driving license
I am looking for information about getting a heavy truck license in Belgium. I have a heavy truck license from South Africa but it appears that it does not automatically convert here, I have to go through some kind of training/testing, which is not ... Read More
Allowed travelling on Visa? by Liela0705
Hi there! I am South african and will be going to Belgium as an Au Pair soon. I was wondering if anyone out there knows if I will be allowed to travel to other countries on my Shengen Visa that i will obtain throught the belgium consulate? will I ...
Sean, be careful of your wording - you keep saying "Europe," but Schengen is only a select area of Europe, not even all of the EU is included in it (and some non-EU countries are). If you have a visa that is valid for a year, you do not have to ... Read More
Belgium cheaper than SA by HannovdMerwe
South Africa used to be a 'cheap' country. 1Eur = R9,50 Paid the Belgium physio today, and also received last account from SA physio. SA physio charge R222,50 for half hour session, Belgian charged me R195 per session. SA doctor charge between R250 ...
I wasn't singling out Del Haize, was on my way out for a sunshine bicycle ride and didn't get to type everything I wanted to, anyway, my wife does the shopping, I just push the trolley. We do shop around, she's from Belgium, so she knows where to ... Read More
Allowed travelling on Visa? by Liela0705
Hi there! I am South african and will be going to Belgium as an Au Pair soon. I was wondering if anyone out there knows if I will be allowed to travel to other countries on my Shengen Visa that i will obtain throught the belgium consulate? will I ...
Hi there! I am South african and will be going to Belgium as an Au Pair soon. I was wondering if anyone out there knows if I will be allowed to travel to other countries on my Shengen Visa that i will obtain throught the belgium consulate? will I ... Read More
Do and don't in Belgium by expat.com
Are you living in Belgium? We need you to share your experience of the local customs :) Is it difficult to adjust to the local customs in Belgium? Could you please share with us a list of the [b] do's and don't's in Belgium?[/b] Thanks!
Do drink Belgian beer slowly. Don't guzzle it, or mix different types, such as Duvel and Kriek :D Read More
Belgium cheaper than SA by HannovdMerwe
South Africa used to be a 'cheap' country. 1Eur = R9,50 Paid the Belgium physio today, and also received last account from SA physio. SA physio charge R222,50 for half hour session, Belgian charged me R195 per session. SA doctor charge between R250 ...
I have to fully agree with this topic, after visiting Belgium last year for a few months and now living here officially for a few weeks I have to say I find the cost of living, to be significantly lower. However, if you want the full size double ... Read More
Genk
Just introducing myself. Any other South Africans living in Genk? or am I the only one? Read More