Brussels Resources and Information

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Belgium is roughly the same or slightly higher than that in Canada for certain products. Click HERE to see some comparisons.

Tipping in Belgium

Unlike other countries, tipping is not mandatory in Belgium because a service charge is already included in your bill. It is common to round up to the nearest Euro. Of course, if the service is exceptional and you would like to leave a gratuity, it is recommended not to exceed 10%. 

European Voltage

It is important to remember that electricity in Europe is generally 50 hertz and 220 volts. Some appliances, timers, and/or electric clocks may not operate correctly even when transformed. Do not bring a computer surge protector of 110v, as it may cause your electrical breaker to trip – you are better off buying a 220v power bar in Belgium. Any item with a rechargeable battery (i.e. cellphone) can be plugged into European power with an adaptor plug without the use of a transformer.  In these cases, the power source is charging the battery and is not supplying power directly to the appliance.

Sundays & Holidays  

Please be aware that most communes do not allow lawn mowing and general noise on a Sunday or a holiday; hanging laundry outside can also be forbidden. Ask your neighbours as each area is different. 

Markets

Markets are popular in Brussels: night markets, farmers markets, vintage markets. Below are a few websites providing information:

• Markets by Commune
• Brussels Life

 What to know about the ovens in Belgium

The ovens in Belgium are generally much smaller than those we are used to in Canada. Pay special attention to this during your HHT since some of your kitchen pans will not fit inside, you might want to think about storing them.

In most homes, the stoves are induction (electromagnetic induction). Pay special attention to it during your HHT since your pots, your kitchen pans will not work if it’s different from what you are using now. You might want to think about storing them.

Cleaning Products

Your washing machine is much different compared to the one in Canada, though it may seem small, you can wash up to 5 kg of clothing in each wash. However, if your clothing is very solid, reduce the clothing quantity by one third. 
 
It is recommended that you use European soaps as they are made specially for the type of machine in your house. Liquid soaps will dissolve quicker with less risk of leaving residue inside your machine and plumbing.

House Maintenance

DRYER: The filter for lint, even when not visible should be cleaned after each use. Never use Downy sheets, as they are not made for European machines. Some dryers, like condensation dryers, don't have an outdoor vent, but a water reservoir that you must regularly empty. 
 
DISHWASHER: It is very important that you add special salt (sel regenerant) inside your dishwasher in a little compartment on the bottom. This can be purchased in the dishwasher soap department and should be added each month. If you notice white build up on the element of your dishwasher, add a cup of vinegar to the bottom of the dishwasher and run a cycle without dish soap. 
 
FLOOR DRAINS: It is possible to get a bad odor from the floor drains, to prevent it; water must be adding regularly to keep the drains airtight thereby blocking odors. Then add a cup of vinegar to the drains of the basin, tub and shower to prevent odors.

Waste and Recycling

Regarding the purchase of the garbage bin, recycling bin, collection schedule, purchase of stickers for organic waste, location of the recycling park, you should refer to Interza. Each commune has its own way of proceeding and its own collection schedule.

You can buy your waste bags or compost bags, specific to your commune, directly at your grocery store. Garbage bags are kept behind the counters so you must ask for them when you get to the cashier. 

• You can also refer to the Welcome Book in section 15.4

Babysitters, Nurseries and Daycare

For babysitters and daycares, consult the Community Resource list, or contact MFS(E)-Brussels, for a list of babysitters: [email protected].

Most nurseries take care of children ranging from 0 to 2 1/2 years of age. Some will go up to 3 years of age. Lists of nurseries can be found through these resources:

• your local Maison Communale has an online list of schools and nurseries.
• Office de la naissance et de l'enfance (ONE) is a resource covering parenthood and childhood for the French communes. They have multiple locations.
• Kind en Gezin is the resource covering parenthood and childhood for Flanders and Brussels..
• The Brussels Childbirth Trust (BCT) is a non-profit volunteer organization providing help and support to families and expectant parents in Belgium. Activites range from pre- and postnatal services/information to social/playgroups/family events. A truly international membership organizes everything in English. 

Respite Child Care

In order to provide support to families by facilitating their short-term childcare needs in the event of an emergency or respite, MFSE has put in place a form to properly inform the local team of the measures to be taken for each family. Families may be eligible to receive a reimbursement of up to 12 euros/hr for identified emergency childcare needs. 

CAF Daycare and Family Care Assistance

The intent of Daycare Assistance is to provide financial assistance to single or working parents who incur expenses for their children to attend accredited daycare or day-nursery institutions, which are in excess of costs for similar facilities in Ottawa. Please see your OR for details.

Family Care Assistance is designed to assist CAF single parents and service couples by offsetting increases in the normal costs for child care or attendant care when service requires you to be absent from home for 24 hours or longer.

Children's Education

Brussels offers many options for educating your children in a variety of languages. With three different school categories (Communal, Catholic, and Private) and instruction in either French or Dutch, many Canadian families are pleased with the quality of Belgian schools. A variety of international schools with curriculums in French or English also come highly recommended. Please note that children who attend primary schools in Brussels don’t have school on Wednesday afternoon. It’s recommended that you find out more about this subject directly with the school you will choose for your children. 
 
It is your responsibility to register your children for school and to make the necessary arrangements for payments.
 
Children’s Education Management deals with the education and related care of DND dependent students outside of Canada, providing a list of world education sites and links to the Canadian Forces International Schools. They can provide information on screening procedures and guidelines, education allowances, education compatibility and language instruction.

You will also find information on local nursery, primary and secondary education in the education section of the Brussels Capital Region Portal.

If you speak French, you will find a wealth of information about children and childcare at O.N.E.
 

Employment, Education, & Training

Employment opportunities are available in Brussels, but they are limited and dependent on the member's posting status. Spousal employment should not be assumed or expected. There are employment preparation workshops and career counseling to get you ready for your future career opportunities back in Canada, youth employment preparation programs, and scholarship information for youths. Contact our Employment, Education and Training Programs Coordinator for more information at [email protected]. 

Some locally staffed positions are available with the Regional Civilian Personnel Office (RCPO). For more information and to apply to their inventory pool, see: https://cfmws.ca/europe/civilian-employment-in-europe/regional-civilian-personnel-office-(rcpo). 

You may be eligible to apply for jobs within Government of Canada offices in Brussels. Find job vacancies here: staffing-les.international.gc.ca/en/.

Employment Security Clearances

If a dependent wishes to work for the Canadian delegation or Canadian mission in Brussels, it is recommended that you start the security clearance process with your current unit prior to deploying to Brussels. 
Once at post, security clearances can only be acquired if actively applying for a position with the mission.

Host Language Training

Speak our Employment, Education and Training Programs Coordinator regarding access to free or subsidized language training programs available for you at [email protected]. 
  

Medical Care in Brussels

The standard of care is quite high in Brussels and members and their families have several options  The Canadian medical team (doctor, dentist, optometrist) are based out of SHAPE but provide periodic services at the US NATO Health Clinic in Brussels according to a schedule. 
 
There are several options available for medical, dental, and optometry needs in the economy. You will have to pay the amount for the consultations and for the care received and then you will be able to make the request for reimbursement in accordance with MSH guidelines. We have included guidelines below for processing your claim when outside of Canada.
 
All patients who require admission to hospital will be referred to Belgian health care facilities.

Important Information

Medical and Emergency Contact Information

US NATO Health Clinic Registration Form

How to Submit a Claim to Canada Life

Canadian Forces Member Assistance Program

CFMAP: offers confidential, voluntary, short-term counselling to assist with resolving many of today's stresses at home and in the workplace. When referred to a counsellor, the counsellor is expected to contact you within 48 hours (2 business days). An appointment is typically offered within 5 business days. Call 1-800-268-7708 or visit https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/programs/member-assistance.html for more information. Available 24/7, 365 days a year.

Family Information Line

The FIL offers 24/7 bilingual information, support, and crisis intervention for all Canadian military members, veterans, and their families. For a confidential conversation with a counsellor, call 1-800-866-4546. (toll-free in North America) or International 00-800-771-17722.

Chaplain

Call +32 492 722 686 or [email protected]

Sexual Misconduct Support and Resource Center

SMSRC provides confidential information and referrals. Call 1-844-750-1648 or visit https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/benefits-military/conflict-misconduct/sexual-misconduct/get-help.html for more information.

Military Family Services Europe – Social Work Services

Call 0049 2451 717 206 or email [email protected].

Moving OUTCAN With a Pet

Each airline company has its own policy regarding transportation of animals.  Options for shipping your pet are in Cabin, in the Hold, in Cargo as freight.  The options are available to you will be outlined in the airline’s pet policy. Additionally, many airlines do not ship animals during summer months, and airlines that will ship animals during summer months have limited capacity. It is recommended that you contact potential airline companies regarding their specific pet policy and space, as soon as you know your potential flight dates.
 
In the event there is no airline flying out of your local airport you may need to drive to an airport departing from a nearby city.  For example: Air France services Montreal Airport (YUL) but does not service Ottawa Airport (YOW).  Look into the moving policy for more information.
 
When transporting small pets as hand baggage, there is often a standard fee. Shipping larger pets, like dogs, can be an expensive venture, as you pay according to weight and volume.
Be aware that there may be a handling charge, depending on the airline used, and there may be a fee that to be paid to customs.

•  If you have to ship a larger pet as freight, in a kennel, your pet will arrive on the cargo side of Zaventem (Brussels) airport, where you will have to pick them up in person.

Documentation

When moving your pet overseas, you must have a Certificate of Health or Veterinary Certificate issued by Canada, which accompanies the pet while they are in transit. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website has the necessary forms and accompanying directions required.
 
Vaccinations and check-ups have a strict schedule when it comes to transporting your pet overseas. For the exact requirements and timings check the CFIA website for the necessary documentation.
 
*Be sure to begin looking into the process early, as the paperwork can take some time to obtain and the vaccination schedule/validity of the certificate can be quite strict.

Quarantine 

Belgium does not have a quarantine period for dogs or cats being brought into the country. They do, however, require proof of a rabies shot and up to date immunizations. It is important to be aware that the United Kingdom has strict regulations concerning the transport of pets, even if the final destination is outside of the country. Travelling through the UK could result in your pet being quarantined, despite your final destination being Belgium. 

Registration 

In Belgium, all cats and dogs must be micro chipped. In addition to this, all dogs must be registered with the Belgian Association of Canine Identification and Registration, which allows missing dogs to be successfully reunited with their owner. This will be done through your veterinarian once you have received your Belgian ID and NIS. More information can be found at the following website: https://www.dogid.be/fr. 

Traveling with your Pet 

Once you have arrived to Belgium, your new vet can help you create an EU Pet Passport for your cat, dog, or ferret with required vaccine information. You will need this if you travel with your pet and when you return to Canada. More information can be found here: https://europa.eu/youreurope/citizens/travel/carry/pets-and-other-animals/index_en.htm. 

Veterinarians

Like most family physicians, you will find veterinarians often work out of an office space in their home, and a Google search for veterinarians in your neighbourhood will likely turn up various options. Veterinarian fees are less expensive in Belgium than in Canada, however it is common that you will be sent to the pharmacy for any required prescriptions. See the Community Resource list for recommended vets in your area.
 
ON CALL VETERINARIANS: If your pet happens to get sick and your vet is unavailable, call +32 26 44 24 24 for emergencies