Best Apps and Websites for Newcomers in Belgium
Moving to a new country can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to navigating daily life, understanding local customs, and finding essential services. Belgium, with its rich cultural diversity, multilingual population, and modern infrastructure, offers a variety of apps and websites designed to make life easier for newcomers. Whether you’re relocating for work, study, or personal reasons, these digital tools will help you settle in smoothly and enjoy your time in this vibrant European nation.
1. Housing and Real Estate
Finding accommodation is often one of the first priorities for newcomers. These platforms are excellent resources for renting or buying property in Belgium:
Apps & Websites:
- Immoweb (immoweb.be):
The largest real estate platform in Belgium, offering listings for apartments, houses, and commercial properties. It’s available in Dutch, French, and English. - Zimmo (zimmo.be):
A user-friendly website that provides detailed property listings, including photos, virtual tours, and neighborhood information. - Airbnb (airbnb.com):
Ideal for short-term stays while you search for permanent housing. Airbnb also has long-term rental options. - HousingAnywhere (housinganywhere.com):
A popular platform for expats and students looking for furnished apartments or shared housing.
2. Transportation
Belgium boasts an efficient public transportation system, and these apps will help you navigate it with ease:
Apps & Websites:
- SNCB/NMBS Mobile App:
The official app for Belgium’s national railway company. Use it to book train tickets, check schedules, and plan journeys across the country. - De Lijn, STIB/MIVB, TEC:
Depending on where you live, download the relevant app for regional bus and tram services:- De Lijn (Flanders)
- STIB/MIVB (Brussels)
- TEC (Wallonia)
- Moovit (moovitapp.com):
A global transit app that integrates data from all Belgian transport providers, helping you find the best routes using buses, trams, trains, and even bikes. - Blue-Bike and Villo!:
Bike-sharing apps for eco-friendly commuting in cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent.
3. Banking and Finances
Managing finances is crucial when settling into a new country. These banking apps and financial tools simplify money management:
Apps & Websites:
- ING Belgium, BNP Paribas Fortis, KBC/CBC Mobile:
Major Belgian banks offer intuitive mobile apps for account management, bill payments, and international transfers. - Revolut, Wise, N26:
Popular fintech apps for managing expenses, exchanging currencies, and sending money abroad at competitive rates. - Tax-on-Web (taxonweb.belgie.be):
An official government portal for filing taxes online. Useful if you’re working or earning income in Belgium. - Numbeo (numbeo.com):
A cost-of-living comparison tool to understand prices for groceries, rent, utilities, and more in different Belgian cities.
4. Language Learning
Belgium has three official languages—Dutch, French, and German—and learning the local language can greatly enhance your experience. These apps and websites make language learning accessible and fun:
Apps & Websites:
- Duolingo (duolingo.com):
A gamified app for beginners learning Dutch or French. Perfect for building vocabulary and basic conversational skills. - Babbel (babbel.com):
Offers structured courses tailored to specific dialects spoken in Belgium, such as Flemish (a variant of Dutch). - Memrise (memrise.com):
Focuses on practical phrases and pronunciation, making it ideal for everyday interactions. - Italki (italki.com):
Connect with native speakers for personalized tutoring sessions via video calls.
5. Job Search and Networking
If you’re moving to Belgium for work, these platforms will help you find employment opportunities and connect with professionals:
Apps & Websites:
- LinkedIn (linkedin.com):
Essential for professional networking. Many Belgian companies use LinkedIn to post job openings and recruit talent. - Indeed.be and StepStone.be:
Leading job portals featuring listings across various industries. - Xing (xing.com):
Popular in Europe, particularly among German-speaking regions near Belgium. - The Brussels Expats Group (Facebook):
A Facebook community where expats share job leads, advice, and support.
6. Healthcare and Insurance
Access to healthcare is vital, and these resources ensure you stay informed about medical services and insurance requirements:
Apps & Websites:
- Mutualités Libres, Partena, CM:
Health insurance providers offering comprehensive coverage plans for residents. - Doclr (doclr.be):
A telemedicine platform connecting patients with doctors for consultations via phone or video call. - Pharmacie.be:
Find nearby pharmacies and check opening hours, including those open late or on weekends. - MyHealthConnector (myhealthconnector.be):
A centralized platform for managing health records, booking appointments, and accessing test results.
7. Social Integration and Community Building
Building a social network is key to feeling at home in a new country. These platforms connect you with locals and fellow expats:
Apps & Websites:
- Meetup (meetup.com):
Join groups based on your interests, whether it’s hiking, cooking, or language exchange. - Internations (internations.org):
A global expat network with regular events and forums specifically for people living in Belgium. - Expats in Belgium (Facebook Groups):
Various Facebook groups cater to expats in different cities, offering tips, advice, and friendship. - Couchsurfing (couchsurfing.com):
While primarily for travelers, Couchsurfing also hosts local meetups and cultural exchanges.
8. Food Delivery and Grocery Shopping
Convenience is king, and these apps make grocery shopping and dining out hassle-free:
Apps & Websites:
- Deliveroo, Uber Eats, Bolt Food:
Order meals from restaurants across Belgium, ranging from local bistros to international chains. - Smash (smash.be):
A Belgian food delivery service focusing on fresh, healthy options. - Colruyt/OKay App:
Shop groceries online from Colruyt or OKay supermarkets and schedule deliveries or pickups. - Too Good To Go (toogoodtogo.com):
Reduce food waste by purchasing discounted surplus meals from local eateries.
9. Government Services and Legal Assistance
Navigating bureaucracy can be daunting, but these resources streamline administrative tasks:
Apps & Websites:
- MyGuichet (myguichet.lu) – Cross-Border Workers:
If you’re commuting from neighboring countries, this platform helps manage cross-border worker formalities. - eID Software (eid.belgium.be):
Download software to read your Belgian electronic ID card, required for many online transactions. - FPS Foreign Affairs (diplomatie.belgium.be):
Information on visas, residency permits, and other legal requirements for foreigners. - Local Town Hall Websites:
Each municipality has its own website with details about registration, garbage collection schedules, and local events.
10. Entertainment and Culture
Immerse yourself in Belgian culture and discover fun activities through these platforms:
Apps & Websites:
- Visit Flanders, Wallonia Tourism, Visit Brussels:
Official tourism websites highlighting attractions, festivals, and hidden gems in each region. - Eventbrite (eventbrite.be):
Find concerts, workshops, and cultural events happening near you. - TiendeWandeling (tiendewandeling.be):
Discover scenic walking routes and outdoor adventures across Belgium. - Spotify/Apple Music Playlists:
Listen to Belgian artists like Stromae, Angèle, and Jacques Brel to get a taste of local music.
