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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Brussels, Belgium: how to avoid them
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Brussels is a generally safe city for tourists, though pickpocketing around the main station and tourist squares is common. Taxi overcharging, fake ticket sellers, and restaurant bill tricks are the main rip-offs to watch. Use official ticket apps and the official taxi rank to stay ahead of most scams.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Brussels, Belgium and how to avoid them
1. Pickpocketing at crowded sights
How it works: Pickpockets work busy areas like the Grand Place, metro platforms, and the train stations, often in teams with one person distracting while another lifts wallets or phones from bags and pockets.
How to avoid it: Keep bags zipped and in front of you, avoid rear pockets, and stay alert in dense crowds and on escalators.
2. Unlicensed drivers at the airport
How it works: Unlicensed drivers approach arriving passengers inside or just outside the terminal offering rides at inflated flat prices, often without a meter and sometimes without a licensed vehicle.
How to avoid it: Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals or book through a licensed app. Agree on the fare or confirm the meter before getting in.
3. Fake or overpriced tickets near stations
How it works: Street sellers near metro stations and the Grand Place offer transport tickets or tours at inflated prices, or sell used or invalid tickets that fail validation.
How to avoid it: Buy tickets only from official STIB machines, the official app, or a transport kiosk. Never buy from individuals on the street.
4. Unguided ordering on the square
How it works: Restaurants around the Grand Place sometimes overcharge or add mandatory cover and service charges that are not clearly shown, especially when tourists order without checking prices or ask for a fixed menu special.
How to avoid it: Confirm all prices in writing before ordering and review the bill for extra charges before paying. Eat a short walk off the main square for more honest pricing.
5. Poor-rate exchange booths
How it works: Currency exchange booths near the Grand Place and in tourist districts advertise attractive rates but add hidden commission or apply a poor mid-market rate, leaving you with significantly less cash.
How to avoid it: Use bank ATMs for cash withdrawals in euros, and decline conversion offers. Avoid cash exchange unless necessary.
Official tickets for the top sights in Brussels, Belgium
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Brussels Airport (Zaventem)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €45 - €55. Metered fare to the centre is roughly 45 to 55 euros daytime. Take the official taxi rank outside arrivals and confirm the meter or a fixed price before starting. Refuse drivers who approach you inside the terminal.
Best alternative: Train (SNCB) from Brussels Airport-Zaventem station, arriving at Bruxelles-Central or Bruxelles-Midi (€13, about 17 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- €2.60 (Single journey ticket for metro, tram, or bus within the Brussels region, valid for 60 minutes.)
- Validation rules
- Validate your ticket at the orange validator machines at station entrances or onboard before travel. On trams and buses, validate immediately after boarding. A single ticket is valid for 60 minutes with transfers allowed. Failing to validate counts as travelling without a ticket.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- €100. Fine of roughly 100 euros for travelling without a valid ticket, payable on the spot or by invoice. Inspectors are common on metro lines serving tourist areas.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards and mobile wallets can be used to tap in and out on STIB metro, tram, and bus routes, with daily capping applied. The STIB-MIVB app also sells tickets.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory in restaurants, bars, or taxis. Most locals round up the bill or leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service. Taxi drivers appreciate rounding up to the nearest euro.
Cover and service charges: Service is included in menu prices by law, so no separate service charge is expected. Some tourist-area restaurants add a cover charge or bread charge, which must be shown on the menu. Ask to see prices in writing before ordering if they are not displayed.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Always choose to be charged in euros and decline dynamic currency conversion when paying by card. Prefer ATMs attached to major banks. Independent ATM machines in tourist areas and the airport can carry high fees and poor exchange rates.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Around Gare du Midi / Brussels South station: Widely described as less safe late at night, with reports of pickpocketing and drug-related activity. Keep bags closed and stay alert after dark.
- Around Brussels North station (Gare du Nord): The area immediately around the station is known for petty crime and feels run down at night. Take care with belongings and avoid deserted streets after dark.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Brussels, Belgium
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.