Saving as well as spending as an expat in Belgium

Relocating to a completely new country is a stressful experience, often complicated by getting used to a new currency without breaking your budget.

The everyday cost of living in a new expat destination is one of the most important aspects of relocation overseas, with making the best of your salary and even saving for a rainy day dependent on your shopping habits. It takes time to get to know your area and its retail offerings in order to avoid being overcharged for the basics simply by not knowing where to shop for the best buys. In general, Belgium isn’t exactly a bargain-basement destination, especially if you’re working in Brussels or other larger cities. However, the city is no exception to the rule that money can be saved by shopping wisely, with the same being applied to rental costs.

Prices for foodstuffs and everyday necessities in Belgium are on the high side compared to neighbouring countries, but a regular mega-shop across the border can save a good deal of your hard-earned cash. Expats living in border areas are estimated to be able to cut their monthly grocery bills by between 10 and 20 per cent simply by exiting for an afternoon. Another tip is avoiding supermarkets wherever possible, as most areas have regular weekly markets where fresh, locally-grown produce costs a fraction of the packaged equivalent in your nearest mega-store.

If you’re a fan of eating out in restaurants, avoiding obviously tourist-oriented eateries will save paying over the odds for standard meals. In Brussels, restaurant prices increase on a regular basis not just in the premium tourist season, but also on weekends and in the evenings, with the only answer a gourmet cookbook and a chef’s apron. Setting a monthly budget is essential if you’re planning to save as well as spend, and keeping an eye on your non-regular spending is essential. The trick is to concentrate on needs rather than wants, but treating yourself every so often is allowed!

To avoid that intimidated feeling common to most newly-arrived expats, getting advice from members of the established expat community is the best way. Integrating can be fun once you’ve started, with expat events, online forums and social media all there for the confused new arrival. Brussels has a good number of expatriate communities, not all of which are involved with politics and the EU, and friends are there for the making. As regards renting or buying your new home, researching your new area is essential as it gives you a benchmark as to average property prices. Taking your time to identify exactly where you'd’ prefer to live is important and, if you’re looking to rent, don’t be afraid to negotiate in order to get the best price.