The first two days in Brussels, in priority order: what has to happen, what should, and what can wait. Tick things off as you go.
For Brussels
How long you are staying
Must do
Proximus, Orange and BASE, plus cheaper brands such as Mobile Vikings. By law prepaid SIMs are identified before activation, so bring your passport.
The police officer who confirms your registration looks for it. Do it the day you get the keys.
Brussels is nineteen communes, and yours, not the City of Brussels, registers you, issues parking cards and collects the rubbish. Look up its population service hours and whether it needs an online appointment.
Register at the commune where you live, not the city, within eight working days. Some communes need an appointment booked online; bring your passport, lease and photos.
Health insurance through a mutuelle / ziekenfonds is compulsory once you work or reside here. The core cover is the same everywhere; compare the extras.
Should do
112 for ambulance and fire, 101 for police, 1733 for the on-call GP outside surgery hours. Pharmacies display the duty rota.
Contactless bank cards work for single journeys, but monthly and annual passes sit on a MOBIB card, sold at STIB KIOSK and BOOTIK points with ID.
Banks want your passport and proof of address, and the national number once you have it. A Belgian IBAN is what landlords expect for rent and the blocked deposit.
Agree the joint entry inventory and the expert with the landlord before you take the furniture in, and photograph every room and meter yourself as well.
Nice to do
Every commune has a favourite fritkot. Order a small cone with one sauce, and expect a queue on Friday nights.
Rubbish is collected in coloured bags on set days that vary by street. Your commune or regional waste agency publishes the calendar.
Most embassies run a registration or alert service for nationals abroad.
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