Are cash machines free to use in Belgium?

Question

Can someone tell me if they are? I know the UK bank will charge, but does the Belgium bank charge too? I know they don;t in France. Thanks.

Answer 1

If your bank does not charge you for taking your money out, and you do not get a charge when getting money in France, then you also do not have to pay in Belgium.

I have the same system, I pay a yearly fee but no transaction fees when I get cash, I do not pay it anywhere in Europe, not any other place I have been.

Be careful with cash machines in stores and touristy places, like inside an attraction park, because some of those might, but they have to announce it and you are free not to use them. But that said, I never saw any of those, in many years of traveling.

Answer 2

let me add to the 1st answer :

When you go inside any bank to get money from the ATM, you'll need a bankcard (Mister Cash, Bancontact)  from that particular bank. This card is used to enter the special  ATM premises when the bank is closed. On the other hand, most - if not all - ATMs outside the banks will accept the main credit cards e.g. Visa, Master Card, Maestro, etc...(I am not sure about the Amex card though). If some fees have to be paid, it will be first  the credit company which will ask you (VISA is free, Master Card is not if my memory serves me right) then your bank (not a Belgian one though) can also ask for a fee especially if you have a card from an American Bank e.g. some ask 5$/use regardless of the amount taken.

Check with your Bank and Credit Cie to see if they effectively allow you to get money for free from ATMs.

Also, because it is high tourist season, it is smart to take more money than you may need as a lot of machines run out of cash during the week-ends even sometimes already on Friday nights.

Tip : if you can't take money from a bank, you can always go to a money changer who accepts credit cards.  Some do not ask for a fee (near the main square of Brussels= la Grand-Place)

Hope this helps.

Edit :

As I said before, Belgian banks won't charge you. It is part of a European directive if I am not mistaken

Answer 3

1....use my card in belguim dont think belgian banks charge

2...often they are out of money pain in the ****

3...beware of using your atm card around the grand place and tourist areas pickpockets .....also pain in the ****

4....belguim good food beer ....not pain in the ****..... pain in the head

Answer 4

When you say free - do you mean does the bank issue a charge to you for using the ATM machine? As far as I know, machines here to not issue a charge for using them. In fact, charges are more likely to come from your bank and not the machine of the bank who select. For example, if you come from outside the Eurozone, in terms of currency i.e. if your bank account is in something other than Euros, your bank will probably issue a conversion charge wehn withdrawing money. If you're from outside the EU, from the US for example, the same charge could apply. I would recommend checking with your bank.

Here are some common problems with bank machines in Belgium:

1. Some ATMs will only accept your card if you are from their bank, e.g. don't have a Fortis or ING account? no money for you then. However, things are changing, most of these other banks do now take cards which have the 'Maestro', 'Link', 'Plus' or 'Laser' function.

2. There are very few ATMs around! There is a serious lack of bank machines in cities like e.g. Brussels. When you find one, take out money for a few days.

3. Often, when you do find an ATM machine, they are out of cash - especially after the weekend so, as in point 2, when you find one, take out money for a few days!