Best way to spend money abroad when living in Belgium as an expat 2026

Living in Beligum makes weekend trips to France, Germany or the Netherlands, and long-haul travel to the US or Asia easier than ever. Paying abroad, however, can quietly become expensive.

Foreign transaction fees, exchange rate markups and ATM charges add up quickly. In this guide, we compare the safest and most cost-effective ways to spend overseas in 2026, so you can choose the right setup for your travel style and avoid unnecessary fees.

Quick answer: what’s the best way to pay abroad?

• International debit card (e.g. multi-currency cards): Best for budget travellers and digital nomads. Offers competitive exchange rates, low foreign transaction fees and easy ATM access – ideal for regular cross-border trips from Belgium to countries like the Netherlands, the UK or the US.
• Credit card with no foreign transaction fees: Best for business travellers and frequent flyers. Provides purchase protection, travel insurance benefits and rewards, which can be useful for higher-value spending such as flights, hotels and car hire.
• Prepaid travel card: Best for families and group trips. Allows you to preload a set amount in advance, helping with budgeting and limiting overspending while travelling.
• Cash in local currency: Best for short stays or rural destinations. Useful in places where card acceptance is lower or for small purchases, though it is rarely the cheapest primary payment method.

Key takeaway: For most Belgium-based travellers in 2026, a debit card with low foreign transaction fees and competitive exchange rates offers the best balance of cost, convenience and safety. Credit cards can complement it for larger purchases and added protection, while cash should play a supporting role rather than being your main payment method abroad.

Understanding your international payment options

When you’re planning to spend money abroad from Belgium choosing the right payment method can make a big difference in fees, convenience and security. Debit cards, prepaid cards, credit cards and cash all have their place, but their cost and usefulness vary depending on how and where you travel.

Best international debit cards

For many travellers based in Belgium an international-friendly debit card is the most practical way to pay abroad. These cards link directly to your account, are widely accepted worldwide, and can offer lower currency conversion costs than many bank debit cards.

Wise

Wise offers a multi-currency account that lets you hold and convert money before you travel. When you pay in Swiss francs, British pounds or US dollars, the card first uses your existing balance in that currency. If you do not hold the currency, Wise automatically converts from your available balance at the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent fee starting from 0.47%.

The debit card works in 150+ countries and supports contactless payments, Apple Pay and Google Pay. For Belgium-based expats who regularly cross borders, such as weekend trips to Germany or the Netherlands, or longer travel outside the Eurozone, automatic currency conversion combined with transparent pricing can reduce overall foreign transaction costs compared to many high-street bank cards.

Revolut

Hold and exchange 30+ currencies in the Revolut app before travelling. Card spending abroad uses Revolut’s own exchange rate. On Standard and Plus plans, exchanges are fee-free up to a monthly allowance. Above that, a 0.5%-1% fair usage fee applies. Currency exchanges made at the weekend also include a markup of up to 1%.

ATM withdrawals are free up to five withdrawals or €200 per rolling month, whichever comes first. After that, a 2% fee applies, with a minimum charge of €1 per withdrawal. For shorter trips or moderate spending within plan limits, Revolut can be competitive. Higher volumes or frequent weekend exchanges can increase overall costs.

Trade Republic

Trade Republic provides a Visa debit card linked to its cash account with no monthly subscription fees. You can choose a free virtual card or opt for a physical Classic or Mirror card for a small one-time fee. The card is ideal for international use as it applies the competitive Visa exchange rate to non-euro transactions without adding any extra currency markups.

For cash access, you get unlimited free ATM withdrawals worldwide on amounts over €100. Smaller withdrawals incur a flat €1 fee, though local ATM operators may still apply their own charges. The card also features Saveback, which invests 1% of your eligible spending into a savings plan, and a Round up tool for your spare change – though as these are investment products, they do involve market risk.

Provider	Spending fees abroad	ATM withdrawal fees abroad	Features
Wise	From 0.47% currency conversion using the mid-market rate	2 free withdrawals up to €200 per month*, small fee after	Multi-currency account, hold 40+ currencies, spend in 150+ countries, real exchange rate, app controls
Revolut	No weekday FX fee within monthly allowance; 0.5%-1% fair usage fee above limit; up to 1% weekend markup	Up to 5 withdrawals or €200 per rolling month free; then 2% or €1 minimum per withdrawal	Multi-currency app, budgeting tools, virtual cards
Trade Republic	Visa exchange rate with no additional markup	Unlimited worldwide withdrawals above €100; €1 fee for smaller withdrawals (ATM operator fees may apply)	No monthly subscription fee, app security controls, Saveback & round-up investing features

For travellers spending in Swiss francs, pounds or US dollars, exchange rate structures are important.

Revolut can be competitive within plan limits, but weekend markups and fair usage thresholds affect total cost.

Wise uses the mid-market rate with a transparent fee from 0.47%, and automatic conversion if no balance is held, which can make costs easier to predict.

Trade Republic uses Visa’s exchange rate with no additional foreign transaction fee from the provider and offers subscription-free card access, which may appeal to travellers looking for a simple debit option without monthly fees.

Pros and cons of using debit cards abroad

Pros	Cons
Lower fees than most credit cards Widely accepted worldwide wherever Visa or Mastercard are supported Direct access to your own funds without taking on credit Instant app notifications and spending controls Easier budgeting for everyday travel expenses	ATM withdrawal limits may apply before fees are charged Some providers add weekend or post-limit FX markups Limited purchase protection compared to credit cards Requires a sufficient account balance at the time of payment

How to apply for a Wise Card

Ordering a Wise card is straightforward if you live in an eligible country such as Belgium Here’s how it works:

1. Open a Wise account: Sign up online or through the Wise app. You’ll need to verify your identity with a valid ID document and confirm your Belgian residential address. Verification can take a few days depending on checks.
2. Open your first currency balance: Once your account is approved, open a balance in euros or another currency. You can add and hold 40+ currencies in the same account.
3. Order your physical Wise card: Go to the “Cards” tab in the app or website and select “Order card.” A small one-time card fee may apply. Wise will confirm your delivery details before issuing the card.
4. Choose delivery option: Standard delivery in the EEA typically takes up to 14 working days, with expedited tracked delivery available for an additional fee.
5. Activate your card: When it arrives, activate it by completing a chip-and-PIN transaction. After activation, the card can be used worldwide wherever Mastercard is accepted.

Optional: Get a Wise digital card

You can also create a digital card in the Wise app:

• Open the Cards tab
• Select “Get a digital card”
• Start using it immediately for online payments or add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay

Digital cards are useful for secure online spending and travel bookings. You can create multiple digital cards and replace them easily if needed.

Best prepaid travel cards

Dedicated prepaid travel cards are not widely used in Belgium. Instead, you’ll find reloadable prepaid cards from banks like Belfius or BNP Paribas Fortis. These are essentially digital wallets that you top up in advance, making them a safe choice for budgeting or for students who don’t have a full credit line.

However, they are rarely the most cost-effective way to spend abroad outside of the Eurozone. Most Belgian bank prepaid cards carry loading fees and foreign transaction markups. Furthermore, ATM withdrawals outside the eurozone can be expensive, often costing a flat fee of €5 per transaction plus the exchange margin.

For most Belgian expats and travellers, a multi-currency debit card is a better alternative as it offers the same prepaid budgeting benefit but with much lower conversion fees and better exchange rates.

Pros and cons of using prepaid travel cards abroad

Pros	Cons
No income or credit check required No risk of debt or overdraft Spending limited to the preloaded balance Useful for budgeting and controlled travel spending Accessible to newcomers and students	Annual or monthly fees may apply ATM withdrawal charges can be high Limited acceptance for hotel deposits and car rentals Foreign transaction fees often apply (depending on provider) No travel insurance or reward programmes Rarely the most cost-effective option for frequent travel

Best credit cards for international travel

Credit cards can be a convenient option for international travel if you qualify for one. In Belgium, most credit cards require you to be a resident and have a stable income. Approval depends on your credit history and financial profile.

Unlike prepaid cards, credit cards can also offer purchase protection and travel insurance, and are often best suited for flights, hotels and higher-value purchases rather than everyday small spending.

American Express Gold Card

The American Express Gold Card is a premium choice for Belgian residents who value travel rewards and lifestyle perks. It operates as a charge card, meaning you must repay the balance in full each month, and is particularly well-suited for expats who travel frequently across the Benelux region. Cardholders earn Membership Rewards points for every euro spent, which can be transferred to various airline and hotel partners, adding significant value for those who travel often.

The card comes with a monthly fee of €20 (€240 annually) and includes four free airport lounge visits per year through Priority Pass, along with an annual €100 “Dining for 2” credit. While it offers comprehensive travel insurance and purchase protection, non-euro transactions incur a 2.50% foreign transaction fee. Because of this, many travellers use the Gold Card for large bookings and travel perks while relying on a low-fee debit card for their everyday spending abroad.

Keytrade Bank Visa Classic

Keytrade Bank offers a Visa Classic card that is ideal for digital-savvy expats looking for a low-cost, flexible credit option. The card is free for the first year and remains free as long as you use it at least 12 times annually, making it a very accessible choice for residents who stay active with their accounts. It stands out for providing one of the lowest foreign transaction fees among Belgian banks at just 1.40%, and it allows for free cash withdrawals at any ATM within the eurozone.

Managed entirely through a user-friendly app, the card provides real-time security controls, allowing you to block the card, adjust limits, or toggle contactless payments instantly. It also includes Safe Online insurance, which protects you against non-delivery or issues with online purchases. While it lacks premium travel perks like lounge access or air miles, its low fees and high level of digital control make it a reliable companion for those who are on a budget for daily use and travel within Europe.

Beobank Brussels Airlines Explore Mastercard

The Beobank Brussels Airlines Explore Mastercard is a practical choice for travellers in Belgium who want to turn their everyday spending into future trips. For an annual fee of €20, you can earn Miles on almost all your purchases, which are automatically credited to your Miles & More account each month. You earn 2 Miles for every euro spent with Brussels Airlines and 1 Mile with other Lufthansa Group or Star Alliance partners. For all other daily shopping and groceries, you still collect 0.5 Miles per euro, up to a total of 25,000 Miles per year.

One of the standout features for expats is the welcome gift, which currently offers a €20 credit on your first card bill, effectively making the card free for the first year. The package also includes five essential insurance policies, covering travel accidents, luggage delay or loss, and damage to rental cars, as well as purchase protection for your online and in-store shopping. If you use the card for at least one eligible transaction every month, the validity of your accumulated Miles is extended, ensuring your rewards don’t expire while you’re planning your next adventure.

Provider	Spending fees abroad	ATM withdrawal fees abroad	Features
Beobank Brussels Airlines Explore	2.10% foreign transaction fee	Withdrawals typically include a fee + 2.10% exchange fee	Earn miles on every €, 5 included travel and purchase insurances, car rental damage waiver, €20 welcome gift
Keytrade Bank Visa Classic	1.40% foreign transaction fee	Free in eurozone; €2 + 0.40% + 1.40% exchange fee outside of the eurozone	€0 annual fee (if used 12x/year), Safe Online insurance, real-time app controls, purchase protection
American Express Gold	2.50% foreign transaction fee	3.50% (min €4.50) + 2.50% exchange fee	1 Membership Rewards point per €, 4 Priority Pass lounge visits, €100 dining credit, premium travel insurance

For Belgium-based travellers who qualify, these credit cards provide essential protection for bookings, larger purchases and car rentals. The American Express Gold Card is geared towards travellers who value rewards and airport comfort, while the Keytrade Bank Visa Classic and Beobank Explore Mastercard are more straightforward options that offer purchase protection and wide global acceptance at lower annual costs.

However, foreign transaction fees ranging from 1.40% to 2.50% apply on non-euro spending, and cash withdrawals using credit are typically expensive. For everyday travel expenses, many travellers combine a credit card for flights and hotel deposits with a low-cost international debit card for routine spending and ATM use.

Pros and cons of using credit cards abroad

Pros	Cons
Accepted worldwide for hotels, flights and car rental deposits Purchase protection and chargeback rights Travel insurance and rental car cover on selected cards Interest-free period if repaid in full Useful backup to a debit card when travelling	Most Belgian credit cards charge 1.40–2.50% foreign transaction fees Cash withdrawals are usually expensive Interest applies if not repaid in full Credit check and income requirements apply Risk of overspending

Cash: when and how much to carry

Cash still has a role when travelling abroad from Belgium, but it is rarely the cheapest primary payment method. Small shops, taxis, street markets or rural areas may prefer cash, particularly outside major cities.

In parts of Southern Europe or destinations such as Turkey or Thailand, cash remains common for everyday purchases. Even within Europe, some smaller establishments may set minimum card amounts.

When exchanging currency, avoid airport exchange bureaus where possible. They often advertise “zero commission” but build their profit into poor exchange rates. Instead, withdrawing local currency from an ATM in your destination usually offers a more competitive rate. Always choose to be charged in the local currency rather than euros to avoid dynamic currency conversion markups.

As a general rule, carry enough cash for your first day or two plus a small emergency buffer. Avoid carrying large sums and split cash between your wallet and a secure location, and use hotel safes where available.

Pros and cons of using cash abroad

Pros	Cons
Universally accepted, including small or rural merchants No risk of card network outages Useful for tips, taxis, and small purchases Helps control spending in fixed amounts	No purchase protection or chargeback rights Exchange rates at bureaux can be poor Risk of loss or theft Large amounts can be inconvenient or unsafe to carry

How Wise makes international spending easier

For many expats living in Belgium, international spending is routine. Weekend trips to the Netherlands, city breaks in the UK, or travel to the US and Asia all involve paying in different currencies, where exchange rate structure makes a noticeable difference.

Wise lets Belgian customers hold and manage 40+ currencies in a single account, using the mid-market exchange rate with a transparent conversion fee from 0.47%. When you pay abroad, the card automatically deducts from your balance in the local currency. If you do not hold that currency, Wise converts the amount instantly from your available balance at the applicable rate.

Unlike many bank cards that apply foreign transaction markups of around 2% or more, Wise uses the mid-market rate and shows the exact fee before you confirm the exchange.

Why the Wise card works well for travellers

• Spend in 150+ countries with one debit card
• Hold and convert 40+ currencies in a single multi-currency account
• Currency conversion from 0.47% using the mid-market rate
• Up to €200 per month in ATM withdrawals free* (2 withdrawals), then €0.50 + 1.75%
• Automatic currency conversion if you do not hold the local currency
• Apple Pay and Google Pay support

Because there is no monthly maintenance fee and no separate foreign transaction surcharge, Wise can work well as a primary travel card or alongside a credit card for bookings and deposits.

*Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks

Common mistakes to avoid when spending money abroad

• Dynamic currency conversion trap: When paying by card or withdrawing cash, you may be asked whether you want to be charged in euros instead of the local currency. Choosing euros often means accepting a worse exchange rate set by the merchant or ATM provider. Always select the local currency to avoid hidden markups.
• Airport exchange bureau pitfall: Airport currency exchange desks frequently advertise zero commission but build their profit into poor exchange rates. Exchanging large amounts on arrival can be significantly more expensive than withdrawing cash from a local ATM or using a low-FX card.
• Over reliance on a single payment method: Travelling with only one card increases the risk of disruption if it is blocked, lost, or declined. Carry at least two payment methods, such as a debit card and a credit card, plus a small amount of cash.
• Not understanding foreign transaction fees: Many bank cards charge 1.5% to 3% on non-euro payments. Over the course of a trip, these small percentages can add up, so always check the fees before you start spending.
• Ignoring daily spending or withdrawal limits: Cards often have daily ATM or payment limits. Large hotel bills or car rental deposits can exceed your daily limit, causing unexpected declines. Review and adjust limits in your banking app before departure.
• Forgetting to notify banks of travel plans: Some banks still flag unusual foreign transactions as potential fraud. Informing your bank of travel dates in advance can reduce the risk of your card being blocked mid-trip.

Conclusion

For Belgian-based travellers, the best way to spend abroad depends on your destination and travel style. Debit cards with low conversion fees tend to work well for everyday spending, while credit cards are useful for hotel bookings, car rentals and larger purchases where deposits or insurance protection matter. Cash still has a place for small merchants or rural areas, but it is rarely the cheapest main option.

Frequent travel, such as between Belgian and the UK or the US, makes exchange rate structure more important. Budget travellers and digital nomads usually care most about keeping FX fees low and having flexible ATM access. Families heading off on shorter trips often feel more comfortable carrying both a debit and credit card for flexibility and security. Business travellers, meanwhile, tend to pair a no-foreign-fee credit card for deposits and larger payments with a low-cost debit card for everyday spending.

For many expats in Belgium, a Wise account offers a transparent and flexible alternative. You can hold 40+ currencies in one place, convert from 0.47% using the mid-market exchange rate, spend in 150+ countries, and withdraw up to €200 per month with two free ATM withdrawals* before low fees apply. With upfront pricing and automatic conversion when needed, it helps reduce hidden markups and gives you clearer control over international spending.

*Wise will not charge you for these withdrawals, but some additional charges may occur from independent ATM networks

Useful resources

• Federal Reserve System – International payments dataResearch and reports on cross-border payments, card usage trends, and global transaction volumes.
• World Tourism Organization (UN Tourism)Global travel statistics, outbound tourism trends, and international visitor data.
• National Bank of Belgium
• Official data and reports on the Belgian payment landscape, providing insights into how money moves within the country and across borders.
• U.S. Department of State – Travel advisoriesOfficial travel guidance, safety information, and country-specific alerts.
• European Consumer Centres Network (ECC-Net)Cross-border consumer protection advice within the EU, including payment disputes and chargeback rights.