Tourist Scams in Belgium

Grand Place (one of Europe's most visited squares), Manneken Pis, and Gare du Midi are Brussels' most active pickpocket zones. Teams work tourist clusters at the square and target arriving Eurostar and Thalys passengers at Midi.

How to avoid: Wear bags across your chest with the clasp facing inward. Never put a wallet in a back pocket. At Midi Station, keep luggage visible and your hand on your bag at all times.

The Gentse Feesten ten-day summer festival fills the city centre with up to one million visitors and is one of the highest-risk periods for pickpocketing in Belgium. Thieves work in groups in the densely packed outdoor concert areas, beer tents, and the crowded streets of the Patershol and Vrijdagmarkt zones.

How to avoid: Use a money belt or secure inner pocket for your phone and wallet. Carry only the cash you need for the evening and leave cards and passports at your accommodation. Stay alert to anyone pressing unusually close in crowd surges near stages.

Teams of pickpockets work the crowds around the Markt square, Belfry, and boat tour departure points, especially during summer peak season when the streets are packed.

How to avoid: Use a crossbody bag with zippers closed and worn in front. Never hang bags on chair backs in cafes. Keep your phone in a front pocket.

Groups of two or three pickpockets work the crowded concourses and platforms of Antwerpen-Centraal and the busy premetro and tram lines toward Meir and Groenplaats. One member creates a distraction—asking directions, blocking an escalator, or jostling at the doors as a tram arrives—while an accomplice lifts phones and wallets from pockets and open bags. Activity peaks at rush hour and when large groups crowd the gates.

How to avoid: Wear a crossbody bag zipped and held in front, keep your phone in a front pocket, and never set bags down at gates or escalators. Be especially wary when a stranger crowds you or starts a conversation in a packed space, and check your belongings immediately after any jostle.

Groups targeting tourists around the Grand-Place and Galeries Royales Saint-Hubert thrust clipboards with petitions about children or the deaf while accomplices pick pockets. The tactic is common across Brussels tourist zones and particularly active during warm months when crowds gather in pedestrian areas.

How to avoid: Firmly say "non merci" and keep walking. Keep bags zipped and worn across your body. Never stop to engage with unsolicited clipboard approaches.

Listings on secondary sites or direct-message offers advertise Brussels apartments at 30-40% below market rate. Payment is requested via wire transfer or PayPal friends-and-family before viewing. Upon arrival, the property doesn't exist, is already rented, or is drastically different from photos. No refund is offered.

How to avoid: Only book through official Airbnb.com, Booking.com, or reputable hotel sites. Never pay before viewing. Use PayPal Goods & Services (with buyer protection), credit cards, or official booking platforms. Verify owner identity and read recent reviews. Video call before committing.

Unlicensed drivers approach travellers exiting Gare du Midi — particularly Eurostar passengers — with offers of rides into the city. Fares are 3–5x the legitimate metered rate. Brussels licensed taxis are yellow and black.

How to avoid: Use only yellow-and-black licensed taxis from the official rank outside Midi, or use Uber. Never follow someone offering a ride inside the station building.

A stranger "accidentally" spills liquid or condiment on your clothing. While they help you clean up with excessive friendliness, a partner empties your pockets or bag.

How to avoid: If something is spilled on you, step away quickly and check your belongings before anything else. Be suspicious of any unsolicited physical contact.