Tourist Scams in Belgium
Belgium attracts millions of tourists annually across its 3 documented cities. Our database records 42+ reported scam incidents — a figure compiled from government travel advisories, verified news sources, and traveler reports. Scam activity is relatively lower compared to other destinations in Europe. The documented risks are concentrated around street scams and tour & activities, primarily at major tourist areas. Ghent accounts for the highest share of documented incidents with 14 reported scams, followed by Brussels and Bruges.
Lower
Overall risk
42+
Scams documented
3
Cities covered
Overall risk
Lower
Scams documented
42+
Cities covered
3
High severity
2
Medium severity
30
All 3 covered cities in Belgium
Scam risk varies significantly across Belgium. The table below ranks each city by documented incident count. Check the individual city page for destination-specific scam details and current risk areas.
Ghent
14 documented scams
Ghent is a historic Flemish university city between Brussels and Bruges, known for its medieval Gravensteen castle, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and a vibrant student nightlife. Less touristed than Bruges, the city sees pickpocketing in the Korenmarkt and Vrijdagmarkt areas, overpriced tourist restaurants near the three towers, and issues with unlicensed street food vendors during the Gentse Feesten summer festival. The festival brings one million visitors and creates peak conditions for opportunistic crime.
Is Ghentsafe? →Brussels
14 documented scams · 1 high severity
The de facto capital of the EU is a city of grand squares, waffles, and comic-strip murals. Tourist density around Grand Place and Midi Station creates steady opportunity for pickpockets, bracelet scammers, and fake taxi operators.
Is Brusselssafe? →Bruges
14 documented scams · 1 high severity
Bruges is a fairy-tale medieval city with canals and Gothic architecture, and while it's among Europe's safest destinations, pickpocketing, taxi overcharging, and card fraud still target tourists in busy areas.
Is Brugessafe? →Most common scam types in Belgium
Scam categories are ordered by frequency across all documented incidents in Belgium. Use these to prioritise what to research before your trip.
Street Scams
Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.
13
31% of reports
Tour & Activities
Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.
5
12% of reports
Money & ATM Scams
Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.
5
12% of reports
Taxi & Transport
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.
4
10% of reports
Top reported scams in Belgium
These are the most frequently reported individual scams across all cities in Belgium, ranked by frequency score from our database.
Gentse Feesten Festival Pickpocketing
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.
Pickpocketing at Grand Place and Midi Station
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.
Pickpocketing Near the Markt and Belfry
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.
Clipboard Petition Distraction Scam
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.
Fake Taxi at Midi Station
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.
Fake Airbnb Listings & Accommodation Scams
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.
Spill and Pickpocket Distraction
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.
Friendship Bracelet Scam
Common around the Atomium, Manneken Pis, and Grand Place. Operators grab a wrist and tie a bracelet before consent is given, then demand payment aggressively, sometimes blocking the path of solo travelers or couples.
How to avoid: Do not allow anyone to touch you or put anything on your person. Walk away without engaging. Do not feel obligated to pay for anything placed on you without your permission.
How serious are the risks in Belgium?
Quick safety tips for Belgium
Research Ghent scams specifically — it has the highest documented incident count in Belgium.
Use app-based transport (Uber, Bolt, local equivalents) rather than flagging taxis at tourist sites.
Verify all prices and fees in writing or on a menu before agreeing to any service.
Keep copies of your passport, insurance policy, and emergency contacts in a separate location from originals.
Report any scam you experience to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, it helps build official records.
Check the Belgium advisory on the US State Department, UK FCDO, or Australian DFAT site before travel for the latest government-level safety updates.
Belgium travel safety questions
Is Belgium safe for tourists?
Belgium is visited by millions of tourists each year and is generally safe with preparation. Our database documents 42+ tourist scams across 3 cities. Scam activity is rated lower overall. The most common risks are street scams, tour & activities, money & atm scams scams. Reviewing destination-specific warnings before you travel significantly reduces your risk.
What are the most common tourist scams in Belgium?
The most frequently documented tourist scams in Belgium are Street Scams, Tour & Activities, Money & ATM Scams, Taxi & Transport. Ghent has the highest documented scam count with 14 reported incidents. Scam operators typically target tourists near transit hubs, major attractions, and busy markets.
Which city in Belgium has the most tourist scams?
Ghent has the highest number of documented tourist scams in Belgium with 14 recorded incidents. Other cities with significant scam activity include Brussels and Bruges.
How can I stay safe from scams in Belgium?
The most effective protection in Belgium is knowing the specific scams used before you arrive. Key precautions: use app-based transport instead of street taxis, verify prices before agreeing to any service, keep valuables secured in crowded areas, and be cautious of unsolicited help near tourist sites. Review the detailed warnings for each city you plan to visit.
Are Street Scams scams common in Belgium?
Street Scams scams are the most documented scam type in Belgium, accounting for 13 recorded incidents across our database. Ghent sees the most activity. The best defense is to use licensed operators and agree on prices or use metered services before travel begins.
Do I need travel insurance for Belgium?
Travel insurance is recommended for any international trip, including Belgium. Beyond scam-related financial losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen property — all documented risk categories in Belgium. Policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance are particularly useful if you experience fraud or theft while abroad.
Editorial note: Scam warnings for Belgium are compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Read our methodology →
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