Hi,

My spouse and I will be re-locating to Brussels this Fall for a 3-4 year stay. Our organisation is allowing us to bring in one shipment of goods from Costco or Loblaws – for food, toiletries etc… on our departure.

My husband has President’s Choice Peanut Butter on the top of his list! Other than that, we are not sure what else to bring – and we would very much like to take advantage of this allowance. Would anyone have any recommendations? What is more expensive in Belgium than Canada? What do you miss most from home?

Someone said that pantyhose is super expensive in Belgium. I pay around $8/pair here at the Bay – and go through many pairs for work. Is this something I should be bringing in bulk? How about rice – am a big lover of Asian food. Is rice hard to find/too expensive? Perhaps I could bring a good 20kg Basmati bag? Hmmm.....

Any insight would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks very much.
Cheers!

lucky you!

Well what I noticed most is the drugs here. Tynelol, Advil, Claritin ect., when ever we go home we stock up on that. My husband is a great Sushi maker and we have found a fab Japanese store in Brussels where the sushi rice isnt too much more then back home. As per Basmati Rice you can buy that here and I don't think it is too much.

You can't get things like Stove Top stuffing and those other boxed type of foods but then you find new products here that you can't get back home. The best way to determine what you can get back home that you like and what you can't get here is just to shop....... Hope that helps!

Let me know if there is anything in specific that I can tell you if you can get here..... and I would be glad to.

Quote:

Let me know if there is anything in specific that I can tell you if you can get here..... and I would be glad to.

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Hi Maple,

Thank you. That is really nice of you.

You make a good point though – if we bring everything we like from Canada, then we miss out on discovering new things in Belgium – and isn’t that what travelling is all about!?

Having said that, here is my small list:
- “Canada Dry” ginger ale
- “Colgate” toothpaste
- Soft toilet tissue (I hear European products are a bit rough….)
- “Always” sanitary products
- Quality pantyhose under $10/pair - for dark skin tones
- Body Shop products – I presume Belgium has these stores
- Clothes stores like: Jacob, Tristan or the like at reasonable prices

Generally, I am just wondering if regular groceries (jams, cereal, etc…) & toiletries (toilet tissue, sanitary stuff etc...) are much more expensive than in Canada and should we stock up?

Do you have any recommendations? Again, your insight is greatly appreciated!

Cheers.

There is Canada Dry here in the gorcery stores and a store named Stone Manor even has Diet Canada Dry. Colgate toothpaste is always available, and if you go to the Two Euros store in Waterloo you can sometimes even find Canadian Colgate. As per toilet paper as long as you stick with Scottex premium it is the best here <img src="../images/emoticons/ysmile.gif"> Body Shops do not exist here in Belgium but they are throughout France and Germany so they are easy to get to. I don't know where you are planning on living in Belgium but from Waterloo Aachen, Germany is 11/2 hours drive and they have Walmart, Body SHop, Starbucks ect. Cereals a little more expensive but jams seem to be cheaper for me. There are so many clothing stores here for women.......... they love to shop here! I think you will find most styles here they have some nice Mexx, Esprit, and more upscale. I find on a whole the shoppping a lot of fun here. If you need children diapers they are more expensive here! As per Always they do carry some here but the product is much different from back home I find. Peanut Butter is very expensive here and cookies are different as well. But they have a great selection of coffees and teas!

What area are you planning on moving too?

Hope that helps. Just yell if you think of something else.

Hi, I just moved to Belgium and live in Hasselt. Just reading your message. Body Shop does exist in Belgium. Toilet paper seems great. What would I stock up on? Microwave popcorn especially if you like low cal _ Smart Pop. Parmesan Cheese. Red licorace. Peanut butter is a definite. I'd focus more on personal products. You can always make do with food. Q-tips, shampoos you like - even though they have the same products here - they are different formulas - for instance Fructis smells bad in my mind. Everybody is different though. Focus on bringing extras of things you see as 'normal' in your everyday life. It will be one less adjustment to make when you get here.

tikiri,
Actually, just thinking about all the things I have learned as a result of moving here and would be happy to share them. ie. Have you found somewhere to live? Are there any closets - most houses don't have any. If your company is paying for your move would be a lot better to buy wardrobes etc at IKEA and have them shipped with your stuff rather than having no where to put things when you unpack.
E-mail me at <a href="mailto:lbheath@hotmail.com" Target="_BLANK">lbheath@hotmail.com</a>.

Hi Maple & Lalaa,

We’ll be moving right downtown in Brussels – somewhere on “Scarabées” I believe. Am not sure exactly where this is (still trying to figure out the commune thing) or how far it is to the shopping & grocery markets, but I hear that it is pretty much a central area. Our organisation is taking care of finding and furnishing the apartment, so we are fine on that front…..or so we are hoping. Several things they promised at the beginning have fallen through, so I am staying a bit on the cautious side.

Yes, I have been thinking about bringing shampoo & hair products. There are some products here that I like, but I hear the water is quite “hard” (more minerals) in Belgium and am wondering if I would be better off buying local products instead. Have either of you noticed anything like this? Or is it pretty much a non-issue?

How about electronics; would you advice us to leave most of our stuff behind? I am especially wondering about my small desk printer. It would so nice to bring it – but am worried that it will die sooner than usual or whether I will be forced to spend a mint on importing cartridges from back home…. Hmmmm…. Have you tried to bring any electronics and what’s your experience been like, if I may ask?

Thank you both for your advice and info. It is very nice to hear other Canadians’ experiences in Belgium – makes me feel a bit less nervous about this move.

Thanks again!

Cheers.

I live in Hasselt and our water is very soft but know it differs everywhere. Don't think the products here are made for the water as it varies so much but someone in Brussels would be able to advise you on that. One of my big mistakes was bringing a couple of lamps, small electronics and our tv and stereo. We haven't been able to find a transformer anywhere so am not able to use these things. Ended up buying new things. At least this time we bought a TV that we know will work back home. Check to see if anything you want to bring can handle the different current - should say 110-240v somewhere on the back. Our laptops work but that is about it.

See

<a href="http://www.expatica.com/source/forum_thread.asp?channel_id=3&thread_id=16401" Target="_BLANK">http://www.expatica.com/source/forum_threa...id=16401</a>
for comments on washing machines/driers

and

<a href="http://www.expatica.com/source/forum_thread.asp?channel_id=3&thread_id=10844" Target="_BLANK">http://www.expatica.com/source/forum_threa...id=10844</a>

for comments on electrics/electronics generally.

Lalaa: Will your lamps not take European bulbs?

As far as the other small electronics go, if they've got power supply units (small plug-in transformers) which plug into the mains and give a low voltage output, you should be able to buy 220v power supply units which will give the same output.

If the input to the device is 110v, (the TV, for instance) then you will indeed need an autotransformer. A US spec TV isn't a lot of use in Belgium, because apart from AFN via satellite (and you need a licenced decoder to receive that) or terrerstrial TV in the vicinity of S.H.A.P.E. there are no NTSC transmissions.

If you're around Brussels or Mons (where there are plenty of US military) you should be able to pick up an autotransformer quite easily - but in Limburg, you may have to go to a specialist shop.

It's really not worth bringing small domestic appliances (toasters, irons, waffle-makers etc) - they are quite cheap in Belgium and transformers are a nuisance.

If your organisation is anything to do with NATO, then you'll have access to the American stores at Chievres (which should sort out the peanut butter problem <img src="../images/emoticons/ywink.gif">) and - perhaps more importantly - to the GB store at S.H.A.P.E. which carries all sorts of adaptors to convert US/Canadian plugs to Belgian sockets.

If you don't have access, then perhaps you'll meet some Canadians/Americans in the area who'll be able to help you out.

Back onto peanut butter - don't bring too much <img src="../images/emoticons/ywink.gif"> - it does have a shelf life and it'll probably taste pretty awful once it's past its 'sell by' date.

The water does indeed vary in Belgium (but it is potable.) Where I lived (Casteau) it was very hard.

Best of luck with the move,

Manuel (was pwinder, before I changed my e-mail address)

I plugged in a lamp and it blew up so I assumed it couldn't handle the current. Will try bulb from here. No transformers here in Hasselt. Will try and meet some NATO people. Thanks

If you use an American/Canadian bulb it will blow, but a European bulb (220v) should work OK.

I did have a problem with a 3-way lamp (switched dimmer). It turned out to be a problem with the base of one particular brand of European bulb - it was shorting. It worked OK with another brand of bulb, though.

In general, you shouldn't have a problem with light fittings.

Things I can't get (or more expensive in Belgium)
-Contact lens solution
-MAC Cosmetics
-All Purpose Flour
-Pie pans (with slanted sides)
-Craft items
-Mitchum Deodorant
-Visine
-Advil
-Crisco shortening
-Cornbread muffin mix
-crushed canned pineapple
-graham cracker crumbs
-Canadian magazines
-Bottled salad dressings (very poor selection in Belgium)
-Bed linen in sizes to fit Canadian mattress


There is a WalMart in Aachen, Germany. However, we visited it last week and found it to be a poor copy of the North American stores - very low selection and much more expensive.

Thanks very much all! This info helps quite a lot.

My husband is now expecting to leave to Brussels next week. I plan to join him in three months – staying to finish up some projects I have on hand. In a way, this is good because he will be able to tell me what we need to add to our main shipment coming with me. On the other hand, it will be quite hard for us to be so far away. Oh well it is only for a few months.... <img src="../images/emoticons/bbutbut.gif">

Oreo, I am presume they have Queen size beds in Belgium...? If we buy Queen Size linen at the Bay, would that work fine for the bed we expect to get there?

Yes, after what I have heard, we are leaving all our electronic goods in storage - except for my laptop. Our org. will be providing the basics (kettle, toaster, lamps etc...) in the apartment anyway. The only item that I would love to bring but am not sure about is my small desktop printer (HP psc 1315 all-in-one). Have any of you brought any printers from Canada at all?

Thanks again & cheers.

One more question, if I may: Could anyone tell me (am totally electronically-uninitiated) why it would be safe to bring my laptop, but not my lamps, toaster etc… Why would the other goods have problems, while my laptop wouldn’t? I called the PC dealer from whom I bought my computer, and they said I would have absolutely no problems if I plugged in a “European AC Adapter.”

"The only item that I would love to bring but am not sure about is my small desktop printer (HP psc 1315 all-in-one)."

I've just checked the online manual for that printer (at <a href="http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00141855.pdf" Target="_BLANK">http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00141855.pdf</a> ) and it says:

Power consumption: 80W maximum
Input Voltage: AC 100-240v 50 - 60Hz

(It's at the back of your hard-copy manual.) - I suggest you check your manual to confirm the power supply, but there should be no problems. Bring it. It will work and the printer powqer supply will sense the supply voltage/frequency and set itself accordingly.

Small electronic items often have power supplies which detect voltage and supply frequency automatically. If they do, that fact should either be on the power supply, on the unit, or in the manual.

Your hi-fi (if it's a typical Japanese product) should also work - again, check the manual. If you've got a specific question, either post it here or e-mail me ( <a href="mailto:mdevol.w@ukonline.co.uk" Target="_BLANK">mdevol.w@ukonline.co.uk</a> )

If you have a desktop PC, then the power supply for that will usually have a small switch (near the power input socket) which says 120-240v. - If you slide that switch to the appropriate position, the computer will work OK.

Monitors usually sense the voltage and frequency. - But again, check the manual.

As far as things like lamps, hairdriers, toasters, irons go - they're very basic heating devices (the lampo is a heating device which gets really hot <img src="../images/emoticons/ywink.gif">.

Lamps are usually not a problem. I presume that at home, your lamps have 110/120v screw-type bulbs. You can buy bulbs in Europe which will fit your lamp, they will be 240v screw type bulbs. (As I said earlier, I did have a problem with one particular 3-way lamp and one particluar brand of European bulb - but it wasn't a major problem.)

Your hairdrier *may* be switchable 120-240v, or it may not - if it is, there will be a voltage switch on the unit.

Irons and toasters are usually not switchable. - They're so cheap it's not worth the manufacturer adding that facility - they're usually not sold internationally; each market makes its own.

You *could* bring your iron and your toaster - but you'd have to run them through a transformer and it's not worth the hassle. (The transformer would cost you far more than a new iron and a new toaster.)

I'm not sure what your PC dealer meant when he talked about a 'European AC adapter.' I suspect he meant an adaptor which would plug into a European wall outlet and would give you a US-style socket. - That's all you need and they're readily available in Belgium.

There are 3 items which could come under the title of 'European AC adapter.'

1. A plug adapter. (The thing I've been talking about. Fits between xour US style plug and the European wall outlet. - Doesn't change the voltage.

2. A transformer. Has a ´European plug on one end (goes into the wall outlet) and one or more US style sockets. It converts 240v to 120v. They come in various sizes - from about 75 watts for very small devices to 2.5 Kw (or bigger) for large appliances. They convert the voltage, but not the frequency - you will still have a 50Hz output (which some appliances - eg microwaves - will not tolerate.) Motorised devices (vacuum cleaners) will operate, but will run slightly slower (you won't really notice it) and slightly hotter (you probably won't notice that, either - but see the link I gave you about washing machines/dryers/fridges.

3. The third type of adapter is a 'voltage reducer.' It's comparatively small for its power capabilities a 1.5 kw adapter can be 2" x 2" x 4" long, plugs into the European wall outlet and has a socket for a US plug.

I suggest you don't bother with these. They are not suitable for electronic or motorised items, they can only be used with heating-type items - lights, irons and toasters. - (Not hairdriers - they've got a motor.) If you plug the wrong type of appliance into them, the appliance will blow and although they do work, they're not designed for continuous (or regular) use and they'll shorten the life of the appliance. <img src="../images/emoticons/bbutbut.gif">

You will probably see a 'European travel adapter' at the airport. It's a device which converts US plugs to fit a whole range of outlets. (It doesn't change the voltage though.) They work, but they're expensive and you don't need one ... they're a tourist rip-off <img src="../images/emoticons/ywink.gif">

The bed sizes are different in Belgium than what is sold in Canada. We brought our queen size bed over with us and the sheets over here are for different size mattresses. However, if you are planning on purchasing a bed over here, there will be no problem getting sheets over here as well.

Beds here are 160 cm whereas ours are 150 cm. Your laptop will work because it has an adaptor on it and then you just need a plug adaptor. Other things that will work are things like video cameras, PSP etc that have adaptors on them. You can also buy an adaptor with a European plug as mentioned.

One more thing. Someone mentioned there is a large selection of coffe and tea. I have not found Orange Pekoe tea.

If you are looking for Crisco Shortening and you can get to the Delhaize in Waterloo they carry Criso Shortening in the Small American section <img src="../images/emoticons/ysmile.gif">, and as for Orange Pekoe tea (which I love) you can buy it from StoneManor (British Store) near Zavemtem.

Hope that helps.

Will check out that store next time I'm in Brussels. Thanks

I am preparing to apply to teach for the SHAPE school Kindergarten. Can anyone tell me what it is like to work in that school?

Any information about living in Casteau would be helpful.

All the people in this forum seem so helpful and honest--so Canadian!

Hopefully,
Mrs. T

Don't forget the tin of Tim Horton's coffee!

...

Try the bio milk... it tastes a lot more like what you would be used to in Canada. The standard milk here is pasteurized at really high temperatures for a few seconds (called UHT), and then can be stored on a shelf for 3 to 6 months without refrigeration. Check out <a href="http://www.foodsci.uoguelph.ca/dairyedu/uht.html" Target="_BLANK">http://www.foodsci.uoguelph.ca/dairyedu/uht.html</a> for a more detailed explanation.

The milk seemed a little odd to my wife and I when we arrived, and when we picked up the bio milk our landlady told us that we didn't want that, we wanted the non-refrigerated milk! Took us a while to adjust to not having to refrigerate the unopened milk, and then recently we started looking for more organic products. Look closely in the refrigerator in the dairy section at Del Haize or GB and you may find a couple of bottles of Bio or at least non-UHT milk. I find this milk tastes better than the UHT products.

...

Quote:

lucky you!

Well what I noticed most is the drugs here. Tynelol, Advil, Claritin ect., when ever we go home we stock up on that. My husband is a great Sushi maker and we have found a fab Japanese store in Brussels where the sushi rice isnt too much more then back home. As per Basmati Rice you can buy that here and I don't think it is too much.

************************************

Hi Maple, hope you are still around. I am in Belgium/Brussels now - I moved at the end of November to join my spouse. My husband and I just recently tried our hand at making sushi at home – and have found it quite fun. Could you tell us the name of the “fab Japanese Store” you have discovered please? We are now looking for a recommended place to get Japanese rice, wasabi, ginger etc... at a good price. Much appreciated!

Also, I wanted to say a big thanks to everyone for the invaluable info posted here. Canadian references are all a wonderful help when settling down in a new city. Thanks very, very much, indeed!

Cheers,
T

The only thing I would absolutely bring with me would be "maple syrup". The real stuff and not the sticky-artificial thing. In Overijse there used to be an 'American store', I culd look that up for u.

Try Stone Manor, the British Store, in Everberg. I believe I saw Canadian Maple Syrup on their shelves.

Maple Syrup!! bring lots.

Other things you may go through in bulk like gum, mints etc i find are more expensive here. Also, yesterday I noticed razors were more expensive here - that might be something worth getting from Costco. I find most things are a bit cheaper in Canada, so fill up that box with anything you use a lot of.