Safety guide in Ghent

1. 1

   Cycle Safely in Ghent's Bustling Streets

   essential

   Ghent is a cycling city. Always use proper lights (front and rear) after dark, wear reflective clothing, and follow traffic rules to avoid accidents with trams and cars.

2. 2

   Secure Your Bike Against Theft

   essential

   Bike theft ("fietsdieven") is common. Always use two strong locks, especially when parking overnight. Consider registering your bike with the city.

3. 3

   Watch Out for Pickpockets in Crowds

   essential

   Be vigilant in crowded areas like the Vrijdagmarkt, during events like Gentse Feesten, or on busy De Lijn trams. Keep valuables secure and out of sight.

4. 4

   Be Aware in Citadelpark After Dark

   recommended

   While beautiful during the day, Citadelpark can feel less safe at night. It's generally advisable to avoid walking through it alone after dark.

5. 5

   Navigate Public Transport Safely

   recommended

   De Lijn buses and trams are safe, but always be aware of your belongings, especially during peak hours. Plan your route in advance, particularly at night.

6. 6

   Stay Alert in Overpoortstraat Late at Night

   recommended

   Overpoortstraat is Ghent's lively student nightlife hub. While generally safe, alcohol consumption can lead to minor incidents. Stay with friends and be aware of your surroundings.

7. 7

   Avoid Unlit Alleys and Shortcuts

   recommended

   Ghent has many charming but narrow, unlit streets, especially in older districts like Patershol. Stick to well-lit main roads when walking alone at night.

8. 8

   Keep Emergency Numbers Handy

   essential

   Program 112 (general emergency), 101 (police), and 100 (fire/ambulance) into your phone. Knowing these instantly can save crucial time.

9. 9

   Be Mindful of Alcohol Consumption

   recommended

   Enjoy Ghent's vibrant bar scene responsibly. Excessive alcohol can impair judgment and make you more vulnerable. Pace yourself and stay hydrated.

10. 10

    Know Your Way Back Home

    nice-to-have

    Before heading out, especially to new areas or for nightlife, familiarize yourself with your route home, whether by foot, bike, or De Lijn.

1. 1

   Understand Belgian Emergency Numbers

   essential

   Dial 112 for all emergencies (police, fire, ambulance) across Belgium. For police specifically, you can also dial 101.

2. 2

   Access Ghent's Out-of-Hours GP Service

   essential

   For non-urgent medical issues outside regular clinic hours, contact the Huisartsenwachtpost Gent. They provide general practitioner services evenings and weekends.

3. 3

   Know Your Local Hospitals

   essential

   Ghent has major hospitals like UZ Gent and AZ Sint-Lucas. In an emergency, head to the nearest spoedgevallendienst (emergency department).

4. 4

   Register at the Municipality Promptly

   essential

   Your "Inschrijving in het bevolkingsregister" is crucial for accessing social security and healthcare. Do this shortly after arrival to gain legal residency.

5. 5

   Get Private Health Insurance (Initially)

   essential

   If you're not yet covered by Belgian social security, ensure you have private travel or health insurance to cover potential medical costs.

6. 6

   Carry Your ID and Health Card

   essential

   Always carry a form of identification (ID card or passport) and your Belgian health insurance card ("mutualiteit" card) for medical appointments.

7. 7

   Locate Nearest Pharmacy (Apotheek)

   recommended

   Familiarize yourself with nearby pharmacies for medication or minor health advice. Look for the green cross sign.

8. 8

   Report Crimes to Lokale Politie Gent

   essential

   If you are a victim of crime, contact the Lokale Politie Gent. They have various stations throughout the city, and you can report online for non-urgent matters.

9. 9

   Learn Basic Dutch Medical Terms

   nice-to-have

   Knowing a few key phrases like "Ik heb pijn" (I have pain) or "arts" (doctor) can be helpful in medical situations.

10. 10

    Inform Loved Ones of Your Location

    nice-to-have

    Especially when going out alone or exploring, let a friend or family member know your plans and estimated return time.

1. 1

   Verify Housing Offers Rigorously

   essential

   Housing scams are common due to high demand. Always view the property in person before paying any deposit or signing a "Huurcontract" or "Studentenhuurcontract."

2. 2

   Beware of "Too Good to Be True" Deals

   essential

   If rent seems unusually low for Ghent (average 400- 650) or the landlord is overly pushy, it's a red flag. Scammers often target desperate newcomers.

3. 3

   Never Pay Before Seeing Property

   essential

   A legitimate landlord will never demand payment for a viewing or a security deposit before you've seen the property and signed a valid contract.

4. 4

   Understand Your Contract Type

   essential

   Familiarize yourself with "Huurcontract," "Studentenhuurcontract," and "Onderhuurcontract" terms. Seek advice if anything is unclear, especially regarding flexible terms.

5. 5

   Scrutinize Online Listings Carefully

   essential

   Use reputable housing platforms. Be wary of listings with poor grammar, generic photos, or landlords claiming to be abroad and unable to meet.

6. 6

   Protect Your Personal Information

   essential

   Be cautious about sharing personal documents like passports or bank details online. Only provide them to verified landlords or official bodies.

7. 7

   Be Wary of Rental Deposit Scams

   essential

   Rental deposits should be held in a blocked account ("geblokkeerde rekening") in both your and the landlord's name, not directly transferred to a private account.

8. 8

   Avoid Unofficial "Onderhuurcontract" (Subletting)

   recommended

   If subletting, ensure the primary tenant has permission from the landlord. Unofficial sublets can leave you vulnerable with no legal recourse.

9. 9

   Use Official Resources for Housing

   recommended

   Consult Ghent University housing services or reputable real estate agencies for safer housing options. They can guide you through legitimate processes.

10. 10

    Report Suspected Scams Immediately

    essential

    If you encounter a scam, report it to the Lokale Politie Gent and inform the platform where you found the listing to prevent others from falling victim.

• Always double-lock your bicycle to an immovable object; many Ghent residents use two different lock types for maximum security against "fietsdieven."
• Before signing any "Huurcontract," take clear photos or videos of the property's condition to prevent disputes over damages when moving out.
• For urgent non-medical, non-police issues, Ghent has a local information line (1777) for municipal services and general city questions.
• Consider investing in a reflective vest or bright jacket, especially if cycling at night, as Ghent's historic centre can have dimly lit cobblestone streets.
• When using De Lijn at night, if you feel unsafe, sit near the driver. Most stops are "aanvraaghaltes" (request stops), so confirm your stop with the driver.

This guide specifically addresses safety in Ghent, recognizing its unique blend of student life, cycling culture, and historic urban environment. The advice on bike security, navigating specific areas like Overpoortstraat and Citadelpark, and understanding local housing contracts and registration processes ("Inschrijving") is tailored to the city's distinct challenges and services like De Lijn and Lokale Politie Gent.

• Best neighborhoods
• Cost of living
• Moving checklist
• First month guide
• Student discounts
• Public transport
• Pet-Friendly living
• Expat community
• Grocery shopping
• Coworking spaces
• Neighbourhoods

• Rental contracts
• Tenant rights
• Deposit protection
• Registration guide
• Flatshare etiquette
• Banking for expats
• Healthcare guide