Cash or card at hostels in Belgium

Used my ANZ Mastercard at a KBC ATM in Ghent, and the thing just sucked it in after I was distracted checking my phone. I freaked out. Called KBC and they told me they’d forwarded it on to my bank in Australia. I then blocked the card with ANZ and filed an incident. ANZ overnighted me a new card at my next stop. Heard someone tell me about a similar fix by using Western Union cash pickup to get funds until the new card arrived. great tip i wasnt expecting.

I spent a few nights at Brxxl 5 City Centre Hostel in June. They took cash or card on arrival. I paid with my Charles Schwab Visa debit which went through fine. The receptionist said credit card fees are included so I did not have to worry about conversion or extra charges. I kept about ten euros in coins from a bancontact ATM to use for vending machines or public laundry.

I was in Bruges last month and stayed at Snuffel Hostel. The bar only took card payments and they accepted Visa, Mastercard and Maestro at reception. I paid for breakfast and a bike rental on my ANZ Mastercard with no issues. I’m glad I didn’t carry a stack of cash. For small market stalls nearby I topped up from a Belfius ATM with some coins just in case.

I stayed at Sleep Well Youth Hostel in Brussels in May and paid with my Intesa Sanpaolo Visa debit at check‑in. Staff said they accept credit cards, debit cards, UnionPay and cash. No fuss at all. My room cost came off my card so I didn’t need any cash. Still, I withdrew a few euros from a BNP Paribas Fortis ATM just for snacks and tips.