Banking in Brussels

In the states, we bank through USAA.  USAA has been such an incredible bank for checking, savings, insurance, traveling discounts, and for their customer service.  I always say I’m going to send them a Christmas card, but I usually forget by the time Christmas comes around.  Unfortunately, they don’t offer banking and/or a credit card for military families stationed overseas without foreign transaction fees. They have plenty of great deals for military personnel while on deployment, but the same does not apply while stationed overseas.    

We decided to open a bank account in Brussels with ING. While living overseas, we also have to use an international bank to pay our local bills.  To open a bank account, one is not able to just walk into a bank and ask to open a bank account.  We went in last Thursday and made an appointment for today (Tuesday.)  In one way it’s nice that they take the time just with you and are in no hurry to rush you. In another way it’s hard to get stuff done, quickly.  We keep having to make appointments, or just have to walk in and see if the person we are looking for is there or not.   They are usually not there.