As Belgium faces one of the highest inflation rates in Europe, many Belgians are crossing the border into France to take advantage of lower prices, with savings of up to 30% on certain products.
A report from Belgium’s FPS Finance highlights how inflation in the country is higher than in its neighbouring nations, prompting more Belgians to seek out bargains abroad.
Belgium’s inflation rate rose to 4.4% in January, based on the European Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP). Meanwhile, inflation rates in neighboring countries like Germany, France, and the Netherlands have declined, according to the Federal Public Service (FPS) Finance of Belgium.
One shopper told the EBU press agency about their experience, saying they were able to purchase a month’s worth of groceries for nearly 300 euros. “I’ll never make it in Belgium,” they said. “At the moment, olive oil is cheaper than back home. Fish is cheaper and fresher. What kills me is that Belgian products are cheaper here than back home,” they added.
Another shopper explained their frequent trips, saying, “I come almost every week. Drinks are cheaper here. Fruits are cheaper too. In Belgium, strawberries cost 8 euros, here it’s 4 euros.”
A popular shopping destination for cross-border shoppers is the Roncq shopping center, located about 15 kilometers from Lille, France, and just 4 kilometers from the Belgian border. Shoppers claim they save significant amounts, even when factoring in the additional petrol costs for the trip.
On average, Belgians save around 30 euros on a shopping basket worth 100 euros when they shop in France.
