If they stay more than three months, students, researchers and lecturers should open a bank account as soon as possible after arrival. In fact, before leaving their home country, they should ask their bank whether it has a local counterpart in Belgium, which is likely and might be advantageous. As opening an account can take several days (see ‘Open a bank account’ in the ‘When you arrive’ section), arriving with sufficient funds in cash is necessary. More information in the "When you arrive" section.