BEF · BEF
Belgian franc (BEF)
The Belgian Franc was Belgium's currency until 2002, when it was replaced by the Euro.
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BEF · Belgian franc
Belgian Franc (BEF) Overview
The Belgian Franc (BEF) served as Belgium's official currency for over 170 years, from its introduction in 1832 until the country adopted the Euro in 2002. Throughout its history, the currency underwent various reforms and redenominations, reflecting Belgium's economic and political evolution.
As a founding member of the European Union, Belgium was among the first countries to embrace the single European currency. The transition from the Belgian Franc to the Euro occurred on January 1, 1999, when the exchange rate was irrevocably fixed, and physical cash was fully replaced by 2002. Today, the Belgian Franc is no longer in circulation, but it remains a point of historical interest for numismatists and economists.
For those researching historical financial data or handling legacy assets, understanding the Belgian Franc is essential. However, it is important to note that the currency is obsolete, and any remaining francs can only be exchanged at the National Bank of Belgium within certain limits. This overview provides a factual background without offering current exchange rates or investment guidance.
- Code
- BEF
- Symbol
- BEF
- Current rate
- USD / BEF
Currency information
Last updated · 8/7/2026
Introduced in 1832, replacing the Dutch guilder.
- Official name
- Belgian franc
- Legal tender status
- Withdrawn
- Decimal places
- 2
- Minor unit
- centime · 1 BEF = 100 centime
- Countries
- Belgium
- Issuing authority
- National Bank of Belgium
- Central bank
- National Bank of Belgium · Official website
- Exchange-rate regime
- Fixed conversion to the euro
Common banknotes
100 BEF · 200 BEF · 500 BEF · 1000 BEF · 2000 BEF · 10000 BEF
Common coins
50 centimes · 1 BEF · 5 BEF · 10 BEF · 20 BEF · 50 BEF
Also known as
Belgische frank · franc belge · Belgian franc · BEF · fr.
Practical notes
- The Belgian franc was replaced by the euro on 1 January 1999, with physical cash transition in 2002.
- Old franc notes and coins can still be exchanged at the National Bank of Belgium.
Priority currency pairs
The most useful conversions for this currency.
Belgian franc questions
What is the BEF exchange rate?
The displayed rate is the latest available reference rate for USD/BEF. It can change throughout the day.
How can I convert BEF online?
Use the converter above to calculate indicative amounts between BEF and the other supported currencies.