After you get your card back, you can fill up your car with petrol. Observe that it may take some time to update your account. You should not always trust the balance quoted in the cash dispensers. A purchase done in shops will not appear on the account until after two or three days. A transfer from a savings account is normally booked the same day, but it sometimes it takes a longer time.
Cards are safe, safer than cash and cheques.
If your card gets stolen or you lose it, just call your bank's 24-hour service, and your account is locked straight away. Telephone numbers are also listed on any cash dispenser. Payment by Cheque or transfer Upon receipt of a standing order banks will make all regular payments for rent, gas, electricity, telephone and other regulary billed sums from your account. This is highly recommended as it precludes foreclosing of services to a residence during absences from the city. Most payments in Belgium are made by transfer rather than by cheque.