Buying a SIM Card in Brussels for Travelers 2024: Guide from Locals

William Jones

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Published: July 2024

During a trip to Belgium, buying a SIM card is essential. Therefore, the article below will share in detail how to buy a SIM card in Brussels, Belgium.

If your next trip is to Brussels, Belgium, you may wonder how to stay in touch with your friends and family back home. A SIM card with data for Brussels may help. This guide will uncover where and how to buy a SIM card in Brussels, the best plans and prices, and essential tips shared by locals.

I. Why Buy a SIM card in Brussels?

SIM cards with data in Belgium have become popular among tourists visiting Brussels and other parts of the country. This can be easily explained by many of the following reasons. Let’s find out now!

• Affordable rates: Data plans are much cheaper than roaming charges from your home carrier.
• Wider coverage: Mobile networks like Proximus or Orange have extensive coverage in Brussels and beyond. Free Wifi hotspots like hotels, restaurants, etc. are limited.
• Stay online anywhere: Use data on the go for photos, calls, texts, and social media without hunting for public Wifi networks.

II. Which mobile internet carrier is the best in Brussels?

In Belgium, there are currently many mobile carriers for customers to choose from. The most prominent and reputable are Proximus, Orange and Telenet when providing a variety of services at affordable prices. To understand better, please read below.

• Mobile operators Proximus

Proximus has the widest coverage area with 4G and 5G networks throughout Brussels, even in remote areas. The carrier also offers competitive data plans for travelers starting at just 1GB for a few dollars with multi-day validity.

• Mobile operators Orange

Orange also has very good coverage. Their speeds are quite fast for browsing websites, using navigation apps, and accessing social media while in Brussels. Furthermore Orange offers affordable prepaid SIM card plans for travelers with large data allocations.

• Mobile operators Telenet

Telenet also has extensive coverage throughout Brussels although it has slightly less coverage than other carriers. Moreover, the carrier offers unlimited calls and texts within its network.

III. Best Brussels SIM Card Plans and Price

Data SIM cards offer an excellent option for travelers to connect and communicate with people back home using various apps. Proximus, Orange, and Telenet, the three primary carriers in Brussels, provide tourist-friendly SIM card options with a variety of packages.

Proximus SIM cards data package: 

• The best Proximus SIM card for travelers costs €10 EUR, which includes: calls/texts + 3 GB data + 500 messages + 10 minutes. This SIM card can be easily topped up and is valid for 30 days in Brussels.

Orange SIM cards data package: 

• The best Orange SIM card for travelers costs €15 EUR, which includes: calls/texts + 5 GB data + 400 messages + 50 minutes. This SIM card can be easily topped up and is valid for 30 days in Brussels. 

Telenet SIM cards data package:

• Telenet package 10€: This package offers 40 calling minutes, 250 SMS messages and 1 GB high-speed data.
• Telenet package 20€: This package offers 80 calling minutes, 1000 SMS messages and 4 GB high-speed data.
• Telenet package 25€: This package offers 100 calling minutes, 5000 SMS messages and 8 GB high-speed data.

IV. Where to Buy SIM Card in Brussels? 

Many tourists choose to use SIM to connect in Brussels due to its many outstanding advantages. Currently, tourists have two options to buy SIM cards when traveling: buying at the airport or at Brussels center.

1. Buy a SIM card at Brussels airport 

You may purchase a SIM card at Brussels Airport (BRU). This way, you will have instant Internet access when you land at this airport. However, the airport SIM rates are higher than in the city center.

Upon finishing immigration procedures and clearing customs, travelers will encounter numerous SIM card kiosks at Brussels Airport. These kiosks are typically brightly colored, easily identifiable, and staffed with representatives ready to assist.

2. Buy a SIM card in Brussels center 

Commuting to the city center to buy a SIM card in Brussels is also a great option. This way, you will have a chance to compare the different SIM plans and then choose the best plan that fits your preferences and budget. This is suitable for tourists with time freedom as it requires extra travel to the city center.

V. Belgium eSIM card for Brussels – Alternative to SIM Card for travelers 

Prepaid eSIM is a flexible and cost-effective mobile solution for travelers who need an internet connection in Brussels. Compared to data roaming or pocket Wi-fi services, eSIM has many service packages at more reasonable prices.

If tourists want to buy a Belgium eSIM, they can refer to the options at Gigago. With a convenient 100% online process, customers will receive the eSIM via email and activate it with a QR code, connecting immediately upon landing.

eSIM Gigago is 100% free of data roaming costs, providing call and texting services via applications such as: WhatsApp, Telegram, Facetime to help visitors save on connection costs. Additionally, the product is fully insured in Brussels. Gigago’s staff is always ready to support guests 24/7 via chat or email.

VI. What to Prepare to buy SIM card in Brussels 

To buy a SIM card in Brussels, there are some things to prepare:

• Valid identification such as your passport: Stores may require this to verify your identity.
• Cash payment: Many stores accept cash only for prepaid SIMs. purchases. It is advised to bring some BEF cash with you.
• Unlocked phone: Only unlocked mobile phones can accept cellular networks from Brussels, Belgium.

VII. Extra Tips when buying SIM card in Brussels

By incorporating these insightful recommendations into your planning, you’ll navigate the process of acquiring a SIM card in Brussels more effectively. This ensures that you purchase a product that perfectly suits your network needs throughout your stay.

• Research offers online from carriers like Proximus, Orange, and Telenet to choose the best package.
• Major shopping malls and smartphone stores will have reliable seller options. Operator stores are also a safe bet.
• Ask sellers to explain any additional charges for calls to other networks clearly.
• Keep the SIM safely stored in a dry place when not in use during Brussels rains.

VIII. FAQs

IX. Conclusion

The above article shares details on how to buy a SIM card in Brussels. Hope you have saved useful information and please visit Gigago to check for a new SIM card at a discounted price for your upcoming trip.