Buying a SIM card at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL) 2024: Travelers Guide.

William Jones

|

Published: July 2024

Visitors to Belgium often have difficulty purchasing a SIM card at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). This hinders the ability to connect to the Internet and make phone calls during travel. This article aims to solve these difficulties by providing detailed instructions on how to obtain a SIM card at the airport, ensuring seamless communication for travelers.

I. Can I Buy a SIM Card at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)?

Yes. If you require instant access to mobile data, calling, and texting services upon arrival in Belgium, it’s advisable for travelers to procure a SIM card at Brussels South Charleroi Airport. Several factors can assist you in determining whether purchasing a SIM card at the airport is the best option for you:

• Convenience: Purchasing upon arrival at the airport is hassle-free.
• Availability: SIM cards are generally available for purchase.
• Duration of visit: Opting for prepaid options is suitable for short-term stays.
• Activation process: Ensure comprehension of the SIM card activation process.
• Language barrier: It’s beneficial to have an English-speaking tour guide available to aid you in purchasing a SIM card.

II. Where to Buy a SIM Card at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)?

Many tourists prefer to use a SIM card to connect in Belgium because this option has many advantages. Currently, travelers have two options to buy a SIM card when traveling: buy a SIM card online before the trip or buy on arrival at the airport.

1. Buy online before departure and pickup at the airport

Travelers can buy a SIM card either from an online retailer or directly from the official website of the mobile service provider. It’s crucial for them to ensure their phone is compatible with Belgium networks before making a purchase.

By following this approach, travelers are advised to obtain their SIM card at least one day prior to their departure. This enables them to activate their phone in advance, ensuring instant Internet connectivity upon arrival in Belgium.

Pros:

• Easy ordering process.
• Visitors proactively set the time and time to receive the SIM card.
• SIM cards are usually pre-activated, allowing immediate use upon arrival in Belgium.

Cons:

• International SIM cards are the only option available for purchase online, while local prepaid SIM cards in Belgium must be purchased in person.
• Not all mobile service providers in Belgium offer online SIM card purchases.

2. Purchase at the airport upon arrival

After clearing immigration and customs, travelers will notice many brightly colored SIM kiosks strategically located throughout Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL). These kiosks always have representatives ready to assist tourists.

Stores selling SIM cards at the airport can be found in the following locations: You exit the baggage claim area on the arrivals side, opposite exit 4; Turn left and head towards exits 1 and 2 on the departure side.

Pros:

• Instant internet access upon arrival, removing the necessity to wait until reaching the city center.
• Assistance from kiosk staff in the setup process.

Cons:

• Possible challenge in communication arises from language barriers with the staff at the SIM card kiosk.
• Ensuring the validity of your SIM card before departure is essential to minimize risks.
• Not all stores operate 24/7, making it challenging to purchase a SIM card if you arrive late at night.
• Expect to incur significantly higher costs compared to purchasing a SIM card online or in the city center.

III. Do SIM card shops at CRL airport open after midnight?

No. Most of SIM card shops at CRL airport will not be open after midnight. Some shops may even close earlier, around 8-10 pm. If you arrive late, you may not be able to purchase a SIM card at the airport.

IV. How Much Does a SIM Card at Brussels South Charleroi Airport Cost?

SIM card prices at Brussels South Charleroi Airport fluctuate based on the service provider and your chosen plan. Generally, expect to pay between €10 to €30 for a standard SIM card, offering different data and call credit options. It’s recommended to check with the airport for the latest pricing and any special deals designed for travelers.

Belgium is served by three major network operators: Proximus, Orange, Telenet. These operators offer a variety of service packages with different capacities and prices, allowing travelers to select the SIM card that best fits their requirements.

1. Best Proximus SIM Card Option and Price

2. Best Orange SIM Card Option and Price

3. Best Telenet SIM Card Option and Price

V. What to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Brussels South Charleroi Airport – Registration Process

Things to prepare when buying SIM card at Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL):

• Your passport: required for verifying information and registering the SIM card.
• Cash: It’s recommended to have Belgium currency or USD for payment, as cash is more convenient.
• Unlocked phone: Ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the Belgium network.
• The counter staff typically assists in setting up the SIM, so there’s no need to bring a SIM removal tool.

Procedures for purchasing and using Brussels South Charleroi Airport SIM:

• Choose a mobile service provider according to your preferences and needs.
• Review the available options and packages tailored to travelers’ needs, then select the most appropriate one for you.
• Finalize the payment for your chosen SIM card and plan.
• Provide your passport for SIM card registration purposes.
• Adhere to the provided instructions to insert the SIM card into your phone and configure the settings accordingly.
• Perform a test to confirm that your new SIM card is working properly.

VI. Belgium eSIM for Brussels – an Alternative to Prepaid SIM Card at Brussels South Charleroi Airport

For travelers looking for a flexible and cost-effective mobile solution needing internet connectivity in Belgium, eSIM will be the perfect choice. Compared to data roaming or pocket Wi-Fi, eSIM offers a variety of service plans 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.

Gigago’s eSIM is completely free of data roaming and extends calling and messaging services through applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Facetime, thereby helping visitors save on connection costs. Additionally, Gigago staff remains accessible 24/7 via chat or email to provide support whenever needed.

VII. Where to Buy a SIM card Outside Brussels South Charleroi Airport?

Besides purchasing a SIM card at Brussels South Charleroi Airport, travelers can also purchase it at many locations throughout Belgium. Specific locations such as convenience stores, shopping malls, train stations, and mobile service provider official stores.

Furthermore, you should inquire with the hotel where you are staying as many hotels in Belgium now offer SIM cards as a convenient service for tourists. Additionally, these SIM cards are usually very affordable. However, tourists may have difficulty purchasing SIM cards in the city due to language barriers.

► Our recommendations:

• You can buy a Belgium SIM card at the airport, or at many stores, hotels, and train stations in the city.
• If your phone is compatible, you can consider using eSIM because it is cheap and easy to activate.

VIII. FAQs

IX. Conclusion

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