How to Get Mobile Internet in Belgium for Travelers: What Option to Choose?

Latest update: April 2024

This article is written for tourists visiting Belgium who want to stay connected online while traveling. Getting mobile internet access when visiting a foreign country can be challenging because it is difficult to know which temporary internet solution is best for your trip. This guide aims to help tourists understand how to get mobile internet in Belgium, navigate their top mobile internet options, and compare prices to stay connected during their entire stay.

In this article

I. Mobile Internet in Belgium – Coverage and Speed

Visitors have 03 major mobile networks to choose from to buy SIM cards in Belgium: Proximus, Orange and Telenet. Each network has advantages and disadvantages. Below are some evaluation criteria to help you better understand each carrier:

1. Belgium Mobile Internet Coverage

Mobile operators Proximus

Proximus is not only the largest mobile telecommunications company in Belgium but also worldwide. This network provides Internet services to more than 1.9 million households in Belgium, and more than 3.6 million mobile customers.

Proximus is the largest mobile telecommunications company in Belgium

Currently, Proximus covers the entire country with 4G, 4G+ and 5G networks at extremely competitive costs. With its widespread presence, Proximus stands out as the top choice for tourists, providing peace of mind and seamless connectivity wherever you go.

Mobile operators Orange

Orange is the second largest mobile network operator in Belgium. This network provides wide coverage in many cities and rural areas and has more than 3 million subscribers. Currently, mobile network operators provide network services meeting 4G+ and 5G standards for customers.

Mobile operators Telenet

Telenet is the third largest mobile network in Belgium founded in 1996. It provides wide coverage throughout the country and has 2.9 million subscribers. Furthermore, this is also one of the leading networks chosen by many tourists when coming to Belgium.

Telenet provides wide coverage throughout Belgium. With big cities like Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, Mechelen,… internet quality is strong, meeting 5G standards. In neighboring suburbs, the internet is still guaranteed 4G+, 4G.

2. Belgium Mobile Internet Speed

Criteria	Proximus	Orange	Telenet
Median Download Speed	89.67 Mbps	60.44 Mbps	60.13 Mbps
Consistency	89.8%	87.5%	87.4%

From the comparison table, it’s evident that Proximus offers the fastest median download speed at 89.67 Mbps, surpassing both Orange and Telenet. Additionally, Proximus maintains the highest consistency in speed, making it the top choice for users prioritizing fast and reliable connectivity.

II. What are Connectivity Options for Tourists to Belgium?

Currently, there are 05 basic ways for tourists to connect to the Internet when traveling to Belgium: Roaming, using prepaid Belgium SIM, using eSIM Belgium, Free Wifi and Pocket Wifi. Depending on personal needs, customers can easily choose the most suitable method.

Connectivity Options	Characteristic	Pros	Cons
Roaming	Use the same SIM that Vietnam is using to roam and connect to the Belgium network.	– You don’t have to remove the main SIM so you don’t have to worry about losing the main SIM. – Keep the same Vietnamese number when contacting.	– Expensive cost. – Not all network operators in Vietnam have connection and cooperation contracts with network operators in Belgium.
Prepaid Thailand SIM card	Use a physical SIM to travel from Belgium.	– Good price. – Diverse packages to suit all types of needs.	– It takes effort to buy or wait for the SIM to be shipped to install it. – Main SIM is easily lost when removed. – Limit 1 device to only use 1 sim.
eSIM Thailand	– This is digital SIM. – Users do not need to disassemble and install, just scan the QR code to download the package information attached to the eSIM.	– Easily buy eSIM online, no need to declare information. – Just scan the QR to get the SIM, no complicated installation required. – Multiple packages can be installed on the same phone.	– Device picky, must have an eSIM compatible device to use (usually high-end models). – Must have an unlocked phone to use.
Free Wifi	Use public Wifi in Belgium such as at cafes, restaurants, malls.	– Easy to use. – No cost.	– Can’t actively access the Internet when needed. – Information security risks. – Slow speed due to many users.
Pocket Wifi	As a network sharing device, it can share connections with many different devices.	– The phone does not need to be unlocked to receive the Internet. – Easy to use: turn on and use.	– High cost of renting or purchasing equipment. – Must ensure distance between the phone and the wifi transmitter. – If there are many users, the internet is not good.

Based on the provided table, purchasing a SIM card with data appears to be the most efficient solution. Nevertheless, it’s essential to verify whether your phone is unlocked before acquiring a SIM card in Belgium.

In case your phone supports eSIM, consider using it to get mobile data in Belgium. It is 100% online and easy to use. No need to swap out a SIM card and insert a new one.

Note: If you want to use eSIM, you need to check if your phone supports eSIM on yourself or review this list of eSIM compatible devices.

III. Data SIM Card for Mobile Internet in Belgium

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 Belgium, provide tourist-friendly SIM card options with a variety of packages.

1. Proximus SIM cards data plan and cost

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 Belgium.

Proximus SIM cards data package

2. 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 Belgium.

Orange SIM cards data package

3. 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.

Telenet SIM cards data plans

Note: The price and plan can be changed over time. Contact the mobile operator to get the most updated information.

IV. Data eSIM for Belgium – Best Option to Get Mobile Internet for Tourists

eSIM presents a versatile and economical mobile solution for travelers requiring internet connectivity. Depending on your requirements, you can purchase an eSIM from a Belgium operator or obtain one from eSIM providers.

1. Buy eSIM from Belgium Operators

All three leading carriers in Belgium: Proximus, Orange, and Telenet offer eSIM services for travelers visiting the country. You can purchase eSIM cards directly from stores at the airport or in various cities across Belgium.

You can purchase eSIM cards directly from stores at the airport or in the cities Belgium

However, when purchasing through this method, you’ll need to present your passport or ID card for registration to buy an eSIM card. Additionally, communication with sales staff may be challenging due to potential language barriers

2. Buy eSIM from Gigago

If visitors 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.

If visitors want to buy a Belgium eSIM, they can refer to the options at Gigago

This is the most convenient solution for travelers without having to declare passport and ID card information. The steps to buy eSIM on Gigago are also extremely simple. If this is your first time buying, you can refer to the following:

Choose the appropriate plan based on your needs, finances and trip duration.

Make payments.
Wait to receive the email.
Scan QR code or import activation code manually.
Turn on data roaming on the phone.
Complete the process.

V. FAQs

What are the available mobile internet providers in Belgium?

Major mobile internet providers in Belgium include Proximus, Orange, and Telenet, each offering various data plans and coverage options.

Are there different types of mobile internet plans available in Belgium?

Yes, mobile internet plans in Belgium vary in terms of data allowances, speeds, and pricing. Options range from prepaid plans with limited data to postpaid plans with unlimited data.

How fast is the mobile internet in Belgium?

On average, travelers can expect decent download and upload speeds, with 4G+ và 5G coverage being widespread in urban areas.

VI. Conclusion

The above article shares detailed information about mobile internet in Belgium. Hope you have saved useful information and visit Gigago to discover the new Belgium eSIM at a discounted price for your upcoming trip.