How to Get and Activate Proximus SIM Cards and eSIM: 2024 Guide for Tourists

Proximus is one of major mobile network carriers in Belgium. How to get and activate a Proximus SIM & eSIM Belgium is an issue that many tourists to Belgium are interested in. This article will share all you need to know about this network carrier, including its coverage and speed, comparison between it and other network carriers, best plans for tourists, prices, and which connectivity options using Proximus to choose for tourists to have the best trip to Belgium.

Proximus Belgium SIM and eSIM

I. Overview about Proximus – What you need to know

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 a Belgium mobile operator launched in 1994.
  • Company name: Proximus SA.
  • Proximus offers a variety of packages for texting, calling, eSIM support, and Proximus’s internet speed reaches an average of 30 Mbps, optimally meeting customer needs.
  • Proximus provides extensive coverage across major cities in Belgium and has almost 4 million registered subscribers.
  • Currently, Proximus is operating in Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and has an extensive sales system.
  • Proximus is the only telecom operator in Belgium that offers customers access to an American streaming service.
  • Proximus provides 24/7 online support to help customers at all times.
  • Proximus offers support in multiple languages, depending on the customer’s location and specific requirements.

II. Proximus Coverage in Belgium

Proximus provides extensive coverage throughout Belgium. From cities, large centers to suburbs, the company is present. Therefore, Proximus will be the top choice of tourists, you can comfortably go everywhere without worrying.

Proximus provides extensive coverage throughout Belgium
Proximus provides extensive coverage throughout Belgium. Source: nperf

Strengths:

  • Excellent urban coverage: Proximus likely boasts 95% or higher 4G coverage in major cities like Brussels, Antwerp, and Ghent, with growing 5G availability.
  • Good connectivity along major routes: Expect reliable 4G along highways like the E40 between Brussels and Liège, likely with 90% or higher coverage.

Weaknesses:

  • Potential for weaker signal in remote areas: Coverage might drop to 70% or lower in sparsely populated areas like the Ardennes forests (e.g., around La Roche-en-Ardenne) or certain coastal stretches.
  • Indoor variations: While outdoor coverage might be strong, signal strength can fluctuate significantly inside buildings, especially in areas with older construction.

III. Proximus Speed in Belgium

Proximus is the largest mobile telecommunications company in Belgium
Proximus is the largest mobile telecommunications company in Belgium

Here’s a breakdown of Proximus’ strengths and weaknesses based on OpenSignal, presented as lists:

Strengths:

  • Excellent Download Speeds: Proximus achieves a download speed of 44.7 Mbps, making it a joint winner with Telenet.
  • Competitive Upload Speeds: Proximus also ties for first place in upload speeds with 11.9 Mbps, matching Orange.

Weaknesses:

  • Limited Information on Coverage: The image doesn’t show geographical coverage details, making it difficult to assess Proximus’ network reach.
  • No Data on Consistency: The image lacks information about the consistency of Proximus’ speeds, which is crucial for a reliable mobile experience.
  • Missing Latency Information: Latency data is absent, making it hard to evaluate Proximus’ suitability for real-time applications like gaming.
  • Unclear 5G Performance: While the image mentions 5G, it doesn’t provide specific data on Proximus’ 5G speeds or availability.

IV. Does Proximus Have eSIM in Belgium?

Proximus has eSIM support in Belgium
Proximus has eSIM support in Belgium

Yes, Proximus has eSIM support in Belgium. This is a flexible and cost-effective mobile solution for travelers who need an internet connection. Furthermore, this method has many diverse options depending on the needs of each customer.

In particular, this option helps visitors have a stable connection everywhere and uninterrupted contact with the old phone number. This is something that a physical SIM cannot do.

V. Top Proximus SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost

The best Proximus SIM card for travelers costs €10 EUR
The best Proximus SIM card for travelers costs €10 EUR

The best Proximus SIM card for travelers costs €10 EUR and includes 3 GB data + 500 messages + 10 minutes + €10 EUR credit for calling/texting. This SIM card can be easily topped up and is valid for 30 days in Belgium.

In addition, you can also choose Proximus’s eSIM service. With this method, tourists will not have to disassemble, avoid losing the original SIM, and the price is extremely affordable. However, eSIM is quite picky about devices, so you need to check to see if your phone is compatible with eSIM.

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

VI. Where to Buy a Proximus SIM card?

Currently there are many ways for you to buy Proximus SIM card and eSIM. Therefore, depending on your own needs, you can easily choose the appropriate purchasing method. To understand better, please refer to the following.

1. Upon Arrival

You can buy SIM cards directly at the Belgium airport upon arrival. In addition, you also buy SIM cards from local mobile service provider stores in the city center. With this purchase method, visitors will have to provide identification and passport information to register.

You can buy SIM cards directly at the Belgium airport upon arrival
You can buy SIM cards directly at the Belgium airport upon arrival

2. Proximus store

You can buy a SIM card online on the official Proximus store page. When choosing this form, it is best for tourists to buy the card 1 day before departure to avoid risks. In addition, you can also buy directly at the Proximus store at the airport or in downtown Belgium.

You can buy a SIM card online on the official Proximus store page
You can buy a SIM card online on the official Proximus store page

3. Other authorized retail stores

You can purchase SIM cards from other authorized retail stores. Before buying, tourists need to check the reputation of the store. Also pay attention to your phone’s compatibility with Belgium networks.

You can purchase SIM cards from other authorized retail stores
You can purchase SIM cards from other authorized retail stores

VII. Where to Buy Proximus eSIM for Belgium?

Purchasing an Proximus eSIM online is a straightforward process. You can buy Proximus eSIM either directly from the network carrier directly or from eSIM resellers/providers.

However, the earlier choice requires ID / passport presentation. The latter does not require you to show anything.

As a specific recommendation, we suggest Gigago as a reputable eSIM provider.

For Belgium, Gigago offers multiple data plan options, starting from 1 GB for 3 days with $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Belgium eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diversifying, varying between $3.00$95.90 . Thus, it does not matter how Internet users you are and how long your trip is in Belgium, there is always an option for you with Gigago.

Purchasing an Proximus eSIM online is a straightforward process
Purchasing an Proximus eSIM online is a straightforward process

VIII. How to Top-up Proximus SIM/eSIM

How to get and activate a Proximus SIM & eSIM Belgium is extremely simple
How to get and activate a Proximus SIM & eSIM Belgium is extremely simple

The way to top up Proximus SIM/eSIM depends on where you buy it from, either from Proximus operator itself, or from eSIM provider like Gigago. However, in general, you have 02 ways to top up your Belgium SIM/eSIM.

Way 1: Go to the Proximus app or Gigago app and find the top-up function on these apps, follow the guidelines.

Way 2: Buy a new Belgium eSIM

To top up your Belgium eSIM with Proximus, you can take the steps below:

  • Access Proximus’s Online Platform: Visit the official Proximus website or use the Proximus app if available.
  • Log In or Create an Account: Log in to your Proximus account or create one if you don’t have an existing account.
  • Navigate to Recharge Section: Look for the “Recharge” or “Top-up” section within your account.
  • Enter Recharge Details: Enter your phone number and the desired recharge amount.
  • Choose Payment Method: Select your preferred payment method (credit card, online banking, etc.).
  • Confirm and Complete the Transaction: Confirm the details and complete the recharge transaction.
  • Receive Confirmation: Once the transaction is successful, you should receive a confirmation message.

IX. FAQs about Proximus in Belgium

What documents do I need when buying a Proximus SIM card and eSIM? 

Visitors need to prepare a passport or Belgium ID.

Where can I find Proximus services?

Proximus services are available throughout Belgium. You can find their offerings in stores, online, and through authorized resellers.

How can I activate international roaming with Proximus?

You can activate international roaming on your Proximus mobile plan through the MyProximus app, online account management, or by contacting customer service.

X. Conclusion

The above article shares details on how to get and activate a Proximus SIM & eSIM Belgium. 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.