Belgium, nestled in the heart of Europe, is not only famous for its waffles, beer, and medieval cities but also for having a reliable and affordable mobile network. Whether you’re visiting Brussels for business, Bruges for a romantic getaway, or Ghent for its artsy vibe, having a local prepaid SIM card in Belgium will make your trip smoother and more affordable. This guide covers everything you need to know from network options to registration rules and tourist-friendly SIM plans.
Basics of Prepaid SIM Cards in Belgium
A prepaid SIM card in Belgium allows you to pay in advance for mobile services such as data, calls, and texts—without being tied to a contract. It’s a flexible option for tourists, students, or short-term residents. Belgian SIM cards use nano, micro, and standard sizes, compatible with all unlocked GSM phones.
Popular mobile network providers in Belgium offering prepaid SIM cards include:
- Proximus
- BASE (by Telenet)
- Orange Belgium
- Lycamobile
- Mobile Vikings
Official Websites
| Provider | Website URL |
|---|---|
| Proximus | www.proximus.be |
| BASE | www.base.be |
| Orange Belgium | www.orange.be |
| Lycamobile | www.lycamobile.be |
| Mobile Vikings | www.mobilevikings.be |
Frequencies in Belgium
Belgian mobile networks operate on the following frequencies:
- 2G: 900 / 1800 MHz (limited usage today)
- 3G: 2100 MHz
- 4G/LTE: 800 / 1800 / 2600 MHz
- 5G: 3500 MHz (available in urban areas, rollout in progress)
To ensure compatibility, make sure your phone supports European bands, especially 4G/LTE 800 and 1800 MHz.
Coverage & Speed
Belgium has solid mobile coverage across urban and rural areas. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Proximus: Widest nationwide 4G coverage, and leading the 5G rollout.
- Orange: Strong 4G network with good urban 5G availability.
- BASE: Excellent 4G speeds in cities, weaker in remote areas.
- Lycamobile & Mobile Vikings: Operate on the networks of the main three.
According to OpenSignal and Speedtest by Ookla, Proximus consistently scores highest in network reliability, while Orange and BASE offer competitive speeds.
At a Glance Comparison
| Feature | Proximus | BASE | Orange | Mobile Vikings | Lycamobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4G Coverage | Excellent | Good | Very Good | Good | Fair |
| 5G Availability | Expanding | Limited | Urban | Limited | Not yet |
| App Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Tourist Plans | Limited | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| English Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Biometric User Registration
As of recent EU regulations, ID verification is mandatory when buying a Belgian prepaid SIM. You’ll need:
- Passport or National ID
- Address in Belgium (hotel or temporary)
- In-store or online activation with ID upload
Providers like Lycamobile offer online registration, while others like BASE and Proximus may require in-store activation with ID verification.
What to Expect
Here’s what you can expect when buying a prepaid SIM in Belgium:
- SIMs available at airports, kiosks, supermarkets, and mobile stores.
- English-speaking staff in most urban areas.
- SIM activation can be instant or take a few hours after registration.
- EU Roam Like at Home policy allows you to use your Belgian SIM across the EU at no extra cost.
Device Registration
Unlike some countries, Belgium does not require device registration for using SIM cards. Any unlocked GSM-compatible phone will work without issue.
Mobile Apps
All major Belgian operators offer user-friendly mobile apps to manage data, check balance, and recharge:
These apps are available in English and can be downloaded via Google Play or the Apple App Store.
SIM Card Price
Belgian prepaid SIM cards are affordable:
- Proximus: €10 (with €10 credit)
- BASE: €15 (includes data & credit)
- Orange: €15 (often includes starter data)
- Mobile Vikings: Free SIM, top-up required
- Lycamobile: Often free with bundled plans
Prepaid Plans
| Provider | Plan Name | Data | Validity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Proximus | Pay&Go | 2 GB | 1 month | €10 |
| BASE | Prepaid 15 | 3 GB + mins | 1 month | €15 |
| Orange | Tempo Easy | Flexible | 1 month | From €10 |
| Vikings | Data Combo | 4 GB | 1 month | €10 |
| Lyca | Belgium Plan XS | 6 GB + mins | 1 month | €10 |
All include EU roaming.
Tourist SIM Cards
While there’s no universal “Tourist SIM” branding like in other countries, BASE and Lycamobile offer travel-friendly prepaid options:
- BASE: Offers SIMs at Brussels Airport with English support and 3GB/€15 options.
- Lycamobile: Affordable data-heavy plans for short stays.
- Orange: Easy recharge and English interface; great for roaming travelers.
Data Add-Ons
Running low on data? Top-ups are easy via apps, ATMs, or stores.
| Provider | Add-On Package | Price | Data |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proximus | Internet On Mobile | €5 | 500 MB |
| BASE | Extra Data Boost | €10 | 2 GB |
| Orange | Surf Extra | €15 | 5 GB |
| Lycamobile | Smart Data Bundle | €10 | 6 GB |
Activation Process
- Buy the SIM (at airport, kiosk, or shop).
- Show your ID for registration (passport or EU ID).
- Insert into your phone.
- Receive SMS confirmation and/or follow app instructions.
- Top up via credit card, voucher, or app if needed.
Activation is usually instant or within 30 minutes.
Conclusion
Getting a prepaid SIM card in Belgium is simple, cost-effective, and hassle-free, especially for tourists and expats. With strong coverage, EU roaming, and affordable plans, it’s a smart alternative to expensive international roaming. Whether you choose Proximus for wide coverage, BASE for airport convenience, or Lycamobile for budget data, you’ll stay connected throughout Belgium and beyond.
For best results, ensure your phone is unlocked, bring ID for registration, and compare plans based on your data needs and travel length. Happy travels—and enjoy those Belgian waffles while staying online!