Local SIM cards in Belgium are affordable and cheap. There are three major telecommunications companies in Belgium — Proximus, BASE, and Orange. Moreover, some popular MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) are Lycamobile, Vectone Mobile, and Carrefour Mobile. Carrefour, BASE, and Proximus SIM cards are available for as low as €10, while Orange SIM cards cost €15. On the other hand, Lycamobile and Vectone Mobile SIM cards are free. Anybody living in Belgium or visiting it as a tourist can purchase a Belgian SIM card without restrictions. However, they must obey the SIM card registration regulations.
Belgium is a part of the European Union. Thus, if somebody already has an active SIM card from any of the EU nations, they don’t need to buy a Belgian SIM card. To clarify, such individuals can freely use roaming within the EU. Furthermore, users must remember the price of data is quite expensive in the country. The average cost of 1 GB of data in Belgium is 5.28 USD, much higher than the global average of 4.07 USD, and the European average of 2.50 USD. For more information about the country’s main mobile network operators, let’s talk in detail about the best SIM card available in Belgium.
1. Proximus
Proximus is the largest wireless carrier in Belgium and is considered the best carrier in the country overall. This mobile network provider sells SIM cards for €10 with 3 GB of data and €20 credit. The SIM card gets deactivated automatically if it remains inactive (no top-up and no activity) for 12 months continuously. The company offers two top-ups, costing €5, that remains valid for a month, and priced at €10 or more, that come with a 12-month validity period.
You can recharge and check your balance on the MyProximus app, available on both Google Play Store and iOS Store/iTunes. The operator offers two data-featured plans: Herlaadbeurten (combo of voice minutes, bonus data, and SMS, priced between €10 and €25), and Data Bundles (data-only plans worth €6 and €12).
2. Orange Belgium
Orange Belgium, or just Orange, is the second-largest carrier in Belgium. The mobile network provider is active in some countries of Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Caribbean. It provides excellent coverage in Belgium, hence it is quite popular among the masses. An Orange SIM card is known as Tempo Giga and Tempo Easy in Belgium, and you can obtain it by paying €15. On Tempo Easy, you get 150 MB of data and 150 local voice minutes/SMS.
In contrast, after buying Tempo Giga you receive 4 GB of data, €15 in credit, 4000 local SMSes, and unlimited on-net voice minutes. Moreover, the Tempo Giga SIM card is available for only €10 online. The Orange SIM card gets deactivated after 12 months of inactivity. Top-up vouchers for Orange are available from €5 to €50 with a validity of 12 months as well.
3. BASE
BASE is the smallest independent wireless carrier and also the fastest in the country. It provides extensive network coverage throughout Belgium and offers a SIM card for free on paper. You see, they sell SIM cards for €10 but immediately award a €10 credit. Another key fact is that the SIM card gets deactivated automatically after 12 months of being inactive. Its official app, named My BASE, lets you check your balance and recharge your SIM card.
The top-ups BASE offers are combo plans giving users data, minutes, and SMS. The carrier offers two data-featured plans: Herlaadbeurt (combo of minutes, SMS, and bonus data) and Extra Data (data-only plans). Herlaadbeurt plans are worth €10, €15, and €25, all with the validity of 30 days and varied combo packs. The Extra Data bundles come in €10, €15, and €25 for 30 days validity with different data offers.
4. Carrefour Mobile Belgium
Carrefour Mobile is an MVNO of BASE, and a brand of a hypermarket chain, Carrefour. Though it uses the BASE network, it doesn’t get full access to its network facilities. Therefore, it has limited speeds and coverage. A Carrefour SIM card is available for €10 with the credit of €10 in it. However, you can pay only €8 if you buy it online.
Its top-up vouchers are available in ranges of €4 to €48. Apart from this, the carrier provides two data-oriented plans: Bonus Mobile Bundles and Data Bundles. Bonus Mobile Bundles are a combo of minutes, SMS, and data, priced between €6 and €29. On the other hand, Data Bundles sell from €3 to €20 and only offer data.
5. Lycamobile Belgium
Lycamobile Belgium is an MVNO of BASE but has restricted access to its network. It is famous for offering low international call rates abroad. This brand is active in some other European countries also. Its top-up vouchers are available for €10 and €20, and the company offers four data-featured plans, namely National Bundles, International Bundles, Long-Term Bundles, and Data Bundles.
Except for the Data Bundles, all other plans are a combo of minutes, data, and SMS. National Bundles range between €10 and €40, while International Bundles are worth €15 to €45. In contrast, Long Term Bundles cost between €35 and €327 with a validity varying from 3 to 12 months, and Data Bundles are priced between €5 and €25.
6. Vectone Mobile Belgium
Vectone Mobile Belgium is yet another MVNO that operates on BASE’s network but doesn’t get full access to it. Hence, it offers restricted speeds and poor coverage throughout the country. The company also operates in the UK, the Netherlands, Austria, and France. Though you get its SIM card for free, you are often required to top-up on the spot or buy a new plan. The SIM card gets deactivated automatically if it remains inactive for 180 days in a row. The good thing about Vectone Mobile top-ups is their unlimited validity if you use data, voice minutes, or SMS at least once every 180 days.
Vectone Mobile offers four data-featured plans: Belgium Bundles, International Bundles, My Country Bundles, and Data Bundles. Belgium Bundles are a combo of SMS, minutes, and data ranging from €1 to €25. International Bundles provide the same combination but for €5 to €45. My Country Bundles are worth €10 and €15 and represent the same mixture. Finally, Data Plans (data-only) are 30-day packs with various data bundles, costing from €5 to €25.