There are a variety of ways to stay connected to the internet while traveling in Belgium. The following are the common solutions available.
Hotels
Most hotels in Belgium offer free internet in their guest rooms through a wireless network and/or wired internet. Some smaller hotels provide wireless internet or a public computer in their lobby.
Wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspots
Both paid and free wireless (Wi-Fi) hotspots are available across Belgium, which laptops, smartphones and other mobile devices can use to connect to the internet, especially around airports, train stations, convenience stores, restaurants, coffee shops and bars.
Free Wi-Fi hotspots
Public Wi-Fi networks for free use by foreign tourists have become quite numerous. Tourists will encounter these networks at international airports, inside public areas, parks, and public transportation stations, selected cafe, fast food and convenience stores and many tourist information offices. Networks vary widely from one-click easy-to-use ones to others that require registrations. The following free services can make connecting to free Wi-Fi hotspots easier:
- Wifi.brussels is the official free Wi-Fi network of the Brussels-Capital Region. A great many Brussels hotspots are equipped with it: squares, public places, along major roads, STIB metro stations and certain museums.
- Antwerp Free Wi-Fi is the official free Wi-Fi network of the Antwerp city. Most major attractions are located in the free wi-fi zones. Registration required.
- McDonald’s and Starbucks
Major international chains like McDonald’s and Starbucks in Belgium typically provide easy-to-use free Wi-Fi to customers.
Paid Wi-Fi hotspots
Paid Wi-Fi hotspots are more common than free ones. Plans are typically available on a daily or weekly basis, with one-day passes costing around 8-10 euros. Registration interfaces are often provided only in English, Dutch or French and some services require a credit card issued in European countries.
SIM / eSIM cards
Those who wish to use their own mobile phones or tablets to access the internet in Belgium can get SIM cards or eSIM plans that allow for internet access via the cellular phone network.
A wide array of plans are available to foreign tourists, most of them data-only. Plans differ on connection speeds, network used and data transfer limits. They are typically available for a specified time period (e.g. one week) or for a specified maximum amount of data (e.g. 3 GB to be used for 3 days – one week trip).
You can buy SIM card online (Amazon, etc.) or an airport vending machine in your home country, or SIM shop at Brussels Airport. We recommend to buy it in your home country before your trip as you can have instruction in your own language.
International roaming
Good news! If you’re European, you’ll know that there are no longer any roaming charges when traveling within the European Union. You can just use your mobile phone as usual without extra charge.
If you come from outside Europe, international roaming is a convenient, but expensive way to call or use internet on your own phone. To so do, your network carrier needs to have roaming agreements with a Belgian provider. Be aware that international roaming can be extremely expensive, so check with your home provider for details before leaving.
Rental smartphones
Several companies rent smartphones that include unlimited data and Wi-Fi tethering, effectively turning them into personal hotspots. This can be a great value as the devices serve as both a rental phone and as a means for connecting to the internet on the go. Both Android and iPhone models are available to rent on a daily basis at airports or via the internet for delivery to your home or hotel.
