Heading to Belgium? Let's talk about keeping you connected without any surprises on your phone bill. Roaming charges in Belgium can be a bit of a maze. Whether you're planning to snap photos of the Grand Place or video call home from Bruges, understanding how roaming works in this European hub is key.

Are there roaming charges in Belgium?

Yes, if you're from a non-EU country, you'll likely face roaming charges when using your home network in Belgium. However, if you're an EU citizen, you can generally use your domestic plan without additional fees, thanks to the EU's "Roam Like at Home" policy. That said, it's always wise to check with your provider before traveling, as some plans may have limitations or fair usage policies.

When do roaming charges apply in Belgium?

Roaming charges typically kick in as soon as your phone connects to a Belgian network. For non-EU visitors, this happens the moment you land and your phone picks up a local signal. EU citizens might face charges if they exceed their plan's fair usage limit or if they're staying in Belgium for an extended period. It's worth noting that even receiving calls or texts can incur charges in some cases, so it's essential to be aware of your plan's specifics.

Roaming Fees and Charges in Belgium

Disclaimer: Prices and plans are subject to change. Always check with your provider for the most up-to-date information.

We've compiled an overview of roaming and carrier fees/plans for Belgium:

EE (UK): [1]

• It costs 70p a minute and 30p a text to use your device in the EE Europe zone without an add-on. You also need to buy a 500MB data add-on for £3.

Joi (India): [2]

• Local call: 10 RS per Min

• Call to India: 10 RS per Min

• Call to rest of the world: 100 RS per Min

• Incoming call: 10 RS per Min

• SMS: 10 RS per Min

• Internet: .1 RS per 10 KB

• Europe Pack: ₹ 2899 - 200 mins voice, 100 SMS, 5 GB valid for 30 days

Turkcell (Turkey): [3]

• Use your own plan for 250 TL per day

• 250 TL per week for 1 GB, 200 mins, 100 SMS

• 400 TL for 2 weeks for 2 GB, 200 mins, 100 SMS

Vodafone (Turkey): [4]

• Use your own plan for 299 TL per day

• 469 TL per 30 days for 3 GB, 30 Mins, 15 SMS

Turk Telekom (Turkey): [5]

• 540 TL per month for 3 GB, 100 Mins, 1000 SMS

Orange: [6]

Holiday Belgium 1GB package limited to 7 days for €4.99:

• 1 GB in 4G/LTE

• Calls NOT included

• Messages NOT included

Holiday Belgium 12GB package limited to 14 days for €19.99:

• 12 GB in 4G/LTE

• Unlimited calls

• 30 mins to the rest of the world

Rogers (Canada): [7]

• $15.00 per 20 MB

• $0.75 per text

• $2.00 per min

• or $15.00 per day - Pay the daily fee and use your own plan (Maximum 20 days per billing cycle)

Verizon (USA): [8]

• $2.05 per MB

• $1.79 per min

• Travel Pass: $10 per day to use your own plan

T-Mobile (USA): [9]

• $5 per day: 512MB data, unlimited calling

• $35 for 10 days: 5GB data, unlimited calling

• $50 for 30 days: 15GB data, unlimited calling

Remember, these rates can change, and additional fees may apply. Always check with your provider for the most up-to-date information.

How to Avoid Roaming Charges in Belgium

You can read our guide about how to avoid roaming charges for more details. Here are some tips:

• Use Wi-Fi whenever possible and download offline maps before your trip.

• Turn off data roaming and automatic app updates on your device.

• Use messaging apps like WhatsApp or Skype for calls and texts over Wi-Fi.

• Consider a Global eSIM solution like Roamless for flexible, affordable data.

Roamless eSIM for Belgium

Roamless eSIM offers several features that make it an excellent choice for travel in Belgium:

• No speed throttling: Enjoy full-speed data without artificial slowdowns.

• Pay-as-you-go flexibility: Only pay for the data you actually use.

• Funds never expire: Your balance stays valid for future trips.

• Multi-country compatibility: Use the same plan across multiple EU countries.

• Local network speeds: Connect to Belgium's fastest available networks.

• Easy activation: Set up your eSIM before you even leave home.

Check our eSIM Belgium page or read our guide on the best eSIM for Belgium before planning your travel. With Roamless eSIM, you can stay connected in Belgium without the worry of unexpected charges or the hassle of hunting down a local SIM card. It's a modern solution for the connected traveler who values both convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Sources:

[1] https://ee.co.uk/help/mobile/roaming/roaming-costs/countries/belgium

[2] https://www.jio.com/selfcare/plans/mobility/ir-plans-details/?selectedCountries=BE

[3] https://www.turkcell.com.tr/paket-ve-tarifeler/yurt-disinda-kullanim

[4] https://www.vodafone.com.tr/tarifeler/ek-paketler/yurt-disi-kullanim

[5] https://bireysel.turktelekom.com.tr/mobil/yurt-disi

[6] https://travel.orange.com/en/buy-a-sim/offers/belgium/esim

[7] https://www.rogers.com/mobility/roaming#searchbar

[8] https://www.verizon.com/support/international-services-pricing/

[9] https://www.t-mobile.com/cell-phone-plans/international-roaming-plans/unlimited-calling-data-pass