Traveling Abroad?

Seamless Coverage with Top Carriers

Belgium boasts extensive 4G LTE coverage across the country, provided by major carriers like Proximus, Orange, and Telenet (Base). Tourists can expect reliable connectivity in most urban and rural areas. 5G networks are rapidly expanding, particularly in larger cities and along major transport routes, offering even faster speeds. Both physical SIM cards and eSIMs are widely supported by these networks, ensuring flexibility for travelers. Prune offers competitive eSIM options that leverage these robust networks, providing convenient access to data plans without needing a physical SIM.

Metro & Transit Coverage

Belgium's major metropolitan areas, including Brussels and Antwerp, benefit from excellent 4G/LTE and rapidly expanding 5G mobile network coverage. Tourists can expect high-quality connectivity within city centers, business districts, and residential areas. While 5G is still being rolled out, it provides enhanced speeds and capacity in key urban hubs. Even within public transit systems like the Brussels Metro, efforts have been made to ensure continuous connectivity, although signal strength might vary in deeper underground sections. Overall, staying connected in Belgium's cities is generally reliable and fast.

Currency

The official currency of Belgium is the Euro (€), which is also used by 19 other countries in the Eurozone. Banknotes come in denominations of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, and less commonly €200 and €500. Coins are available in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents, and €1 and €2. While card payments are widely accepted, especially in larger establishments, it's advisable to carry some smaller denomination euro notes and coins for minor purchases, street vendors, or small cafes that might prefer cash. Some smaller businesses or rural areas might still be cash-only, so having a mix of payment options is prudent.

Credit cards

Credit and debit cards, particularly Visa and Mastercard, are widely accepted throughout Belgium, especially in larger cities, hotels, restaurants, and retail stores. Chip and PIN technology is standard, so ensure your card has a chip and you know your PIN. Contactless payment methods are also very common and convenient. However, it is always wise to carry some cash, as some smaller establishments, independent shops, local markets, or rural businesses may still operate on a cash-only basis. American Express is less universally accepted than Visa or Mastercard, so it's advisable to have an alternative.

Local language(s)

Belgium has three official languages: Dutch, French, and German. Dutch is primarily spoken in the northern region of Flanders, while French is dominant in the southern region of Wallonia. Brussels, the capital, is officially bilingual (French and Dutch), but French is more commonly spoken. A small German-speaking community exists in the eastern part of the country. For tourists, English is widely understood and spoken, especially in major cities, tourist attractions, hotels, and by younger generations across the country. Learning a few basic phrases in French or Dutch, such as "hello" (Bonjour/Hallo), "thank you" (Merci/Dank u wel), and "please" (S'il vous plaît/Alstublieft), will be appreciated and can enhance your travel experience.