Best Prepaid SIM Card for Expats and Immigrants in Belgium Without a Belgian Bank Account

Lycamobile Belgium is an MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator), meaning that it uses Telenet/BASE’s network; in addition, Telenet/BASE has a reliable 4G & LTE network providing coverage throughout both urban and rural parts of Belgium. As the largest MVNO in Belgium, Lycamobile has created a dedicated pathway for foreign nationals to register; hence, they are one of the easiest ways for newcomers/expats to register for service.  

Free SIM cards are available for delivery to any postal address in Belgium, as well as eSIMs that can be registered immediately online. When registering with a foreign passport or national identity card, it is not necessary to have a Belgian identity document for registration purposes. Registration is mandatory to have a valid Prepaid SIM card in Belgium; an unregistered SIM card may be deactivated at any time. It is important to complete your registration before you add money to or use your SIM card.  

Flexible Plans for Every Need 

There are many different types of prepaid plans offered by Lycamobile for either casual or frequent phone users. Each plan will allow you to use the EU Roam Like at Home initiative when you travel within Europe, which means that you will be able to use your SIM from Belgium with no additional charge. 

Buy an eSIM (electronic SIM) or physical SIM by visiting lycamobile.be. Just click Buy Prepaid SIM Card and you will be able to get your eSIM via an instant PDF you can print, or a physical SIM if you choose to go that route. If this is your first time getting a SIM with Lycamobile, you will receive two different codes for making your purchase, and for setting up your account. See the FAQ section on how to get a SIM/ESIM with Lycamobile. You will need an internet connection to order either type of SIM. 

There is no requirement for a Belgian bank account to be opened to obtain the service, the eSIM can be activated via the internet, and the physical SIM can be sent to your location in Belgium. You must register using either a passport or national identity card issued by another country; this is possible with Lycamobile, but not with many other providers; national EID verification is acceptable in Belgium. You will then have to add funds to your account and activate an appropriate rate plan. 

You can add money to your account via one of the following methods:  

• Visa or MasterCard (international cards)  
• The Lycamobile app - Top-Up vouchers that can be found at many shops.   
• Insert and Connect - Insert the SIM card or scan the eSIM QR code and set up the APN settings (if necessary), and then you will be instantly connected to Belgium’s BASE/Telenet network. 

Advantages 

• Doesn't require a bank account in Belgium  
• Allows foreign passports to be verified online  
• SIM cards and eSIMs are both available for free  
• International calls at a low cost  
• No long-term contract needed, nor will they do a credit check  
• All plans include roaming across Europe  
• Plans give you access to 5G networks  
• Vouchers can easily be purchased at local stores  

Things To Consider  

• The service operates on the BASE/Telenet network rather than Proximus. 
• Coverage in rural areas varies, but is generally available 
• Some restrictions may apply to hotspot/tethering services 
• All registrations of customers are required. 

FAQs

Q. Can I register with only a passport?  

A. Yes, you can register to use Lycamobile with either a national passport or National Identity Card (ID) from outside the UK via both the online and in-store systems, which is a very common reason for expats/newcomers to use Lyca mobile product/service.   
   
Q. How can I recharge my account with no Belgian banking?   
A. You can recharge your account using:  
  * International Debit/Credit Cards   
  * Lycamobile App   
  * Prepaid Vouchers obtained at Convenience Stores and Supermarkets   
   
Q. Does Lycamobile work in all countries in the EU?   
A. Yes! All Lycamobile Belgium plans provide free roaming in the EU according to the Roaming like at home rules, and as such can be used in EU/EEA countries from your Belgium plan plus any other plan available for the same amount of time and within your plan's included limits on those types of plans. 

When it comes to new customers, yes. eSIM is an online activation option available to new customers with no Belgian postal address, as the QR code is sent by email.   
   
Lycamobile operates on Telenet/BASE's network, providing great 4G/LTE coverage throughout Belgium and select areas with access to 5G. Generally, coverage is best in urban areas.