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Telephones & Internet in Belgium

Handy Numbers

To call internationally from Belgium:
Dial exit code followed by country code and number

Exit code
00 + country code + tel no

To call internationally to Belgium:
Dial entry code then Belgian number excluding initial 0

Entry code
32 + tel no 

Ambulance/Fire Service

Tel: 100

Police

Tel: 101

Directory Enquiries

Tel: 1307

International Directory Enquiries

Tel: 1304

Lost or Stolen Bank Cards

Tel: 07 034 43 44

Find an international dialing code Website

Wake-up Call

Tel: 0800 513 48

Land Lines

There are several telephone companies in Belgium, but to be connected to the land line network, an initial subscription must be taken with Belgacom the national Belgian telephone company. Belgacom offers telephone and Internet services for private individuals and small companies as well as medium and large entities.

  • Belgacom
    At: Boulevard du Roi Albert II 27, 1030 Brussels
    Website

Once a contract has been signed with Belgacom, the customer is free to choose services from any provider. Many providers offer Internet and mobile phone services as well as land line services, and most offer packages incorporating all three.

To get a land line service with Belgacom

To subscribe to Belgacom and get connected to the land line network: phone or fill out a form on the Internet or at a Belgacom shop. Subscribers must be over 18 and must provide proof of identity. It will be necessary to pay part of the connection costs in advance by credit card if applying for a line by telephone.

Belgacom will assign a telephone number and set up an appointment with a technician who will come and connect the line - this may take up to 10 days. Bills are then sent every two months and must be paid within 15 days.

  • Tel: 0800 55 800
  • For information regarding Belgacom land lines, costs and more: Click here

Other land line telephone service providers

Besides Belgacom the main service providers in Belgium are:

  • Belgian Telecom
    Tel
    : 02 290 45 00
    e-mail
    Website 
  • Tele 2
    At: Avenue Reine Astrid 166, 1780 Wemmel
    Tel: 0800 160 26 / 02 608 06 00
    Website 
  • Toledo Telecom
    At
    : Avenue Louise 375, 1050 Brussels
    Tel
    : 0800 350 00 / 02 648 08 48
    e-mail
    Website 
  • Mondial Telecom
    At
    : Chaussée de la Hulpe 181, 1170 Brussels
    Tel
    : 02 290 72 00
    e-mail
    Website 
  • Sun Telecom
    At
    : Tervurensteenweg 133, 2800 Mechelen
    Tel
    : 01 541 88 80
    e-mail
    Website 
  • Telenet
    At
    : Liersesteenweg 4, 2800 Mechelen
    Tel: 01 533 30 00
    Website
Mobile Telephones

There are three major service providers for mobile telephones in Belgium. Each company offers a range of services and packages, and it is always recommended to compare tariffs and conditions carefully before entering into a contract. International roaming (which allows a phone on a Belgian contract to work outside the country) is available, but must be requested and may cost extra.

In order to obtain a mobile phone contract, go to the relevant shop and provide:

  • ID (passport or identity card)
  • Proof of address (a utility bill, property rental contract or bank statement)
  • Bank account IBAN number

There is a choice of either a permanent contract at a fixed monthly rate, or a rechargeable/pay as you go card where the phone card must be topped up regularly with additional credit.

Mobile telephone companies

  • Base SA
    At
    : Rue Neerveld 105, 1200 Brussels
    Tel
    : 048 619 19 99
    Website 
  • Mobistar NV
    At
    : Boulevard A. Reyers 70, 1030 Bruxelles
    Tel
    : 02 745 71 11
    Website 
  • Proximus
    At
    : Bd du Roi Albert II 27, 1030 Brussels
    Tel
    : 02 205 40 00
    Website 

Lost or stolen mobile phones

All mobile phones have a unique code, the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) code. This belongs to the handset and is associated with the SIM (Subscriber Identification Module) card, which holds the telephone number assigned to a customer.

  • A SIM card - holds the telephone number and memory. Access can be protected by personalising the card with a four-digit PIN number
  • An IMEI number - this is a mobile telephone's unique identification number

The IMEI number provides protection if a phone is lost or stolen. The IMEI code is clearly shown on the paperwork at time of purchase. Note it down and keep it separate from the telephone. 

Alternatively, enter *#06# into the telephone to display the IMEI number.

The loss or theft of a mobile phone must be reported to the service provider. Give the IMEI number or details of the SIM card, and the service provider will suspend service and block the telephone, making it impossible for anyone else to use it. The phone may also be traced. The owner is responsible for payment for any calls made until the SIM is blocked unless they have taken out appropriate insurance with the supplier.

If the phone is stolen, a declaration must be made at the nearest police station; the police will also require the IMEI number.

Internet

As in many other European countries, Internet use is widespread in Belgium. Many fixed-line and mobile telephone companies offer Internet packages which vary from unlimited Broadband (ADSL) to fixed time (for example four hours per month).

Wi-Fi is also available in many public areas, such as Brussels Airport and in some Internet cafés and bars.

To take out an Internet subscription apply online, or visit the nearest branch of the chosen provider. A piece of ID, proof of address and bank account details are necessary.

Main Internet providers include:

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