How to get internet abroad without roaming charges? (Complete Guide 2026)
How to get internet abroad without paying roaming charges? Discover all the solutions — eSIM, local SIM card, Wi-Fi — and why eSIM is the best option for travelers in 2026.
You've just landed. Your phone turns on, and a few seconds later, you see a notification: "You are roaming. Additional charges may apply." At this precise moment, many travelers make the same default choice: turn off mobile data and wait to find Wi-Fi.
But this precautionary reflex also has a cost – that of not being connected when you need it most. Finding your hotel, calling a taxi, checking your itinerary, sending a message to loved ones: all of this requires internet. And constantly looking for a reliable Wi-Fi network every time you need it can quickly become exhausting.
The good news is that there are now simple and affordable solutions to stay connected abroad without incurring excessive roaming charges. In this guide, we explain how mobile internet works abroad, why roaming is expensive, and what the best alternatives are in 2026.
Why can roaming be so expensive?
When you leave Belgium, your Belgian operator — Proximus, Orange, or Base/Telenet — does not have its own network in the country you are in. To allow you to stay connected, it has entered into agreements with local operators. Your phone then connects to the network of this partner operator, and your Belgian operator bills you for the use of this network: these are roaming charges.
Within the European Union: Roam Like at Home protection
Since 2017, EU residents have benefited from the "Roam Like at Home" regulation. In countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein), you can, in principle, use your Belgian plan under the same conditions as in Belgium.
This is good news for travel within Europe. But there are two important nuances to be aware of:
The fair use limit: Your operator may set a data limit beyond which additional charges apply, even in Europe. This limit is generally indicated in the general terms and conditions of your subscription. To find it, log in to your operator's app or consult the "Roaming" section of your plan.
Speed reduction: Some Belgian operators apply a reduced connection speed when roaming in Europe. Your subscription might give you 5G in Belgium, but abroad, you might only get 4G or even 3G.
Outside the European Union: costs can skyrocket
Outside the EU — in the United States, Thailand, Morocco, Dubai, Turkey, Japan, Australia, the United Kingdom (post-Brexit), or Switzerland — European protection does not apply. Belgian operators charge international roaming at their own rates, which are often much higher.
Without an international plan: A few megabytes used without an activated plan can cost several euros. Navigating with Google Maps for an hour, sending a few photos via WhatsApp, ordering a taxi: this can amount to tens of euros in just a few minutes.
With a daily plan: Most Belgian operators offer daily plans for non-EU destinations, generally between 5 and 15 euros per day depending on the zone. For a week's vacation, this easily represents 50 to 105 euros—just for mobile connection.
The three solutions for getting connected abroad
There are three main ways to access the internet abroad. Each has its advantages and limitations.
Solution 1: Public Wi-Fi
Free Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, airports, and shopping malls. For occasional use – checking emails in the evening, watching a video in your room – it can be sufficient.
Limitations of public Wi-Fi:
Security: Public Wi-Fi networks are poorly or not encrypted. Anyone on the same network can potentially intercept your data. Banking applications, passwords, and personal information are exposed.
Reliability: Hotel Wi-Fi can be slow, unstable, or have limited bandwidth. Making a video call or using real-time GPS navigation becomes difficult.
Availability: Outside tourist areas, public Wi-Fi is not always where you need it. In a car, on a hiking trail, in a taxi: there is no hotspot.
Connection constraints: Many public networks require authentication — a code provided by the hotel, email registration, or a phone number. You have to start over in each location.
Conclusion: Public Wi-Fi can be a useful complement, but not a primary solution for a traveler who needs a reliable and secure mobile connection.
Solution 2: Local SIM card
Buying a local SIM card in the destination country is a proven solution. You temporarily replace your Belgian SIM with a local SIM, and you benefit from local rates — generally much lower than roaming.
Advantages:
- Generally very low cost for a high volume of data
- Direct local connection on the best networks in the country
Disadvantages:
- Your Belgian number is temporarily inactive — you are no longer reachable by your usual contacts
- You have to find a point of sale upon arrival (phone kiosk, operator store)
- In many countries, passport registration is mandatory
- Setup can be complex depending on the country and language
A local SIM card is mainly interesting for long stays (several weeks) in a single country. For a 5 to 10-day trip or a multi-destination itinerary, it loses its appeal.
Solution 3: The eSIM — the modern solution
An eSIM is a digital SIM card integrated into your smartphone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you download an operator profile directly to your phone's embedded chip.
When you buy an eSIM from Arivia, you are buying a data plan for your destination. You receive a QR code, you scan it in your phone settings, and the profile is installed. Upon arrival, your phone automatically connects to the local partner network.
What makes eSIM different from roaming:
With roaming, you use your Belgian subscription, which uses a partner network abroad. With an eSIM, you directly purchase a plan from an international operator that uses local networks. You completely bypass the Belgian roaming system.
And thanks to dual SIM: your physical Belgian SIM remains active for calls and SMS. Your Belgian number is reachable. The eSIM handles your mobile data. Both work simultaneously.
Comparison: Wi-Fi, local SIM card, or eSIM?
| Public Wi-Fi | Local SIM Card | eSIM | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Very low | Moderate, predictable |
| Security | Low | High | High |
| Ease of Use | Variable | Requires on-site steps | Installation at home in 10 min |
| Availability | Limited to certain places | Everywhere (local network) | Everywhere (local network) |
| Belgian number active | No | No | Yes (dual SIM) |
| Hidden fees | No | No | No |
| Ideal for | Complement | Long stays | Short trips & multi-destination |
How much does internet abroad really cost with an eSIM?
Here are some concrete examples comparing the costs of roaming with a Belgian daily plan and an Arivia eSIM.
7 days in the United States
- Roaming Proximus/Orange (daily plan): ±€10-12 / day → €70-84
- Arivia eSIM (10 GB, 30 days): €12-20
- Estimated savings: €50-70
7 days in Dubai (UAE)
- Roaming with daily plan: ±€10-15 / day → €70-105
- Arivia eSIM (7 GB, 10 days): €15-25
- Estimated savings: €50-80
7 days in Thailand
- Roaming with daily plan: ±€10-12 / day → €70-84
- Arivia eSIM (10 GB, 30 days): €12-18
- Estimated savings: €55-70
How to configure your phone before you leave
To make sure you don't pay unexpected charges, here are the steps to follow before your departure.
1. Check your fair use limit for EU destinations
Log in to your Belgian operator's app and check the "Roaming" or "Abroad" section. Note your data limit in Europe.
2. Purchase and install your eSIM at home
Choose your Arivia plan for the correct destination. Scan the QR code received by email using your home Wi-Fi connection. Name the profile (e.g., "Arivia — USA") for easy retrieval.
3. Set the eSIM as the default data source
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular Data > Default Data Line > Select your eSIM
- Android (Samsung): Settings > Connections > SIM card manager > Mobile data > Select your eSIM
4. Disable data roaming on your Belgian SIM
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular Data > your Belgian SIM > Data Roaming > Disable
- Android: Settings > Connections > Mobile networks > your Belgian SIM > Data Roaming > Disable
5. Enable data roaming on your eSIM
- iPhone: Settings > Cellular Data > your eSIM > Data Roaming > Enable
6. Disable automatic app updates
Avoid a system update consuming several gigabytes of mobile data. Switch to "Wi-Fi only" mode for updates in the App Store or Play Store.
7. Download offline maps
In Google Maps, download the map of your destination in offline mode. Free navigation without data consumption.
The hidden costs of roaming that no one tells you about
Background apps
Your phone constantly synchronizes data — emails, cloud photos, social networks — even when you're not actively using it. If roaming is enabled on your Belgian SIM, these synchronizations can consume data without you realizing it.
Solution: Disable background app refresh for non-essential applications.
Automatic updates
An iOS or Android update can weigh several gigabytes. While roaming, this can represent a considerable bill.
Solution: Updates over Wi-Fi only.
Continuous navigation
Google Maps and Waze consume data in real-time. On a limited daily plan, a long day of navigation can exhaust your quota very quickly.
Solution: Offline maps downloaded before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is eSIM really cheaper than roaming? Yes, in almost all cases for non-EU stays of 3 days or more. The difference can be up to €50-80 for a week's vacation depending on the destination.
Does my Belgian number remain active with an eSIM? Yes. Thanks to dual SIM, your physical Belgian SIM remains active for calls and SMS. Your contacts can continue to reach you on your usual number.
Do I need a Wi-Fi connection to use an eSIM? Only for the profile installation (once, at home). After installation, the eSIM works entirely via the local mobile network, without Wi-Fi.
Can an eSIM be used in all countries? Coverage varies by provider. Arivia offers plans for the most popular destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, North America, and North Africa.
Does eSIM work on my phone? iPhones from XS (2018) onwards, most Samsung Galaxy S models from S20, and Google Pixel phones from Pixel 3 are compatible. Check in Settings > Cellular Data: if you see "Add cellular plan," your device is compatible.
What happens if I exceed my eSIM plan? Most eSIMs switch to reduced speed (2G) rather than charging for additional data. There are no surprises on the bill.
Can an eSIM be used for multiple destinations? Yes, some Arivia plans cover multiple countries or entire regions. Ideal for multi-destination travel.
Conclusion: eSIM, the simplest solution for connected travel without roaming charges
Public Wi-Fi is too limited for daily use. A local SIM card requires on-site steps upon arrival. Roaming via your Belgian operator is expensive outside the EU.
eSIM combines the best of both worlds: the convenience of home installation before departure, the competitive price of a local plan, and the continuity of your Belgian number thanks to dual SIM.
One purchase, ten minutes of installation at home, and you set off with peace of mind — connected as soon as you land, with no unpleasant surprises on your next bill.
Discover Arivia's eSIM plans for your destination and travel connected without roaming charges.