Mobile phone providers & getting a SIM card in the Netherlands

Looking to get a mobile phone in the Netherlands? This page looks at what you need to take out a contract or get a prepaid SIM, and lists some of the biggest mobile phone providers in the Netherlands. 

Mobile phone providers in the Netherlands

Some of the biggest mobile phone providers in the Netherlands are: 

• Vodafone
• Simyo
• Lebara (website in English)
• Odido
• Ben
• Youfone
• Lyca Mobile
• Hollandsnieuwe
• KPN

Mobile insurance

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Do I need a Dutch SIM card?

If you've come to the Netherlands with a preexisting contract with a mobile phone provider abroad, you might be wondering whether it's worth getting a Dutch SIM card. Even if you can use your phone freely in the Netherlands, there are many reasons why having a Dutch phone number comes in useful.

Most importantly, many services in the Netherlands - from banking to health insurance - only work with a Dutch phone number. Having a foreign phone number can end up making your life difficult. It will also cost you extra to call Dutch numbers from your foreign phone. 

On top of this, even if you have free roaming, most phone companies will only allow you to use a certain amount of data or minutes abroad before they start charging you, meaning your international phone contract could work out a lot more expensive than you originally thought. 

Mobile networks in the Netherlands

There are three major mobile networks in the Netherlands: 

• KPN
• Vodafone
• Odido (formed by merger of T-Mobile and Tele2)

On top of that, there are a growing number of smaller phone companies in the Netherlands that use the networks of these three providers, usually at a cheaper rate. These operators are: 

• Lebara, Simyo, Youfone and Budget Mobiel, which use the KPN network
• Hollandsnieuwe and 50+mobile, which use the Vodafone network
• Ben and Simple, which use the Odido network

What is the best mobile network in the Netherlands?

Each of the major networks has its own pros and cons: 

• KPN offers the best network coverage in the Netherlands, according to Prijsvergelijken.nl - there is barely a spot where you won’t get signal - as well as good customer service (also in English). However, this comes at a cost - its prices are generally above average. 
• Odido ties with KPN on network availability, although its internet speeds are not quite as high as KPN. Its prices are generally slightly lower than its major competitors. 
• Vodafone has the worst network coverage of the three - but that’s not saying much as they all have excellent coverage. Its prices are generally on the higher side, but it offers good internet speeds and reliability. 

Getting a SIM card and mobile phone in the Netherlands

If you're looking for a mobile phone in the Netherlands, you have three main options:

• Getting a mobile phone contract in the Netherlands
• Taking out a SIM-only contract
• Using a prepaid SIM card

Taking out a mobile phone contract in the Netherlands

A mobile phone contract in the Netherlands works much the same as anywhere else in the world. For a fixed monthly sum, you get the use of a (brand new) phone, along with a package of data, minutes and texts. 

It's worth noting, however, that a mobile phone contract is exactly that - a contract - so you are signing up for a minimum contract duration (usually between one and two years). It can be difficult and expensive to end a contract early, so this is not an ideal choice if you don't know how long you'll be staying in the Netherlands. 

To take out a contract, you'll need to provide:

• Valid proof of identity (not a driving licence)
• Proof of address
• BSN
• Official bank statement
• Bank account (details or card)

SIM-only contracts in the Netherlands

If you don't need a new phone, you can get a much cheaper deal by opting for a SIM-only plan. Again, you are locked in for a contract and pay a monthly fee in exchange for a package of minutes, texts and data. However, SIM-only contracts tend to be more flexible, with many coming with the option to cancel at any time (with a notice period of around one month).

There is a huge variety in SIM-only deals, so you're sure to be able to find one that suits your needs, whether you want loads of data or the ability to make international calls included. You can also adjust your subscription to suit your usage. 

To take out a SIM-only subscription, you will likely need to provide much of the same information outlined above, but the exact requirements vary from provider to provider. 

Prepaid SIM cards in the Netherlands

A prepaid SIM card is the most flexible option. In its most simple form, you get a Dutch SIM card (many companies give them away for free or for just a few euros) and then top up your balance whenever you need. 

You can then either:

• Top up and spend your balance (Pay As You Go) on data, texts and calls
• Make use of prepaid bundles

Nowadays, most phone companies offer prepaid deals where you get a certain number of minutes, texts, and gigabytes of data when you top up a certain amount each month. You just need to remember to top up regularly to keep the deal rolling over. When you leave the Netherlands, you can just stop topping up and your bundle will lapse. 

To get a prepaid SIM card in the Netherlands, you can either order one online or buy one in person from a shop. As there is so much choice, it’s worth shopping around before choosing a provider. 

Once you have your SIM card, you can insert it into your phone and start using it. Your phone will need to be unlocked for it to work. You can then top up your credit online, via app, or by buying top-up vouchers from shops. 

Should I take out a mobile phone contract or get a prepaid SIM card in the Netherlands? 

Deciding on whether to take out a mobile phone contract or getting a prepaid SIM card will depend on how long you are staying in the Netherlands. Mobile phone contracts are relatively uncomplicated - you don’t have to remember to top up, for example - and can offer good value for money, but you are locked into a contract, usually for a minimum of one year. 

Therefore, if you are unsure how long you will be staying in the Netherlands, it might be wise to get a prepaid SIM card to avoid any additional costs in the future. The one major advantage of a prepaid SIM card is its flexibility: you are not tied into a contract and can end it whenever you wish. However, over the long term, a prepaid bundle might work out more expensive than a SIM-only contract. 

Keeping your number when you switch providers

If you already have a Dutch number, most providers will let you keep your number if you switch to a new mobile phone company. If you have a foreign number, however, you will need to switch to a Dutch one. 

Best prepaid SIM cards in the Netherlands

Looking for a prepaid SIM card in the Netherlands? Vodafone, Lebara, Odido and Simyo offer prepaid bundles, where you get a set amount of data, minutes and/or texts for a fixed price, with no contract commitment. With a bundle from Lebara, you can get a gigabyte of data for as little as 2,50 euros. 

Best SIM-only contracts in the Netherlands

All of the providers listed above offer SIM-only contracts. The best one for you will depend on what you need your phone for: most providers nowadays throw in a certain number of calls and texts for free or a couple of euros per month, while charging an increasing amount depending on how much data you need. 

You can also freely choose your contract term: Lebara, Simyo, Ben and Youfone, for instance, let you choose a monthly rolling contract, while most other providers ask you to choose between a fixed contract term of one or two years. 

A SIM-only contract with one of the above providers, including 120 minutes, unlimited texts, and 1GB of data will typically cost around 5 euros per month. It’s also worth mentioning that most providers offer you a discount if you already use them as your internet provider. 

Best mobile contracts in the Netherlands

Mobile phone contracts in the Netherlands are more expensive, because you’re paying for the brand new mobile device as well. However, in terms of the data and minutes/texts they include, they are actually better value if you also want a mobile phone. 

Which contract is best for you will depend not only on your usage (how many minutes and texts you want, and how much data), but also your desired phone. Vodafone, Odido and Ben offer mobile phone contracts including handsets. Simyo offers contracts with refurbished phones. 

You can usually reduce your monthly contract price by paying a lump sum upfront. After that, you choose an accompanying bundle of data, minutes and texts to calculate your monthly contract price. 

Unlimited data SIM cards in the Netherlands

Don't want any limits on your data usage? Many mobile phone providers in the Netherlands - including Vodafone and Odido - offer unlimited data SIM-only contracts, from as little as 25 euros per month. 

eSIM cards in the Netherlands

If your mobile phone supports eSIM, you can also request an eSIM from some of the above providers. An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM card that is embedded into your device. It replaces a physical SIM card. 

Vodafone, Odido and Simyo offer eSIM cards in the Netherlands. 

EU roaming

The good news is that, as of 2017, if you have a Dutch mobile phone you can also use your minutes, texts and data anywhere in the EU without incurring additional roaming charges.