Whether you are planning on moving to the Netherlands, or you work in the country for extended periods at a time, it is a good idea to get a Dutch mobile number. Not only will this save you money, but it will also make it easier to sign up for things like a bank account or a GP clinic. There are two options you can go for when signing up for a mobile phone contract: you can either opt for a smartphone contract or you can sign up for a SIM-only subscription.
What is a SIM-only contract?
A SIM-only contract is a monthly contract, whereby you pay for a certain amount of calls, texts and data per month. SIM-only users receive a free SIM card when they sign up for the contract, which allows customers to simply slot the card into their phone and start using it.
Unlike smartphone contracts, SIM-only customers do not receive a new phone at the start of their contract. SIM-only contracts also differ from Pay As You Go (PAYG) contracts in that they offer a monthly allowance and customers pay every month for a fixed term. Customers on PAYG contracts must top up their calls, texts and data as and when they use them.
The benefits of a SIM-only contract
SIM-only contracts offer a number of benefits that make them particularly attractive, especially if you are not in need of a new phone. If you are thinking of signing up for a new phone contract and think you might want to opt for a SIM-only contract, check out the benefits below to see if it’s the right decision for you!
- SIM-only contracts are usually much cheaper than smartphone contracts since you are not paying for a phone alongside your data plan. In this way, SIM-only contracts are a great choice for anyone who already has the latest smartphone or is happy with the phone they currently have.
- Calls and texts are cheap and are often unlimited in SIM-only contracts. Many SIM-only contracts only differ in price depending on the amount of monthly data you include as part of your plan.
- SIM-only deals help reduce electrical and plastic waste, as customers recycle phones from their old contracts, or buy a phone outright instead of constantly upgrading to a newer model.
SIM-only contract: the cons
Of course, like with anything, there are some downsides to SIM-only contracts that need to be taken into consideration before signing up.
- The main drawback of a SIM-only contract is that it does not come with a phone. If you need a phone, and don’t have the money to buy a super-expensive smartphone outright, then a smartphone contract will allow you to acquire the latest handset and pay for it in monthly instalments.
- SIM-only contracts offer a certain amount of calls, texts and data every month. Going over these allowances can incur some steep charges, especially if you are using your phone abroad.
- SIM-only contracts can be difficult to cancel once you have been signed up, which can be disastrous if you move to an area with a poor signal or are not happy with the service you are getting.
So, should you go for a SIM-only contract?
Signing up for a SIM-only contract has its benefits, but it also has some downsides that can prove both costly and frustrating depending on your situation. Before signing up for anything, ask yourself:
- Do you need / want a new phone?
- How much data do you currently use? Are you sure your new contract is offering enough?
- Does your mobile provider offer good signal and service in the areas you frequently visit?
- How long do you plan to stay in the Netherlands? A SIM-only contract is a great way to obtain a Dutch number to use while in the country.