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SIM-only contracts in the Netherlands: the right option for you?
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Are you planning on moving to or staying in the Netherlands? If you do find yourself living or working in the Netherlands, getting a Dutch phone number will make your life a lot easier. But what’s the best offer for you? HollandsNieuwe takes you through the benefits of signing up for a SIM-only contract.

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SIM-only contracts in the Netherlands: the right option for you?

Paid partnership
Dec 14, 2021
Paid partnership

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.
Are you interested in a new contract? Check out HollandsNieuwe for great, competitively-priced offers on SIM-only plans.
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