Phone Plans in Netherlands

Compare 4 mobile plans from 0 carriers

3
Tourist SIM Cards
1
Prepaid Plans
0
eSIM Options
+31
Country Code

Mobile Network Overview in Netherlands

Major Carriers

    Network Information

    • ✓ 4G/LTE coverage in major cities
    • ✓ 5G available with select carriers
    • ✓ Good coverage in tourist areas
    • ✓ Free WiFi widely available

    Compare All Phone Plans

    Plan NameCarrierDataMinutesPriceTourist Friendly
    Unlimited Data
    postpaid
    		KPN
    999GB
    per month
    Local: Unlimited
    Int'l: None
    €40.00
    per month
    You Prepaid
    tourist
    		Vodafone
    25GB
    per month
    Local: Unlimited
    Int'l: 100
    €25.00
    per month
    Prepaid Easy
    prepaid
    		T-Mobile
    20GB
    per month
    Local: 200
    Int'l: None
    €20.00
    per month
    Tourist Netherlands
    tourist
    		Lebara
    30GB
    per month
    Local: Unlimited
    Int'l: 1000
    €25.00
    per month

    Best Tourist SIM Cards

    You Prepaid

    Vodafone

    €25.00
    per month
    25GB Data
    Unlimited local mins
    No contract required
    • • Easy activation
    • • EU roaming
    • • Vodafone Passes

    Prepaid Easy

    T-Mobile

    €20.00
    per month
    20GB Data
    200 local mins
    No contract required
    • • 4 weeks validity
    • • Data tickets
    • • EU roaming

    Tourist Netherlands

    Lebara

    €25.00
    per month
    30GB Data
    Unlimited local mins
    No contract required
    • • International focus
    • • KPN network
    • • Easy top-up

    Prepaid vs Postpaid: Which is Right for You?

    Prepaid Plans

    • No credit check required
    • Perfect for tourists and short stays
    • No contracts or commitments
    • Control your spending

    Best for: Tourists, students, temporary residents, budget-conscious users

    Postpaid Plans

    • Better data rates and allowances
    • International roaming options
    • Device financing available
    • Requires credit check and ID

    Best for: Long-term residents, business users, heavy data users

    Where to Buy SIM Cards in Netherlands

    Airport Kiosks

    Most convenient option for tourists. Available immediately upon arrival.

    • ✓ Open 24/7 at major airports
    • ✓ English-speaking staff
    • ✓ Tourist plans available
    • ✗ Slightly higher prices

    Carrier Stores

    Best selection and support. Located in shopping centers and city centers.

    • ✓ Full range of plans
    • ✓ Professional setup help
    • ✓ Device options available
    • ✗ May require queuing

    Convenience Stores

    Quick and easy for prepaid SIMs. Found everywhere in Netherlands.

    • ✓ No waiting times
    • ✓ Basic prepaid options
    • ✓ Extended hours
    • ✗ Limited plan selection

    Airport SIM Card Availability

    Major International Airports

    SIM cards are readily available at Netherlands's main international airports. Look for carrier kiosks in the arrivals hall after clearing customs.

    • Multiple carrier options available
    • Tourist-specific packages
    • Instant activation service

    What You'll Need

    • 1.Passport for registration
    • 2.Unlocked phone (check before travel)
    • 3.Cash or credit card
    • 4.Address in Netherlands (hotel is fine)

    SIM Card Activation Guide

    Step-by-Step Activation

    1. 1
      Purchase Your SIM
      Choose a plan that fits your needs and budget
    2. 2
      Register Your Details
      Provide passport and local address for registration
    3. 3
      Insert the SIM Card
      Power off your phone, insert SIM, then restart
    4. 4
      Configure Settings
      Follow carrier instructions for APN settings if needed

    Troubleshooting Tips

    Phone Shows "No Service"?
    Restart your phone and ensure airplane mode is off. Check if your phone is unlocked.
    Can't Access Mobile Data?
    Go to Settings → Mobile Data → APN and enter carrier's APN settings.
    Registration Failed?
    Ensure your passport details match exactly. Some carriers require online registration.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I keep my phone number when visiting Netherlands?

    You cannot transfer your home country number to a Netherlands SIM card. However, you can use apps like WhatsApp, which are linked to your original number, over data. Consider using call forwarding to a VoIP service if you need to receive calls on your regular number.

    Do I need to unlock my phone before traveling?

    Yes, your phone must be unlocked to use a Netherlands SIM card. Contact your home carrier before traveling to unlock your device. Most carriers will unlock phones that are fully paid off. You can test if your phone is unlocked by trying a different carrier's SIM card.

    How long does SIM card registration take?

    Registration typically takes 5-15 minutes at the point of purchase. Some carriers activate instantly, while others may take up to 2 hours. Tourist SIMs at airports are usually activated immediately to ensure you have service right away.

    Can I top up my prepaid SIM online?

    Yes, most Netherlands carriers offer online top-up services through their websites or mobile apps. You can also top up at convenience stores, carrier shops, or through ATMs. International credit cards are usually accepted for online top-ups.

    What's the difference between tourist SIMs and regular prepaid SIMs?

    Tourist SIMs are designed for short-term visitors with simplified registration, more data, shorter validity periods (7-30 days), and sometimes include international calling minutes. Regular prepaid SIMs require more documentation, have longer validity, and are better for extended stays.

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