Settling In: Finding The Best Mobile Providers in The Netherlands

If you are reading this, then you’ve probably already moved to the Netherlands, started your new job, and somewhat got the hang of the new life that awaited you. Now, it’s finally time to settle in for real, and get a SIM card. With that, you also have to choose from the most prominent mobile operators in the Netherlands. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know from providers to getting a prepaid SIM card.

Mobile Service Providers in The Netherlands

Staying connected is essential. Whether you want to use a SIM card for setting up a home internet network, need portable WiFi, call home, or simply be more available in the country. 

There are three main network operators: KPN, Vodafone, and Odido. These companies own the networks and provide strong 4G and 5G coverage across the country, including rural areas where many jobs are located.

Apart from these big players, there are also budget-friendly providers called MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators). They use the same reliable networks but often offer cheaper plans. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Simyo:  This is an affordable and flexible provider which runs on KPN’s main network.
• Lebara: With an English website, it can be a great starting point for expats. Experts also say that it has quite favorable conditions for international calls.
• Ben: An MVNO under Odido’s network with several low-cost plans.
• Youfone: If mobile data is your main concern, this mobile provider from the Netherlands offers several data options with budget-friendly plans.
• Lyca Mobile: Also great for inexpensive international calls, Lyca Mobile is usually the option for expats with families overseas.
• Hollandsnieuwe: An MVNO that uses Vodafone’s network and offers great discount bundles.

What’s an added plus is that a good number of mobile providers in the Netherlands offer SIM-only plans, meaning that you can still use your old phone and just pay for the minutes and data you get in the package. Average prices for these plans hover between €10 and €30 per month, many including unlimited calls or even internet data. 

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On that note, experts agree that if you want to take the inexpensive route, going with MVNOs like Ben, Lebara, and Simyo, while if you want excellent coverage and internet speed, Odido, KPN, and Vodafone are your best bet.

The Netherlands: Mobile Operator Comparison

Here’s a quick estimated rundown of the best mobile service providers in the Netherlands.

Please, note that these are rough estimates and averages. For a precise quote on monthly packages, their call- and data details, you should visit the provers’ respective websites or reach out directly to them.

Which is The Best Mobile Provider in The Netherlands?

Generally speaking, opting for a major provider is a safe bet if you want a secure network, good internet speed, and free calls. Even then, each has their own perks and slight disadvantages.

For instance, experts say that KPN offers the best network coverage in the country. Apart from that, they have stellar customer service (even in English), great user reviews, and a large number of happy customers. Still, this all comes at a higher cost. With the average starting package price coming in at €20/month, it might not be a huge stretch, but if money is a concern, there are other cloud-based providers with more budget-friendly options.

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Others say that Odido is the best mobile provider in the Netherlands, because it ties with KPN for signal strength, offers less expensive prices than major competitors but slightly lacks internet speed. 

Lastly, Vodafone has the weakest network coverage from the major three, especially when compared to the prices of the packages they offer. Still, internet speed is good, and the network is highly reliable.

Settling in the Netherlands: Mobile Service Providers and SIM Cards

If you’re in the Netherlands with a pre-existing contract with your provider back home, you might wonder whether getting a dedicated Dutch SIM is worth the hassle, especially if you can use your old card without any problems. Even if you can freely use your old card and phone, getting a Dutch number has its advantages. 

For starters, health insurance and banking services only work with Dutch phone numbers. Using a foreign SIM, in this regard can lead to additional hurdles, standing in lines, and so on. Additionally, calling Dutch numbers from yours will always cost you a bit more.

Additionally, even if you have a great roaming package, most phone companies will restrict data or minute usage in some way or charge you extra. This may mean that your inexpensive and great foreign package will be more expensive than just getting a new number.

Getting A SIM Card from a Dutch Provider

If you want to get a Dutch number, you typically have three different options:

• Get a mobile phone contract from a provider in the Netherlands
• Get a Sim-only deal
• Use a prepaid SiM card

Getting a Mobile Contract With a Provider

Getting a full contract in the Netherlands is pretty much like anywhere else in the EU. You pay a fixed monthly sum, get a brand new phone, with a package of minutes, texts, and data. 

Still, you shouldn’t ignore the fact that the contract will legally bind you to stay with the provider for the minimum contract duration (one or two years). Ending a large package early can be expensive and difficult, so if you know you can’t commit for some reason, it’s best to get a SIM-only deal or a prepaid card.

To get a contract you’ll need:

• A valid ID or driving license
• Proof of Address
• A bank statement
• BSN
• Bank account details 

SIM-Only Contracts

A more budget-conscious option would be getting a SIM-only plan. While this still is a contract in which you pay a fixed fee for a package of data, texts, and minutes. Still, these SIM-only contracts are often more flexible, and may offer you the option to cancel at any time, with a notice period of around one month.

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The good thing is that there’s a lot of variety when it comes to SIM-only deals, whether you are looking to use the internet, make international calls, and so on. And to get such a subscription, you’ll more or less need to provide the same information we highlighted above.

Prepaid SIMs

Getting a prepaid SIM is probably the most flexible option if you want to switch between different mobile service providers in the Netherlands. The recipe is easy: you get a Dutch SIM card from any provider and then just top up your balance whenever you want. You can either spend your balance on data, calls, or texts as you please, or opt for prepaid bundles.

A lot of companies offer prepaid deals where you get a few gigabytes of data and a set number of texts and minutes each month, if you top up a certain amount. Getting a prepaid SIM is also a breeze: You can buy it in shops or look for one online.

What’s The Best Option? 

Deciding which route to take will mostly depend on your preferences and how long you will stay in the country. Full-blown contracts are uncomplicated as you don’t have to top up your card and you’ll never run out of data, calls or minutes. However, you’re locked into your contract for at least a year.

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That said, getting a prepaid SIM is the best if you want flexibility and plan on staying in the country for shorter. You’re not tied to a contract and you can change things up whenever you please. Still, in the long-term, a prepaid-only SIM package may turn out more expensive than a SIM-only contract.

Best SIM Options in the Netherlands

Looking for the best prepaid SIM card in the Netherlands? Providers like Vodafone, Lebara, Odido, and Simyo offer affordable prepaid bundles with no contracts. For example, Lebara prepaid SIM cards start at just €2.50 for 1GB of data. 

If you use your phone regularly, a cheap SIM-only plan in the Netherlands may be better. Starting at around €5 per month for 120 minutes, unlimited texts, and 1GB of data. Some providers, like Lebara and Simyo, even offer monthly rolling contracts, while others have fixed terms of 12 or 24 months. You can also get discounts by combining mobile and home internet.

Need a phone included? Mobile phone contracts in the Netherlands from providers like Vodafone, Odido, and Ben include both a handset and a data bundle. Simyo also offers deals with refurbished phones. For heavy data users, unlimited data SIM-only plans in the Netherlands start from €25 per month. Prefer a digital solution? Vodafone, Odido, and Simyo all provide eSIM cards in the Netherlands, perfect for compatible devices.

Netherlands Mobile Service Providers: Finishing Thoughts

Finding the best service provider will mostly depend on how long you will be staying in the Netherlands. For the long-haul, finding a mobile contract would probably be the best idea, or getting a SIM-only deal if you have a phone you are highly satisfied with. And if you are going only for seasonal work, getting a prepaid SIM might be the smartest option.

No matter how you look at it, the first thing you should do is to find a job that suits your qualifications, preferences, and expectations. That said, Robin is full of great blue-collar job opportunities. Feel free to take a look at our latest offers and connect with us if you have any further questions.