Mobile Internet in the Netherlands: SIM Cards and Other Ways to Connect

Let’s delve into the issue of how to choose and connect mobile Internet in the Netherlands. We will consider the peculiarities of SIM cards in the Netherlands, as well as sale points and terms of purchase. In addition, we will tell you about roaming, pocket and free Wi-Fi.

Mobile Internet in the Netherlands: the best options for tourists

You can connect to mobile Internet in the Netherlands using:

• SIM card (physical) and eSIM virtual card;
• roaming;
• portable Wi-Fi router;
• free Internet.

Let's take a closer look at the specifics of each connection option.

SIM cards for Netherlands

The best Netherlands SIM cards for tourists are the standard prepaid starter packs of local mobile operators. Apart from them, you can only connect to the mobile Internet using eSIM technology. Here are the 2 types of cards that are valid in the country:

1. Physical SIM cards. 2. Virtual eSIM cards.

Physical SIM cards in the Netherlands are offered by three mobile operators. Communication quality is high, but the services are expensive even by local standards. Branded outlets selling starter packs help tourists connect to the network. But if you want to buy a SIM card at a gas station or supermarket, you will have to deal with all the intricacies yourself.

To buy a SIM card and connect to the mobile Internet in the Netherlands it is not required to present a passport, but you may be asked for any other identification document.

Lifehack: if you are closer to Germany, choose a SIM card from a German operator that also works in the Netherlands.

If you have little time and you are not willing to understand local data plan conditions in Dutch, try taking advantage of eSIM technology. All you need to get started is a smartphone in which the manufacturer has provided a virtual chip.

eSIM technology is a virtual SIM card built into the gadget that works on the principle of an NFC chip. If you have eSIM technology integrated into your smartphone, you don't need to look for other options to connect to the mobile Internet while traveling abroad.

Pros of using a virtual eSIM card:

• any physical impact on the chip is impossible, which increases the reliability and usability of the technology;
• you can switch to data plans of another operator, for example, after moving to another country;
• smart watches, gadgets and tablets are also compatible with eSIM technology;
• works with nano-SIM, so you'll always have the familiar connection at hand.

You can check if you have a virtual card in your gadget on this page of the service.

Let's take a closer look at what the best prepaid SIM cards in the Netherlands are available to visitors to the country.

1. Yesim

This international Yesim provider offers the following data plans for eSIM virtual cards in the Netherlands:

• 3 GB for 7 days — 9 EUR;
• 5 GB for 15 days — 13 EUR;
• 10 GB for 30 days — 18 EUR;
• 20 GB for 30 days — 28 EUR.

There is an opportunity to take advantage of the referral program to connect a virtual number. In addition, Yesim acts as a data exchange point with other smartphones without additional service fee. The application supports devices on the Android and iOS operating systems.

Read also: What is eSIM and how does it work

2. KPN

To use the services of this mobile operator, you first need to buy a SIM card for 4.99 EUR with a balance of 10 EUR. But if you leave it as it is, the connection speed will be very slow and even worse than in 3G. Therefore, tourists should buy one of the available starter packages:

• 3 GB for 31 days — 16 EUR;
• 5 GB for 31 days — 22 EUR;
• 1 GB for 24 hours — 1.99 EUR.

3. Odido

When you replenish your account for the time, this operator gives 1 GB of traffic. In addition, there is unlimited access to the network at high speed. The basic prepaid data plans are as follows:

• 1 GB+10 minutes and 10 SMS — 10 EUR;
• 2 GB+15 minutes and 15 SMS messages — 15 EUR;
• 4 GB+20 minutes and 20 SMS messages — 22.5 EUR.

4. Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn is a chain of famous supermarkets in the Netherlands, their outlets are located in all major cities of the country — Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague. Here is the best prepaid plan they offer to their customers:

• 5 GB for 31 days — 30 EUR;
• 75 minutes of calls — 4 EUR;
• KPN network.

The inconvenience of this operator’s service is that all instructions are in Dutch, and you will have to activate the card yourself through a special mobile application.

Roaming in the Netherlands

Roaming is the easiest way to connect to the mobile Internet in the Netherlands. By activating roaming when you cross the border, you can immediately continue to communicate on your cell phone and on the Internet.

The connection is usually of high quality and if there are any problems, you will get technical support in your native language.

Roaming has just one disadvantage — the cost of all services is much higher than the same operator services in your country, and probably even higher than those of the Dutch operators. The less you will be in the country, the more favorable it is to use roaming and vice versa.

If you want to save money and not count every gigabyte of internet abroad, install the Yesim mobile app. You can use high-speed mobile Internet in the Netherlands and in most countries of the world.

Read also: What is data roaming: a guide for travelers

Pocket Wi-Fi

Mobile Internet in the Netherlands, as in all European countries, is also available thanks to Pocket Wi-Fi — a portable router that converts 3G and 4G signals into personal Wi-Fi. The equipment can be delivered to your hotel or any other specified address. If you arrange everything in advance, you can receive the device right at the airport.

You can return the router in one of the offices of the company, through a mailbox or post office. You can connect 5-10 devices to one router, for example, a laptop, tablet, smartphone, headphones and smartwatch. More modern router models allow for more than 10 devices to be connected.

Up to 2 GB of internet per day is available via pocket Wi-Fi. The rental cost is low, but it is difficult to give an exact figure. Too much depends on the term, as well as on the chosen option of delivery and return of equipment.

It is much easier to use a virtual eSIM card. To connect to the mobile Internet in the Netherlands, install the Yesim app on your gadget, choose the best data plan and top up your account online.

Read also: Sights of Amsterdam: TОР 25 places to see

Free Wi-Fi

Mobile internet in the Netherlands can also be connected at free internet hotspots, which are available in public places in many major cities — Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Rotterdam and others. Free coverage is likely to be in hotels, shopping centers, cafes, transportation hubs, and even public transport. It is not difficult to find special maps on the Internet, where such places are marked.

At the same time, it is worth remembering that public internet networks do not have a good reputation due to weak protection. Most credit card hacks and theft of personal data from smartphones happen because of free Wi-Fi.

Read also: TОР 7 most secure VPN services in 2023

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