Best Netherlands SIM Cards for Tourists

Olivia Brown

|

Latest update: September 2024

Staying connected is one of the crucial decisions when you plan on traveling to the Netherlands or any other country.

In this article, we will discuss the conveniences of Netherlands SIM cards when compared to alternatives like relying on free Wifi, international roaming with your local carrier, or utilizing pocket Wifi. By reading further, more information will be acquired, such as the best options for tourists, data costs, leading network operators, and more.

I. Where to Buy a Tourist SIM Card in the Netherlands?

1. Buy a physical Netherlands SIM card online, before departure

You can buy a prepaid Netherlands SIM card from travel SIM retailer’s websites and have it delivered to your accommodation before your trip, or you can purchase it directly at the airport after arrival (depending on the SIM provider’s policy)

• Pros: Lower prices, be active for a trip, have Internet access right upon arrival
• Cons: Have to wait for SIM delivery or need to arrange pickup in the Netherlands

2. Buy physical SIM cards at Netherlands airports

Tourists can purchase prepaid tourist SIM cards at all Netherlands airports like Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Ameland Airport, Terlet Airfield, and other major harbors/airports in the Netherlands.

• Pros: Instant-buy before arrival, convenient pickup at the airport
• Cons: Requires passport, low data, high price, and fewer data plan options.

3. Buy physical prepaid travel SIM in Netherlands’ cities

You can purchase prepaid SIM cards simply from many convenience stores, electronic shops, or retail store chains around the Netherlands.

T-Mobile, KPN, and Vodafone also have stores in many large cities like Amsterdam, Utrecht, Groningen, etc. 

• Pros: The best option is cheap and easy to get local advice
• Cons: Need to find stores, show passport and/or personal information. Need help communicating with staff for SIM card information. 

4. Buy virtual Netherlands eSIM online

You can purchase prepaid eSIM cards for the Netherlands online from providers like Gigago before ready for your journey. These eSIM cards offer flexible data-only plans without any contracts.

• Pros: Convenient in all ways before travel.
• Cons: eSIM-compatible phones only

Our recommendation:

Here are some great advice when choosing where to buy Netherlands eSIM

• If you need immediate connectivity but don’t mind paying a premium or limited options: you can buy at the airport.
• If you prioritize preparation and flexibility: go buy SIM cards online before departure. The downside is that there will be potentially higher costs for short stays.
• If you seek the best value and don’t mind looking for stores: Buy from a store in cities after arrival. 
• For all aspects: convenience, preparation, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness: consider buying an eSIM in advance (of course, eSIM-supported mobile phones required).

II. What Are The Best SIM Cards for Tourists?

03 main mobile operators are widely used in the Netherlands: KPN, Vodafone, and T-Mobile.

These network carriers offer all affordable SIM card plans specially catered toward both locals and visitors. Below is a summary of some of their most used competitive tourist plans, through specific plan names, prices, and features may be changed over time.

1. Best Netherlands KPN SIM Card Plans and Price

Bundles:

• Bundle12GB: 12GB data, unlimited calls/texts or 150 minutes/texts = 18,50 EUR ~ 20,16$
• Bundel6GB: 6GB data, unlimited calls/texts or 150 minutes/texts = 16 EUR ~ 17,44$
• Bundel0GB: without mobile internet. Online, can share via Wi-Fi or MBs, unlimited calls/texts or 150  minutes/texts = 12,50 EUR ~ 13,62$

2. Best Netherlands Vodafone SIM Card Plans and Price

For SIM cards: There are various prepaid SIM card packs:

• 2GB = 10 EUR
• 4GB = 15 EUR
• 6GB = 20 EUR
• 10GB = 30 EUR

You will also get a 5 EUR  bonus credit after registering your SIM card on My Vodafone app.

Normal bundles:

• 1 day of unlimited Internet data = 4 EUR
• 3 days of unlimited Internet data = 9 EUR
• 1 week of unlimited Internet data = 14 EUR

Best recommended data bundles:

• 2GB monthly call/texts + data = 9 EUR
• 4GB monthly call/texts + data = 14 EUR
• 6GB monthly call/texts + data = 19 EUR
• 10Gb monthly call/texts + data = 29 EUR

3. Best T-Mobile Netherlands SIM Card Plans and Price

In 2024, T-Mobile Netherlands will be changed into Odido, there will be lots of good and affordable bundles per month:

• 2GB data, 300Mbs speed, Internet +calling foreign country = 14 EUR ~ $15,26
• 10Gb data, 300Mbs speed, Internet + calling foreign country = 15 EUR ~ $16,35
• 15GB data, 300Mbs speed, Foreign country Internet + calling = 17,50 EUR ~ $18,92

Unlimited bundles:

• Start: Unlimited Internet + calling both local and foreign country, 10Mbs speed = 27,50 EUR ~ $24,43
• Basis: Unlimited Internet + calling with 300Mbs speed = 32,50 EUR ~ $35,42
• Plus: 1 Extra data hotspot share devices, unlimited Internet + calling with 600Mbs speed = 37,50 EUR ~ $40,85
• Premium: 3 Extra data hotspot share devices, unlimited Internet + calling with 1GB/s speed = 45 EUR ~ $47,50

III. Do I Need to Buy a SIM Card for Netherlands Travel?

Yes, of course.

There are various reasons why you should get a SIM card; which is crucial, such as finding directions, checking for transportation, booking hotel reservations online, or more importantly, keeping in touch with your family and relatives while enjoying a trip.

Tourists will have plenty of options to get Internet data when traveling to the Netherlands, including Public Wifi, Roaming Internet, Pocket Wifi, or a SIM card. However, obtaining a SIM card is considered the most convenient and cost-effective solution for maintaining connectivity.

Pros: Cost-effective for data usage; easy to set up; allows you to use your own device.

Cons: Requires a compatible, unlocked phone; limited to the coverage of the local network provider; potential language barrier during the purchase process.

► Our recommendation: among options to get Internet access while traveling Netherlands, getting a prepaid SIM is easy to set up for tourists.

IV. What to Prepare to Buy Prepaid SIM cards in Netherlands?

When purchasing a prepaid SIM card in the Netherlands, make sure to have the following ready:

1. Valid Identification: Carry a valid ID, such as your passport or national ID card, as it is often required for the registration process.
2. Unlocked Mobile Phone: Verify that your phone is unlocked and capable of accepting SIM cards from various carriers. If you’re uncertain, contact your mobile operator in your home country to confirm.
3. Payment Options: Be prepared with cash or a credit/debit card to cover the cost of the SIM card and any initial top-up or plan you choose.

Alternatively, if you want to avoid the complex of purchasing a physical SIM card, consider opting for an eSIM if your phone supports it. This digital SIM card can be easily activated online, saving you time and simplifying the process.

V. What Types of Netherlands SIM Cards Are Available For Tourists?

Based on the form, there are 2 main types of SIM cards for tourists who want to travel to the Netherlands:

• Netherlands prepaid physical SIM card.
• Netherlands prepaid travel eSIM.

In this section, what we mention will be about international use. Here are the types of international SIM cards for tourists in detail:

Prepaid physical SIM card in the Netherlands

Features:

• Pre-loaded with set amounts of data, calls and texts
• Easy to find and purchase at airport shops, convenience stores, and mobile operator stores/ retailers.
• Ready for immediate activation upon arrival
• Affordable data-cost usage

Plan:

2 types of plans for tourists, which are data-only plans and data + voice and text plans

Where to buy:

• Airports: Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Ameland Airport, Terlet Airfield, …
• Major convenience store chains: Albert Heijn, Jumbo, …
• Mobile Operator stores/ retailers: KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, …

Suitable for:

• Workers who go on business trips
• Tourists making short visits or transit

Prepaid Tourist Netherlands eSIM

A prepaid eSIM is a digital SIM card stored in a secure data chip inserted in the mainboard of an eSIM-supported device. A physical SIM card is not required.

Features:

• Buy online anywhere, anytime
• Use the QR code to download & install the eSIM profile
• One eSIM card can store multiple profiles
• Works on eSIM-supported mobile phones
• Remote activation from home country
• Pre-loaded data allowance and validity period

Plans: 2 types of plans for tourists, which are data-only plans and data + voice and text plans.

Where to buy: 

• Buy online directly from eSIM provider websites, especially a prestigious provider like Gigago!

Suitable for:

• Frequent Netherlands travelers
• Business travelers with short trips
• Device limited to one physical SIM card
• Those wanting to activate SIM before arrival
• People with eSIM-compatible phones

Requirements: A passport is not required when buying online, only an eSIM-compatible phone.

► Our recommendations:

• When visiting the Netherlands, tourists will prefer to buy a SIM card to stay connected. However, with the rise of technology, many phones are now SIM-locked. Therefore, tourists should carefully consider whether a physical or an eSIM card is suitable for users’ needs.
• Choose an INTERNATIONAL PREPAID DATA ESIM card if your phone supports eSIM, it is highly recommended to use due to its convenience, security, and flexible plan options.

VI. Gigago eSIM – Alternative to Physical SIM Cards to Get Internet in the Netherlands

As you can see, our Netherlands eSIM has many advantages over traditional ones when it comes to staying connected.

It saves you money on roaming charges, functions similarly to a physical SIM card, provides dependable services, and is easy to use. Our customizable plans suit various journey durations, Internet users’ habits, and requirements.

For the Netherlands, GIGAGO offers multiple plan options with different dates, starting from 1GB/3 days for $3.00 . What is great about Gigago’s Netherlands eSIM is that its plans’ costs are diverse, varying between $3.00 – $95.90 . Moreover, it does not matter how Internet user you are and how long your trip is in the Netherlands, there will always be a suitable option for you in Gigago.

What eSIM Gigago for the Netherlands can do:

• With an eSIM, you do not need to change or remove your regular SIM card. This is more convenient than handling multiple physical SIMs.
• Hotspot/tethering is allowed, so you can share your data connection with your friends or devices. This is useful when traveling in a group.
• Gigago provides quick and easy installation – just by scanning a QR code. You don’t need to wait to insert a new card. The eSIM will activate once you arrive. 

To see more details, visit Gigago Netherlands eSIM

VII. How long does a tourist SIM card last in Netherlands?

The duration of a tourist SIM card in the Netherlands varies based on the provider and the specific plan you choose. Typically, options include:

• 7 days: Ideal for short visits, offering sufficient data, calls, and texts for a week.
• 14 days: Suitable for medium-length stays, providing more flexibility and data for up to two weeks.
• 30 days: Perfect for longer trips, with ample data and services for a full month.

It’s essential to check with the specific provider for details regarding validity, data limits, and other terms. Many providers also offer the option to recharge or extend the validity of the SIM card, giving you the flexibility to adjust your plan if you need more time or data during your stay.

VIII. How to Use Netherlands Prepaid SIM Cards and eSIM

1. Using prepaid Netherlands tourist SIM Cards

Here are steps to use a Netherlands SIM card:

• Find and purchase a prepaid SIM card from major carriers, store chains or even in airports upon arrival.
• Follow the instructions to activate the card. Insert SIM card into the phone
• The SIM card will have its temporary number. Note it for the next step
• Top-up the balance at retailers or convenience store chains. Give the staff phone number and ask them the amount you want to top-up
• Download the provider’s app or use code syntax to check the balance.

Pro tip: Some tips on using prepaid tourist SIM card during your trip to the Netherlands:

• Carry some cash for top-ups
• Use Wifi when possible to avoid data costs
• You can top-up through e-wallets
• Choose the right data limits to avoid wasting data usage

2. Setting up and activating Netherlands eSIM

To use a Netherlands eSIM for your trip, follow these steps:

• Buy an eSIM online from a prestigious eSIM provider (Gigago) or every mobile operator store chain before departure or upon arrival at the airport
• Scan a QR code or enter the activation code, and link to activate eSIM online
• Once activated, the eSIM will be installed directly on your device. Make sure you use a compatible phone

Pro tip: Depending on the plan’s policy about activation time, oftentimes, you are recommended to activate the eSIM one day before departure to save the validity period.

IX. FAQs

X. Conclusion

In conclusion, buying a prepaid Netherlands SIM card is a concern for most travelers as it is convenient for staying connected while on a trip to the Netherlands, which is better than relying on international roaming. However, if your mobile device has an eSIM function, buying a prepaid eSIM bundle would be better. With eSIM, you won’t have to be worried about carrying around SIM cards, which makes eSIM the best option for keeping in touch with people while traveling in the Netherlands.