Key facts
- The Netherlands has three mobile networks: KPN, Vodafone and Odido. Budget brands use one of these networks.
- Prepaid SIM cards need no contract and no Dutch bank account, which makes them the easiest start.
- For a subscription you must be at least 18, verify your identity and usually your bank account, and the provider checks your creditworthiness.
- Non-EU nationals generally need a valid Dutch residence permit for a subscription; KPN requires at least 1 year of validity, Odido, Ben and Vodafone at least 6 months.
- Inside the EU, 'roam like at home' rules apply until 2032, so calls, texts and data use your Dutch bundle within fair use.
What to do
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Buy a prepaid SIM in a supermarket, phone shop or online, or order a prepaid eSIM. You top up credit and stop whenever you want. This gives you a Dutch number in your first week.
Phones bought on a contract abroad may be locked to that operator. For eSIM, check your phone settings or the maker's website.
Once you have a Dutch bank account and your residence document, you can switch to a SIM-only subscription. Have your ID or residence permit, your IBAN and sometimes a BRP extract ready.
When you move from prepaid to a subscription, or between providers, ask the new provider to transfer your number (nummerbehoud). Keep the old SIM active until the switch is done.
Contracts run for 1 or 2 years, or month to month. After the first term you can cancel with at most 1 month's notice.
Prepaid or subscription?
Prepaid (prepaid or 'beltegoed') suits your first weeks or a short stay. You pay in advance and there is no credit check. Many prepaid brands also sell monthly bundles.
A SIM-only subscription (sim only abonnement) usually gives more data for your money and is paid monthly by direct debit. A subscription with a new phone is a longer financial commitment, and providers check your credit more strictly for that.
Networks and brands
KPN, Vodafone and Odido (formerly T-Mobile Netherlands) run their own networks. Budget brands use those networks, for example Simyo, Youfone and Lebara on KPN, Ben and Simpel on Odido, and hollandsnieuwe on Vodafone. Coverage is generally good in and around Eindhoven on all three networks.
Compare prices on the providers' own websites or on a comparison site, and check whether the price changes after the first months.
What you need for a subscription
Providers check that you are 18 or older, verify your ID and may ask you to verify your phone number and IBAN. They also check your creditworthiness.
EU citizens can usually use a passport or ID card. Some providers ask for a bank card or a BRP extract (an extract from the municipal register), and Vodafone does not accept a European ID card. Non-EU citizens usually need a Dutch residence permit (types I to V or an EU residence document) with enough remaining validity. A W-document is not accepted by every provider. If your permit is not ready yet, use prepaid until it is.
- KPN: residence permit valid for at least 1 year; also asks for a BRP extract.
- Odido and Ben: residence permit valid for at least 6 months.
- Vodafone: residence permit valid for at least 6 months; asks for a bank card.
- hollandsnieuwe: accepts more document types, including a W-document, but then only SIM-only.
eSIM
KPN, Odido, Vodafone, Simyo and Youfone let you activate an eSIM in their app, by scanning a QR code or installing it directly. You can also change an existing physical SIM to an eSIM. Your number stays the same. Do it on Wi-Fi and keep your old SIM working until the eSIM is active.
Roaming in the EU
Under EU rules that run until 2032, you can call, text and use data in other EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway (and currently also Moldova and Ukraine) at no extra cost on your Dutch bundle. Providers may apply a fair use limit, especially for data on cheaper bundles. The rule is meant for travel: if you spend more time abroad than in the Netherlands over several months, your provider can start charging extra. Switzerland and the UK are not covered, so check your provider's conditions before you travel there.
Mistakes to avoid
- Cancelling your foreign number before your bank, DigiD and other accounts use the Dutch number.
- Signing a 2-year contract with a phone right away when you might leave within a year.
- Assuming all calls in Switzerland or the UK are included because they feel 'European'.
- Using a permit with only a few months of validity left; some providers will refuse it.
- Throwing away the old SIM before your number transfer is finished.
Useful links
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Other useful links
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Sources we checked
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We checked this guide against its sources on 10 October 2026. Rules change: the official source always wins. Spotted something out of date? DM @gone.with.us or email contact@gonewithus.nl.