Dutch phone plan
Depending on your current phone plan (and whether it works in The Netherlands), it might be necessary to get a Dutch phone plan.
Reasons to consider getting a Dutch phone number
- No unexpected costs at the end of the month..
- Your current phone number may deactivate after spending a certain amount of time away from your home country.
- You may need to provide a Dutch phone numbers for certain services, such as an IKEA delivery or sending a Tikkie.
- You may have better reception and faster internet when using a local phone number.
Getting a Dutch phone plan
There are different phone plan options available, such as a prepaid SIM card or a fixed monthly subscription (mobile phone contract or a SIM-only subscription).
- Prepaid SIM cards are cheap and can be topped up at any given moment. When you leave The Netherlands, you can just stop topping up your credit, making this a flexible option.
- A mobile phone contract means that purchase a new phone along with a SIM-card subscription and pay a fixed monthly fee for a certain contract duration (usually at least for 1 to 2 years). Because of this minimum contract duration, it is important to consider whether this is the best option for you.
- With a SIM card only subscription, you can switch to a Dutch provider while keeping your own phone. These contracts offer much more flexibility than mobile contracts, as they are often adjustable as well as available on a month-to-month subscription.
To sign up for a mobile phone contract of any sort, you often need:
- Identification (passport or government ID card)
- Proof of Address / Citizen Service Number
- A Dutch bank account
Common Dutch phone plan providers: