How To Choose The Best Dutch Phone Plan

Once you set up a Dutch bank account, you can ditch your pre-paid SIM card and sign up for a Dutch phone plan! But which one will be best for you?

Things to Consider When Choosing a Mobile Phone Plan

While there are many options available, consider your needs before signing a contract and committing to a Dutch phone plan.

For example, if you are studying for less than a year, you may want a monthly contract. But if you plan to work here indefinitely, a yearly contract may be more cost-effective.

Another factor is service coverage – will you need to use your mobile network outside the Netherlands? Some companies have great coverage within the EU, while others offer reliable networks outside the EU as well.

If you have questions about your mobile phone plan, do you want to talk to someone in person? Every provider has online services, but if you prefer to talk to someone in person about your plan, you may need a company with locations near you.

Alternatively, you can also use an expat service to help you find the right mobile provider and you up with a Dutch SIM card plan (as well as other utilities).

Which Company Has the Best Dutch Phone Plan?

Once you consider what your needs are, it will be much easier to decide which plan to choose!

KPN: A Sustainable Dutch Company

KPN is based in the Netherlands and is committed to sustainability. Since 2015, they have used only green energy!

They have a reliable network throughout the EU and offer a wide range of plan options, including SIM-only plans. You also have the option of a monthly running contract – ideal for short stays in the country. And if you need a new phone, they have nearly the same selection of brands and models as the bigger companies.

Plus, you can bundle your mobile phone plan with internet and TV to get a lower monthly bill! KPN rates for SIM cards only tend to be a bit higher than the bigger carriers, but you can receive a lower rate if you sign a contract for one or two years.

And while they have locations throughout the Netherlands, their online services are only in Dutch as of now.

Vodafone: A Global Provider

Vodafone is one of the most widely known mobile service providers in the world. As a result, its global network is one of the largest and most reliable.

Vodafone also offers deals for bundling services with Ziggo Internet. Otherwise, the costs for their SIM card data plans vary depending on whether you sign a one- or two-year contract.

And if you need a new phone, they have a huge selection to choose from! They carry models from Apple, Samsung, and Huawei in different colors and memory sizes.

You can purchase the phone in instalments with your data plan. However, the type of plan you choose may also affect the upfront costs you pay for the phone. (This cost is described as “eenmalig,” which means “one-off.”)

The Vodafone website for choosing a mobile plan is only in Dutch, but they also have multiple locations in the Netherlands where you may speak with someone in English.

Odido – The new T-Mobile

Odido is the new face of T-Mobile in the Netherlands after the acquisition of Tele2. Odido benefits from the large and robust network of the wider T-Mobile family. This means you’ll get reliable coverage in the Netherlands and beyond.

They have a large, reliable network for mobile services, home internet, and TV. But they also offer SIM only plans and data plans bundled with a new mobile phone. You can also get prepaid SIM cards. All Odido deals are two-year contracts as standard.

Odido carries a wide range of phone brands offering great price variations. The plans themselves work the same way as with other carriers. Either choose one of their SIM-only deals, which combines various internet and call bundles, or pair it with a phone, which will increase your monthly cost.

Currently, their website is only available in Dutch. However, English FAQs are available, and an English site is a work in progress.

Lebara: A Flexible Plan

Lebara is currently one of the few service providers with an English-language online service. They also offer flexible monthly plans that allow you to upgrade or downgrade your services.

Lebara uses the KPN network, which means you’ll have great service within the Netherlands. But if you want service outside the Netherlands, you will need to add the international plan to your service package.

Depending on your service bundle, Lebara offers the most affordable options. Keep in mind that they do not offer phones. So, if you’re on a budget and already have a mobile phone, Lebara may be the best option for you! They also frequently have discounts and offers running online, so their SIM-only packages can be very budget-friendly.

Lebara does not have physical stores, but you can purchase their plans from other retailers such as Media Markt and Bol.com.

Ben: An Expat Favorite

Ben is like a more robust version of Lebara: they offer affordable SIM card-only plans and phones. They also have a special deal for students (and what student doesn’t love a good deal?).

But if you need to have the latest iPhone, you may need to buy it somewhere else. Compared to other service providers listed here, Ben has a limited smartphone selection.

Ben does, however, offer flexible service bundles. So, depending on your travel plans, you can increase or decrease your data! You can also choose between 4G and 5G coverage and adjust contract length.

With Ben, you can also call and text within the EU on the Odido network. However, it may cost extra to receive and make calls to a non-Dutch phone number.

Overall, Ben is a great choice for expats because of their affordable, flexible options. The only downside? Their website is only in Dutch, and they don’t have any physical locations.

Robin Mobile: Best Option for Self-Employed

Robin Mobile uses the KPN network for its service, which means it offers reliable service throughout the EU. It offers flexible SIM card-only plans for retail customers and businesses.

So, if you’re a ZZP’er (like an expat on a DAFT visa), you can sign up for a business SIM card-only plan, which will cost less than a personal plan. Plus, you may reclaim the VAT from your monthly bill!

The biggest downside, however, is that their website is only in Dutch, and they do not have physical locations.

Hollandsnieuwe: A Quiet Contender

Hollandsnieuwe is a SIM-only mobile network provider under the Vodafone brand.

They offer bundle offers for existing Ziggo customers, doubling your internet cap. As with other providers, Hollandsnieuwe offers 1—or 2-year contracts and monthly deals.

You can find a limited selection of phone brands, which can be bundled with their SIM packages. Compared to other companies offering Dutch phone plans, their selection is limited. The real benefits here lie in their SIM-only combinations. They also offer free number porting.

Hollandsnieuwe is purely online, and their website is in Dutch. Customer service representatives are contactable and can communicate in English if required.

Youfone: Rewards Customer Loyalty

Youfone is a Dutch company using the KPN network for its mobile and internet services. Its SIM card-only plans include coverage throughout the EU, though it may cost a bit extra. Youfone does not offer mobile phones.

You can, however, purchase mobile phones and other benefits through their customer rewards program. For example, if you shop through the MyYoufone app, you can earn Youcoins. Customers can use Youcoins for discounts on invoices, additional data, or a refurbished iPhone.

Like Lebara and Odido, Youfone offers free number porting (keeping your phone number but switching providers). So, if you’re unhappy with your current provider, Youfone will gladly help you switch to their services!

Simyo: More than just SIM cards

Simyo offers SIM card plans, prepaid options, mobile phones, and even eSIMs. It also provides content and information about mobile devices and their services. For example, its interactive sliding scales help you visualize how much data you need based on how much you use apps, check email, and stream media.

You can also check out their blog to learn about how to maintain your phone and the best cheap smartphones on the market.

Because Simyo uses the KPN network, you can potentially bundle your Simyo plan with your KPN home services! However, while their website is informative and easy to use, it’s only available in Dutch, and there are no physical locations. However, they do have responsive and helpful customer service teams who can communicate in English. Their mobile app is also very easy to use.

Choose The Best Dutch Phone Plan For You

Choosing a Dutch phone plan shouldn’t be difficult. Whether you prefer to set it up in-store, online, or with an expat utility provider like Utility Direct or PartnerPete, be sure to pick one that best fits your needs.

We’d love to hear about your experience with mobile providers in the comments!