Basics
Edit
Currently there are four physical network operators (MNOs) available in the Netherlands:
- KPN
- Vodafone Nederland
- T-Mobile Nederland (by Deutsche Telekom) (in merger with Tele2)
- Tele2 (4G-only) (in merger with T-Mobile)
T-Mobile and Tele2 have agreed to a merger. If approved by the competiton authorities expected for 2018, their two networks will be united under the name of T-Mobile soon.
Beside of the four and soon 3 physical networks there are a lot of MVNOs (virtual) providers that are being used by about 40% of the Dutch population. Some of them offer 4G/LTE service, some for a surcharge. Prepaid SIMs are widely available in supermarkets or in telecom stores. Due to the Dutch net neutrality law, VoIP and tethering will not be blocked and traffic will not be prioritized.
SIM cards in the Netherlands are still freely available without any registration. A registration scheme has been discussed, but not implemented so far. They are sold in supermarkets, kiosks, service stations, mobile phone stores, branded provider stores and at Schiphol Airport.
CoverageEdit
All networks have nationwide coverage in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE. KPN has the best overall coverage followed by T-Mobile in second, Vodafone in third and Tele2 in fourth place. T-Mobile used to lag behind in terms of coverage and speed, but caught up by deploying a whole new network last year. T-Mobile is now nearly as good as the KPN network in terms of coverage. Tele2 has a 4G-only network and uses T-Mobile 2G/3G network as fallback for voice calls and data where 4G is not available yet (without roaming surcharges).
2G/3G: Just like the rest of Europe, all providers offer 2G on 900 MHz (except for T-Mobile) and 1800 MHz and the speed is up to GPRS on Vodafone and up to EDGE on KPN and T-Mobile.
3G is on the common 2100 MHz for all three providers, supplemented by 900 Mhz on KPN and T-Mobile giving better coverage. All networks have announced to switch off their 3G networks by 2022.
4G/LTE: A good updated map of all providers 4G/LTE coverage is available here . A map of every 4G/LTE antenna location is available here .
Deployment of 4G /LTE has been started in 2012 by KPN. It has the whole country covered up on 800 MHz (B20) supplemented by 1800 MHz (B3), 2100 MHz (B1), and 2600 MHz (B7 & B38) in cities, giving max speeds of 225 Mbit/s. KPNs 4G/LTE coverage is good (@ 97% of population) and overall speed is very good.
T-Mobile recently renewed its whole network and are now offering 4G/LTE on nearly every cell phone tower. They started to roll out the whole LTE-network on 1800 MHz, later supplemented by 900 MHz (B8) offering better indoor coverage and finally 2100 MHz. T-Mobile has a excellent coverage (@ 99% of population) and the fastest network right now. Speeds are up to 400 Mbit/s nationwide. In 2017, 2600 MHz were added on TDD-LTE (B38) to boost speed up to 600 Mbit/s in urban areas.
Vodafone has nearly the whole country covered up in LTE on 800 MHz, supplemented by 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz in most cities. Because of heavily focusing on the 800 MHz (which is great for coverage), speed may not be as fast as KPN and T-Mobile, but will still be very decent. Coverage is good (@ 93% of population).
Tele2's network uses 800 MHz (B20) and 2600 MHz (B7), giving max speeds of 225 Mbit/s. Tele2's strategy is heavily focused on subscriptions, so you probably wouldn't find good prepaid deals with this provider. Their 4G/LTE network is even not available prepaid yet, so you will be using T-Mobile's 2G/3G network instead.
There is a big difference in 4G/LTE accessability to customers at the moment: KPN and Tele2 give it out only to contract customers (except on some of KPN's MVNOs), while T-Mobile and Vodafone have opened 4G/LTE to all its customers (excluding MVNOs).
2G and 3G switch off Edit
T-Mobile Netherlands has informed that it will switch off its GSM 2G network on 15 November 2020, with all calling, texting and data services to be provided over 3G, 4G (and future 5G) networks.
This strategy is in contrast to its rivals scheduling 3G shutdowns instead: Vodafone intends to switch off 3G in January 2020 and KPN has set January 2022 as its 3G closing date.
The operators are ordered according to their market share: KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, Tele2 - each followed by their MVNOs. This is not seen as a ranking in any way.
KPN Edit
KPN is the biggest telecommunication company in the Netherlands. It used to be the state-owned telco, still owns the landline network and is clear market leader with its own brand KPN Mobile and through subsidiaries in the mobile market. As incumbent provider it offers the best coverage in 2G and 3G, but second best coverage in 4G/LTE in the country at the highest prices (coverage map).
Their 4G/LTE covers almost 99% of population, and also allows for prepaid. All allowances can be used without surcharges all over the EU/EEA. KPN plans to close its 3G network by 2022.
Availability Edit
They only sell three different prepaid SIM cards either ordered online to be sent to an Dutch postal address or in their own stores (shop locator) and lots of other stores and outlets:
- € 4.99: with €10 balance (€2.50 initially offered as default balance but another part €7.50, you have to make a request by providing your name and address in MijnKPN)
- € 12.50: with €10 balance and 1 GB data
- € 12.50: with €10 balance and their "unlimited" package (see below)
To top-up online, you need a Dutch-only payment system, so better use a reload voucher. They are called "Opwaardeerkaart" and sold in KPN stores (see above), tobacco stores, kiosks and many supermarkets. To top up text voucher code and the word 'Opwaarderen' to 1266 for free. When you register at MijnKPN, you will get €15 for a €10 top-up and €35 for a €20 top-up in the Bonustarief (bonus tariff).
Loaded credit has unlimited shelf life as long as you you still use your card with rechargeable activities once every 6 months.
Data feature packs Edit
Default data rate is € 0.15 per MB at max. 14.4 Mbit/s. So better buy data bundles that are called Voordeelbundels or Internetbundels.
You have the choice of a severely throttled speed for 3G with "unlimited" data at reasonable prices or unreduced 3G speeds at inflated rates. Compare their offers with MVNOs on their network and other providers. You can add these monthly bundles valid for 31 days:
| Data | Speed | Extras | Price | Renew | Activation | Deactivation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| unlimited | 128
kbit/s | 30 mins/SMS | € 8.99 | no | *143# | |
| auto | *142# | *142*009# | ||||
| 200 MB | 14.4
Mbit/s | € 5.99 | no | *123# | ||
| 500 MB | 60 mins/SMS | € 9.99 | no | *118# | ||
| 1 GB | 120 mins/SMS | € 14.99 | no | *114# | ||
| 100 MB | € 3.99 | no | *134# | |||
| 1 GB | € 9.99 | no | *147# |
Have in mind that a max. speed of 128 kbit/s is somewhere near 2G with EDGE. So for some purposes it may be sufficient, but for browsing websites, it'll be very time-consuming.
To check credit or data balance, send a free SMS with the word 'SALDO' to 1266.
EU roaming Edit
KPN gives out all their plans all over the EU/EEA for roaming without surcharges according "roam like at home" principles. This also applies to their throttled flatrate. Have in mind that KPN SIM cards need to be activated on the home KPN network in the Netherlands first.
More info Edit
- their brand Hi has been discontinued for new users, as well as KPN Prepay Internet
- APN: internet
- Website in Dutch only: http://www.kpn.com
Lycamobile Edit
Availability Edit
You can get a SIM from most of the local mobile stores: Store Locator. At Schiphol airport you can buy the SIM at the Service point at Schiphol Plaza passage 4
The SIM card is free, but you need to make a topup of at least €10. There are two plans: 'Standard Plan' and 'Saver Plan'.
- The default plan is 'Standard Plan'. On this plan you will benefit for 100% extra credit on every top-up. So if you top-up for €10 you will get €20 credit.
Online topup by credit card is only possible with a few credit cards. They told me, "We only accept 3Dsecure Credit Cards from The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, United Kingdom, Norway and Sweden."
- The second plan is 'Saver Plan'. This plan gives all rates and packages at a 50% discount, but you wouldn't get the topup bonus. So a €10 topup will be €10 credit. You may convert your Standard into a Saver Plan by texting "SAVER PLAN" to 2525 or typing *201*282#.
Data feature packsEdit
The following prices are for the Saver Plan and online purchase via their website only, compared to the standard plan. Outside data rate is only 1c per MB on Saver plan and 19c per MB on the Standard plan:
| Price | Price | NL | EU | max. | Activation | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| saver | standard | Data | Data | speed | saver | standard |
| € 5 | € 10 | 500 MB | 500 MB | 3G | *139*11150# | *139*1015# |
| € 7.50 | € 15 | 750 MB | 750 MB | 3G | *139*11300# | *139*1530# |
| € 10 | € 20 | 1+2 GB | 3 GB | 4G/LTE | *139*111000# | *139*2010# |
| € 15 | € 30 | 3+2 GB | 4.25 GB | 4G/LTE | online only | *139*3201# |
| € 20 | € 40 | 5+3 GB | 5.75 GB | 4G/LTE | online only | *139*3201# |
| € 30 | € 60 | 7+3 GB | 8.5 GB | 4G/LTE | online only | *139*3202# |
All packages are for 30 days and will renew automatically if there is enough credit. To stop dial *190# at least one day before bundle expires. Bonus data on the 2 GB and 3 GB packs needs to be activated by texting 'BONUSM' for the 2 GB or 3 GB pack to 3535. For € 20 plan you need to send SMS with 'BONUSL'.
For extra data, you can add these bold-ons:
- 500 MB: € 5 saver, € 10 standard, activation: *139*701#
- 1 GB: € 9 saver, € 18 standard, activation: *139*702#
The add-ons are only valid for the rest of the running time of the base bundle.
You can also buy their combo bundles. They have released these combo bundles instead valid for 30 days including unlimited calls and SMS (capped at 3000 mins or SMS) with roaming in the EU plus Switzerland called Holland Bundle:
| Holland | NL | EU Data | Price | Activation | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bundle | Data | cap max. | Saver Plan | Standard Plan | code |
| XS | 3+2 GB | 3 GB | € 10 | € 20 | *139*2001# |
| S | 7 GB | 4.25 GB | € 15 (#) | € 30 | *139*2002# |
| M | 10 GB | 5.75 GB | € 20 | € 40 | *139*81000# |
| L | 15 GB | 7 GB | € 25 (#) | € 50 | *139*81035# |
| Super | unlimited* | 8.5 GB | € 30 | € 60 | *139*81030# |
(*) - FUP limit is 50 GB. After speed may be reduced.
(#) = These packages are discounted by 50% when you purchase them online for the first time together with a new SIM card.
Tethering Edit
As of August 2018, Tethering is not possible (contrary to earlier reports that it was enabled after a complaint of the Dutch consumer board in 2015 (see here: in Dutch only))
EU roaming Edit
Lycamobile gives out EU roaming at the same standard rate of €0.20 per MB and in data and combo packages up to the specified limit in the tables above without surcharges.
More infoEdit
- APN: data.lycamobile.nl
- Username: lmnl
- Password: plus
- Website in English: http://www.lycamobile.nl/en/
Telfort Edit
Telfort was bought by KPN back in 2005 and is now a subsidiary of KPN. It offers access to KPN's network (for coverage see KPN) at slightly lower prices than their parent company, but in 2G and 3G only so far for prepaid.
Availability Edit
The prepaid SIM card is available online in all three sizes sent to a Dutch postal address only. But to order, you need a Dutch payment system. Alternatively, you can get it in their Telfort stores (locator) for cash. They are sold for €50 containing €10 credit (€5 are given at activation, €5 after registration at vijfjevantelfort.nl).
To activate put the SIM card in your phone and call 1244. Then switch it off and on again. SIM will be activated within an hour.
To top up, you can buy Telfort vouchers called opwaardeerbons in stores, kiosks and service stations starting at €10. Customers must make a payable call, send a SMS, buy a bundle or top-up in order to maintain their credit and SIM card every six months.
Data feature packs Edit
There is no default rate, because data is only given out on internet bundles all valid for 31 days in the Netherlands and all over the EU:
| Data | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|
| 50 MB | € 2.50 | 50 MB MAAND |
| 100 MB | € 4 | 100 MB MAAND |
| 250 MB | € 8 | 250 MB MAAND |
| 500 MB | € 10 | 500 MB MAAND |
| 1 GB | € 14 | 1000 MB MAAND |
For activation text code to 1355 or do it on your account called Mjin Telfort. Packages will not renew automatically. Max. speed is 7 Mbit/s on 3G.
EU roaming Edit
From 2017 you can use your bundle allowances in the EU/EEA too for roaming at no extra cost.
More info Edit
- APN: internet
- Website in Dutch: http://www.telfort.nl
Aldi Talk (by Medion mobile)Edit
Availability Edit
The starter packs are exclusively available at Aldi stores Aldi store locator, one of the biggest discounter supermarket chains in the Netherlands. It is sold for € 9.99 with € 13 credit. They may not be on display but have to be asked for at checkout /cash register. The top up vouchers for €10 or €20 are only available at Aldi's stores in the Netherlands.
Data feature packsEdit
Default data rate without or beyond the bundles is a high € 0.29 per MB. All allowances can be used in the Netherlands and the EU as well at the same price:
| Price | Validity | Data | Activation | Data Check |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| € 1 | 24 hours | 100 MB | *124# | *124*001# |
| € 5 | 30 days | 250 MB | *121# | *121*001# |
| € 7.50 | 500 MB | *123# | *123*001# | |
| € 12.50 | 1 GB | *122# | *122*001# |
Data will auto sthut-down when bundle volume has been used up. If no new bundle is activated, you'll be on the default rate. You can activate a new bundle anytime.
EU roaming Edit
You can use all bundle allowances without surcharges for roaming in the EU/EEA countries. Be aware that outside packages, a high standard default rate of € 0.29 per MB still applies.
More infoEdit
- APN: portalmmm.nl
- Website in Dutch: https://www.alditalk.nl/
HEMA mobielEdit
AvailabilityEdit
SIM card is sold in any Hema store (store locator) for € 1. It includes € 1 credit on the SIM. Vouchers for top-ups are available in the same stores or online. Their prepaid call text and data SIM is called: Mobiel Prepaid.
Data feature packages Edit
Default data rate is expensive € 0.30 per MB. Speed is up to 16 Mbps on 3G. The following monthly packages are offered and are valid in the EU as well:
- 250 MB: € 5 - activation: *138#
- 500 MB: € 7.50 - activation: *133#
- 1 GB: € 12.50 - activation: *127#
To check balance in data bundels dial *???#001# where ??? stands for the numbers of the activation code.
EU roaming Edit
You can use the bundle allowances without surcharges for roaming in the EU.
More info Edit
- APN: prepaidinternet
- Website in Dutch: http://www.hematelefonie.nl/mobiel-prepaid.html
AH MobielEdit
AvailabilityEdit
SIM Cards are available in all Albert Heijn supermarkets in the country: store locator. They have two product lines: the "prepaid bellen" with talk, text and data for smartphones and the "Slim only" for smartphones to be managed by app. Their "Slim only" plans are not shown as it needs to be linked to Dutch bank account.
Their smartphone SIM on prepaid bellen is available for € 5 with the same credit from their supermarkets (not the 'To Go' convenience stores). To activate SIM call 1244 automated service.
Recharges Edit
Recharge vouchers are available in values of € 10, € 20 or € 30 with a bonus system:
- Top up € 10 and you get € 15 extra = € 25
- Top up € 20 and you get € 40 extra = € 60
- Top up € 30 and you get € 70 extra = € 100
the bonus credit mechanism is only activated once you input the Albert Heijn Bonus Card Number (their customer loyalty card, available free from their supermarket, no registration needed) by calling 1244, option 6. Make sure you do this step BEFORE doing any recharge, otherwise you will not get the bonus credit.
Also note that bonus credit is on an account separate (called bonustegoed) from your general balance (called beltegoed), it can't be used to activate data package or 4G speed upgrade and stays valid only for 1 month. To maintain your general account, it's sufficient to make any payable activity within 9 months.
To top-up by voucher dial 1244, choose option 2 and enter the 14-digit code followed by #. Check credit by *100#.
Data feature packages Edit
There are no data outside of bundles. The following data packages can be booked for getting data:
- Dagbundel = day bundle for 24 hrs, 100 MB, € 2.50, activation: INTERNETDAG
- Maandbundel = monthly bundles for 31 days:
| dom. Data | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|
| 250 MB | € 6 | 250 MB MAAND |
| 500 MB | € 8 | 500 MB MAAND |
| 1 GB | € 10 | 1000 MB MAAND |
| 1.5 GB | € 12.50 | 1500 MB MAAND |
| 2 GB | € 15 | 2000 MB MAAND |
- 4G/LTE access for 31 days: € 2.50, activation: 4GAAN
For activation text code to 1355. To check remaining data send free SMS "BUNDELTEGOED" to 1355, Data is valid in the Netherlands only.
More infoEdit
- all international roaming is blocked
- APN: internet
- Website: https://www.ah.nl/over-ah/services/mobiel/prepaid-bellen
LebaraEdit
new logo
Lebara (previously Lebara mobile) is an UK-based phone company focusing on the ethno market. In the Netherlands it's a MVNO on the KPN network, now on 4G/LTE too, giving a good coverage in the country.
Availability Edit
You can buy your SIM online, but Lebara sends it to Dutch postal addresses only. Alternatively, a lot of kiosks throughout the country Lebara store finder sell the SIM card for free.
Top up vouchers are available from a lot of more shops: Call shops, tobacco stores, Shell and Total petrol stations, Media Markt, post offices or Albert Heijn supermarkets (use store finder above). You can use the online top-up promotion as Lebara accepts many internatl. credit cards. Their standard plan is called Lebara One. You can switch to a reduced plan such as Lebara 10=20, top-up € 10 and get twice the prepaid balance. For this to take effect, you need to text the word 'EXTRA' to 8800 before your online top-up. Be aware that some default rates are much higher on Lebara 10=20.
Data feature packsEdit
Data rate outside the packs is expensive € 0.49 per MB on Lebara 10=20 and low € 0.01 per MB on Lebara One.
These bundles are offered for 30 days on 4G/LTE in the Netherlands, and in 3G for roaming:
- 3 GB*: € 15
- 5 GB**: € 20
- 10 GB**: € 30
- Unlimited**: € 35
(*) = with 500 mins for calls to Netherlands and 42 other countries
(**) = with unlimited mins for calls to Netherlands and 42 other countries
Activation is through your online account. Overuse is at high € 0.39 per MB. All packs will automatically renew after 30 days if there is enough credit. To stop send activation code followed by the word STOP to 8800 or stop it online on your account. When data quota is used, a new pack can be activated ahead of time.
EU roaming Edit
Lebara is limitind roaming data to around 280Mb/1€, so it means:
- 4.2Gb in bundles for €15
- 5,4Gb in bundles for €15
- 8,2Gb in bundles for €30
- 9,7Gb in bundles for €35
More infoEdit
- APN: multimedia.lebara.nl
- SIM card can be sent abroad for a surcharge on netherlands.prepaidzero.com
- Tethering and VoIP are supported
- Website in English: https://mobile.lebara.com/nl/en/
Kruidvat Mobiel Edit
Kruidvat Mobiel is the MVNO of the Dutch retail, pharmacy and drugstore chain. It started in 2010 and operates on the KPN network in 2G and 3G only up to 16 Mbit/s, no 4G/LTE yet.
Availability Edit
The SIM card is exclusively sold online on their website to be delivered to a Dutch postal address or in about 1900 Kruidvat outlets all through the country (store locator). Starter packs are sold at €7.99 with €5 credit in all 3 sizes. At Kruidvat outlets, they sell recharge vouchers of €7.50, €15 and €20 . SIM card and credit stay valid for 12 months without a top-up.
Data feature packages Edit
Default rate is € 0.09 per MB. These packages valid for 31 days in the Netherlands and all over the EU:
| Data | Price | Activation | Balance check |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 MB | € 5 | *132# | *132*001# |
| 500 MB | € 7.50 | *135# | *135*001# |
| 1 GB | € 12.50 | *136# | *136*001# |
For overuse, default rate will be charged or you can buy a new package anytime.
EU roaming Edit
You can use default rate and your bundles without extra cost in EU roaming.
More info Edit
- APN: portalmmm.nl
- Website in Dutch only: https://www.kruidvat.nl/kruidvatmobiel
Vodafone Edit
Availability Edit
Their prepaid voice and data SIMs called YOU are available online, in their shops (locator) and in machines at the baggage claim hall at Schiphol Airport in different varieties. Micro- and mini- SIMs as well as nano-SIMs are available but not in all starter packs:
- for free with € 5 and 50 MB available only in promotions or with zero credit in some AH shops
- for € 5 with € 5 credit pre-loaded if you register on MyVodafone
- for € 10 with a 1 GB (+1 GB) YOU bundle included
- for € 15 with a 2 GB (+2 GB) YOU bundle included
- for € 20 with a 3 GB (+3 GB) YOU bundle included
Top-ups can be made by vouchers called Opwaardeerbons and are available all over the country. To top-up, type *102*<voucher code>#. You can also top-up online using a credit card and works with many international credit cards.
The validity rules are changed in March 2018. From March 28th, credit and number will remain valid if you do a chargeable debit (e.g. send a SMS, go online (not through WiFi) or make a call) once every 6 months. You don't have to top-up once a year anymore, but you must use your line at least every half a year.
Check balance by app or texting the word 'STATUS' to 4000.
Data feature packsEdit
Default rate is 0.10 € per MB, overuse rate 0.05 € per MB. All allowances are valid without surcharges in the EU, EEA and Switzerland. They sell different monthly combo plans called YOU valid for 30 days:
| Data | Bonus | Voice | SMS | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | + 1 GB | 10 mins | unlimited | € 10 | 1GB AAN |
| 2 GB | + 2 GB | 20 mins | unlimited | € 15 | 2GB AAN |
| 3 GB | + 3 GB | 30 mins | unlimited | € 20 | 3GB AAN |
Data bonus is given out as ongoing promotion at least until the end of 2018. Check, if it's still on.
Activation is by texting code to 4000. Max. speed is 4G/LTE with 75 Mbps. When used up, default applies. Bundles auto-renew after 30 days. To stop text 'STOP #GB' to 4000, where # stands for bundle size. Activation by SMS may fail with an error message, do it online on your account or by app. Text 'English' to 4000 to switch language to English.
Tourist SIM Edit
In 2017 some Vodafone stores in Amsterdam were selling tourist SIMs that the vendor made of top-up bonuses and the running promotion. They sell 5 GB data, 50 minutes and 50 texts valid for 2 weeks at 25 € with a free SIM and instant activation in the store. It can be upsized or extended by regular packages. This is cheaper than their offers at Schiphol airport.
Data-only SIM Edit
Vodafone offers a data-only SIM aimed at tablets, routers and modems. It's called Prepaid Datasimkaart. It's available in these start-ups:
- for free, with no credit
- € 17.50: with 1 GB and € 2.50 preloaded, valid for 1 month
- € 40: with 2.5 GB and € 2.50 preloaded, valid for 3 months
This SIM doesn't contain voice and must be topped up by internatl. credit card online from 10 €. For registration, you get 12.50 € credit awarded. Max speed is 43.2 Mbit/s. A 4G option can be added for 4G/LTE access for free by texting '4G AAN' to 4000. These packages are available to top up the data SIM:
- day bundle: 35 MB, € 2.50, activation: Dagbundel
- week bundle: 300 MB, € 10, activation: Weekbundel
- month bundle: 700 MB, € 20, activation: Maandbundel
- quarter (= 3 months) bundle: 2 GB, € 50, activation: Kwartaalbundel
To activate, text '<activation code> AAN' to 4000. The EU option from above doesn't apply to the data-only SIM.
EU roaming Edit
Since 2016 Vodafone has opened all its allowances including bundles to be used in EU/EEA roaming at the domestic rate without surcharges. Switzerland is included in their EU roaming zone. Overuse fee is € 0.05 per MB in the EU.
More infoEdit
- APN: live.vodafone.com
- Username and Password: vodafone
- Tethering isn't technically allowed by Vodafone. However, they don't really enforce this on Android devices, but may be blocked on iOS phones in lack of a tethering profile. VoIP is allowed.
- Website in Dutch: www.vodafone.nl
Deka Mobiel Edit
Deka Mobiel is the MVNO of the Dutch retailer chain DekaMarkt. It operates on the network of Vodafone in 2G and 3G only, no 4G/LTE yet.
Availability Edit
The SIM cards is exclusively sold in DekaMarkt outlets (store locator). Although there are almost 100 outlets in the country, they are only located in the provices in the centre of the Netherlands. This makes it inconvenient for travellers as without a Dutch payment system at hand, you'll have to go to a branch for topping up.
Starter pack is sold at € 9.95 with € 10 credit in all 3 sizes. At DekaMarkt, they sell recharge vouchers of €10 and €20. SIM card and credit stay valid for 12 months without a top-up.
Data feature packs Edit
Default rate without a package is at 0.20 € per MB. So better add one of these packages for 30 days:
- 250 MB: € 6.99, activation: data 250
- 500 MB: € 9.99, activation: data 500
- 1 GB: € 14.99, activation: data 1000
For activation, text code to 101.
More info Edit
- EU roaming seems not be given out at "roam like at home" rules without surcharges so far
- APN: deka.dataxs.mobi
- Website in Dutch: https://boodschappen.dekamarkt.nl/service/dekamobiel
T-Mobile (to be merged with Tele2)Edit
T-Mobile is the 3rd network in the Netherlands with a excellent coverage which has even surpassed KPN and Vodafone. 2G is available everywhere, as is 4G/LTE. 3G is available in most areas. See T-Mobile Coverage Map. 4G network is available for prepaid up to 100Mbit/s. According to network tests, it has the best 4G/LTE coverage and speeds in the country in 2018.
In 2017 T-Mobile has agreed to a merger with Tele2 on a 75:25 basis pending EU authorities approval. This can be expected for 2018 and the new combined network will be marketed under the T-Mobile brand. T-Mobile plans to close its 2G network (not 3G network like its rivals) in November 2020.
AvailabilityEdit
A T-Mobile SIM-only card costs € 10 in a T-Shop (locator) or ordered online. Combined micro- and mini-SIM and nano-SIM available. It comes with €10 credit: €5 of which expires 7 days after activation and can only be used for calls and texts. The other €5 does not expire. Top-ups can be made directly in T-Shops or by vouchers of €10, €20 and €40 sold in many outlets. Note: in stores you may be required to purchase a package with your SIM.
Data feature packagesEdit
The following bundles are available and valid for 30 days each in the Netherlands and all over the EU. Standard data rate out of bundle is € 0.10 per MB.
- S: 300 MB: € 4.95
- M: 1.25 GB: € 9.95
- L: 2 GB: € 14.95
In 2017 a real unlimited day pack was added. For € 2.95 you can surf unlimited until midnight of the purchase day. For roaming in the EU a 650 MB cap is introduced for this package.
To activate text INTERNET S, M, L or INTERNET DAG to 4000 for free. Bundle will not auto-renew, but needs to be bought again. You can also activate your bundle online.
To check consumption text 'Saldo' to 1144. Speed for prepaid is capped at 100 Mbps Download / 50Mbps Upload for prepaid.
EU roaming Edit
For roaming in other EU countries you can use your domestic bundle allowance without extra cost or surf at € 0.05 per MB otherwise. The unlimited day pack is limited for roaming to 650 MB.
More info Edit
- APN: internet
- Username and Password: tmobile
- Website in Dutch: http://www.t-mobile.nl/
Ortel Mobile Edit
Ortel Mobile is a MVNO aimed at visitors and migrants using the KPN network in 2G and 3G, but no 4G/LTE so far. For details see KPN on top of the article.
Availability Edit
Ortel SIM cards are available in phone shops throughout the Netherlands for free. The SIM cards include €2 call credit can also be ordered on this website to be sent to a Dutch postal address. Ortel SIM cards contain the normal, micro and nano SIM and are suitable for all types of phones and tablets.
Ortel call credit can be purchased anywhere in the Netherlands. For example, you can get your call credit in the larger supermarkets, gas stations, drugstores, post offices or online. For online top-ups the double call credit is given in value. To check balance type *101#. Credit stays valid for 6 months.
Data feature packages Edit
Take care that the default rate for data is a horrendous €1 per MB. So don't activate data before you have bought a bundle and this was confirmed.
The following bundles are available and valid in the Netherlands and all over the EU:
| Data | Validity | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 150 MB | 7 days | € 5 | *121# |
| 1 GB | 30 days | € 10 | *123# |
| 3 GB | 30 days | € 20 | *125# |
EU roaming Edit
All allowances can be used without surcharges in the EU from the crazy standard rate to packages.
More info Edit
- APN: portalmmm.nl
- Website in English: https://www.ortel.nl/en/
Tele2 (about to be merged to T-Mobile) Edit
Tele2 is the latest arrival in the Netherlands. It started with own products and their network in 2015. For 2G and 3G they use a network sharing agreement with T-Mobile. On 4G/LTE they use their own infrastructure covering about 76% in 2017 (Tele2 coverage map) on 800 and 2600 MHz (bands 28 and 7). For a newcomer they really don't offer particulary low prices.
In December 2017 T-Mobile has agreed to a merger with Tele2. This can be expected for 2018 and the new combined network will be marketed under the T-Mobile branding, while Tele2 will be maintained as a special brand within the T-Mobile network.
In 2017 Tele2 announced to block services for new customers without a 4G device. Users with a 3G phone will still be able to receive calls and text messages, but they will no longer be able to place calls or send any messages. The 4G capable SIM will meanwhile remain active. Once the SIM card is put in a 4G phone, customers will immediately be able to make use of 4G data and place calls over 4G (VoLTE). The block on the network will be lifted within one work day and concerns only new customers.
Availability Edit
Their prepaid SIM cards are sold online to be sent to a Dutch postal address. Or you need to go to one of their only 13 shops so far in the country (shop list). It's sold for €10 with €20 credit preloaded.
Recharges can be made in Albert Heijn and Kruidvart supermarkets, at Gulf or Esso service stations or in a MediaMarkt for instance. Voucher codes need to be added like *110*<voucher PIN>#. Check credit by code *111#.
Data feature packages Edit
Data outside of packages is a totally overpriced € 2.50 per MB. These packages can be activated:
- 20 MB for 1 day: € 1, activation: WEBDAG
- 100 MB for 30 days: € 5, activation: WEBMAANDL
- 350 MB for 30 days: € 10, activation: WEBMAANDXL
For activation text codeword to 1260.
EU roaming Edit
From 2017 all package allowances are valid for EU roaming (including Switzerland) too, but there is no 4G/LTE roaming yet.
More info Edit
- Tethering was unblocked in 2017
- APN: internet.tele2.nl
- Website in Dutch: https://www.tele2.nl/
Discontinued Offers Edit
*bliep Edit
In the last years *bliep has become an online-only operator and can't be found in shops anymore. You need to order their SIM card online to a Dutch postal address. Online-only operators are banned on this Wiki as they have proven to be inconvenient for travellers. *bliep has therefore been taken off the list.
- Website in Dutch: https://www.bliep.nl/main
Delight Mobile Edit
Mundio closed Delight Mobile in 2018 and moved all its customers to its sister brand Vectone Mobile.
Vectone Mobile Edit
Mundio appears to have ended its MVNO business in the Netherlands in 2018. Customers report on social media that the services are unavailable and the company did not respond to requests for comment. Sales on its Dutch website have ended as well.
