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)
Vodafone has announced to switch off its 3G network in January 2020. 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 personal registration. But a registration scheme is discussed and may be implemented in some time.
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.
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 supplemented by 1800 MHz 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 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 (band 38) 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 in most cities. Because of heavily focusing on the 800 MHz (which is great for coverage), speed is not so fast as KPN and T-Mobile, but still very decent. Coverage is good (@ 93% of population).
Tele2s network is still being deployed, but covers 83% of the population already. They use 800 MHz and 2600 MHz giving max speeds of 225 Mbit/s. Tele2 strategy is heavily focussed 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-Mobiles 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 its MVNOs), while T-Mobile and Vodafone have opened 4G/LTE to all its customers (excluding MVNOs).
The operators are ordered according to 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.
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# |
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 | Data | max. | Activation | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| saver | standard | speed | saver | standard | |
| € 5 | € 10 | 500 MB | 3G | *139*11150# | *139*1015# |
| € 7.50 | € 15 | 750 MB | 3G | *139*11300# | *139*1530# |
| € 10 | € 20 | 1+2 GB | 4G/LTE | *139*111000# | *139*2010# |
| € 20 | € 40 | 3+3 GB | 4G/LTE | online only | *139*3201# |
| € 30 | € 60 | 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 1 GB and 3 GB packs needs to be activated by texting 'BONUSM' for the 1 GB and 'BONUSL' for the 3 GB pack to 3535.
For extra data, you can add these bold-ons:
- 500 MB: € 5 saver, € 10 standard, activation: *139*701#
- 1 GB: € 9 saver, € 18 standard, avtivation: *139*702#
The add-ons are only valid for the rest of the running time of the base bundle.
Tethering Edit
After a complaint of the Dutch consumer board Lycamobile enabled tethering in 2015 (see here: in Dutch only). This only applies to Lycamobile in the Netherlands and nowhere else.
EU roaming Edit
Lycamobile only gives out EU roaming at the same standard rate of €0.20 per MB and added Roam like at home to their combo bundles, but not to their data bundles. They have released these combo bundles instead valid for 30 days including unlimited calls and 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 GB | 1 GB | € 10 | € 20 | *139*2001# |
| S | 7 GB | 4.25 GB | € 15 (#) | € 30 | *139*2002# |
| M | 10 GB | 5.5 GB | € 20 (#) | € 40 | *139*81000# |
| L | 15 GB | 7 GB | € 25 (#) | € 50 | *139*81035# |
| Super | 20 GB | 8.5 GB | € 30 | € 60 | *139*81030# |
| Mega | 25 GB | 10 GB | € 35 | € 70 | *139*81035# |
| Giga | 30 GB | 13 GB | € 45 | € 90 | *139*81045# |
(#) = These packages are discounted by 50% when you purchase them online for the first time together with a new SIM card.
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 June 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 and start-up costsEdit
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 too and can only be used in the Netherlands, but not for roaming:
- 500 MB: € 5
- 1 GB + 1 GB bonus*: € 10
- 3 GB + 2 GB bonus*: € 15
- 5 GB + 2 GB bonus*: € 20
(*) = the bonus is activated by texting the word 'LEBARA' to 8800.
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
From 1 February 2018 all data bundles can only be used in the Netherlands, not for international roaming where you will pay the default rate. So staying on Lebara One plan with 1c per MB is still the cheapest option. But all combo plans can be used in roaming too.
More infoEdit
- APN: multimedia.lebara.nl
- SIM card can be sent abroad for a surcharge on netherlands.prepaidzero.com
- Tethering seems to be possible, VoIP calls seem to be blocked
- Website in English: https://mobile.lebara.com/nl/en/
Delight Mobile Edit
Another MVNO based in the UK is Delight Mobile operating on KPN's good network in 2G and 3G and now on 4G/LTE too. It's a sister brand of Vectone Mobile, described below. Customer service is questionable.
Availability Edit
You can get a Delight Mobile SIM card by ordering a starter pack online or from the many shops showing the Delight Mobile signage. The starter pack is free, but you will need to top-up to start making calls.
Top-ups of € 10 or € 20 can be made in many supermarkets, service stations, tabac stores and kiosks listed here. If your starter pack has preloaded credit, it should be clearly marked on your starter pack. If your starter pack does not specify a credit amount, then it’s most likely that it does not contain any preloaded credit.
Data feature packs Edit
Standard rate outside of packs is € 0.10 per MB. These packs are available:
| Data | Period | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 750 MB | 15 days | € 5 | *2109# |
| 2 GB | 30 days | € 10 | *2107# |
| 4 GB | 30 days | € 15 | *2144# |
| 10 GB | 30 days | € 25 | *2153# |
To check the remaining bundle units in your internet bundle, dial *2102#. All packages auto-renew, to unsubscribe dial *2103#. If you exceed your units limit. you pay standard prepaid rates. You can renew your bundle only after the end of your bundle validity period.
EU roaming Edit
Bundle allowances are not given out in EU roaming. You can only use the default rate or a special bundle of 200 roaming mins, SMS or MB for € 9.90. Activation: *2114#
More info Edit
- APN: webnl.mundio.com
- Website in English: https://www.delightmobile.nl/
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 your bundles without extra cost in EU roaming.
More info Edit
- APN: portalmmm.nl
- Website in Dutch only:
Vectone MobileEdit
Vectone Mobile is an MVNO that in the Netherlands runs on the good KPN network in 2G and 3G.
Availability Edit
The easiest way to get a SIM card for free is to order one online, but they are available from many popular shops including Hema, Kruidvat & Ako. Top up vouchers are also available online and in those same shops.
They offer different plans: All new customers are on their Standard plan. This can be changed to Double Credit plan by texting 'Double' to 345 or to the Smart plan by texting 'Smart' to 345. On the Extra credit you will be awared double credit for top-ups of €10 or €20 €which you can use for data too. On Smart plan you have lower general rates.
Data bundles Edit
Data usage outside the bundles is charged at € 0.09 per MB for all customers using their Standard or Double Credit plans and a low € 0.01 per MB on their Smart plan. A minimum balance of € 0.50 is required to use data. You may need to activate data by texting 'Internet' to 3311. They offer these data bundels valid for 30 days called Data Pocket Saver on all plans:
| Data | Price | Activation | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart | Double Credit | ||
| 1 GB | € 5 | *2049# | *2013# |
| 1.5 GB | €7.50 | *2050# | *2012# |
| 2 GB | € 10 | *2042# | *2011# |
| 5 GB | € 20 | *2051# | *2052# |
| 10 GB | € 30 | *2055# | *2057# |
| 25 GB | € 50 | *2156# | *2058# |
To verify your remaining data allowance, dial *1501#. All data bundles will be automatically renewed every 30 days. To stop auto-renewal, dial *1552#.
EU roaming Edit
Bundle allowances are not given out for EU roaming. Default roaming rate is € 0.09 per MB. Two special roaming bundles are offered for the EU:
- 200 units (= MB, mins or SMS) for 30 days: € 10 - activation: 2095#
- 1 GB for 30 days: € 10 - activation: 3012#
More info Edit
- APN: webnl.mundio.com
- As a caution, there are a number of troubling complains about unusually poor customer service: tripadvisor and reviewcentre for example.
- Website in English: http://www.vectonemobile.nl/en/
Vodafone Edit
Availability and start-up costsEdit
Their prepaid voice and data SIMs 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 YOU bundle included
- for € 15 with a 2 GB YOU bundle included
- for € 20 with a 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. 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 | Voice | SMS | Price | Activation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 10 mins | unlimited | € 10 | 1GB AAN |
| 2 GB | 20 mins | unlimited | € 15 | 2GB AAN |
| 3 GB | 30 mins | unlimited | € 20 | 3GB AAN |
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 summer 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 of central Holland. 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 package is 0.20 € per MB. So better add one of these packages:
- 100 MB for 24 hours: € 2.99, activation: data dag
- 250 MB for 30 days: € 6.99, activation: data 250
- 500 MB for 30 days: € 9.99, activation: data 500
- 1 GB for 30 days: € 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-MobileEdit
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 16 Mbit/s.
In December 2017 T-Mobile has agreed to a merger with Tele2 on a 75:25 basis. This can be expected for 2018 and the new combined network will be marketed under the T-Mobile brand.
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 15 Mbps / 384 Kbps 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. For a newcomer they really don't offer particulary low prices, but good roaming rates for the EU.
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 markets, 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 June 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/
*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
