Netherlands

Basics

Currently there are four physical network operators (MNOs) available in the Netherlands:

• KPN
• Vodafone Nederland
• T-Mobile Nederland (by Deutsche Telekom)
• Tele2 (4G-only)

Beside of the four 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.

Coverage

All networks have nationwide coverage in 2G, 3G and 4G/LTE. KPN has the best overall coverage following by T-Mobile on second, Vodafone on third and Tele2 on 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 excellent (@ 98% of population) and overall speed is very good.  

T-Mobile used to have bad coverage and speeds in the past. But they recently renewed its whole network and is now offering 4G/LTE on nearly every single cell phone tower. They started to roll out the whole LTE-network on 1800 MHz, later supplemented by 900 MHz offering better indoor coverage. T-Mobile has a good coverage (@ 95% of population) and the fastest network. Speeds are up to 225 Mbit/s nationwide. 

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 (@ 90% of population). 

Tele2s network is still being deployed, but covers 73% 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

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, 3G and 4G/LTE in the country at the highest prices (coverage map).

Their 4G/LTE covers almost 99% of population, but has not been opened for prepaid yet.

Availability

They only sell one prepaid SIM card for 9.99 € (sometimes reduced in promotions) 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. It comes with 10 € credit: 2.50 € from the start and 7.50 € if you register here.

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 1244 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).

Data feature packs

Default data rate is expensive 0.25 € 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.

• day bundle: 100 MB: 1 €, 24 hrs, max. 14.4 Mbit/s, activation *130# - no auto-renew.
• week bundles: 100 MB: 3.50 €, 7 days, max. 14.4 Mbit/s, activation *131# - no auto-renew.
• these monthly bundles valid for 31 days:

Data	max. Speed	Price	Renew	Activation	Deactivation
unlimtd.	128 kbit/s	7.50 €	no	*143#
unlimtd.(+)	128 kbit/s	10 €	auto	*142#	*142*009#
50 MB	14.4 Mbit/s	2.50 €	no	*133#
100 MB	14.4 Mbit/s	4 €	no	*134#
200 MB	14.4 Mbit/s	7 €	auto	*132#	*132*009#
500 MB	14.4 Mbit/s	12 €	no	*137#
1 GB	14.4 Mbit/s	16 €	no	*147#

(+) = to this bundle 20 domestic SMS and 20 domestic minutes are added.

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.

More info

• 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

Lycamobile is one of the many MVNOs offering very competitive rates comparing to other providers. In the Netherlands it uses the KPN network giving excellent coverage. Some packages are on 4G(LTE) too.

Availability and start up costs

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 topup. So if you topup 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." Doh.

• 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#.

3G data feature packs

The following prices are for 3G on the Saver Plan and online purchase via their website only, compared to the standard plan. Outside data rate is only 1c/MB on saver plan and 19c/MB on the standard plan. Packages can be activated by a USSD code and are not on 4G:

Price (saver)	Price (standard)	Data	Activation (saver)	Activation (standard)
€ 5	€ 10	500 MB	*139*11150#	*139*1015#
€ 7.50	€ 15	750 MB	*139*11300#	*139*1530#
€ 10	€ 20	1 GB	*139*111000#	*139*2010#
€ 20	€ 40	3 GB	online only	*139*3201#
€ 30	€ 60	5 GB	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. 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.

4G/LTE data feature packs

These following packs are on 3G and 4G/LTE which is available practically all over the Netherlands on the saver and the standard plan. Packages can be activated by a USSD code.

Price (saver)	Price (standard)	Data	Activation
€ 10	€ 20	500 MB	*139*4100#
€ 15	€ 30	1 GB	*139*4300#
€ 25	€ 50	3 GB	*139*4500#
€ 35	€ 70	5 GB	*139*4600#

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.

Tethering

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.

Settings

• APN: data.lycamobile.nl
• Username: lmnl
• Password: plus

More Info

• cheap data roaming bundles for some countries are offered. For more details check Euro5.
• website in English

Telfort

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 and start-up costs

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 7.50 € 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

There is no default rate, because data is only given out on internet bundles all valid for 31 days:

• 50 MB: 2.50 €, activation: 50 MB MAAND
• 100 MB: 4 €, activation: 100 MB MAAND
• 250 MB: 8 €, activation: 250 MB MAAND
• 500 MB: 10 €, activation: 500 MB MAAND
• 1 GB: 14 €, activation: 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.

More info

• APN: internet
• Website in Dutch: http://www.telfort.nl

Aldi Talk (by Medion mobile)

Aldi Talk by Medion mobile uses the KPN network in 2G and 3G, no 4G/LTE, which has excellent coverage in the Netherlands. Their speed has been accelerated to 14.4 Mbit/s recently.

Availability and start-up costs

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 packs

Default data rate without or beyond the bundles is 0.29 € per MB.

Package	Price	Validity	Data	Activation	Data Check
Datadagbundel	1 €	24 hours	100 MB	*124#	*124*001#
Datamaand- bundel 250	5 €	30 days	250 MB	*121#	*121*001#
Datamaand- bundel 500	7.50 €		500 MB	*123#	*123*001#
Datamaand- bundel 1000	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.

More info

• APN: portalmmm.nl
• online in Dutch only

HEMA mobiel

HEMA mobiel is the MVNO of the largest department store chain of the Netherlands. It works on the good KPN network in 2G and 3G.

Availability

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

Default data rate is expensive € 0.30 per MB. Speed is up to 16 Mbps on 3G. The following monthly packages are offered:

• 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.

More info

• APN: prepaidinternet
• Website in Dutch: hema.nl

AH Mobiel

AH Mobiel is the MNVO of Albert Heijn, the largest quality supermarket chain in the Netherlands. It operates on the good KPN network with 4G/LTE optional for a surcharge.

Availability

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 5 € credit from their supermarkets (not the 'To Go' convenience stores). To activate SIM call 1244 automated service.

Recharges

Recharge vouchers are available in values of 10, 20 or 30 EUR 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

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 bundle s for 31 days:
  • 250 MB, 6 €, activation: 250 MB MAAND
  • 500 MB, 8 €, activation: 500 MB MAAND
  • 1 GB, 10 €, activation: 1000 MB MAAND
  • 1.5 GB, 12.50 €, activation: 1500 MB MAAND
  • 2 GB, 15 €, activation: 2000 MB MAAND
• 4G/LTE access for 31 days: 2.50 €, activation: 4GAAN
• EU roaming bundles (including EEA and Switzerland):
  • 200 MB for 7 days: 7.50 €, activation: EUWEEK
  • 400 MB for 31 days: 10 €, activation: EUMAAND

For activation text code to 1355.

To check remaining data send free SMS "BUNDELTEGOED" to 1355,

More info

• APN: multimedia.ah.nl
• only online available in Dutch

Lebara mobile

Lebara mobile is European phone company focusing on the ethno market. In the Netherlands it is a MNVO on the KPN network, partly on 4G/LTE, giving very good coverage in the country.

While the 3G speed of KPN seems not to be reduced and data rates of 7 Mbps are possible, at the end of 2015 4G/LTE was opened on some packages.

Availability and start up costs

You can buy your SIM online at http://www.lebara.nl/ 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 €25 or top-up €20 and get €50 call credit. 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 packs

The following packs are available for 30 days. Data rate outside the packs is very cheap 0.01 € per MB beyond 100 KB on Lebara One plan and expensive 0.49 €/MB on Lebara 10=20.

• on up to 3G only:
  • 500 MB: 5 €
  • 1 GB: 10 €, for activation text 'WEB1GB' to 8800
  • 3 GB: 20 €
• open for 4G/LTE:
  • 1 GB: 15 €
  • 3 GB: 35 €

Activation is through your online account. 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. When data quota is used, a new pack can be activated ahead of time.

More info

• 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 change to English

Delight Mobile

Another MVNO based in the UK is Delight Mobile operating on KPN's good network in 2G and 3G only. It is a sister brand of Vectone Mobile, described below. Customer service is questionable.

Availability

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

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.

Technical details

• APN: webnl.mundio.com
• Website available in English

Kruidvat Mobiel

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, no 4G/LTE yet.

Availability

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

Default rate is 0.09 € per MB. These packages valid for 31 days can be added:

• 250 MB: 5 €, activation: *132#, balance check: *132*001#
• 500 MB: 7.50 €, activation: *135#, balance check: *135*001#
• 1 GB: 12.50 €, activation: *136#, balancecheck: *136*001#

For overuse, default rate will be charged or you can buy a new package anytime.

More info

• APN: portalmmm.nl
• Website in Dutch

Vectone Mobile

Vectone Mobile is an MVNO that in the Netherlands runs on the good KPN network in 2G and 3G.

Availability

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 two plans: Double Credit (by default) and Smart. Double Credit doubles your top-up credit but has higher rates. With Smart you have lower rates, but only the face value of the credit loaded.

Data bundles

Data usage outside the bundles is charged at 0.19 € per MB for all customers using their Double Credit plan and 0.01 € per MB on their Smart plan. You can change to Smart by texting 'SMART' to 345. 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 both plans:

Data	Bonus	Price	Activation
500 MB	500 MB	5 €	*2049#
1 GB	1 GB	7.50 €	*2050#
1 GB	5 GB	10 €	*2042#
3 GB	5 GB	20 €	*2051#
10 GB	10 GB	30 €	*2055#
25 GB	15 GB	50 €	*2156#

Bonus data is only valid for 15 days, regular data for 30 days. To verify your remaining data allowance, dial *1501#. All data bundles will be automatically renewed every 30 days. To stop auto-renewal, dial *1552#.

More info

• APN: webnl.mundio.com
• Internet can't be used with old Blackberrys before OS9.
• Their website is available in both Dutch and English.
• As a caution, there are a number of troubling complains about unusually poor customer service: tripadvisor and reviewcentre for example.

Vodafone

Vodafone is the 2nd network according to market share. It has good 2G/3G coverage in the Netherlands but not as good as KPN. 4G/LTE is available for prepaid since May 2014, now at 90%: Vodafone Coverage Map.They offer very good roaming rates for the EU.

Availability and start-up costs

Their prepaid voice and data SIMs are available online or in their shops (locator) 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)
• for free (0.01€) with zero credit in AH shops, with an extra 25% credit of the first top-up.
• for 5 € with the same credit
• for 10 € with 12.50 credit
• for 20 € with 25 € credit
• for 50 € with 50 € credit

Another 5 € will be credited after registration and the first top-up.

Top ups can be made by vouchers called Opwaardeerbons and are available all over the country. To top up, type *102*<voucher code>#. For a top up of € 10, you will get a 100 MB bonus; and of € 20, you will get 200 MB bonus data.

Data feature packs

Default rate is the daily rate of 1 € for 100 MB per day. Overuse is charged by 0.15 € per MB. They sell monthly combo plans and data-only packages:

• YOU S: 200 MB, 20 mins or SMS : 5 €, activation: 'YOU S AAN'
• YOU M: 500 MB, 50 mins or SMS: 10 €, activation: 'YOU M AAN'
• YOU L: 1 GB, 100 mins or SMS: 15 €, activation: 'YOU L AAN'
• Data-only BloX: 1 GB for 10 €, activation: 'ONLINE ONLY AAN'

Activation is by texting code to 4000. Max. speed is 3G with 43.2 Mbps on YOU S and 4G/LTE with 75 Mbps on YOU M and L and Data-only Blox. When used up, daily rate applies or are new data BloX bundle can be booked. Activation by SMS may fail with an error message, when that happens dial 1200 and follow voice prompts to activate the package. Text 'English' to 4000 to switch the language to english.

EU roaming option

In May 2016 Vodafone opened some of its prepaid plans for EU roaming without surcharges. This means that you can take a Vodafone YOU or an online-only BloX and use it without extra fees for roaming in the EU/EEA including Switzerland, Faroer Islands, Isle of Man, the Channel Islands, San Marino and Monaco on Vodafone and partner networks. More details see Euro8

Data-only SIM

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 does not 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 7.2 Mbit/s. The 4G bundle (see above) can be added for 2.50 € per month for 4G/LTE access. 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 '<code> AAN' to 4000.

Technical details

• APN: live.vodafone.com
• Username and Password: vodafone

Tethering is not technically allowed by Vodafone. However, they do not really enforce this on Android devices, but may be blocked on iOS phones in lack of a tethering profile.

More info

• Further information: online in Dutch: www.vodafone.nl

Deka Mobiel

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.

Availability

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

Default rate without package is 0.24 € 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

• APN: deka.dataxs.mobi
• Website in Dutch

T-Mobile

T-Mobile is the 3rd network in the Netherlands with a good coverage. On the other hand, it's the only network which gives out 4G/LTE to all prepaid customers for free and their network coverage has even surpassed Vodafone now. 2G is available everywhere, 3G and 4G/LTE in most areas. See T-Mobile Coverage Map.

Start-up costs

A T-Mobile SIM-only card costs €9.95 in a T-Shop (locator)  or ordered  online. 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. As a promotion, until October 4 you'll get free 200 MB + 100 SMS + 50 domestic minutes with every topup.

Data and call card

The following bundles are available and valid for 30 days each. Standard data rate out of bundle is €0.10/MB.

• Internet: €4.95 for 300 MB
• Internet Maand: €9.95 for 1.25 GB ('Maand' = month)
• Internet Maand Extra: €14.95 for 2 GB

To activate text <name of bundle> AAN to 4000 for free. Bundle will renew after 30 days if there is credit. To stop text <name of bundle> UIT to 4000,

To check consumption text 'Saldo' to 1144. Speed is capped at 15 Mbps / 384 Kbps. T-Mobile uses (if available) the LTE/4G network.

Technical details

• Combined micro- and mini-SIM and nano-SIM available

• APN: internet
• Username and Password: tmobile

Tele2

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 73% in 2016 (Tele2 coverage map). For a newcomer they really don't offer particulary low prices, but good roaming rates for the EU.

Availability

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

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 rates

Tele2 offers very cheap EU (including Switzerland) roaming add-on packages:

• 100 MB: € 2, (activate by sending text "EU100" to 1280)
• 500 MB: € 6, (activate by sending text "EU150" to 1280)
• 1 GB: € 10, (activate by sending text "EU1000" to 1280)

Valid for 30 days upon activation, no auto-renew. You'll receive a text warning when you're close to reaching the data limit. You then have the option to buy another data plan. 

More info

• APN: internet.tele2.nl
• Website in Dutch

*bliep

*bliep changed networks in April 2015. So all SIM cards issued before are not valid anymore and some tariffs like the unlimited rate have been discontinued. It's now a MVNO on the new 4G-only Tele2 network while 2G and 3G is available via the T-Mobile network on national roaming without surcharges. Note: *bliep does not support the Tele2 LTE frequencies yet, so *bliep will only give you 2G and 3G at the moment.

Bliep's unique feature is that you can customize data on a daily basis. This may be confusing for some as no other provider does this, but can be a good solution for some customers. It is only allowed to use the SIM card in a mobile phone or tablet and not allowed to use it in a mobile router, dongle or a similar device.

Availability

*bliep SIM cards can be bought at Phone House, Kijkshop, Dixons outlets shown here: store locator. For buying online at their website you need to have a Dutch bank account.

The SIM card comes in a tri-format of mini-, micro- and nano-sized SIM and costs €15. The card comes with a €10 account balance.

Balance and top up

• Bliep top up vouchers can be bought at the same stores that sell *bliep SIM cards or a Tele2 top up voucher can also be used, if they will be released. These can be bought everywhere eg. supermarkets, kiosks and are available for €10 and €20. For uploading on their website, you need a Dutch bank account.

Data feature packs

There are options that you can choose from and change anyday you want. All options are for one calendar day starting at midnight until 4am the day thereafter (so for 28 hours). Activation is effective immediately and deactivations will occur between 11:30pm-12:00am. If not deactivated, the last selected option will be used and if applicable, money will be deducted from your balance. Data is up to 1 Mbps / 384 kbps in speed.

Your paid data allowance is valid until 4am on the next day.

• Option White: free: calls for 5ct per min, SMS for 5 ct, no data (but: the *bliep app will work to help you select the other options)

• Option Light: 25 ct per day: like option white, but with 10 MB per day included.
• Option Yellow: 50 ct per day: like option white, but with 67 MB per day included.
• You can buy more data charged at 25 ct per 10 MB as often as you like.

You can also activate via SMS (send 'aan' to 1350), but this will put you on the Yellow day option (50ct, 67 MB). Via the app or via the website, you can choose other options for the following days. The app is available for Android and iOs. The website also supports mobile platforms (like Windows Phone). Bear in mind, that If you want to change or deactivate your current rate, you must do so before 11:30pm! Your data allowance (10 or 67 MB) is valid until 4:00am on the next day.

EU roaming rates

*bliep offers very cheap EU/EEA (including Switzerland) roaming add-on packages:

• 100 MB for € 2, (activate by sending text "EU100" to 1280)
• 500 MB for € 6, (activate by sending text "EU500" to 1280)
• 1 GB for € 10, (activate by sending text "EU1000" to 1280)

Valid for 30 days upon activation, no auto-renew. You'll receive a text warning when you're close to reaching the data limit. You then have the option to buy another data plan.

More info

• APN: internet.tele2.nl

• Website in Dutch only