Best Prepaid SIM Card for the Netherlands: 2025 eSIM & Data Guide

Planning a trip to the Netherlands? Whether you’re cycling along Amsterdam’s canals, catching a train to Utrecht, or snapping windmill selfies in Zaanse Schans, there’s one thing every traveler needs: reliable mobile data.

From navigating with Google Maps to accessing e-tickets, checking banking apps, or simply staying in touch—being connected makes your trip smoother, safer, and more fun. But relying on public Wi-Fi or roaming from your home provider? That’s a recipe for slow speeds, limited access, and unexpected costs.

So what’s the best prepaid SIM card in the Netherlands for short-term visitors?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through:

• The top prepaid SIM and eSIM options for travelers
• Where to buy them (and where to avoid)
• Key differences between physical SIM cards and eSIMs
• Price comparisons, coverage, and real-world recommendations

Whether you’re a light data user or planning to hop across Europe with your phone in hand, this guide will help you choose the most convenient and affordable way to stay online in the Netherlands.

Let’s get you connected — so you can focus on stroopwafels, sunsets, and stunning city views.

🌍 Staying connected beyond the Netherlands?
Our international eSIM guide covers plans that work seamlessly across all of Europe — perfect if you’re visiting more than one country.

I. Why You Need Mobile Data in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of the most connected countries in the world — but don’t count on public Wi-Fi to keep you covered. Whether you’re hopping on a train, navigating bike paths in Amsterdam, or trying to scan your digital museum ticket, having your own data plan is essential.

Here’s why getting a prepaid SIM card or eSIM in the Netherlands is a smart move:

• Navigation: Use Google Maps or NS train apps without signal drops.
• Transport Tickets: Access QR codes for trains, trams, buses, or OV-chipkaart.
• Food & Activities: Check reviews, scan menus, or book last-minute tickets.
• Stay Secure: Avoid logging into banking apps over unsecured public Wi-Fi.
• Roam EU-Wide: Many SIM plans in the Netherlands include free EU roaming, perfect for multi-country trips.

✨ With a Netherlands prepaid SIM card, you get full-speed data, local rates, and the freedom to travel without worry — no passport registration, no contract, no surprises.

🇩🇪 🇫🇷 🇬🇧 Visiting nearby countries too?
Check out our eSIM guides for Germany, France, and the UK — stay connected whether you’re traveling by train, bus, or budget airline.

II. eSIM vs Physical SIM Card: Which One Is Better for Travelers?

When it comes to choosing the best prepaid SIM card in the Netherlands, travelers have two main options: the traditional physical SIM card or the increasingly popular eSIM.

Each has its pros and cons depending on your device, budget, and how long you’re staying. Let’s break it down:

What’s an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you just scan a QR code from a provider like Gohub, install the plan, and you’re online — no store visit, no paperwork.

Advantages of eSIMs:

• ⚡ Instant setup – activate before landing
• ✈️ Perfect for short stays or layovers
• 📶 Multi-network compatibility (switch to strongest signal)
• 🔁 Keep your home SIM active (for WhatsApp, 2FA, etc.)

What’s a Physical SIM?

A physical prepaid SIM card is what most travelers have used for years: you buy it at a store, swap it into your phone, and top it up with data.

Advantages of physical SIMs:

• 💶 Sometimes cheaper per GB for longer stays
• 🏪 Still useful if your phone doesn’t support eSIMs

🆚 Quick Comparison: eSIM vs. Physical SIM

Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

• Use an eSIM if:
  • You want fast setup, contactless activation, or are only visiting for a short time
  • You prefer not to queue at the airport or find a store
  • Your phone supports eSIM (iPhone XR+, Pixel 4+, Galaxy S20+…)
• Use a physical SIM if:
  • You’re staying longer than a month and want local top-ups
  • Your phone is not eSIM-compatible
  • You’re comfortable navigating Dutch-language stores and apps

🔑 Tip: Many travelers now start with an eSIM (like Gohub for instant data), then switch to a physical SIM if staying longer. It’s the best of both worlds.

Want to keep your local SIM active while using an eSIM for data in Netherland?
Check out our guide on how to use eSIM and physical SIM together for the smartest dual-SIM setup while traveling.

III. Top eSIM Providers in the Netherlands (Compared with Gohub)

If you’re looking for fast, flexible, and hassle-free connectivity, an eSIM for the Netherlands is one of the easiest solutions. Dozens of providers offer short-term plans — but not all are created equal.

Here’s a quick look at some of the best eSIM options for the Netherlands, based on pricing, coverage, and features:

1. Gohub – Best Value for Short-Term Travel

• 💰 From just $3.99
• 🌍 EU-wide roaming included
• ⚡ Instant activation via QR code
• 🗨️ 24/7 live chat support (EN, VI, KR, CN)
• ✅ Refund guaranteed if not working
• 📶 Uses major Dutch networks (KPN, Vodafone)

Great for: Short trips, budget travelers, and those who want simple setup + multilingual support.

2. Airalo (Hè Hè Netherlands Plan)

• 💵 $4.50 for 1GB (7 days) | $30 for 20GB (30 days)
• 🌐 EU-wide coverage on KPN & Vodafone
• ❌ No live support – app-only
• ❌ No refund if the eSIM doesn’t activate

Great for: Users who prefer app-based setup and don’t need support.

3. Holafly

• 📶 Unlimited data (but subject to speed throttling)
• 🏷️ $19 for 5 days | $99 for 90 days
• 📞 Some plans include calls (via virtual number)
• ❌ No hotspot sharing allowed
• ❌ Higher cost, especially for short stays

Great for: Travelers who want peace of mind with unlimited data (but okay with slower speeds).

4. SimOptions

• 🧩 Aggregator platform (resells Orange, Bouygues, etc.)
• 📞 Some eSIMs include calls/SMS + EU number (+33)
• 💶 Plans like 15GB/15 days for $15.90 (Bouygues), 70GB/28 days for $55.90 (Orange)
• ❌ Not all options are data-only — some activation steps are manual

Great for: EU multi-country trips, especially if you need a phone number.

5. Nomad / Yesim / AloSIM

• 📱 App-based platforms
• 📶 Data-only, various EU plans
• 🔄 Easy to use, but no real human support
• 💸 Pricing ranges from $9.90 to $30 for mid-sized data plans

Great for: Tech-savvy travelers who prefer to self-manage.

Comparison Table

 In Summary

If you want quick setup, real human support, and the lowest price, Gohub offers one of the best prepaid eSIM options for the Netherlands.
For those planning longer Europe-wide trips or who need a virtual number, platforms like SimOptions may offer added value — at a higher cost.

✅ Ready to get started?
Explore Gohub Netherlands eSIM Plans →

IV. Where to Buy a Physical SIM Card in the Netherlands

If you’re going the traditional route, getting a prepaid SIM card in the Netherlands is straightforward — no passport needed, no registration required, and no contracts. But where you buy it can affect the price and setup experience.

Here are your main options:

1. Schiphol Airport (AMS) – Fast, but Pricey

You’ll find SIM card kiosks right after you land. Brands like KPN, Vodafone, and Odido (formerly T-Mobile) are available, but:

• ⚠️ Expect tourist markups
• ❌ Limited plan variety
• 🤷‍♂️ Staff may not help with phone setup

Best for: Emergency connectivity right after landing — but not ideal for budget travelers.

2. Official Mobile Carrier Stores – Best Balance of Support & Price

In cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, or Utrecht, you’ll find official stores for:

• Vodafone
• Odido
• KPN

These locations offer:

• ✅ Better pricing than the airport
• ✅ Staff assistance (in English)
• ✅ Access to all current data bundles

Tip: Look for “prepaid” or “prepaid simkaart” signs in-store.

3. Supermarkets, Convenience Stores & Kiosks – Budget-Friendly

Chains like Albert Heijn, HEMA, or even train station newsstands often sell SIM cards from budget-friendly MVNOs like:

• Lebara
• Lycamobile
• Simyo
• AH Mobiel (Albert Heijn’s own brand)

These can be great deals, but:

• ⚠️ Instructions may only be in Dutch
• ❌ Activation sometimes requires visiting a website or calling a Dutch number
• ⌛ Limited in-person support

Best for: Price-conscious travelers who don’t mind self-setup.

4. Online (Order Before You Fly)

Some carriers (like Lebara or Vodafone) offer international shipping or allow you to order a SIM to your hotel or Airbnb. This lets you:

• ✅ Avoid airport prices
• ✅ Have a SIM ready when you land
• ❗ Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports Dutch frequencies

Or skip shipping completely with an instant eSIM from Gohub, ready in 2 minutes.

Summary

📱 Using a US phone in the Netherlands?
Here’s how to make sure it works smoothly: Using a US phone in Europe

V. Mobile Networks in the Netherlands: What Travelers Should Know

The Netherlands is one of the most digitally connected countries in Europe, and that’s great news for travelers. Whether you choose an eSIM or a prepaid SIM card, you’ll be using one of the country’s three main mobile networks, all known for their high-quality coverage and fast speeds.

1. KPN – Widest Coverage, But Speed-Limited for Prepaid

• ✅ Best nationwide 4G and 5G coverage
• ⚠️ Prepaid speed cap: 25 Mbps download / 10 Mbps upload
• ❌ No 5G for prepaid users (yet)
• 📡 Shut down 3G in 2022; 2G will shut down by 2027
• 💶 Example prepaid plan: 3GB for €16 or 1GB/day for €1.99

Great for: Consistent coverage, even in rural or coastal areas.

2. Odido (formerly T-Mobile/Tele2) – Fastest Prepaid Speeds

• ✅ 4G & 5G access for prepaid
• 🔝 Prepaid speeds up to 100 Mbps
• ❌ Slightly less rural coverage than KPN
• 📦 Plans include combo bundles with data + calls/SMS
• 🏷️ Example: 1GB data + 10 mins for €10

Great for: Travelers who want higher speeds without overpaying.

3. Vodafone – Flexible Short-Term Unlimited Plans

• ✅ Reliable 4G/5G performance
• ✅ 5G available on prepaid
• 💸 More expensive than competitors, but offers unlimited data bundles
• 🗓️ Example: €4 for 1 day unlimited, €14 for 7 days, 10GB for €30

Great for: Short trips where you need a lot of data fast.

Popular MVNOs (on KPN Network)

These budget-friendly providers lease networks from KPN and often offer lower prices — but may come with speed caps and minimal support.

⚠️ Watch out: Some MVNOs have delayed usage notifications, so you might burn through your data without realizing it. Always check if out-of-bundle usage is blocked or capped.

Network Coverage Summary

💡 Tip: If you’re using a Netherlands eSIM from Gohub or Airalo, you’ll likely connect to either KPN or Vodafone, giving you premium network access without the speed cap headaches of local prepaid SIMs.

VI. EU Roaming, SIM Rules & Data Usage Tips in the Netherlands

Whether you’re visiting only Amsterdam or backpacking through multiple countries, using a prepaid SIM card in the Netherlands comes with some great perks — especially for travel within the EU.

Use Your Dutch SIM Across Europe (Roam Like at Home)

Thanks to the EU’s “Roam Like at Home” policy:

• 📶 Any SIM card or eSIM purchased in the Netherlands can be used across 30+ EU/EEA countries
• 💬 Data, calls, and texts work exactly the same in France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc.
• 💸 No roaming surcharges — your Dutch plan is all you need

⚠️ Exceptions: Switzerland and the UK are not part of EU roaming. Check your provider’s fine print before crossing borders.

No SIM Registration, No ID Needed

Unlike many countries, buying a prepaid SIM card in the Netherlands is:

• ✅ Fast and anonymous – no passport, no photo ID
• 🛒 Just pick it up at a store or kiosk, insert, and go

This makes it easy to buy local SIMs on-the-fly — or just switch to an eSIM from Gohub and skip the physical hassle entirely.

Make Sure Your Phone is Unlocked

If you’re bringing a phone from the US, Australia, or the UK:

• 📵 Your phone may be locked to your home carrier (especially if subsidized)
• 🔓 Contact your provider before your trip to request an unlock
• 🔎 Not sure? Try inserting another SIM – if it works, you’re unlocked

✅ eSIMs only work on unlocked, eSIM-compatible devices — check before buying!

How Much Data Do You Actually Need?

Here’s a quick estimate for light to heavy travel usage:

For most travelers:

• 📆 1 week trip: 5–8 GB is plenty
• 📆 2–4 weeks: 10–20 GB, especially if hotspotting or streaming

Smart Data Tips for Europe

• 🗺️ Download offline Google Maps for each city
• 📥 Save train tickets, museum passes, and travel guides offline
• 🔌 Bring a power bank — 5G and GPS can drain your phone fast
• ✈️ Avoid auto video playback on TikTok/Instagram when roaming
• 📴 Turn on Data Saver mode in your phone’s settings

✨ Whether you use a Netherlands prepaid SIM card or an instant eSIM from Gohub, planning ahead ensures you stay connected, stress-free, and under budget across your entire Europe trip.

🚐 Planning a European road trip or rail pass adventure?
Make sure your SIM plan works across borders. Start with our Europe road trip eSIM tips.

VII. Final Tips & Summary: Which Option Is Best for You?

So, eSIM or physical SIM — which one suits you best in the Netherlands?

Here’s a quick wrap-up:

🚀 Final Travel Tips Before You Go

• 🛫 Order before flying: Gohub lets you download your eSIM before takeoff. Just scan a QR code and you’re online the moment you land.
• 🔋 Pack a power bank – your battery is your lifeline.
• 🗺️ Save offline maps and train schedules.
• 📱 Always test your data right after installation – don’t wait until you’re lost on a bike in the middle of Utrecht. 😅

Our Recommendation:

If you’re after the best prepaid SIM card for the Netherlands that balances price, speed, and no-fuss setup, go with an eSIM from Gohub. You’ll get:

• ✅ Instant activation
• ✅ Full-speed Dutch network access
• ✅ Built-in EU roaming
• ✅ Human support (seriously, not just bots)
• ✅ Full refund guarantee

🌍 Gohub Netherlands eSIM → Explore Plans Now