Are you an international trying to get a Dutch number, but donβt want the whole hog of needing to buy a phone, too? Well, it sounds like you might need to check out a SIM-only deal! ππ»ββοΈ
Between figuring out the weird beast that is the Dutch tax authority, to navigating the perilous waters of Nederlands, the life of an international in the Netherlands isnβt easy β factor in choosing a SIM subscription, and youβre just about swamped.
Maak je geen zorgen (donβt worry), because weβve got a small cadeautje: five reasons why choosing a SIM-only subscription is your best option. π
1. Itβs cheap (and thatβs the best price!)
These days weβve got bills to pay, inflation to contend with, and Tikkies to send. Our wallets are drained, and weβre all looking for the best kortingen (discounts) on mobile data subscriptions.
Enter⦠(drumroll please!) SIM-only subscriptions.
A SIM-only deal is a type of contract where you pay a monthly rate for the texts, calls, and mobile data that you use. As you arenβt paying off a mobile phone through your subscription (hence the name βSIM-onlyβ), youβre shaving off a huge chunk of the cost.
READ MORE | Mobile phones and SIM cards in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide
Adding to the magic, this means that theyβre priced lower than ordinary subscriptions. Instead of paying upwards of β¬50 to β¬60 per month, your SIM-only deal will average around β¬10 to β¬30.
2. Thereβs no long-term commitment
Not a fan of heavy dedication or drawn-out goodbyes? Geen probleem (no problem), because a SIM-only subscription wonβt bug you for a committed relationship. π
Maybe youβre still trying to decide if the subscription is for you? Well, you can temporarily pause your subscription next week, next month, or next year. Youβre fully in the driverβs seat, and the choice is yours.
Contrast that to your typical smartphone+SIM subscription β where youβll have to keep paying off the price of your mobile till your contract ends β and this makes life much easier.
Note: Depending on your subscription, you may have to give notice of your cancellation within a certain period. Although you can temporarily pause your subscription, cancelling it may incur additional costs.
3. Internationals have deals galore
They say variety is the spice of life, and this definitely rings true for internationals looking for the perfect deal to power their online life.
Luckily, SIM-only subscriptions are here to slay. π
If youβre intent on travelling around Europe while youβre Netherlands-based (hoera for digital nomadism! π΄), you can bag SIM-only deals that are valid throughout the EU.
Or maybe youβre a cosy homebody, and youβre looking for the perfect internet connection for those Netflix and chill weekends? Youβre a lucky duck because a Ziggo internet connection will give you a tasty korting (discount) on some SIM-only deals.
Perhaps youβre homesick and love Facetiming your family, instead? An unlimited data deal would then be a solid choice.
Thereβs truly a deal for everyone, from the aspiring influencer that needs ALL the gigs to upload their TikToks to the student on a budget thatβs counting every cent.
4. Theyβre as flexible as a master yogi
Whether youβve recently ditched the yoga studio or the two of you were never besties, a SIM-only subscription will definitely be flexible enough for you.
And no, this doesnβt mean that your SIM-only subscription can do an impressive headstand β itβs even better than that.
SIM-only contracts are easy to set up, making them one of the best decisions for tourists or those new to the Netherlands.
Ja, hoor, you can just choose your package, buy your SIM, pop it into your mobile, and youβre good to go.
Thereβs literally no reason to not take the plunge and try out a SIM-only subscription. π€·π»ββοΈ
5. Dutch bureaucracy? We donβt even know her
SIM-only subscriptions are easy peasy lemon squeezy to set up and will save you from a lot of headache-inducing red tape.
No forms, papers, and hoops to jump through to get a Dutch number? Sign us right up! π₯³
Your transition to life in the Netherlands will be off to a running start, as you wonβt be sitting around and waiting for a valid mobile connection to get your utilities, GP registration, and other fiddly bits sorted.
In addition to this, as you wonβt be paying off a mobile phone during your subscription, you may even avoid a loan registration at the BKR (Credit Registration Office).
Done and dusted, these are just five reasons why SIM-only subscriptions seriously kick ass. π Now, get that phone sorted, call up your friends, and start sending those Tikkies!
Will you be checking out a SIM-only subscription? Tell us all about it in the comments below!