Choosing between a prepaid SIM and a SIM-only plan in the Netherlands comes down to one question: how much commitment do you want?
If you’ve just landed in the Netherlands, getting a SIM-only plan often involves supplying your provider with a whole host of things you don’t have yet, from your BSN to your Dutch bank account information and more.
This guide breaks down both options, how much they cost, and which one actually fits your situation as a newcomer.
Dutch mobile requirements come with BSN and banking hurdles
Very often, the best Dutch mobile deals expect you to already be connected to the services that established residents use.
For example, most SIM-only subscriptions are paid by automatische incasso (automatic direct debit), which usually means you need a Dutch bank account.
In addition to this, many will also ask for your BSN (citizen service number), which is an official identifier that all legal residents are required to have in the Netherlands.
However, you aren’t simply granted a BSN upon arrival. You only receive one when you register at your local gemeente (municipality), and the waiting time can take days or even weeks.
Just landed and don’t fancy explaining to a Dutch shop assistant that no, you don’t have a BSN yet? Simyo’s prepaid starter pack is €5 and comes with €7.50 of credit, with no BSN required.
Order your SIM online and have it shipped straight to you, or pick an eSIM and be connected in minutes.
Here’s what to know about Dutch prepaid SIMs
With prepaid SIMs, you just buy the SIM card and load money onto it. This credit will then cover all data, calls, and texts until it runs out (or until 30 days are up).
There’s no contract and no monthly bill; you just top up when you want and stop whenever you like. In the Netherlands, it’s the one mobile option you can set up without a BSN, a Dutch bank account, or even a local address.
How do prepaid SIMs work in the Netherlands?
You buy a SIM card, load it with credit, and use that credit for data, calls, and texts. When your credit runs low, you top up again, either online or via a mobile app.
Prepaid SIMs are also extremely accessible; you can pick one up from almost anywhere, including:
- Airports (ideal for tourists or new internationals),
- Major supermarkets like Albert Heijn and Jumbo,
- Drugstores such as Kruidvat and HEMA,
- Kiosks like Primera, and
- Telecommunications shops run by providers (such as KPN, Vodafone, Odido, etc).
However, let op: SIMs at Schiphol tend to cost more than the identical product in town. If you can wait until you reach a general shop, supermarket, or telecommunications outlet, do.
How much do prepaid SIMs cost?
Prepaid SIMs usually work out pricier than a subscription — especially if you’re a heavy data user who needs to top up your prepaid credit regularly.
The silver lining is that upfront costs and requirements are typically low: you pay zero activation fees, there are no hidden administrative charges, and you avoid credit checks.
Here’s what to know about Dutch SIM-only plans
A SIM-only plan is a monthly mobile subscription, albeit without a phone attached. You pay a fixed monthly fee for a set bundle of data, minutes, and messages.
The catch is that it works like any Dutch contract, so it generally requires a Dutch bank account, often a BSN, and a local address.
How do SIM-only plans work in the Netherlands?
You choose a bundle, pay the same amount each month, and the provider takes it automatically by automatische incasso (direct debit). To pay via direct debit, you’ll generally need a Dutch bank account.
The SIM usually arrives by post, so you’ll need a Dutch address too. In addition to this, many providers may also ask for your BSN when you sign up.
Contracts typically come in two forms:
- Some are maandelijks opzegbaar (cancellable monthly), giving you rolling flexibility, albeit at a slightly higher rate.
- Most will tie you in for one or two years in exchange for a slightly lower rate.
Not all providers offer monthly cancellable contracts, so it’s best to read the fine print before you purchase your SIM-only plan.
How much do SIM-only plans cost?
Budget providers generally offer plans for around €5 a month, and costs may even dip lower during promotional periods.
For that, you typically get a healthy data allowance plus unlimited domestic calls and texts. As a rule, the longer the contract, the cheaper the monthly rate.
With Simyo, you build your own plan: choose your data and call bundles, then adjust them up or down each month for free. Unlimited calling is €7 a month, and you can cancel monthly if a two-year contract feels a touch too committed.
Already on Simyo prepaid and want to switch to SIM-only? Dat kan! You keep your number, your SIM, and — best of all — the switch is 100% gratis. Learn more.
Prepaid vs. SIM-only in the Netherlands: a full breakdown
All Dutch prepaid and SIM-only plans run on the same three networks: KPN, Vodafone, and Odido.
Irrespective of whether you’re eyeing a €40 unlimited data SIM-only subscription or a €6 prepaid plan, they may well run on the same network.
However, the actual differences lie in the cost structure, commitment, and amount of Dutch paperwork you need to get started.
Here’s what to know:
| Feature | Prepaid | SIM-only |
|---|---|---|
| BSN-required | No | Often, yes |
| Dutch bank account required | No | Usually, yes |
| Dutch address required | No | Usually, yes |
| Contract | None (or monthly rolling) | Depends on provider (usually a minimum of 1 year) |
| Flexibility | Cancel anytime | Tied to contract terms |
| Best for | Short stays, new arrivals | Settled residents, long stays |
Needless to say, neither is objectively “better”; they’re built for different stages in your expat journey and different flexibility requirements.
So, which option is best for newcomers?
The right choice depends entirely on how long you’re staying and what paperwork you’ve sorted.
Let’s dive into the three most common scenarios and determine which SIM plan best suits your situation.
If you’re staying short-term (under 3–6 months)
Prepaid SIMs are the clear winner here.
If you’re here for fewer than three months, you may not even need to register with your gemeente (local municipality) at all. Without this registration, you won’t have access to a BSN or a local Dutch bank account, which rules out most SIM-only plans.
If you’re only here a few weeks and don’t need a Dutch number, consider opting for a travel eSIM.
If you’re staying longer-term
Once you’ve got a BSN, a Dutch bank account, and a fixed address, SIM-only plans are usually the cheaper option.
If you don’t yet have a BSN (or Dutch bank account)
Prepaid SIMs are generally the safest bet here, because you don’t need a BSN, a bank account, or a Dutch address to purchase one.
Do you want to swap over to a SIM-only plan at a later date? The sequence that works for most internationals is to get a prepaid SIM on arrival, book your gemeente registration appointment (these can take weeks in bigger cities, so do it early), collect your BSN, then open a bank account and get your SIM-only plan sorted.
Most providers will let you keep your existing Dutch number when you swap from prepaid to SIM-only, so don’t fuss about number portability.
Which option did you choose when you first arrived in the Netherlands: prepaid or SIM-only? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.