eSIMs offer the best of both worlds: you get all the perks of a regular SIM card, plus the freedom of data roaming — without breaking the bank! 🤳🏼✨
In this guide, we’ve tested the best providers in the Netherlands for 2025, comparing prices and key features to find the perfect eSIM plan for your needs.
TIP: In a hurry? These are our top picks for an eSIM in the Netherlands. 👇
💸 All-round cheapest eSIM: Airalo
☎️ Best eSIM for calling and texting: Simyo
🗺️ Best eSIM for full flexibility: Roamless
✈️ Best eSIM for travel: Jetpac
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What is an eSIM and how does it work?
An eSIM, short for ’embedded SIM’, is the digital version of a physical SIM card.
Because eSIMs operate virtually, you can buy and instal them directly on mobile phones, tablets, and even smart watches.
This makes them ideal for globetrotters: you can buy a SIM card for your travels from home — and instantly access mobile data and calling/texting capabilities when you arrive.
Best eSIM plans in the Netherlands
If you’re on the hunt for the best eSIM plans to cover your trip to the Netherlands (or abroad), we’ve ranked providers by price, value, coverage, and ease of access.
Here are the best of the best! 🙌
Simyo: Best eSIM for new residents in the Netherlands
In contrast to many local eSIM providers that only provide mobile data plans, Simyo offers inexpensive eSIM packages for calling, texting, and mobile data.
We liked the fact you could choose between a flexible prepaid subscription or a more committed SIM-only plan. The only downside? A monthly terminable subscription will cost you an extra €2.
Jetpac: Best eSIM for international travel
Jetpac’s budget-friendly eSIM plans pack big benefits in a small package — from 5G connectivity to generous data allowances and unfettered access to 200+ destinations.
We’re also big fans of the fact Jetpac customers can register for SmartDelay, giving them airport lounge access if their flight has been delayed.
Holafly: Best unlimited data eSIM for tourists
Jam-packed with features like unlimited data, automatic connectivity the minute your plane touches down, and a choice of the best data providers in each region, Holafly eSIMs are the premium choice for travel lovers.
However, we did find that although Holafly offers unlimited data, their plans tend to be pricier than many other options we’ve tested.
Roamless: Best eSIM for full flexibility
Roamless‘ travel eSIMs offer some truly stellar flexibility — instead of choosing a fixed country-specific plan, you simply top up your wallet and pay as you go.
This means that we’d be able to use the same eSIM in up to 181 different countries and, as we weren’t locked into a subscription, our funds would never expire!
Airalo: Best eSIM for tourists on a budget
With a starting price of just €4.15, Airalo is as easy on your wallet as it is effortless to install — providing you access to affordable eSIM plans for the Netherlands.
Although we loved how seamless the installation process was, it was slightly disappointing that Airalo only offers short-term packages, ranging from 7 to 30 days.
KPN: Best local eSIM for excellent coverage
KPN consistently ranks as one of the best Dutch mobile data providers, thanks to its blazing fast upload/download speeds.
As KPN-users, we enjoyed getting access to some of the most expansive coverage in the Netherlands — even though it came with a rather hefty price tag.
Vodafone: Best local eSIM for unlimited data
Offering unlimited data and unlimited calling/messaging capabilities, Vodafone’s Red Unlimited eSIM packages are geared towards heavy data-users.
In our plan, we also had a whopping 40GB of data to use within the EU. So rest assured, you won’t be running out anytime soon — even if you’ve hopped over the Dutch border.
Odido: Best local eSIM for a mobile number
Unlike many eSIM packages that only offer you a bundle of mobile data, Odido’s eSIMs come with a mobile number.
We found this a stellar option if you like the calling and texting functionality of a regular Dutch SIM, but don’t want the hassle of applying for one.
Nomad: Best wallet-friendly eSIM for European travel
If you’re planning a jaunt around Europe, Nomad’s regional plans are some of the handiest and most affordable options on this list.
We liked being able to choose between a comprehensive eSIM package covering all European countries — or a more localised (and wallet-friendly) eSIM package for the Netherlands.
3 things you need to know about Dutch eSIMs
Are you champing at the bit to purchase your own eSIM, but have some lingering questions you’d like answered before biting the bullet?
Here are three key things you need to know about eSIMs — especially if you’ll be visiting or moving to the Netherlands in 2025. 👇
1. An eSIM can help you avoid high data roaming costs
If you’re planning on travelling through the Netherlands (or Europe in general), a Dutch or European eSIM is much cheaper than activating roaming on your regular phone plan.
And, depending on your eSIM of choice, this option can also be more affordable than buying a local SIM at the destination you’re travelling to.
READ MORE | Making international calls from the Netherlands: the best providers in 2025
Good to know: If you already have a mobile data subscription from an EU country, you can use your provider’s Roam Like at Home feature instead.
This enables you to use your existing subscription wherever in the EU you travel — though unlimited data users may notice that their plan is capped at a lower number of GBs per month.
2. You can use multiple eSIMs on the same device
One of the key benefits of using an eSIM is its dual SIM support.
READ MORE | Unlimited data SIM cards in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide
Dual SIM technology involves having two SIM cards loaded on one mobile phone, allowing you to switch between providers.
This way, you can keep your home mobile number active, while using a Dutch or European eSIM for data or local calls when you travel.
3. Not all devices are compatible with eSIMs
Unfortunately, if your device is an older model, it’ll likely be incompatible with most eSIMs on the Dutch market.
However, if you have an iPhone XS or newer, you’re in luck! For Samsung, anything newer than a Galaxy S21 will generally also work.
In very rare cases, certain regions may even be blacklisted by some eSIM companies.
Have you used an eSIM in the Netherlands before? Tell us all about your experience in the comments!
You might also be interested in:
- Mobile phones and SIM cards in the Netherlands: ultimate 2025 guide
- The best SIM-only plans in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide
- The best credit cards for expats in the Netherlands
- Utilities in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to gas, electricity, and water
- The best banks in the Netherlands for internationals in 2025
eSIMs in the Netherlands: Frequently asked questions
What’s the best eSIM in the Netherlands?
Choosing the best eSIM will largely be a subjective choice, as some users may prioritise price or being able to order a new mobile number over other factors.
In general, however, the best eSIMs in the Netherlands are those offered by Airalo, Holafly, and Simyo — as well as plans from Dutch mobile data providers KPN, Odido, and Vodafone.
Are eSIMs available in the Netherlands?
Yes, several international eSIM companies offer plans that cover the Netherlands — in addition to the several Dutch mobile data providers that also sell eSIMs.
Which Dutch data providers offer eSIMs?
Is my phone compatible with a Dutch eSIM?
Provided that your phone is a relatively recent model (typically from 2018 or 2019 onwards), there’s a high chance that it’ll be compatible with a Dutch eSIM.
Can I use both an eSIM and a physical SIM in the Netherlands?
As eSIMs can be activated whenever they are needed, users can load both their physical SIM and an eSIM on the same mobile device.