Choosing an eSIM offers 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 eSIM providers and discovered exactly what makes them great — or not — options for you.
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 travellers: Holafly
📲 Best eSIM for a mobile number: Odido
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What is an eSIM?
Also known as an ‘embedded SIM’, an eSIM is a virtual SIM card that you can purchase and install on your devices.
Because eSIMs operate digitally (as opposed to physical SIM cards), they can be used in mobile phones, tablets, and even in smart watches.
This functionality 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.
You can even choose between a flexible prepaid subscription or a committed SIM-only plan. The only downside? A monthly terminable subscription will cost you an extra €2.
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.
But here’s the catch: Airalo only offers short-term packages, ranging from 7 to 30 days.
Holafly: Best unlimited data eSIM for travellers
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 a premium choice for travel lovers.
However, do take note: While they offer unlimited data, Holafly’s plans tend to be pricier than many other options on this list.
Roamless: Best eSIM for full flexibility
Roamless offers a travel eSIM with ultimate flexibility. Instead of choosing a fixed country-specific plan, you simply top up your wallet and pay as you go. You then use the same e-SIM in 167 different countries!
The price per GB is slightly higher, but that flexibility is worth it — you’re not locked into a subscription, and your funds never expire!
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.
The cherry on top? You’ll also get access to some of the most expansive coverage in the Netherlands. The downside? It comes at a heftier price.
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.
Plus, with a whopping 40GB of data to use within Europe, 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.
This is a stellar option if you’d like the calling and texting functionality of a regular 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.
You can 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 important things you need to know about eSIMs before you purchase one! 👇
1. An eSIM can save you money on data roaming costs
If you’re planning on travelling through Europe, then a regional (i.e. Europe-specific) eSIM is generally far cheaper overall than activating roaming on your phone.
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 2024
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 the ability to utilise several SIM cards on the same device.
READ MORE | Unlimited data SIM cards in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide
This enables you to keep your home mobile number if you’re travelling through Europe, for example — even if you’ve bought a separate eSIM card to cover your stay in the Netherlands.
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 2024 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 2024
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.
