Finding a good mobile provider in the Netherlands is one of those small tasks that can be surprisingly annoying, unless you know where to look.
If you’ve just landed in the Netherlands, signing up for a regular mobile plan often means handing over a stack of things you don’t have yet, from your BSN (citizen service number) to your Dutch bank details.
Needless to say, for new internationals who don’t know what “maandelijks opzegbaar” means (let alone which providers offer monthly terminable contracts), these end up being irritating stumbling blocks.
As a team of internationals who try and review products to ease the Dutch settling-in phase, here’s why Simyo landed on our radar, the features that make it work for fellow expats, and whether it’s the right pick for you.
What makes Simyo different?
While many providers assume you’re already settled, Simyo focuses on accessibility.
There’s no lengthy contract to scan via Google Translate, and you don’t even need to step into a physical store. Their service is fully available online, in English (!), and it’s refreshingly easy to get started — even if you haven’t got your BSN yet.
7 top features helping Simyo win over internationals
Sure, accessibility is great, but what features set Simyo apart? Based on experience, research, and user feedback, these are some of the key points that keep internationals like us coming back for more.
1. Their SIMs are super easy to set up
If you’re new to the Netherlands, there are likely a million and one things to set up, from registering at your gemeente to opening a bank account.
With Simyo, you don’t need to hunt down a brick-and-mortar store to get connected, leaving you precious time to get the rest of your essentials sorted.
You can order your SIM online and have it whizzing through the Dutch postal system to you. If you’d prefer to get connected ASAP, just order your SIM in an eSIM format — no need to wait for PostNL.
2. Plans are flexible and easy to change
Whether your Bachelor’s degree has translated into a permanent job, or your one semester abroad is now two, life in the Netherlands can be quite unpredictable.
Thankfully, Simyo’s plans are adaptable enough to keep up.
Do you want to cancel your subscription, load more data, or switch from prepaid to SIM-only? You can adjust your bundles every month, straight from Simyo’s mobile app.
3. You won’t get locked into complicated contracts
Dutch SIM-only plans tend to lock you into one- or two-year contracts, with no monthly cancellable options.
If you’re here for a semester abroad or you’re unsure how long you’ll spend in the Netherlands, you may end up paying for a much longer contract than you’d like.
With Simyo, however, you’re never locked into a long-term deal. In addition to their one- and two-year SIM-only plans, they also offer a monthly cancellable version.
4. Coverage is strong across the Netherlands
Solid coverage is a must-have, especially if you’re new to the Netherlands and reliant on Google Maps to get around.
Since Simyo runs on KPN’s expansive and ultra-reliable 5G network, you’ll get solid reception whether you’re smack-bang in the centre of Amsterdam or frolicking through fields of heather in the Veluwe.
And, best of all? You needn’t pay steep KPN prices for it!
5. You only pay for what you actually need
As an international in the Netherlands, there’s a very natural ebb and flow to your mobile data usage; you’ll use it least when you’re back home for the holidays.
With Simyo, you can adjust your usage monthly, so you’re never stuck footing the bill for €35 of unused prepaid credit or a massive data package.
6. Switching your number is a breeze
Perhaps you’ve already snagged a Dutch number at the airport and are wondering what the process of transferring to Simyo is like?
Thankfully, you needn’t lift a finger. With free number portability, Simyo transfers your existing Dutch number for you, including cancelling your previous mobile subscription.
7. Their plans suit both light and heavy data users
With a range of bundles to choose from, you aren’t caught between running out of data midway through the month or overpaying for data you don’t use.
Take Simyo’s SIM-only plans, for example — in addition to a data-free calling and texting bundle, their data bundles range from 6GB to a whopping 40GB.
And if you’re worried about running over budget while video-chatting with family back home, you can always activate a data cap for just €1. One of our editors also loves their fun little perks, such as the extra 10 GB Simyo gives you if you’ve got KPN home WiFi.
Is Simyo worth it for internationals in the Netherlands? Our thoughts
If you’re keen to get the most bang for your buck, value month-to-month flexibility, and want an online sign-up process (entirely in English!), then Simyo is a solid choice for most internationals.
However, if you prefer in-person support and tend to travel quite frequently outside the EU, it’s worth weighing your requirements against what Simyo can offer.
In our experience, Simyo ticks the most important boxes: their plans are easy to set up, with clear pricing, a strong network, and flexibility.
Have you tried a prepaid or SIM-only plan from Simyo? Share your experiences in the comments below.