Whether you’re looking for super-fast 5G coverage, ironclad data protection, or an affordable prepaid/SIM-only plan, there’s a lot of info to wade through when it comes to Dutch mobile data.
So here’s a handy breakdown of the most important things to note when it comes to surfing the web in the Netherlands! 👇
1. Wi-Fi is widely available, but not always
If you’re visiting the bigger Dutch cities and dying to post a picturesque canal-side snapshot to the ‘gram, connecting to public Wi-Fi should be a pretty seamless experience.
However, the same certainly isn’t true when you venture further afield.
The rolling hills of heather in the Hoge Veluwe may look glorious, but you’d stand a greater chance of winning the lottery than navigating them using Wi-Fi.
For wandering outside of the Randstad, it’s ideal to have the safety net of your own mobile data.
Prepaid or SIM-only SIM card packages generally offer unlimited data options for you to Google Map your way around the countryside — and their expansive mobile networks will ensure that you’re never left high and dry with no internet connection. 🤳
2. Strict data protection laws ensure your privacy
Whilst the Dutch may embrace passersby peering through their curtainless windows, the thought of someone spying on their browser data understandably raises more hackles than a cornered dog.
READ MORE | Why don’t the Dutch like to use curtains?
The good news? Thanks to the GDPR (or General Data Protection Regulation), your data is protected under EU law.
This means that the websites you visit while browsing the net are not allowed to collect your data without your explicit consent.
3. Cellular data offers more security than public Wi-Fi
When it comes to using public Wi-Fi, it’s like that bowl of potato salad at an office party that’s been sitting out for several hours — it’s a bit of a risk.
Similarly, using an unsecured Wi-Fi network might expose you to hackers, snoopy government entities, and marketers who can’t wait to sell your data.
Using your own mobile data, on the other hand, is generally a far safer bet.
Data that’s transmitted over these networks is usually encrypted, meaning that your personal information is less likely to find its way into malicious hands.
4. Your home country’s phone plan will have limits
Let’s face it — with the advent of eSIMs, data roaming is slowly going the way of the dodo bird: extinct.
For those travelling to the Netherlands on holiday, an eSIM from a Dutch provider will often offer far more features than a data roaming package from your home country. (Plus, you can order one before you’ve even set foot in the country! 😉)
READ MORE | eSIMs in the Netherlands: The ultimate 2024 guide + the best options
And what if you’re travelling from the Netherlands, instead? Well, thanks to the EU’s “roam like at home” policy, if you have a Dutch SIM card, you can travel to any EU country and pay the same rate for your calls, texts, and mobile data as you would in the Netherlands. Handig!
A local (Dutch) SIM will also provide faster data speeds, as many mobile networks prioritise their users over those connected to one of their roaming partners.
5. You can save money with a local SIM card
Planning on staying in the Netherlands for a longer period? In addition to offering a wider range of features than roaming packages, getting a Dutch SIM card will save you major euros in the long run.
READ MORE | The best SIM-only plans in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide
Many mobile data providers offer budget-friendly prepaid SIM cards and SIM-only plans at rates far lower than those supplied by the average roaming package. 💸
Plus, if you’re here for the long haul, the rates for one- or two-year contracts are often cheaper than the monthly terminable ones — ensuring that you get the most bang for your buck.
Good to know: If you’re looking to get connected ASAP, you can buy affordable prepaid SIM cards at Schiphol Airport — without the hassle of needing a Dutch bank account. Many supermarkets and corner shops also offer this option by the checkout aisles.
6. Expect excellent mobile coverage and speed
Though it may be a hassle to find housing in the Netherlands and the trains here frequently experience delays, Dutch mobile data is nothing if not speedy and reliable.
According to Ookla, a global index of mobile and broadband speeds, the Netherlands currently ranks 5th in the world for the fastest mobile data download speeds.
READ MORE | Setting up internet in the Netherlands: the complete guide
And just how fast are we talking? Well, with mobile download speeds averaging a blistering 142.22 Mbps, that’s more than capable of handling 4K video streaming and intensive multi-player games.
If you’re from the US, Australia, or India — countries with average mobile download speeds of 107.87 Mbps, 100.51 Mbps, and 91.72 Mbps respectively — you’re likely to feel a jump in speed immediately.
Plus, with the Dutch government continuing to work towards its 5G goals, we can only expect that figure to increase over the coming years.
7. You should use a VPN to access content from home
If you were getting excited at the prospect of devouring a few more episodes of your favourite show, you may be disappointed to know that streaming services often region-lock content. 🎥
This means that the new season of Emily in Paris you’re dying to hate-watch may not be available on the Dutch version of your streaming platform.
However, there’s a super-handy workaround: downloading a VPN.
READ MORE | Travelling through the EU? Here’s why you should use a VPN
A VPN (or virtual private network) is a service that encrypts your data and hides your IP address, allowing you to access content that’s not available in your area and prevent your internet provider from throttling your data.
Good to know: VPNs also allow you to browse the web securely, by shielding your online traffic from would-be hackers.
As a result, it’s always advisable to use one if you frequently connect to public Wi-Fi or conduct bank transactions while on the move.
Combining affordability with excellent connectivity, there’s a lot to love about surfing the web with a Dutch mobile data provider. ✨
What are your favourite features when it comes to staying connected in the Netherlands? Tell us all about them in the comments below!