Are you an international trying to get a Dutch number, but don’t want the whole hog of needing to buy a phone, too? Well, it sounds like you might need to check out a SIM-only deal! 💁🏻♀️
Between figuring out the weird beast that is the Dutch tax authority, to navigating the perilous waters of Nederlands, the life of an international in the Netherlands isn’t easy — factor in choosing a SIM subscription, and you’re just about swamped.
Maak je geen zorgen (don’t worry), because we’ve got a small cadeautje: five reasons why choosing a SIM-only subscription is your best option. 🙌
1. It’s cheap (and that’s the best price!)
These days we’ve got bills to pay, inflation to contend with, and Tikkies to send. Our wallets are drained, and we’re all looking for the best kortingen (discounts) on mobile data subscriptions.
Enter… (drumroll please!) SIM-only subscriptions.
A SIM-only deal is a type of contract where you pay a monthly rate for the texts, calls, and mobile data that you use. As you aren’t paying off a mobile phone through your subscription (hence the name “SIM-only”), you’re shaving off a huge chunk of the cost.
READ MORE | Mobile phones and SIM cards in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide
Adding to the magic, this means that they’re priced lower than ordinary subscriptions. Instead of paying upwards of €50 to €60 per month, your SIM-only deal will average around €10 to €30.
2. There’s no long-term commitment
Not a fan of heavy dedication or drawn-out goodbyes? Geen probleem (no problem), because a SIM-only subscription won’t bug you for a committed relationship. 😉
Maybe you’re still trying to decide if the subscription is for you? Well, you can temporarily pause your subscription next week, next month, or next year. You’re fully in the driver’s seat, and the choice is yours.
Contrast that to your typical smartphone+SIM subscription — where you’ll have to keep paying off the price of your mobile till your contract ends — and this makes life much easier.
Note: Depending on your subscription, you may have to give notice of your cancellation within a certain period. Although you can temporarily pause your subscription, cancelling it may incur additional costs.
3. Internationals have deals galore
They say variety is the spice of life, and this definitely rings true for internationals looking for the perfect deal to power their online life.
Luckily, SIM-only subscriptions are here to slay. 💅
If you’re intent on travelling around Europe while you’re Netherlands-based (hoera for digital nomadism! 🌴), you can bag SIM-only deals that are valid throughout the EU.
Or maybe you’re a cosy homebody, and you’re looking for the perfect internet connection for those Netflix and chill weekends? You’re a lucky duck because a Ziggo internet connection will give you a tasty korting (discount) on some SIM-only deals.
Perhaps you’re homesick and love Facetiming your family, instead? An unlimited data deal would then be a solid choice.
There’s truly a deal for everyone, from the aspiring influencer that needs ALL the gigs to upload their TikToks to the student on a budget that’s counting every cent.
4. They’re as flexible as a master yogi
Whether you’ve recently ditched the yoga studio or the two of you were never besties, a SIM-only subscription will definitely be flexible enough for you.
And no, this doesn’t mean that your SIM-only subscription can do an impressive headstand — it’s even better than that.
SIM-only contracts are easy to set up, making them one of the best decisions for tourists or those new to the Netherlands.
Ja, hoor, you can just choose your package, buy your SIM, pop it into your mobile, and you’re good to go.
There’s literally no reason to not take the plunge and try out a SIM-only subscription. 🤷🏻♀️
5. Dutch bureaucracy? We don’t even know her
SIM-only subscriptions are easy peasy lemon squeezy to set up and will save you from a lot of headache-inducing red tape.
No forms, papers, and hoops to jump through to get a Dutch number? Sign us right up! 🥳
Your transition to life in the Netherlands will be off to a running start, as you won’t be sitting around and waiting for a valid mobile connection to get your utilities, GP registration, and other fiddly bits sorted.
In addition to this, as you won’t be paying off a mobile phone during your subscription, you may even avoid a loan registration at the BKR (Credit Registration Office).
Done and dusted, these are just five reasons why SIM-only subscriptions seriously kick ass. 🙌 Now, get that phone sorted, call up your friends, and start sending those Tikkies!
Will you be checking out a SIM-only subscription? Tell us all about it in the comments below!