But the Dutch are not used to biking uphill, making them totally unprepared for any terrain that’s not smooth, flat, and horizontal.
When people say biking in the Netherlands is popular only because it’s mostly flat, they forget about these infamous “Dutch hills.” https://t.co/8pSzlZwIYm
You can expect the Dutchies to graciously float around the flat Dutch countryside, but they’ll be clumsily panting their way over each of the thousands of bridges in this watery land.
Why do they do it?
How exactly do the masters of cycling get stumped by a minor bump in the road?
Well, obviously, the extreme lack of hills in the Netherlands plays a role.
And by hills, we mean literally any inclination whatsoever. Dutchies find comfort in their pancake-like landscape, using it to their advantage in most aspects of life.
Also, let’s talk about the amount of cheese Dutchies consume. Some might say it’s calcium-fuelled pedal power, but maybe it’s just weighing — um, slowing — Dutch bikers down.
Why is it quirky?
Biking in most other countries is just a healthy hobby. In the Netherlands, it’s a way of life that you can’t avoid.
People of all shapes and sizes have no choice but to bike, which means they also have to struggle over bridges, simply because the Netherlands is designed that way.
Come rain or shine, Dutchies’ main mode of transport is their bike: it’s part of their casual, easygoing lifestyle.
What struck me the most when I moved here is how easy life feels. Everyone speaks English, everything is designed to be efficient and productive, and everything is either a bike ride or a train ride away.
Should you join in?
You might find yourself struggling on the Dutch bridges, and don’t worry, you’re not the only one.
The Netherlands officially has two languages, but in practice, it sometimes seems as if you hear many more. In addition to Dutch and Frisian, there are countless dialects and accents. For such a small country, the diversity is remarkable. If you listen carefully, you can often tell where someone is from.
However, dialects and accents are more than just differences in pronunciation or vocabulary: they reflect a region’s history, culture, and sometimes even its character.
For example, a gentle Limburg accent may be associated with the region’s laidback and less stressy attitude.
Meanwhile, a Rotterdam accent may be associated with directness, and an Amsterdam accent with confidence and a bit of joi de vivre.
Of course, these are generalisations — not everyone fits into a stereotype — but they do show how closely language and identity are connected.
For internationals learning Dutch, this variation in accents and dialects can be, in certain places, bewildering. This is completely normal and only temporary. Much like riding a bike, you’ll find that your Dutch will quickly pick up the specific motions of a certain dialect.
And don’t worry, most of the time you just hear a light accent giving away where someone is from.
Whether you’re in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven, or even Wassenaar, Taalthuis offers Dutch language courses in multiple locations across the country and online. Find a course that fits your schedule and location.
The various Dutch accents
Let’s begin with a breakdown of the various accents you may encounter while living here and learning Dutch.
Standard Dutch: the version you learned
So, what have you been learning in class? This is most likely: Algemeen Nederlands (AN), or Standard Dutch. However, many Dutchies will still refer to the old-timey Algemeen Beschaafd Nederlands.
This is the neutral, official version of Dutch you hear on the national news, in government communications, and on language exams. It is spoken in the broader area around Haarlem, known as Kennemerland.
It’s polite, clear, and carefully pronounced. However, not all Dutch people speak Standard Dutch. You often hear a light accent, sometimes strong.
Geen paniek, let’s explain what accents are from what region, and you will understand the Dutch better!
Don’t worry if you encounter a Dutch accent that sounds a bit different from what you’ve learned, you will adjust to it quite quickly. Image: Freepik
Brabants and the famous soft G
Here’s the accent many internationals encounter first, especially if they live in Eindhoven or the surrounding area. Brabants is known for its zachte G: the soft G.
Instead of the throat-clearing rasp of Standard Dutch, the Brabants G sounds gentler, closer to an English H. It’s warmer, friendlier, and much easier on the ears if you’re not used to Dutch pronunciation.
Thanks to the large expat community in Brabant, this is often the Dutch that internationals hear outside the Randstad.
That being said, the soft G sounds of Brabant also tends to survive a move to the Randstad. And honestly, it’s not a bad introduction.
Amsterdam Dutch: fast and expressive
However, if you move straight to Amsterdam, your introduction to the Dutch language will be slightly different.
The Amsterdam accent is fast, nasaly, expressive, and unapologetically confident (much like the people who speak it, some would say).
With this accent, sounds get dropped, vowels get stretched, and everything comes out at about 1.5x speed.
But don’t panic. This is actually the accent you hear in Dutch films and TV shows when they want to inject some of those big city capital vibes, meaning you will have plenty of exposure to it.
And what does exposure lead to? Comfort and understanding.
Amsterdammers are known for being direct and opinionated, and their accent reflects that. It’s loud, clear, and impossible to ignore.
There are also quite a few specific words used in Amsterdams, many of them derived from Jiddisch (such as Mokum!). Often, Amsterdammers will drop an “ouwe” or “gebbetje” in their sentences.
Want to get a feel for the accent and practice your Dutch at the same time? Check out the below video.
Rotterdam Dutch: a direct accent
Speaking of direct accents, Rotterdam’s accent matches the city’s reputation: direct, blunt, and practical. The pronunciation is clipped and efficient. There’s no fluff, no softening, and definitely no apologies.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need when learning a language.
You know what you also need? A bit of fun. The Rotterdam accent certainly makes way for this, with its rolling r’s and interesting vocabulary.
What do we mean by “interesting vocabulary”? Well, there’s quite a bit of cursing in there as well. But you know that they say: you can’t speak a language until you can successfully curse in it.
The Hague Dutch and its stretched vowels
The Hague has its own recognisable accent, characterised by stretched vowels and a distinctive rhythm.
That being said, it’s nothing too confusing for your delicate new-to-Dutch ears. I found that I only started to pick up on people’s specific The Hague accent after a few years of learning Dutch.
There’s also a difference between the accent of Hagenaars (the posh folks at the Binnenhof) and the famous Hagenees (the mullet folks).
Again, there can be a bit of cursing present, especially in Hagenees, where people have been using “kankah” in their sentences like it’s “gezellig.”
Dunglish and foreign accents
Here’s the most important thing to know: having an accent when you speak Dutch is completely normal. Nearly every international who learns the language will have one, and that’s absolutely fine.
Dutch people are generally patient and appreciative when you make the effort to speak their language. Accents are rarely judged harshly. What matters is that you try.
This truth cuts both ways. Dutchies also often have an accent when they speak English. I’m talking about the renowned Dunglish — English spoken with Dutch pronunciation patterns and weird translations thrown in.
It’s not hard to find amusing examples of Dunglish, and you’ve got to love the confidence of the Dutch in just throwing it out there.
Let’s turn to the unofficial king of Dunglish (and confidence, for that matter).
Then there are the dialects
Accents are one thing. Dialects are another.
In the north and east of the Netherlands, you’ll encounter speech that sounds flatter, more direct, and sometimes quite different to Standard Dutch. Twents, spoken in Twente, and Gronings, from Groningen, are prime examples.
Further south and west, you’ll find dialects like Zeeuws (from Zeeland) and Drents (from Drenthe). Each region has its own flavour, shaped by geography, history, and local pride.
These dialects have their own vocabulary, grammar, and rhythm. If you’ve only learned Standard Dutch, don’t be surprised if you struggle a bit more than usual at first.
However, once you’re fully immersed in the dialects, you’ll be surprised by how quickly you start to become comfortable with them.
With new schools opening up in Eindhoven and Wassenaar, Taalthuis now offers Dutch language courses in no less than 10 locations (as well as online, of course). No matter the region (or accent), with Taalthuis, you can learn Dutch in a way that fits your life and location.
Limburgs: soft, melodic, and confusing
Is it an accent or a dialect? Linguists lean towards calling Limburgs a dialect group rather than just an accent.
Limburgs has a musical rhythm, with soft, rolling sounds that make it sound almost like a gentler version of Dutch. For people who expect Dutch to be harsh and guttural, Limburgs often comes as a pleasant surprise.
Another way to spot the dialect? All their sentences tend to go up at the end, as if someone is asking a question.
A special mention for Frisian
Frisian isn’t a dialect — it’s an entirely separate language. It’s officially recognised alongside Dutch and spoken in, you’ve guessed it, Friesland.
If you think Dutch sounds interesting, wait until you hear Frisian. It’s closer to English than to Dutch in some ways, but feels a bit like a fever dream if you haven’t studied it.
Frisians are fiercely proud of their language, and rightly so. It’s a unique part of the Netherlands’ linguistic landscape.
Dutch variation is part of life here. Accents and dialects are an important part of Dutch identity and culture, and while they can sometimes pose a challenge to Dutch learners, mastering them demonstrates just how far you can go in your Dutch learning journey.
What matters is effort, patience, and the willingness to laugh at yourself when you inevitably mishear something.
Which Dutch accent or dialect have you encountered? Let us know in the comments.
A seemingly ordinary Thursday evening drive took an unexpected turn when Breda local Robbie Thijssenwitnessed shots being fired from one car to another.
Thijssen was driving along the A59 between Nieuwkuijk and Drunen when a black Kia suddenly cut him off at high speed.
Feeling a bit miffed, he told Omroep Brabant that he “turned on [his] high beams and chased after it.”
From high-speed chase to shootout
However, this little bit of road rage was soon to be dramatically overshadowed, as a large black car came tearing down the emergency lane.
In response, the Kia started weaving between cars before finally hitting a guardrail and coming to a stop just before the highway overpass.
Meanwhile, the black speedster “stayed on the road, and someone shot a pistol into the Kia,” Thijssen recounted. Shortly after the shots were fired, this car fled the scene and hasn’t been seen since.
Instead of driving away from the chaos, Thijssen parked his car in front of the damaged Kia.
But before he could check on the three men in the Kia, yet another car entered the picture: a white Golf.
This attempt at intimidation ended in fisticuffs
“A man got out and opened the trunk [of the crashed Kia] to look for something,” Thijssen told Omroep Brabant. “I think it was a bag of drugs or money.”
When the suspect from the white Golf told Thijssen to clear off, claiming he had nothing to do with it, the witness wasn’t having any of it.
“I said, ‘F**k off,’ and punched him in the face,” Thijssen recalled, still buzzing with adrenaline. His reasoning? “If they’d run over a family with children…” Well, fair enough.
A police investigation is still ongoing
The A59 was closed for hours while police investigated the scene, complete with a helicopter circling overhead in the Waalwijk area.
A large-scale forensic investigation has also been launched, though police can’t yet comment on whether this was a criminal dispute.
Both cars — Thijssen’s and the damaged Kia — have been impounded as evidence.
According to RTL Nieuws, the Kia’s three occupants have since been arrested by police for their involvement in the shooting. The actual shooter and the occupants of the white Golf, however, remain at large.
Dear old KLM has finally caught up with the times! The Dutch airline will now offer free Wi-Fi on all flights within Europe, starting today.
What used to be a rare treat will soon be commonplace. KLM has decided that charging for in-flight Wi-Fi in this day and age is no longer justifiable.
As of this week, most KLM passengers flying within Europe can use the internet on board for free, reports (aptly named) AeroNews.
Now, your in-flight entertainment can include YouTube videos, sending emails, and more!
Pioneers in gratis Wi-Fi?
KLM, however, is not the first airline to offer complimentary Wi-Fi. According to AD, Airlines such as Emirates and Qatar Airways have graciously provided free connectivity for some time.
European carriers like Lufthansa, Finnair, and Icelandair also offer this luxury on longer flights.
What makes KLM’s decision different, though, is its focus on short-haul European flights.
In these shorter trips, seatback entertainment screens are often missing; it seems free WiFi is a cheap way for the airline to provide an alternative.
Hey, we’re not complaining: now you can stream whatever you want!
Nothing like some Dutch fun facts to spice up the journey!
Payment is in the past
Previously, KLM passengers could access the internet during their flight, but it cost a whopping €18.
From Thursday onwards, that fee has been scrapped, although passengers still need to register to access the service.
So, they do still want your data, but what else is new?
What to expect
The rollout will occur in stages. Currently, about half of KLM’s European fleet can offer free Wi-Fi, while the other half requires technical updates before it can offer this treat to all.
The airline plans to expand the service over the coming years to all A321neo and Embraer E2 aircraft, as well as some Boeing 737-800 planes, according to their press release.
So if you get on a plane tomorrow, there’s a chance you might still be Wi-Fi-less. Sorry guys!
Ultimately, KLM is rocketing into a new era of commercial aviation with this move, where Wi-Fi is a necessity, not a luxury.
Dank je, KLM!
What do you think of the new gratis Wi-Fi? Let us know in the comments!
Many people face challenges when it comes to finding their dream job in the Netherlands.
It’s no secret that the job market is becoming increasingly competitive, but getting a job in the Netherlands doesn’t have to be difficult if you know where to look — or rather, who to look with.
That’s because if there’s anyone who knows about finding jobs for internationals in the Netherlands, it’s Undutchables.
This international recruitment agency has years of experience pairing expats with the Dutch job of their dreams — and you could be next!
Ready to find your next job in the Netherlands? Here’s how.
Why Undutchables?
As the top recruitment agency for internationals and multilingual professionals in the Netherlands, Undutchables knows more than a thing or two about helping internationals find the perfect job.
They aim to connect eager professionals with reputable businesses based on their industry and needs and help build a good rapport with both candidates and companies in the Netherlands.
Look for job opportunities that match your personal situation and preferences. Image: Freepik
Do you want to have a hybrid job or flexible working hours? Undutchables can match you with the right company.
TIP: Are you looking for a job in the Netherlands in a language other than Dutch? At Undutchables, you can filter job vacancies by language, so you can look for positions in English, French, German, and more! See their vacancies and find the right one for you.
All of their recruiters are internationally oriented and trained to give professional advice to job searchers in any field.
Rest assured, you’ll be working with experienced recruiters who know what it’s like to be an international looking for a job in the Netherlands.
How does it work?
Ready to start your job search with Undutchables? Here’s how their recruitment process works:
1. Register with Undutchables as a candidate in their database
Equipped with your CV and professional profile, Undutchables’ recruiters can match you to the most relevant and fitting vacancies.
Keep your CV up to date with all the important information. Image: Freepik
If you find an opening that seems suitable, you can also apply to vacancies on the Undutchables website yourself.
Of course, your data and CV are fully confidential, so your personal data will only be shared with companies with your permission.
2. Contact an Undutchables recruiter about a potential vacancy
Undutchables is always updating the website with new openings, and you can even sign up to get a job alert every time they post new vacancies.
If you find a job in the Netherlands that matches your interests, skills, and language preferences, you can apply for it through their website.
Applying to jobs in the Netherlands always takes time. Image: Depositphotos
Then, the recruitment consultant responsible for the vacancy can contact you to discuss the position in more detail. Appeltje eitje, toch? (Easy peasy, right?)
An Undutchables recruiter can also contact you to apply for a vacancy that suits your profile, whichever comes first.
3. Go for a screening with Undutchables
When you’ve applied for your dream job, or Undutchables has found you a matching vacancy, you’ll be invited to a screening with their recruiters.
Geen stress (no stress), though — the preliminary interview will give recruiters an idea of your experiences, career ambitions, and overall suitability for the role.
Make a good first impression with the recruiters at Undutchables. Image: Freepik
You’ll also have a chance to ask any questions you may have about the vacancy and about finding work in the Netherlands in general.
After your screening with Undutchables, the recruiter will prepare your professional profile and CV and introduce you to the company.
Undutchables has built up quite the reputation for being a trusted recruitment agency for internationals in the Netherlands. Companies trust their recommendations, so you certainly won’t mind the extra advantage. 🤗
5. Have an interview with the company
If company recruiters or HR like what they see, they’ll invite you for their own interview.
Undutchables is still part of the process, providing you with all the necessary information, as well as some insider advice to make sure you ace that interview.
From that point, companies will continue with their hiring process, which may consist of more interviews or some kind of skill assessment, depending on the job and company.
6. Get the Dutch job of your dreams!
After a few successful rounds of interviews and assessments, you’ll be hired by the company: Gefeliciteerd! (Congratulations!).
The type of contract you’ll get will depend on the company and job requirements, but the recruiters at Undutchables will keep you informed and help with contract and salary negotiations at your new company.
“Gefeliciteerd” on your new job! Image: Depositphotos
After all, you won’t want to get caught up with a company that doesn’t have a good sick leave policy.
Now it’s time to work hard and play hard. 😎
Job-hunting can be a tedious task, and it can be especially daunting if you’re looking for a job in another country.
It’s certainly nice knowing there’s someone knowledgeable and experienced in your corner who knows what it’s like to look for a job and work in the Netherlands.
With Undutchables, you’ll be able to navigate the Dutch job market like a pro and progress in your career quickly.
Have you worked with a recruitment agency in the past? Tell us about your experiences in the comments!
In the last year, there’s been headline after headline detailing NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s continued flattery of POTUS Donald Trump.
NATO’s Dutch leader has found a way to communicate with Trump: praise, bordering on slijmen (sucking up) as we say in Dutch.
There seems to be strategy in the sweet talk: just yesterday, Rutte managed to rein in Trump’s threats of military action in Greenland, hailing him as the ultimate “Trump whisperer,” reports ABC News.
But how long can this go on?
Rutte and Trump pre-NATO
Their chummy relationship certainly isn’t a new phenomenon — Rutte and his pal go way back, all the way to 2016, when Trump was first elected to the White House.
At the time, when Rutte was still Prime Minister of the Netherlands, their interactions were driven by a need for cooperation between the two nations.
While Trump has never been one for the status quo in international trade relations, a joint statement from both leaders at their first official meeting in 2018 described an “unbroken, peaceful relationship.”
Furthermore, they agreed in 2018 that “the NATO Alliance remains the cornerstone of their common security,” a very different tune to the one being sung by Trump today.
Rutte was even, on occasion, able to say no to Trump:
As his responsibilities were vastly different between his time as the Netherlands PM and his current role as NATO Secretary General, though, it’s not surprising that their relationship has changed.
Alas, no one expected it to change into a festival of excessive flattery…
Appointment to NATO: A big responsibility
When Rutte was initially appointed as NATO Secretary General in 2024, it was celebrated by many here in the Netherlands.
Vandaag start Mark Rutte als secretaris-generaal van de NAVO. Wij wensen hem veel succes. 💪 https://t.co/0uRidcHae4
A former Dutch PM in such a prominent position of power is bound to stir up at least some pride, after all. It seems, however, that he was in part chosen for his ability to please NATO’s well-resourced prima donna (the US).
As reported by NOS at the time, he was “the preferred candidate of the US, the most important NATO partner.”
While it wasn’t a given then (June 2024) that Trump would win the presidential election, it’s clear that appeasing the US is part of the job description.
Since he’s returned to the US presidency, Trump has (no pun intended) waged his own war against NATO.
At the 2025 summit, he made it abundantly clear that US membership in the alliance is by no means a guarantee, demanding increased defence spending from other member nations.
More recently, his insistence on a US takeover of Greenland has deeply undermined NATO’s collective defence tenet.
Clearly, the things once considered constants in the organisation are now up for debate.
So, no one is saying Rutte has an easy job; managing Trump’s rollercoaster of changes in international defence policy is certainly difficult and unwanted.
However, Rutte’s reliance on flattery to appease Trump has struck a sour note among European leaders and citizens
President Emmanuel Macron of France, for instance, said on Tuesday that the French “prefer respect” over “bullies,” reports Reuters.
Mixed reactions to Rutte’s strategy
Some have championed Rutte’s “negotiating skills”.
As written by journalist Jan Driessen in an opinion piece for De Trouw, Rutte’s “pandering isn’t a weakness, but a means to an end,” and that we should not “mistake his soft communication for weakness.”
Indeed, it’s possible Rutte’s sweetness toward Trump is just about running out the clock with as little damage as possible: appeasing Trump while he’s in office and keeping NATO intact could be a way to minimise his impact overall.
But this is a risky approach, as several European leaders have acknowledged.
Former NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen, for instance, wrote earlier this week in a piece for The Economist that “enough is enough,” and that European NATO members must “play Trump’s game of strength,” in order to beat him at his own game.
Online commentators have also weighed in:
For non-Dutch people who don't know Rutte's modus operandi:
His greatest quality is praising people and making them feel special about themselves without in reality solving the underlying problem, that's how he stayed on as PM for 14 years
The most recent meeting between Trump and Rutte in Switzerland resulted in the announcement of a “framework” for a deal on US involvement in Greenland, the BBC reports.
But while a military takeover has seemingly been ruled out by Trump, his continued insistence on “owning” the island pushes at a boundary that Europe is unwilling to cross: sovereignty.
Even after the framework announcement, Rutte surprisingly said that the issue of Danish sovereignty didn’t come up in their discussion.
While Rutte may be keeping the peace (if you can call it that), the cost could be steep.
Believe it or not, the Danish Greenlanders haven’t taken kindly to the possibility of their country’s home-governance being traded like candy.
Thousands gathered in Nuuk for what organizers call the largest protest in Greenland’s history. Chants echoed through the city: Greenland belongs to Greenlanders.
Whether it’s the absurdly long words that you’ll never be able to pronounce no matter how many times you practice in the mirror, or you still chuckle when someone exclaims “helaas pindakaas…”
Michelle Buteau expresses it all perfectly in her Netflix special, “Welcome to Buteaupia.” As she expresses, she married a Dutchman and has found herself on the steep learning curve that we expats are all too familiar with.
From Jewish slurs being normal words to having dedicated verbs for “hitting your dick on something,” Buteau talks about the struggles of loving a Dutchie and learning their language.
We hope this clip gives you a giggle. It certainly brought a smile to our faces. 😂
Are there any other Dutch words that you find side-splittingly funny? Let us know in the comments!
Following talks with NATO chief Mark Rutte, Donald Trump has withdrawn additional tariffs on the Netherlands and all EU countries in support of Greenland.
Rutte’s cosy texts to Trump seem to have paid off, as Trump ruled out military action on Greenland, and the two “friends” have agreed on a framework for the security of Greenland and the Arctic region.
Details of the future deal remain elusive, but it definitely takes the edge off this most recent geopolitical conflict.
Extra tariffs dropped
Trump announced Wednesday evening on Truth Social that the tariffs he planned to impose on NATO countries backing Denmark in the Greenland dispute are officially off the table.
This announcement follows the American president’s discussion with Mark Rutte at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Rutte later confirmed the account to CNN, saying simply: “It’s exactly right.”
What is this “framework” anyway?
So far, no one really knows.
Trump refused to share details about the deal but told reporters in Davos that it would take care of “security and minerals and everything else.”
NATO and EU correspondent Kysia Hekster tells NOS that Trump may have been rattled by resistance within his own party, a lot of hate from the EU, and a slumping stock market.
What is clear, she notes, is that Rutte would not have spoken to Trump without coordinating with Denmark first.
Denmark is unmoved
Although Rutte noted that the issue of Greenland’s sovereignty “didn’t come up” during discussions, Denmark remains committed to supporting its cause.
Denmark has refused to play along with Trump’s provocations that Greenland must be protected from Russia and China.
Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen reiterated that Copenhagen will not negotiate any transfer of sovereignty. Full stop.
Yet, Trump’s elimination of military action caused a thaw in the dispute that quickly revitalised stock markets.
As it turns out, investors were more interested in stability than debates over sovereignty.
The hero of Davos?
International media are hailing Mark Rutte as the “hero of Davos” after the NATO chief convinced Donald Trump to back down on his territorial demands for Greenland.
German tabloid Bild called it a “diplomatic masterstroke,” while French newspaper Le Monde credited Rutte’s longstanding rapport with Trump (including the infamous “daddy” moment) for securing a military base compromise instead.
Not everyone’s convinced, though. The Guardian points out that Danes and Greenlanders weren’t actually involved in the deal, and Rutte himself admits there’s “still much work to do.”
Are we all relieved and entertained? Is Rutte the man of the hour? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
With an unlimited data SIM card in the Netherlands, you can surf, scroll, and stream without worrying about running out of data. Perfect for translating all those long, confusing Dutch words!
But here’s the catch: “unlimited data” often involves some sneaky fine print. Between complex fair use policies, additional fees, and more, choosing the right Dutch data plan can feel unnecessarily complicated.
We’ve been there, so maak je geen zorgen (don’t worry), because we can help you through the process of choosing your ideal unlimited data plan.
This post might have affiliate links that help us write the articles you love, at no extra cost to you. Read our statement.
What is an unlimited data plan?
An unlimited data plan is a SIM plan that (theoretically) lets you use as much internet data as you’d like, with no fixed monthly caps.
These are ideal for heavy data-users, as, unlike regular SIM packages of 10GB or 40GB per month, an unlimited data plan allows you to keep browsing or streaming without worrying about your data running out.
Why do these unlimited data plans seem to have limits?
While many Dutch providers love to advertise their “unlimited” data plans, their data is often capped at a certain amount of GBs per day.
This is your daily data allowance, which helps providers keep their networks running smoothly, even during peak hours for data usage. Though you’ll still have internet if you exceed this data limit, it may be annoyingly slow as your provider throttles your connection.
Thankfully, most providers let you manually request more (free) data, either via SMS or their mobile app.
The best unlimited data providers in the Netherlands
When it comes to unlimited data providers, the Netherlands has more choices than flavours of hagelslag at an Albert Heijn.
To make things a little easier for you to decide, here are the best unlimited data providers in the Netherlands!👇
With four unlimited data packages to choose from, KPN also offers you hefty data limits between 40 to 100 GB per month within the EU.
Even better? Though KPN is generally on the pricey side, its expansive and ultra-reliable 5G network ensures that you’re never left without a connection when you need one.
Combining sheer affordability with unlimited data and excellent 5G coverage, Budget Mobiel is a stellar option for data-hungry users who are watching their wallets.
Although this plan only hits upload speeds of 5Mbps, it offers you a monthly terminable option, ensuring that you’re never stuck paying for data you won’t use.
The best choice for avid internet users, Vodafone’s Red Unlimited plan gives you a generous 10 GB per day to binge all your favourite shows — with the option to activate free bundles of 2 GB if you’re ever running out.
Maar, let op: with no monthly terminable option, this plan is generally for the long-stays.
Thanks to speeds of up to 1 Gbit/s and comprehensive 4G and 5G coverage, Odido’s five unlimited data plans are ideal for those who want ultra-fast and reliable internet.
Though Odido only offers 1- to 2-year plans, you’ve got full freedom to adjust your plan monthly or opt for extra features. (Hmm, that HBO Max subscription sounds rather fun! 😉)
To calculate the amount of data that may reasonably fall under “fair use”, data providers look at the average consumption of mobile data per person per day in the Netherlands.
2. You may have a daily data allowance
If you’re a heavy data user like me, you’ll likely need to extend your data plan by requesting manual upgrades of 1GB, 2GB, or higher.
This is because most unlimited data plans offer you a daily data allowance, which will cap your usage at a certain number of GBs per day.
The description might say “unlimited”, but there’s (almost) always a catch. Image: Freepik
If you’ve used up your daily data package, you’ll either need to request additional data or rely on public Wi-Fi until your data allowance resets the following day.
Travelling out of the Netherlands with a Dutch unlimited data plan
While unlimited data is a major asset when you’re waiting for an NS train that looks like it may never arrive, there are certain things to consider if you’ll be travelling with your Dutch data plan.
Can I use my unlimited data outside of the Netherlands?
The answer to this largely depends on where in the world you’re travelling.
If you’ve got a romantic weekend planned in Italy or another EU member state, then you will very likely be able to use your data plan.
This is because all EU countries are covered under the European “roam like at home” policy, which ensures that your calls, text messages, and data use are charged domestic rates.
But, before you celebrate, it’s worth noting that your carrier may still opt to impose a roaming allowance on your mobile data. Also known as a data cap, the exact amount in GBs will likely depend on your provider, so be sure to read your data plan’s terms and conditions.
If you’re travelling out of the EU, however, things can get a little complicated…
Will my unlimited data work outside of the EU?
If you’ve decided on a thrilling vacation outside of the EU and have your bags packed for Iceland, Norway, or Liechtenstein, the good news is that you won’t be charged hefty roaming fees.
The pros: your vacay will probably be a blast. The cons: you won’t have access to all of your data. Image: Freepik
This is because these countries are in the EEA (European Economic Area) and can also enjoy the same “roam like at home” privileges that EU member states do.
The downside is that they’re also subject to the same roaming allowances as EU countries, so you’ll have a cap on the amount of GBs you can use.
However, if you’re travelling out of the EU and EEA, you very likely won’t be able to use your unlimited data package.
Let op! If you exceed the EU data limits, your internet speed may be throttled. This means that while you’ll still be connected to the web, your loading time will take a hit.
Having read the whats, whys, and hows of unlimited data in the Netherlands, we hope you feel you can now make the best choice for you and your phone. 🙌
Will you be checking out an unlimited data plan? Tell us all about it in the comments below!
Are unlimited data plans in the Netherlands expensive?
Unlimited data plans in the Netherlands are not particularly cheap, averaging at around €21-€37 per month.
Can I share my unlimited data?
This depends on the mobile data provider. Some Dutch phone providers, like KPN, will allow you to share up to 75GB per month via the app, whilst others actively dissuade consumers from sharing data.
Does mobile data work well in the Netherlands?
Given that the Netherlands ranks 13th in the list of countries with the fastest average mobile internet speeds, you’ll likely find Dutch data fast enough for your needs.
My mobile data doesn’t work in the Netherlands, why is this?
There are many possible reasons why your mobile data plan isn’t working in the Netherlands.
Either your mobile data provider does not allow roaming in the Netherlands, you haven’t topped up your mobile subscription, or there is an issue with your subscription.
We suggest contacting your service provider.
Do I need a Dutch phone to get an unlimited data plan in the Netherlands?
No, you needn’t have a Dutch phone. As long as you have a Dutch SIM card, you’ll be able to use an unlimited data plan in the Netherlands.
A majority in the House of Representatives fear an American company taking over the one thing that holds Dutch society together: DigiD.
Digital identity is the engine of Dutch bureaucracy. A working DigiD is required to access health insurance, pension funds, housing, tax returns, and other services.
Give all the sensitive data of 18.4 million people and all their entanglements to the United States of America, and we could have a crisis on our hands.
Why DigiD may be in trouble
At the heart of this crisis is Solvinity, the Amsterdam-based company that stores all of DigiD’s data.
Authorities began panicking after an American IT company called Kyndryl announced its plans to acquire Solvinity back in November.
Members of Parliament are holding a technical briefing today, reports NOS, to discuss the risks of this American tech giant acquiring Solvinity.
While Members of Parliament cannot tell a company what to do, GroenLinks-PvdA believe that Minister Rijkaart, who is responsible for national digital security, should “put his foot down.”
The People’s Party for Freedom (VVD) worries that the US government could access the DigiD data and leverage it to blackmail people.
Translation: The great vanishing trick. #DigiD #USAowns #vulnerable
Possible solutions, according to MP Barbara Kathmann, include persuading Solvinity to rethink the deal, switching providers, or acquiring a so-called golden share to give the Dutch state veto power.
The panic is justified
When the Israeli PM was arrested in The Hague, Donald Trump imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court, after which the chief prosecutor lost access to his Microsoft email address.
Following this precedent (and president), experts believe that service disruption would be the most alarming risk of Solvinity’s takeover.
Because US companies must comply with American sanctions, a future political conflict could arise where “Trump can shut down our digital government with one push of a button,” says GroenLinks-PvdA MP Kathmann.
A digital wake-up call
Think of Microsoft, Google, Apple, Cloudflare, Salesforce… American tech companies have insidiously become the centre of all our digital footprints.
Parliament wants an accelerated debate on digital security by March and is pushing to phase out US cloud services across government agencies in the coming years.
Incoming Prime Minister Rob Jetten has already announced plans for a cabinet member who is explicitly responsible for digital security. Whether that role materialises remains to be seen.
For now, MPs agree on one thing: Dutch digital sovereignty should not be something that depends on decisions made in Washington.
