Dutch eSIMs have vastly simplified the process of getting connected — and if you haven’t considered making the switch yet, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Getting a Dutch SIM card used to mean waiting three business days for a tiny piece of plastic to arrive in the post, then attempting to decipher activation instructions written entirely in Dutch. eSIMs have quietly made that process feel unnecessary.

But are they actually better than physical SIM cards? And are they right for you? Let’s get into it.

What is an eSIM (and how is it different from a regular SIM card)?

A traditional SIM card is a small, plastic chip that you physically insert into your device.

Instead of inserting a SIM card, you simply download your eSIM and activate it in your mobile’s settings.

There’s no need to take your phone apart, making it easier to switch between mobile carriers, update your mobile plan, or switch between phone numbers on the same device.

As the underlying technology is identical, you can still call, text, and surf the web as you normally would.

However, they do have one big catch: eSIMs aren’t compatible with all devices.

If your device is an older model, it may lack the ability to use an eSIM. Similarly, if you bought your current mobile through a Dutch phone subscription, your device may be carrier-locked. This means that you’ll be unable to switch providers until your SIM lock is disabled.

Always check your device compatibility before purchasing an eSIM plan.

How to purchase and activate an eSIM in the Netherlands

While the process can vary by provider, it’s generally consistent across Dutch carriers and international eSIM platforms.

Your first step is purchasing an eSIM, either through a provider’s website or app. Instead of waiting for a physical card to arrive in the post, you’ll typically receive a QR code by email.

Once you have your QR code, your activation process might differ slightly, depending on your device’s OS:

• iPhone: Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM.
• Android: Go to Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add More.

Simply scan the code, and your phone will “handshake” with the network. Within a minute, you’ll see the signal bars appear at the top of your screen.

Can you keep your existing Dutch number?

If you’re worried about losing that Dutch number you’ve spent ages memorising, you needn’t be.

Provided you’re switching to another provider in the Netherlands, number porting works exactly the same for eSIMs as it does for physical cards.

When you order your eSIM, you simply indicate that you want to keep your current number. Your new provider will coordinate with your old one, and on the switch-over day, your eSIM will automatically take over the old number.

The pros of opting for an eSIM in the Netherlands

Are you still on the fence about eSIMs in general? Here are some benefits that might just sway you.

You can get connected in a matter of minutes

If you’re a tourist or a new international, an eSIM offers you a quick and simple connection — often as soon as your plane touches down at Schiphol.

There’s no hunting for a SIM kiosk at the airport, and no potential for losing your original SIM card while swapping it out; you’re just connected.

There’s nothing to lose, damage, or accidentally snap

This is a biggie, given that physical SIM cards get lost, broken, and — ask any long-term expat — quietly deactivated by providers when they haven’t been used in a while.

With a Dutch eSIM plan, you can keep your original SIM in your device, as there’s no reason to swap out SIM cards.

You can keep your original number active

For internationals juggling their home mobile number and a Dutch one, an eSIM can be a genuine game-changer.

Both lines run simultaneously — meaning your family can still reach you on your old number while your Dutch landlord, GP, and DigiD account all have access to your local one.

Everything is managed digitally

If you need to purchase an eSIM, top up your mobile data, or switch plans, you can handle things via your provider’s app.

You needn’t visit a brick-and-mortar mobile store or provide your BSN to get connected, making the entire process far less exhausting for new internationals.

The downsides of opting for an eSIM in the Netherlands

Of course, no piece of technology is perfect, and this maxim extends to eSIMs, too. Here are a few drawbacks worth considering if you’re planning to purchase an eSIM plan.

Not every mobile supports eSIMs

If your device is an older model, it’s likely to be incompatible with most eSIMs on the Dutch market. And, sadly, there’s no workaround.

Even some newer budget models from less mainstream brands skip eSIM support entirely, so always remember to check your device’s eSIM compatibility before purchasing a plan.

Not all eSIM plans include a Dutch phone number

Some eSIM providers (especially international travel-focused platforms) offer data-only eSIM plans with no local number attached.

While that’s perfectly fine for tourists, it’s a real headache for anyone settling down in the Netherlands long-term.

Many services, including GP offices and DigiD, will require a Dutch mobile number for registration or SMS verification.

You’ll need Wi-Fi to activate your plan

Setting up an eSIM requires an active internet connection at the point of installation.

If you’ve just landed and want to activate your eSIM, you’ll need to find public Wi-Fi first. While this might seem like less of a hassle at the airport, not all public Wi-Fi is secure or stable.

eSIM vs physical SIM in the Netherlands: which is better for you?

The honest answer is that it depends almost entirely on your situation.

If you’ve just landed in the Netherlands, are managing two mobile numbers, or simply want the least stressful setup experience possible, an eSIM is probably the better choice.

The ability to get connected before you’ve got a BSN and bypass the hassle of hunting down a mobile store makes a real difference when you’ve already got a mountain of Dutch admin ahead of you.

eSIMs are also especially handy for tourists and other short-term visitors.

Since you can activate your eSIM online, you don’t have to waste time looking for a SIM kiosk at Schiphol Airport — which, frankly, isn’t how anyone wants to spend their first hour in Amsterdam.

However, there are also a handful of scenarios where opting for a physical SIM makes sense.

They work on virtually any mobile device, including older models that predate eSIM support entirely. If your phone is from before 2018 or 2019, a physical SIM is likely your only option.

Physical SIMs are also easier to move between devices if you regularly swap phones, and some budget Dutch providers still don’t offer eSIM alternatives.

For most internationals with a relatively recent smartphone, though, the eSIM wins on sheer convenience.

It’s faster to set up, easier to manage, and one less physical thing to lose in the chaos of moving to a new country — and, if you’ve ever experienced moving to the Netherlands, you’ll know that’s already chaotic enough.

Have you made the switch to an eSIM in the Netherlands, or are you holding onto your physical SIM? Tell us in the comments!