Amsterdam
SIM providers, plans, and activation tips.
You'll find that getting a local SIM card is a crucial step in setting up your life in Amsterdam. Most newcomers opt for prepaid plans, with options like Simyo on the KPN network offering 20GB for 15/month, or Lebara with 10GB data plus unlimited international calls to 50 countries for 12/month. Watch out for the fact that your existing EU SIM works in the Netherlands if you're from another EU/EEA country, thanks to free EU roaming. If you're arriving at Schiphol Airport, you can easily purchase a KPN tourist SIM with 10GB data for around 20. To get started, head to the KPN counter in the arrivals hall at Schiphol Airport or visit a shop on Kinkerstraat to purchase a Lebara SIM. Today, you can take the first step by registering your address at the municipality to get your BSN, which will make it easier to purchase a Dutch SIM and set up your digital life.
Ranked by contributor trust level and quality score.
Oud-West · Experience date Apr 27, 2026
Got Lebara at a shop on Kinkerstraat for €15. 10GB data plus unlimited international calls to 50 countries for €12/month on Vodafone network. Great if you call family abroad a lot.
De Pijp · Experience date Jan 18, 2026
Using Simyo — 20GB for €15/month, no contract. KPN has the best indoor coverage in Amsterdam. Bought the SIM online, delivered in 2 days. Just needed a Dutch address.
Jordaan · Experience date Nov 14, 2025
KPN has a dedicated counter in the arrivals hall at Schiphol Airport. A 30-day tourist SIM with 10GB data costs around €15. Show your passport — no Dutch residency required. KPN has the best overall coverage in the Netherlands, including in underground areas, rural provinces, and along rail lines. Activation is instant. If you prefer to compare options first, KPN, Vodafone NL, and T-Mobile NL all have shops in the Schiphol Plaza shopping area connected to the arrivals terminal.
Noord · Experience date Dec 27, 2025
KPN, Vodafone NL, and T-Mobile NL all support eSIM as of 2024. Activate online or in-store. KPN eSIM: order via kpn.com with passport scan, activate on your phone — takes 15–30 minutes. T-Mobile NL eSIM: similar online process. Useful if your phone has dual SIM slots and you want to keep your home SIM active. Major MVNOs (Ben, Simyo): no eSIM yet — physical SIM only. For iPhone XS and newer, Samsung S20 and newer: eSIM is the cleanest option for a temporary Dutch number.
De Pijp · Experience date Dec 6, 2025
Dutch number portability (nummerbehoud) is straightforward. To port your +31 number: contact the new operator, provide your current number and account details. Processing: 1 business day. Free of charge. Useful if: you start with a tourist KPN SIM and later want to switch to a cheaper Simyo monthly plan without losing your Dutch number. The number stays with you regardless of operator. Important: port before cancelling your old SIM — cancelling first forfeits the number. Most porting requests submitted by 3pm are processed overnight.
Jordaan · Experience date Apr 15, 2026
A Dutch +31 number is required for: DigiD (Dutch digital identity for government services), Dutch bank accounts (ING, ABN AMRO, Rabobank all require +31 for SMS verification), many Dutch online services, and registering with your GP (huisarts). Receiving a Dutch phone number is therefore one of your first practical tasks. Tourist SIMs give you a +31 number — this works for most purposes. For longer stays: get a contract SIM or monthly prepaid with a stable number. Note your Dutch number down immediately — you'll use it as an identifier throughout your stay.
Zuidas · Experience date Dec 17, 2025
If you're from another EU/EEA country: your existing SIM includes free EU roaming in the Netherlands. Dutch data included in your home plan applies at no extra cost under EU roaming rules. This works fine for stays up to 4 months (after which operators can review fair use). Practical for: EU expats on assignment in Amsterdam who don't want the hassle of a Dutch SIM. Downside: you keep your home country number — some Dutch services, government portals, and banks require a Dutch (+31) number. For a stay over 1 month: consider getting a Dutch SIM for a +31 number.
Zuidas · Experience date Dec 16, 2025
5G is extensively deployed in Amsterdam as of 2024. T-Mobile NL has the widest 5G coverage including the city centre, Zuidas business district, Amsterdam Noord, and most inner neighbourhoods. KPN 5G: slightly less coverage, but strong in Zuidas and key commercial areas. Vodafone NL 5G: focused on central areas. For average expat use: 5G is a bonus — 4G speeds in Amsterdam are already excellent. 5G matters for: remote workers streaming 4K, heavy cloud syncing, or those who need very low latency for video calls. No need to specifically seek out 5G plans — just ensure your phone is 5G-capable and it activates automatically in coverage areas.
Oud-West · Experience date Mar 27, 2026
The Netherlands has three major networks. KPN: best rural and underground coverage, slightly more expensive. T-Mobile NL: best value data plans, good city coverage, slightly weaker in rural areas. Vodafone NL: strong in Amsterdam and major cities, competitive data pricing. For Amsterdam-based expats: all three are excellent in the city. For travel around the Netherlands: KPN leads. Ben, Lebara, and Simyo are budget MVNOs (virtual operators using KPN/T-Mobile networks) at 30–40% lower prices — good for cost-conscious expats on longer stays.
Jordaan · Experience date Mar 17, 2026
The correct sequence for setting up Dutch digital life: 1) Register your address at the municipality (gemeente) to get your BSN. 2) Buy a Dutch SIM and get your +31 number. 3) Apply for DigiD at digid.nl using your BSN and Dutch phone number. 4) Receive DigiD activation letter by post (7–10 days). 5) Activate DigiD and use your Dutch phone number as 2FA. Once DigiD is active: you can access all Dutch government services online. Many expats underestimate how central DigiD is — almost every Dutch official digital interaction requires it.