Mobile Phones in the Netherlands

New to the Netherlands? You will definitely want to contact your family. It is good to know that the Netherlands is one of the countries with the best mobile services in the world. Telecommunications operators use the GSM mobile network instead of the classic CDMA. This means that the phones connect more easily to the Dutch network.

When it comes to networking, the vast majority of the Netherlands has 4G or 4G + connectivity: from the northern islands to the hills of the southern provinces. The only exception are some rural areas - especially in the north and east of the country - where there is only a 3G connection.

Can I use my phone as soon as I arrive in the Netherlands?

EU roaming charges were abolished in 2017. This means that EU citizens arriving in the Netherlands can use their phone at the same rates they would have at home; including the use of mobile data. However, it is recommended that you find out from your operator's website what the costs really are for calling from abroad.

If you are moving to the Netherlands for an indefinite period, or you will be staying for a longer period of time (3-6 months), it is recommended that you purchase a pre-paid card or a mobile subscription from one of the Dutch operators.

Mobile operators in the Netherlands:

As in all countries, there are a multitude of mobile operators in the Netherlands. This makes the prices as good as possible and includes many services.

The best known and largest mobile operator in the Netherlands is KPN. It has 4G coverage over about 99% of the country and extends to 5G networks.

Vodafone is the second largest telecommunications service company in the Netherlands.

Other operators are:

• T-Mobile
• Tele2
• Expat Mobile
• Youfone
• Simple
• Lebara

In order to check which operator offers the services that suit you best, you can use the sites below to make the desired comparisons.

• Mobiel.nl
• Gsmwijzer.nl
• UnitedConsumers

Subscription versus PrePay card

Buying a mobile subscription can be cheaper than a prepaid card. You can easily get an offer with unlimited calls and messages and mobile data at a great price. The monthly cost will depend on usage and contract, but you will have to pay an activation fee. This is either a one-time fee, paid at the beginning, or it will be divided over the duration of the subscription and will be added to the monthly payment. The invoice can be debited directly from your Dutch bank account, and all you have to do is present a SEPA warrant. You can also purchase additional minutes or data if you consume monthly ones.

The conclusion of a mobile subscription contract can be done online or in an operator's store. And to open a subscription you need:

• A document proving your identity
• Address from the Netherlands
• Dutch bank account for payment

Prepaid SIM cards give you more freedom, but they are more expensive than a subscription. However, if you only use it to receive calls, prepaid SIMs are the best and most convenient option.

If you want to work in the Netherlands, here are the benefits you will get if you choose DB Work:

• Are you ready for your new career in the Netherlands? If you are interested in a job in the Netherlands, send your updated CV to job@dbwork.com.
• Here we present you the benefits that you get with a DB Work contract:
• Local transport provided with a DB Work service car
• Accommodation with everything you need to live comfortably
• Work equipment
• Medical health insurance included
• Support throughout the contract period to obtain various documents or to solve work related problems
• International transport by coach or plane, provided by DB Work
• Access to guides with comprehensive information about living in the Netherlands
• Access to the Plan4Flex app where you receive real-time information about your work.

Have you ever thought about building your career in the maritime, industrial, logistics, or construction fields in the Netherlands? If the answer is yes, we are here to make your dream a reality! The DB Work team is waiting for you to send your CV to the email address job@dbwork.com. Make sure you don't miss any opportunities and explore our daily list of available job positions. 

As for the benefits of a DB Work intermediary contract in the Netherlands, all this information is available in our comprehensive article.