Traveling to The Netherlands is a life-changing exploration that everyone should experience once. One of the worst things that can happen while traveling is for your phone not to work, which will leave you without a GPS map, without all-digital tickets and itineraries, and without Google! Use this guide to make sure you know everything about Netherland providers and how your network will work while abroad.

Will your phone work in The Netherlands? Yes, your phone will work with proper planning and coordination. You have options including reconnecting to your at-home carrier for additional fees or connecting to a Netherland’s pre-paid SIM Card to work temporarily during your travels.

This guide will break down the confusing steps you need to take and give you a comprehensive look at all of your options, so you don’t come home with a sky-rocketed cellular bill! You can choose a Dutch provider that is temporary, or just alter your at-home network to roam the globe with you. Save this guide as your all-in-one stop for everything cellular and Netherlander!

Will Your Phone Work in the Netherlands?

Yes, your phone absolutely will work while you are abroad, but only with proper planning on your part. If you don’t properly prepare, you will arrive overseas to a phone that wants to roam (or doesn’t work), and you will come home to an incredibly high cellphone bill.

This is what we are seeking to avoid.

Most people actually leave behind their at-home carrier because it is so affordable and straightforward to switch to the Netherland providers. The perks of using a Netherland SIM card or temporarily switching to their network while you are visiting are:

• Your at-home provider is not able to charge you gauged rates.
• You’re on a local provider, which is always more affordable.
• Your signal will be more optimized, clearer phone calls, fewer delays, faster text messages.
• You don’t have to rely on ‘Free Wi-Fi’ as you go around town, which can be unsecure and dangerous to your phone’s security as many hackers can access your phone on an open network. On a local SIM Card – you are secured on a private data network.
• The pre-paid mobile from the Netherlands will be a fantastic option for you and often recommended by those that frequently travel for the above reasons.

What you need to be aware of is that you will have a new phone number is you decide to use the 30-50-euro pre-paid models. The number will be a Netherland local number with a country code of +31.

How the Pre-Paid SIM Card Works

A SIM Card (Subscriber Identity Module) is a small chip that can be found in the back close to the battery in smartphones and modems. It is essentially a driver’s license for your cell phone.

The subscription linked in this little chip is what detects your distinctive presence on the worldwide network. It’s your identifier and personal subscription holder, so if you remove the one in your phone that works in America, you will need to hold on to that American chip while in the Netherlands so you can restore it once you’ve arrived back home to America.

Without that same card, you will lose your personal photos and data, possibly requiring a replacement, which could mean a new phone number stateside.

Once you arrive and put in the Dutch Pre-Paid SIM card, you will be connected to the Dutch networks and able to connect to the internet connection, receive calls, send messages, and all the other glorious things that a phone is capable of!

The process of using your SIM Card to the fullest will be about finding one with the correct amount of data and connectivity that you require. The main factors which will potentially influence your choice may include:

• Size – SIM’s come in three sizes so you will need to determine what size your phone is –
  • Standard (AKA Mini-SIM) 25mm in length
  • Micro SIM (AKA 3FF) 15mm in length
  • Nano SIM (AKA 4ff) 12.30mm in length
• Price – Many local and international SIM cards are very affordable since only for temporary use. I would recommend you purchase the unlimited for a usually very affordable rate that will lead to greater savings and overall value.
• Data – the level of connectivity you will need based on things like how many calls you make, how many videos on YouTube you stream, how many games you play, etc. Decide based on business or pleasure how much data you will require. Keep in mind you are on vacation and maybe taking tons of pictures or needing maps to get around. Select unlimited-data just to be safe as it is usually a savings in the long-term.

When you purchase the SIM card, have the salesperson unlock it for you, so the device doesn’t give you any trouble. If you don’t realize this until you’ve left the store, there are always helplines and mobile operators that can assist you with this remotely.

The Best American Carriers for The Netherlands

If you want to preserve your at-home provider’s network and not go through the hassle of a Dutch-phone-store excursion, that is perfectly fine.

You may not have quite as good of a signal as you would with a Dutch provider while in the Netherlands, but you will get to keep the same phone number you would carry at home.

Some of the best providers in America that are known to work well in the Netherlands are:

• T-Mobile (Only about $70 per month of International Unlimited Data)
• Metro by T-Mobile (Only $50 per month of International Unlimited Data)
• Sprint Unlimited w/ International ($60 per month for International Unlimited Data)

While overseas, ask your provider (even if your provider is not one of the best-for-Netherlands listed here) and ask them for the best option for you while traveling internationally.

Your provider will also take down a list of every destination/city/country you are visiting so the phone will operate while abroad, so you’ll need to alert your provider regardless of using their system or a Dutch SIM card.

Best Options in Your American Network

When you are planning to travel overseas, you will need to choose between a pay-as-you-go package, or a bolt-on package.

Some major providers, the plan types with their mobile rates per minute while traveling internationally to the Netherlands are:

These are the current prices if you want to Pay-as-you-go, or you can set up an unlimited plan with your provider before you leave (such as the $70 T-Mobile option above that will cover you for the entire month, unlimited data).

If you still have questions, call your local company to ask for specific guidance on your account. The support teams are customer-service based and want to help you.  Besides, a quick call will be necessary to unlock your phone and also for peace of mind, so give your American provider a ring before departing for your big voyage!

Using a Netherland Provider & Pre-Paid SIM Card

Now, a favorite amongst travelers that can be even more affordable and high-functioning that holding onto your at-home network – is to select a Dutch network while residing in the Netherlands.

Using an overseas provider can simplify the entire process.   Everything is staying local and this is simply easier.

How it works is as follows:

1. Before you leave, be sure your cell phone is unlocked so that a temporary SIM card can be installed once you arrive. You are switching to a prepaid card, and your phone will have to be unlocked beforehand for this.
2. Once you arrive, you can choose between many providers, which you can find in storefronts, train stations, airports, and popular shopping areas where you see cellular kiosks.
3. Have them switch over the prepaid card and unlock the phone for you.
4. Always obtain your new Netherland phone number before checking out. You need this number to pass on to your friends and family so they can reach you. Your old American number will no longer be functional once the prepaid card is activated.
5. Hold on to your original American SIM card for the entirety of your travels. If you lose that card, you may lose pictures, contacts, and important data that is connected to your at-home SIM card, so find a safe spot for it during your travels.

Again – Your phone will need to be unlocked beforehand and mesh with a GSM network (which is what everyone else uses except for the U.S.). Ask your American provider if your phone is compatible or will operate under a GSM network. If not, the answer is simple, and you will pay for the American network instead of the Dutch Sim Card.

The Best Netherland Providers

Some of the best providers for temporary service while in the Netherlands are:

• T-Mobile
• Lebara (quite cheap)
• Simyo
• Ben
• Youfone
• KPN (a bit more pricey and very Dutch/less English representatives)
• Vodafone (some of the best service in Europe)
• Expat Mobile (Less than 1-euro per day)

Some of the best packages you can choose from and explore online are:

• Prijsvergelijken
• Gsmwijzer
• Mobiel

A great store to stop at if you don’t feel comfortable with a kiosk is MediaMarkt. This is a technological store similar to Best Buy in America. It will be found at Amsterdam Centraal train station or other popular commute centers.

At MediaMarkt, there are cellular phones that will work with any SIM card, and everyone will speak English here. You can also go directly to the Vodafone stores or any other Dutch provider you see listed in this section. Look for their brand name to ensure you are dealing with a reputable distributor.

You will always need your passport to obtain a new SIM card, so always carry your passport when seeking to do this or you will be denied.

The Reasons Behind Both

There is no wrong or right selection, only what seems easiest and most affordable to your situation.

Speak with your provider to see if your phone is even capable of unlocking itself to these foreign carriers because if your phone is incapable of this – your answer is easy! Keep your at-home network and buy an inexpensive, throw away phone in the Netherlands.

Alternative Ideas

A few other ideas you can utilize to stay connected to the digital world while overseas are:

• Rent a cell-phone! You probably didn’t know you could do this, but it is quite possible and very popular. Cellhire is a well-known rent-a-phone brand that you can order from before your travels. You will simply select the phone, fill out a registration, and they will ship the phone before you depart for your trip to Europe.
• You can utilize the cheap phone distributors at train stations and airports. You will always see kiosks of these similar phone-rentals to Cellhire while you are in the Netherlands. This way you don’t have to wait for anything to be delivered and you can simply pick it up on your way by (once you’ve already arrived!)
• Use the hotel’s phone or a friend’s phone once you arrive.
• Use free communication apps such as:
  • Skype
  • WhatsApp
  • Viber
  • Kik Messenger
  • WeChat
  • Tango

WhatsApp is the popular free-communication application in America, but any of these others are free as well and will work the same. It is literally free texting, and we all should be utilizing the brilliance of these applications!

Important Dutch Numbers to Be Aware Of

When in The Netherlands, you will have two major formats to follow.

• In a large city – the number will begin with a 3-digit code for the area code and then the subsequent phone number which is 7-digits
• In a smaller village – the area code will be 4 digits followed by the phone number, which is 6-digits

Some area codes for popular cities near you are:

• Amsterdam – 020
• Rotterdam – 010
• Leiden – 071
• Information Locally – 0900/8008
• Information Internationally – 0900/8418
• Operator – 0800/0410

If a number begins with 0800 – this means that it is toll-free, and you won’t be charged an arm and a leg to use it, regardless of local or roaming networks.

Calling People in America

However, if you are seeking to call an American 1-800 number, this will be quite expensive.

Be careful with numbers that start with 0900 because they are known to charge a higher per-minute rate that can quickly add up.

If calling someone in America, use the following steps:

1. Dial 00 for calling internationally
2. Dial 1 for America’s Country code
3. Dial the rest of your phone number

For example, you would dial (00-1-832-528-3910)

A few popular country codes to be aware of when dialing include:

• America and Canada – 1
• United Kingdom – 44
• Ireland 353
• Australia – 61

Final Tips

If at all possible, try to lay low and remain off of your cell phone during your travels overseas. You will enjoy your time significantly more through being present, with the side effect of having a reasonable phone bill upon your return.

If you are uncertain how your provider works, don’t attempt guessing work. Call your provider directly and talk to a customer service representative about what your options are in the Netherlands with your carrier. They will advise you on how to avoid roaming fees and best use their network.

Worst comes to worst, about 93% of Netherlanders speak English, and would be happy to help you if you ask calmly and mildly. The Dutch are not emotionally-charged, loud, or sugar-coating people. If you approach them confidently and with an even-temperament, they are very kind and helpful.

When in doubt, ask your provider or the Dutch electronics store representatives to help you. Some work to unlock your phone will need to be done before you depart to the Netherlands, so be sure things are taken care of before you arrive, or it will be more difficult.

I hope this guide has been useful and offered you tons of methods for staying connected to the modern world! Be sure to get lost in the maze of canals, explore the museums and breathtaking history, and avoid being on your phone too much!