In June 2024, the Netherlands ranked ninth in the world for mobile internet speeds and 18th for fixed broadband speeds. Needless to say, you won't be displeased with the Internet services in this country. In this article, we'll discuss how to get a phone and connection to the Internet in the Netherlands.
How to get a phone in the Netherlands
If you already have a phone and just need a SIM card, you won't need to go to a telecommunications provider. Instead, you can buy a SIM card cheaply at any outlet or grocery store.
Otherwise, you'll probably need to go to a physical store to purchase a phone. While you can certainly purchase online, it may be hard to navigate through all the Dutch; in stores, the majority of employees speak fluent English, so you'll get better help in person.
Just like in most other countries, you can choose from two types of phone plans: prepaid and contract (abonnementen). To purchase a phone and contract, you'll need to bring your government-issued ID (driver's license won't count), an official bank statement, and your bank details and/or card. Otherwise, if you're just buying a SIM, you won't need to bring all that.
Getting connected to the Internet in the Netherlands
You can sign up for the Internet by either visiting a physical store or going online, just like with getting a mobile phone plan. You can also call the provider to sign up.
In the Netherlands, you can get cable, ADSL/VDSL, and fiber optics. The types available to you will depend on where you live. In 2024, telco provider KPN had a huge campaign to install fiber cables throughout the Netherlands. Even if you weren't their customer, this service was provided for free, in hopes that you'd switch to them.
Once you've chosen your provider and plan for the Internet, the company will send you your router and television box if you've got a plan that includes it. It should be easy enough to install on your own.
However, if you need any help, you can always call the provider, and they'll send a technician to your home to assist you. Do note that they may charge you for this service.
The different service providers in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, there are several mobile telephone providers from which you can choose. They are:
For the Internet, the providers include:
Communication prices in the Netherlands
It costs around €40 per month to get Internet speeds of 100 Mb/s. For phone plans, it depends on whether you're on a prepaid or contract plan. Then, it also depends on what you're subscribed to. For instance, there will be a price difference if you're on a data-only plan instead of a calling-only one.
In general, most providers offer discounts if you get their packages, which include a landline, internet, mobile phone plan, and TV subscription.
Choosing your service provider in the Netherlands
The right package for someone won't necessarily be the right one for someone else. The key to choosing the right service provider is to shop around and compare the prices. Websites like Prijs Vergelijken Mobile, Mobiel, and InternetVergelijk can help you do so.
In general, the major names for phone providers are Vodafone, T-Mobile, Lebara, and KPN. For the internet, they are Ziggo, T-Mobile, and KPN.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
