When you’re working away from home in a different country, mobile phone connectivity is essential. If you’re an expat from another EU country living in the Netherlands, you have a few options for keeping connectivity up, and mobile phone costs down. To help you make an informed choice, here’s a practical guide to Dutch SIM cards and mobile phones.
Two SIMs in one phone
The Netherlands is a world leader in telecommunications, so it’s no surprise that is has a strong 4G network. The other good news is that the Netherlands uses the GSM mobile network, so most international phones will work here, including those sold in countries like the US, Canada, and Japan that use CDMA.
Most modern smartphones have enough slots for two SIM cards. To avoid buying two phones, most expats simply buy a Dutch SIM card and insert it into their existing device. That makes it easy to switch from one provider to another, potentially avoiding any restrictions on using your existing SIM abroad. But that’s not the only benefit.
Why a Dutch SIM card is beneficial
The EU’s ‘Roam Like You’re At Home’ was renewed in 2022 – for another 10 years. It means that EU citizens get the same speed and quality of connection in the Netherlands as they do in their home country, at no additional cost. So why pay for a separate Dutch SIM card or phone?
If you’re living in the Netherlands for an extended period of time – from a few months to a few years – having a Dutch mobile phone number makes life easier. Why? Certain conveniences like food and furniture delivery require one. It’s also needed for things like Tikkie – the popular platform for sending money to friends and family.
More importantly, you’ll need a Dutch mobile phone number to do things like make hospital appointments and take out health insurance. It’s also a requirement for Internet banking.
In fact, if you’re living and working in the Netherlands, having a Dutch bank account can make it much faster and easier to get paid. That’s because sometimes it can take longer for money to be processed into a foreign bank account.
How to get a Dutch mobile phone contract
We recommend getting a Dutch SIM card to make everyday transactions that much easier. Some popular, affordable operators include:
If you’re living and working in the Netherlands for any length of time, you’ll need a BSN – burgerservicenummer – or social security number (formerly known as a Sofi).
This number is needed to access public services and do things like starting a new job, opening a bank account, and paying taxes. You need a BSN, and a Dutch address to open a bank account in the Netherlands, and you need a bank account to take out a mobile phone contract. With this information, opening a Dutch bank account is relatively easy, and can usually be done online.
Why work for InAxtion?
Here at InAxtion, we specialize in connecting engineering and technical talent from the EU with projects in the Netherlands. But we’re more than just an employment agency. We see ourselves as your home away from home.
For that reason, we not only find accommodation for you as a worker, but we also ensure it comes with a good Wi-Fi connection, so you can keep in touch with friends and family back home. On top of that, we also help you register for a BSN, making it possible for you to apply for a Dutch bank account and a Dutch SIM card or phone contract.
Discover your next technical role in the Netherlands through InAxtion. View our jobs
