The best eSIM for the Netherlands depends on three things: how long you stay, whether you also visit Belgium or Germany, and whether you need a phone number. For most short trips, a data-only Netherlands eSIM is enough. You buy it online, install it at home and it connects when you land. This guide helps you pick, and shows what to do if your home plan already covers you.
What is the best eSIM for the Netherlands?
There is no single best plan for everyone. Start with your trip:
- Only the Netherlands, 1 to 2 weeks: a Netherlands-only plan keeps it simple.
- Netherlands plus Belgium, Germany or other countries: a Europe plan covers the Netherlands and more, so you don't swap eSIMs at the border.
- You need calls and texts on a number: only the Bouygues Telecom plans come with a phone number, and it is a French +33 number, not a Dutch +31 one.
- You are an EU resident with a normal plan: your own plan may already work at home prices. More on that below.
Netherlands eSIM plans
If Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht is your whole trip, these plans are made for it. They are data only, so you use WhatsApp, FaceTime or iMessage for calls and messages. As a rough guide, 5 GB is enough for maps and messaging on a short stay. Pick 10 GB or more if you stream video often or stay longer.
Data-only plans for the Netherlands · 5 GB or 10 GB for 7 days, 20 GB for 15 days · See all Netherlands eSIMs
Our Netherlands page says these plans use the KPN and Vodafone networks. Top-ups are available if you run out, and the eSIM activates when you reach the Netherlands.
Best eSIM for Amsterdam
Amsterdam is in the Netherlands, so the plans above work there. You don't need a special "Amsterdam eSIM". Install the eSIM before you fly, and you can open maps and your tickets as soon as you land at Schiphol.
Trips that cross borders: Belgium, Germany and beyond
Many Dutch trips continue to Brussels, Antwerp, Cologne or Berlin. For that, a Europe eSIM is simpler than buying one per country. Our Europe plans cover 34 countries, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany among them. For country details, see our guides to the best eSIM for Belgium and the best eSIM for Germany.
Data-only plans for Europe · 10 GB for 7 days, 20 GB for 15 days, 50 GB for 30 days · See all Europe eSIMs · Comparing more options? Read our guide to the best eSIM for Europe
Need a phone number in the Netherlands?
Most travel eSIMs are data only, and no SimOptions plan gives you a Dutch number. If you need to make and receive normal calls and texts, Travel Basic+ from Bouygues Telecom comes with a French +33 number for calls and SMS, plus 20 GB of data for 15 days. It covers 46 countries including the Netherlands. More options are in our guide to Europe eSIMs with a phone number.
Does your home plan work in the Netherlands?
Maybe, and then you may not need an eSIM at all.
- EU and EEA plans: the Netherlands is in the EU, so "roam like at home" applies. Calls, texts and data are billed at your domestic rates, within your provider's fair use limits (Your Europe: Roaming costs).
- UK, US and other plans: your home carrier sets its own roaming prices. Check them before you go, or use a travel eSIM for data. See our guide to avoiding roaming charges.
An EU plan can still have a data cap abroad, so a travel eSIM is useful if your plan's roaming allowance is small.
Where you will want data
Amsterdam
Canals, museums and many bridges. Mobile data helps with maps, tickets and finding your way back to the hotel.
Keukenhof
This spring garden in Lisse is open for a few weeks a year. Keukenhof's 2027 season runs from 18 March to 9 May (Keukenhof).
Gouda
The Gouda cheese market is held on the Markt on Thursday mornings during the season, with a few days skipped. Dates change each year, so check before you go (Welcome to Gouda: cheese market).
How to set up your eSIM for the Netherlands
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM. See how to check eSIM compatibility.
- Install the eSIM on Wi-Fi at home. Scan the QR code from your email. On iPhone, follow Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone. Step by step: how to install an eSIM.
- Make it your data line when you land. On iPhone, choose it under Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data (Apple: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM). On a Pixel, see Google: Use dual SIMs on Pixel.
- Turn on data roaming for the travel eSIM and keep it off on your home line if your plan charges for roaming.
Not connecting? See our fixes for an eSIM that won't activate and the correct roaming settings. Curious about Dutch carriers? Read about eSIM providers in the Netherlands.
FAQs
What is the best eSIM for the Netherlands?
For a trip only to the Netherlands, a Netherlands data plan is the simplest. If you also visit Belgium, Germany or other countries, pick a Europe plan. If you need calls and texts on a number, Travel Basic+ comes with a French +33 number.
What is the best eSIM for Amsterdam?
Any Netherlands eSIM works in Amsterdam, because the city is covered like the rest of the country. Choose the data size by how long you stay and how much you use your phone.
Does a Netherlands eSIM work in Belgium or Germany?
No. A Netherlands-only plan covers the Netherlands. For Belgium, Germany and more, use a Europe plan, which lists all of them in its coverage.
Can I get a Dutch phone number with an eSIM?
Not from SimOptions. Most travel eSIMs are data only. Travel Basic+ and My European eSIM from Bouygues Telecom include a French +33 number for calls and texts.
Can I use my EU phone plan in the Netherlands?
Usually yes, at your home prices, because of EU "roam like at home" rules. Your provider may apply fair use limits, so check your plan.
When should I install the eSIM?
Before you leave, on Wi-Fi. It activates when you reach the Netherlands.
Do the plans have 5G?
Our Netherlands plans list 5G speed, and the Europe plans list 4G/LTE. Real speed depends on your phone and local coverage.
