Looking for an eSIM in the Netherlands? The three Dutch mobile networks, KPN, Vodafone and Odido (formerly T-Mobile Netherlands), all offer eSIM on their subscriptions. None of the three offers eSIM on its own prepaid line, but Simyo, which runs on KPN's network, does. If you are just visiting, a travel eSIM is the simplest option: you buy it online, install it before you fly and it connects when you land. This guide shows what each eSIM provider in the Netherlands offers, the travel eSIM options and how to set one up.
Just visiting? These Netherlands eSIMs fit a trip of one to two weeks. You install them at home and use them for data the moment you arrive.
Data-only plans for the Netherlands · 5 GB or 10 GB for 7 days, 20 GB for 15 days · See all Netherlands eSIMs · Also visiting Belgium, Germany or France? A Europe eSIM covers the Netherlands and 33 more countries
eSIM providers in the Netherlands: the mobile networks
The Netherlands has three mobile network operators: KPN, Vodafone and Odido. Each one also has brands that use its network. Here is what they say about eSIM on their own websites, checked in October 2026.
KPN eSIM
Yes, KPN offers eSIM on all its mobile subscriptions, both Sim Only and with a phone, as long as your phone supports eSIM. Switching from a physical SIM to an eSIM is free, and you do it in the MijnKPN app. KPN says eSIM is not possible with prepaid (KPN: e-sim).
KPN eSIM on a smartwatch: KPN calls it Multisim, an extra eSIM on your subscription that links your smartwatch to your phone number (KPN: Multisim).
Simyo eSIM (KPN network)
Simyo is part of KPN and uses KPN's 5G network. It is the one big brand in this list that offers eSIM on prepaid as well as Sim Only. Simyo says you pay nothing extra for eSIM, and existing customers can swap a plastic SIM for an eSIM for free. You activate it in the Mijn Simyo app under Instellingen, then Simkaart. Simyo doesn't support eSIM on the Apple Watch yet (Simyo: eSIM).
Vodafone eSIM
Vodafone in the Netherlands is part of VodafoneZiggo. All Vodafone subscriptions support eSIM, except prepaid. The cost is the same as for a normal SIM card, and in most cases it's free. You can choose eSIM when you order, or switch an existing SIM in the Vodafone & Ziggo app under Product, then Toestel & Sim. The app switch takes a few minutes. If you request a voucher instead, it comes by post and can take a few days (Vodafone: eSIM).
hollandsnieuwe is a Vodafone brand. Switching to an eSIM there is free, and you set it up in the hollandsnieuwe app (hollandsnieuwe: eSIM).
Odido eSIM (formerly T-Mobile Netherlands)
Odido is the new name of T-Mobile Netherlands (Odido: T-Mobile Nederland wordt Odido). Odido offers eSIM on Sim Only plans and on plans with a phone, and the eSIM is free. You order it when you sign up or later in the Odido app under Instellingen, then Sim, toestel en smartwatch. You can't order an eSIM with Odido Prepaid. Need two eSIMs on one number? Odido says you can do that with Multisim (Odido: eSIM).
Odido SimWallet: Odido also sells data-only prepaid eSIMs through its SimWallet app. You don't need to be an Odido customer, and there are bundles for the Netherlands and for travel abroad. Calls and SMS are not included (Odido: SimWallet).
Ben and Simpel (Odido network)
Ben runs on Odido's network. New and existing customers can get an eSIM: you pick it when you order or renew, and existing customers request it in Ik Ben and scan the QR code sent by email (Ben: eSIM).
Simpel also uses Odido's 5G network. You choose eSIM when you order or renew a Sim Only plan, and existing customers order it in Mijn Simpel. You can keep your number when you switch. Simpel's eSIM isn't available for smartwatches with Multisim (Simpel: eSIM).
Youfone (KPN network)
Youfone uses KPN's network and offers eSIM on all its Sim Only plans. The eSIM is free with a new eSIM subscription, but switching an existing SIM or eSIM to a new eSIM has a fee. You install it in the MyYoufone app. Youfone doesn't support eSIM on smartwatches yet (Youfone: eSIM).
Prepaid eSIM in the Netherlands
This is where it gets tricky. KPN, Vodafone and Odido all say their own prepaid lines don't come with eSIM. Your prepaid eSIM options are:
- Simyo Prepaid: a prepaid eSIM with a Dutch number, on KPN's network. You order it from Simyo's website, so check its order and payment steps before you count on it as a visitor.
- Odido SimWallet: data-only prepaid eSIMs in an app, no Odido account needed.
- A travel eSIM: a data plan you buy online before your trip and install at home. More on that below.
Travel eSIMs for the Netherlands
A travel eSIM is the easiest choice for a short trip. You don't need a Dutch account, an app from a Dutch carrier or a Dutch bank. At SimOptions, every plan on the Netherlands eSIM page lists the Netherlands in its coverage. You can pick:
- Netherlands-only plans: data for the Netherlands, with top-ups available. Our Netherlands page says these plans use the KPN and Vodafone networks.
- Europe plans: data for the Netherlands and 33 other countries, handy if your trip also takes you to Belgium, Germany or France.
- Bouygues Telecom plans: 46 countries including the Netherlands. Travel Basic+ and My European eSIM come with a French +33 number for calls and texts.
Most travel eSIMs are data-only, so you won't get a Dutch +31 number. You call and message through WhatsApp, FaceTime or other apps, and your home line can stay on your phone for texts and security codes. Comparing providers? See our list of the best eSIMs for the Netherlands.
Want an eSIM with a phone number? No travel eSIM at SimOptions gives you a Dutch number. Travel Basic+ from Bouygues Telecom has a French +33 number with calls and texts, plus 20 GB of data for 15 days in 46 countries, the Netherlands included. More options are in our guide to Europe eSIMs with a phone number.
Does your home SIM work in the Netherlands?
- EU and EEA SIM cards: the Netherlands is in the EU, so "roam like at home" applies. Your calls, texts and data cost the same as at home, within your plan's fair use limits (Your Europe: Roaming costs).
- UK SIM cards: the UK government says surcharge-free roaming in EU and EEA countries is no longer guaranteed, so check your provider's charges for the Netherlands (GOV.UK: Using your mobile in EU and EEA countries).
- US, Canadian, Australian and other SIM cards: your home carrier sets its own roaming prices in the Netherlands.
If your plan charges for roaming, a travel eSIM for data plus your home line for texts is often the simpler setup. Living in the Netherlands and travelling outside the EU? Find an eSIM for your destination.
How to set up a travel eSIM for the Netherlands
Before you fly
- Check your phone. It must support eSIM and be unlocked. Dial *#06#: if you see an EID, your phone supports eSIM. More in our guide to checking eSIM compatibility.
- Install the eSIM on Wi-Fi at home. Scan the QR code from your email. On iPhone, you can also tap and hold the QR code and choose Add eSIM (Apple: Set up eSIM on iPhone). Step by step: how to install an eSIM.
- Label the line "Netherlands" or "Travel" so you can tell it apart from your home line.
When you land
- Turn on the travel eSIM line if it is off.
- Make it your data line. On iPhone, go to Settings > Cellular > Cellular Data and choose the travel eSIM (Apple: Using Dual SIM with an eSIM). On a Pixel, use Settings > Network & internet > SIMs (Google: Use dual SIMs on Pixel).
- Turn on data roaming for the travel eSIM. On iPhone, it's under Settings > Cellular, then the travel line, then Cellular Data Options (Apple: Use cellular data on iPhone).
- Keep data roaming off on your home line if your plan charges for roaming in the Netherlands.
Not connecting? See the correct roaming settings for an eSIM or our fixes for an eSIM that won't activate.
Travelling on after the Netherlands? See the eSIM providers in neighbouring Belgium and Germany.
FAQs
Which eSIM providers are there in the Netherlands?
The three mobile networks KPN, Vodafone and Odido all offer eSIM, and so do brands on their networks such as Simyo, Youfone, hollandsnieuwe, Ben and Simpel. For a visit, a travel eSIM that covers the Netherlands is the easiest way to get data without a Dutch account.
Does KPN offer eSIM?
Yes, on all KPN mobile subscriptions, Sim Only and with a phone. Switching to eSIM is free in the MijnKPN app. KPN doesn't offer eSIM on prepaid.
Can I get a prepaid eSIM in the Netherlands?
Not from KPN, Vodafone or Odido's own prepaid lines. Simyo Prepaid comes as an eSIM on KPN's network, Odido's SimWallet app sells data-only eSIMs, and travel eSIMs are prepaid by design.
What does "KPN NL" mean on my phone?
It is the name of the mobile network your phone is connected to: KPN, in the Netherlands (NL). You may see it with a Dutch SIM on KPN's network, or with a travel eSIM that uses KPN. It's normal, and it doesn't mean you switched provider.
Is Odido the same as T-Mobile in the Netherlands?
Yes. T-Mobile Netherlands is now called Odido. Ben and Simpel use the Odido network.
Can I tell the provider from a Dutch 06 number?
Not reliably. Dutch mobile numbers start with 06, and you can usually keep your number when you switch provider, so the prefix doesn't show who the provider is today. The ACM, the Dutch regulator, keeps a public register of which company each number block was assigned to (ACM: Telefoonnummers zoeken).
Can I get a Dutch eSIM with a phone number?
A Dutch +31 number comes with a plan from a Dutch provider, such as a Simyo Prepaid eSIM or a subscription. Travel eSIMs are mostly data-only. At SimOptions, the Bouygues Telecom plans come with a French +33 number for calls and texts.
Does EU roaming work in the Netherlands?
Yes. The Netherlands is in the EU, so an EU or EEA SIM uses roam like at home there. UK and other non-EU SIMs depend on your provider's roaming charges.
When should I install my travel eSIM?
Before you fly, on Wi-Fi. When you land in the Netherlands, make the eSIM your data line and turn on data roaming for it.
