Phone with a plan
Paying for a new phone in instalments? How to compare fairly and avoid surprises.
How does a plan with a phone work?
You choose a device and a bundle. You pay for the phone in instalments spread over the contract term (usually 2 years). Your monthly price is the plan plus the phone instalment.
Watch the BKR registration
If the amount you pay off for the phone is €250 or more, it is registered as a loan with the Dutch credit bureau BKR. This can count later, for example when you apply for a mortgage. With SIM only there is no BKR registration.
Work out the total cost
Don't just compare the monthly price. Add everything up over the full term:
- monthly price × number of months;
- plus any one-off payment for the phone;
- plus connection fees.
Compare that with buying the phone separately plus a SIM only plan. Buying separately is often cheaper — but not always.
What do you need?
- A valid ID document and a BSN (for the credit check).
- A Dutch bank account and a fixed address.
- You must be 18 or older.
Providers with phones
Simyo
SIM only and prepaid on the KPN network. You can take out a plan without a BSN, and the website and service are available in English.
Lebara
Popular with internationals: prepaid and SIM only, with a focus on affordable calls abroad. Prepaid SIMs are sold in many shops.
KPN
One of the three network owners. Shops across the country, also bundles with home internet.
Vodafone
One of the three network owners. Plans with and without a phone, shops across the country.
Odido
One of the three network owners (formerly T-Mobile and Tele2). Mobile and home internet.
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