Prepaid SIM cards
No contract and no checks: pay in advance and start calling. Ideal for your first weeks in the Netherlands.
What is prepaid?
With prepaid you pay in advance. You buy a SIM card with credit or a bundle, and top up when it runs out. There is no contract, no monthly bill and no credit check.
Who is prepaid for?
- You have just arrived in the Netherlands and don't have a BSN or Dutch bank account yet.
- You are only staying a short time, for example as a student, seasonal worker or visitor.
- You want full control over your costs, for example for a child.
- You call and browse very little.
Where to buy a prepaid SIM
Prepaid SIMs from KPN, Lebara, Lycamobile, Simyo and others are sold online, in phone shops, at supermarkets and at Schiphol Airport. You don't need a BSN or a Dutch bank account.
Topping up
You top up through the provider's app or website, with a top-up card from a shop, or automatically. Note: credit may expire after a while if you don't top up. Check your provider's terms.
Prepaid or SIM only?
| Prepaid | SIM only | |
|---|---|---|
| Contract | No | Yes (monthly, 1 or 2 years) |
| BSN needed | No | Usually |
| Price per GB | Usually higher | Usually lower |
| Best for | Short stays, first weeks | Longer stays |
Many newcomers start with prepaid and switch to SIM only once their BSN and bank account are sorted. You can often keep your number.
Providers with prepaid
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.
Lycamobile
International provider with a large prepaid base, plus SIM only. Strong on bundles for calling abroad.
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