The unlimited data eSIMs doe not mention anything about an Fair Use Policy (FUP), neither if it is truly unlimited high speed data. These eSIMs from Sim Local are from Lycamobile and unfortunately Lycamobile always has some hidden limitations and restrictions and therefore it is in general not Traveltomtom’s first pick.

Airalo

Airalo is a very reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used Airalo uncountable times in more than 50 countries around the world. I can totally recommend using Airalo for ordering an eSIM.

Airalo is one of the eSIM market leaders, but has not innovated much over the last years and prices have not changed either. But Airalo is rock solid and Traveltomtom has never faced an issue using Airalo eSIMs.

Here are the Airalo eSIM plans for Netherlands for 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $9 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $11.5 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $29 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $45 USD

Click here to order an Airalo eSIM for Netherlands.

Get an extra discount of $3 USD on your first Airalo eSIM with the code: TOMTOM3.

The Airalo plans are called Hé Hé and operates on the KPN 4G/LTE network in Netherlands. 5G is not supported.

Data-only means that incoming or outgoing calls/sms are not supported and the eSIMs from Airalo do not come with a phone number.

An Airalo eSIM has to be installed within 1 month and after activation the credit validity starts when it connects the first time to a supported network. For more info check out the Airalo website.

Saily

Saily is a no-frills eSIM provider. Nothing special apart from that they are a product of NordVPN. They are a fairly new service and the Traveltomtom Team tested Saily extensively before adding to this Netherlands eSIM comparison.

Here are the Saily eSIM plans for Netherlands in 2025:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $3.99 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $7.99 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $9.99 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $17.99 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $26.99 USD

Click here to order a Saily eSIM for Netherlands.

Saily doesn’t provide much info about their eSIM plans. It is unclear if the Saily eSIMs are 5G ready and neither on which network they operate in the Netherlands.

The Saily eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls or sms are not supported. Saily is very similar to Airalo but then a dollar or so cheaper.

Nomad

Nomad is another trusted eSIM provider that offers eSIM plans for Netherlands. The Nomad eSIMs for Netherlands are rather expensive compared to other eSIM providers.

Here are the Nomad eSIM plans for Netherlands:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $4.5 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD
• 50 GB data for 30 days = $45 USD

Click here to order an eSIM for Netherlands from Nomad.

All the Nomad eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls and sms are NOT supported. The Nomad Netherlands eSIMs operate on the 4G/5G network of Vodafone and KPN.

The Nomad Netherlands eSIMs have to be installed on your phone within 60 days and after installation its validity starts when it connects for the first time to a supported network in Netherlands. Basically when the plane lands. For more info check the Nomad website.

Holafly

Personally Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data that do not explicitly define what is the exact Fair Use Policy.

In fact, unlimited data eSIMs are not really unlimited, they all reduce your data speed and you only get a certain amount of high speed data per day.

Holafly is an eSIM operator that only has eSIMs with unlimited data but does NOT mention what the FUP is. They only say the following:

• Speed reduction: if necessary. Some carriers may reserve the right to apply a Fair Usage Policy.

These are the Holafly eSIM plans for Netherlands:

• 1 day ‘unlimited’ data = $6.90 USD
• 3 days ‘unlimited’ data = $12.90 USD
• 5 days ‘unlimited’ data = $20.90 USD
• 7 days ‘unlimited’ data = $29.90 USD
• 10 days ‘unlimited’ data = $36.90 USD
• 14 days ‘unlimited’ data = $47.90 USD
• 20 days ‘unlimited’ data = $61.90 USD
• 30 days ‘unlimited’ data = $74.90 USD

The Holafly eSIMs for Netherlands are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls/sms are NOT supported. These eSIMs do not come with a phone number. The Holafly eSIMs operate on the 4G/5G network of KPN.

You can use a hotspot on the Holafly Netherlands eSIMs, but it is capped at 500 MB per day.

Because of the undefined FUP Traveltomtom is not a fan of Holafly eSIMs but Holafly eSIMs for Netherlands are also much more expensive than other eSIM providers.

What is the cheapest eSIM for Netherlands?

No other eSIM provider can beat the Jetpac eSIM plan with 1 GB data for just $1 USD. There are more eSIM plans with 1 GB data. Saily charges $3.99 USD, SimOptions, Airalo and Nomad $4.5 USD.

But then there is Jetpac again with an eSIMs with 3 GB data for just $5 USD.

Why ordering an eSIM for traveling in Netherlands

eSIMs are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Netherlands in 2025 and you can arrange everything online in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop and swapping physical sim cards. Order online, scan the QR code, follow the steps and you are connected in less than 2 minutes.

The most important reason to get an eSIM is because we would like to stay connected on our trip to Netherlands without wasting money on high roaming costs. Our smartphones are pretty useless without a working data connection. Think about ordering a taxi through an app, finding nearby friends, restaurants and bars. Get directions from Google Maps or simply staying in touch with family back home, check your social media apps on long bus rides or your banking apps when paying contactless.

One of the best things about arriving in Netherlands with an activated eSIM is that you are online as soon as the plane lands. More about when to instal your eSIM later.

There are so many reasons to stay connected when traveling to Netherlands, but the most important reason is that it makes your trip to Netherlands so much more convenient and fun!

At the same time we don’t want to waste money on high roaming charges. Many mobile internet operators still charge $3 USD per MB for data roaming, that means just opening the Instagram app will already cost you 20 MB * $3 USD = $60 USD! Not kidding… it still is very common in 2025.

eSIMs are the easiest way to avoid high roaming charges!

Helping other travelers to save money while traveling the world is one of the reasons I started this travel blog. Providing essential travel tips is what made me start writing sim card guides from every country I visited and now on Traveltomtom you can already find more than 200 sim card guides from all over the world: Peru, Nepal, Bali, South Africa, Namibia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Dubai, Asia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Europe, United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain, international eSIMs and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for the latest prepaid sim card and eSIM advice for your holiday destination.

Overseas data roaming plans

So what about overseas data roaming plans? Well, not recommended! Why? Did you read the small letters at what data speed you can use data roaming? Pretty much all mobile internet operators limit the data speed for overseas data roaming plans, which means you end up with 3G data speed. Do you have the patience to handle 3G? It is frustrating when all around you at pretty much every amazing tourist destinations in Netherlands there is 4G/LTE available.

And price-wise it should be a no brainer since you have seen how cheap the eSIMs for Netherlands are.

Uncountable times travel friends have asked me: “Tom, can I use your hotspot? My data roaming plan is so slow, it is barely working!”. Trust me, get yourself an eSIM or an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Netherlands. Spend a couple dollars extra and be connected all the time instead of begging for WiFi or a hotspot from friends.

Where to buy an eSIM for Netherlands?

Online

You can buy an eSIM for Netherlands on the internet through an eSIM provider. There are multiple eSIM providers for Netherlands. Traveltomtom compared multiple providers and concluded that the above mentioned ones are the best eSIM providers in 2025.

When buying an eSIM for Netherlands through one of the above recommended eSIM providers you only need your email address and the eSIM is instantly ready to use after installation. There is no ID registration needed.

On arrival in Netherlands

There are 3 main mobile internet providers in Netherlands: KPN, Odido and Vodafone. You can get an eSIM for tourists in their phone stores around Netherlands.

For more info about buying a prepaid sim card for tourists in Netherlands in 2025 click on the link to read my complete guide and comparison of all the mobile internet providers in Netherlands, including a comparison of the 4G/5G network.

Flying into Netherlands and landing at Amsterdam Airport then you can also buy a tourist sim card for Netherlands at Amsterdam Airport.

When to order/activate an eSIM for Netherlands?

You can order an eSIM for Netherlands pretty much any time you want. Most eSIMs have to be installed on a phone within 1 month after purchasing, some even within 1 year, so you have time.

More important therefore is when do you instal/activate the eSIM. The validity of some eSIMs start straight after the installation, other eSIMs only start their validity when they connect the first time to a supported network.

Traveltomtom advices to instal your eSIM on the day of departure to Netherlands or before. When in Netherlands you will need an internet connection to instal your eSIM. Pretty much every international airport in Netherlands has free WiFi so you could use that to install your eSIM. Just make sure it is a stable internet connection and therefore Traveltomtom advices you to install/activate your eSIM in your home country.

My personal advice is to instal your tourist eSIM for Netherlands before you get into the plane and as soon as the plane lands you will be connected without any problems.

How do I know all this? Traveltomtom has visited Netherlands 4 times in the last couple years and traveled all around the country.

Check out my arrival guide for buying a sim card at Amsterdam Airport.

How to activate an eSIM

Installing and activating an eSIM is made as simple as possible. Everyone can activate an eSIM and the instructions on how to are very detailed and will be send to you instantly by email. But wait, it gets even easier. Just scan the QR code.

When you order an eSIM plan for Netherlands you instantly receive a summery of your order including a QR-code after the payment is processed.

You will see a summary of your eSIM order including a QR code on your screen and at the same time you will also receive an email with the same QR code. The email contains instructions on how to instal and activate your Netherlands eSIM.

But installing an activating an eSIM is as easy as scanning the QR code with the same phone where you want to activate the eSIM on. The QR contains all the information about your Netherlands eSIM.

Once you scan the code you will be guided through a couple simple steps and within less than 1 minute your eSIM is successfully installed.

Very important is that you are connected to the internet when installing your eSIM otherwise you will get an error and issues can occur.

Tip: if you order an eSIM with the same phone where you want to instal the eSIM on then ask a friend or someone nearby to take a photo of the QR code and then you scan the QR code from his/her phone and start the installation.

Things to know before ordering an eSIM for Netherlands

Here are some general tips for using eSIMs when traveling abroad. These tips do not only apply to Netherlands eSIMs, but are general things you have to know before buying an eSIM.

Make sure your phone is unlocked

To make sure you didn’t miss this, let me say this again: eSIMs only work in UNLOCKED phones. If your phone is unlocked then you can use any eSIM without any problems.

If your phone is locked then ask your mobile internet provider from your home country to unlock your phone before your trip to Netherlands. It is likely that your mobile internet provider will charge you a fee for unlocking your smartphone.

If you are unable to unlock your phone you can look into getting a portable WiFi for staying connected when traveling to Netherlands or better… bring a second unlocked phone on your trip to Netherlands and use it as a portable WiFi device.

Which smartphones support eSIM?

Another very important thing you have to check before buying an eSIM is if your smartphone supports eSIMs. If you have any of the latest smartphones then there is no need to worry, all new smartphones of the well known brands support eSIMs.

The fastest way to find out if your phone is eSIM compatible is by asking Google the question: is my (your phone model) eSIM compatible? Simple as that!

If your phone is NOT eSIM compatible then there is no other solution and you can NOT use an eSIM for traveling to Netherlands.

However, you can still order a physical sim card for Netherlands on the internet before your trip. Check out Traveltomtom’s complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Netherlands or find out everything you need to know about international sim cards for traveling abroad in 2025.

Can I trust these eSIM providers?

All the eSIM providers for Netherlands recommended in this guide are reputable eSIM providers reviewed and tested by Traveltomtom. All of them are licensed third party companies and resellers that partner or work directly with the mobile internet providers in Netherlands.

Traveltomtom has used Airalo and SimOptions sim cards for more than 5 years and never really faced a major issue.

Check out the pros and cons of SimOptions in our review.

Jetpac is a fairly new eSIM provider, but Traveltomtom has tested and reviewed Jetpac now in more than 15 countries and is very happy with the performance and the extra perks like airport lounge access, etc.

Sim Local has more than 100 sim card shops and kiosks in international airports around the world and has been selling sim cards for tourists for more than 5 years. Read Traveltomtom’s honest review about Sim Local eSIM provider.

The Traveltomtom Team has extensively tested and reviewed Nomad and they have proven to be a reliable eSIM provider. However, some mixed reviews have come back from the Traveltomtom Team about connectivity and activation.

Since Traveltomtom is not a fan of eSIMs with unlimited data and an FUP I hardly use Holafly, but when I did I was not happy. So now I let the Traveltomtom Team randomly test Holafly and just like myself, mixed reviews have come back. Some positive, some negative.

But there are many more eSIM providers. Traveltomtom has tested and wrote dedicated reviews for the following eSIM providers: GigSky, aloSIM, Ubigi, Airhub, Saily, Yesim, etc.

On top of that there is also Roamless, an eSIM provider with no data expiration. And Firsty, which offers free data in exchange for watching ads. Truly two game changers!

Traveltomtom does NOT sell Netherlands eSIMs, Traveltomtom only compares and recommends you to use eSIMs for traveling to Netherlands.

All eSIM providers have their own Helpdesk which you can contact may you encounter any problems or in case you want to claim a refund.

Can I keep my phone number from home with a Netherlands eSIM?

Yes, you can and this is for many people a reason to order an eSIM to stay connected when traveling to Netherlands. An eSIM can be used next to your physical or eSIM from your home country at the same time. You do not need a dual-sim phone for using an eSIM.

So you can have multiple eSIMs installed on your phone? Yes, no problem at all!

For example: you can turn off the mobile data from your sim card from home but still use it for texting and calling. Your new Netherlands eSIM you can be used at the same time just for data to ensure you are not wasting money on high roaming costs.

This is also the trick to keep receiving sms for example for OTP (one time password) sms to login to applications.

Switching between physical and eSIMs is a matter of turning them on/off in the settings. Just always make sure your sim card from home is switched off for data roaming.

Can I make phone calls with a Netherlands eSIM?

The international eSIMs from SimOptions: Bouygues Telecom and Orange Holiday Europe offer calling and texting.

All other eSIMs are data-only eSIMs and any incoming/outgoing calls/sms are not supported.

If you buy a prepaid eSIM in Netherlands you get calling and texting included.

Does a Netherlands eSIM come with a phone number?

All the eSIMs that offer calling and texting also come with a phone number.

Data-only eSIMs do not come with a phone number and can not receive calls or sms.

Can I use 5G on a Netherlands eSIM?

Yes, as of 2025 most of the eSIMs for Netherlands are 5G ready.

Only Airalo eSIMs do not support 5G in Netherlands yet, only 4G/LTE.

Are there eSIMs for Netherlands with unlimited data?

Yes, some eSIM plans for Netherlands include unlimited data. Holafly only sells eSIMs for Netherlands with unlimited data, some other eSIM operators also have unlimited data plans.

Traveltomtom is in general not a fan of data sim cards with unlimited data. Why? There is mostly a so-called FUP (Fair Use Policy), which is sometimes already after 2 GB data per day. That means that after 2 GB usage your internet will be slowed down to a data speed which is completely useless.

In general, unlimited data is pretty much never unlimited data at max speed. And trust me the reduced data speed will creep you out, it barely works! It is comparable to an E signal.

So yes, there are eSIMs for Netherlands with unlimited data but always read the fine print for more details, terms & conditions.

There is a Lycamobile eSIM plan for the Netherlands that you can order via Sim Local. It does not mention anything about an FUP, neither if it is unlimited high speed data. For 15 days unlimited data you pay $42.75 USD

Holafly mentions there is an FUP but does not specify what the FUP is and that makes it very tricky. Is it after 1 GB or after 2 GB per day? A Holafly eSIMs for Netherlands with unlimited data for 15 days = $50.90 USD

On Holafly eSIMs I experienced a reduce in data speed after using more than 2 GB per day. When I contacted support they explained me that I had to wait the rest of the until my data speed was restored to normal.

Those hours were a nightmare as my data speed was barely enough to use WhatsApp. Social media apps were not even loading! Imagine being on a 10 hour bus ride and after 2 hours you reached the FUP…

Therefore Traveltomtom does not recommend eSIMs with unlimited data.

Think about it… if you will not use more than 2 GB per day, then what is the point of having an eSIM with unlimited data?

Are eSIMs the best way to stay connected when traveling to Netherlands?

eSIMs are the easiest and fastest way to get data on your phone when traveling to Netherlands, but what is the best way?

There are 3 ways to stay connected when traveling to Netherlands:

• Local prepaid sim cards
• International prepaid sim cards
• eSIMs

Let’s compare eSIMs, local prepaid sim cards and international prepaid sim cards, for you to find out what is your preferred way of staying connected.

Local prepaid sim cards

If you use a lot of data then local prepaid sim cards for Netherlands are a cheaper way to stay connected, depending on the length of your trip. Netherlands prepaid sim cards offer bigger data plans than tourist eSIMs you order online and on top of that local prepaid sim cards come with unlimited local calls and sms.

The big difference is that a local Netherlands prepaid sim card can only be purchased on arrival in Netherlands in a phone store and NOT on the internet.

More info about the best Netherlands sim cards for tourists can be found in my complete guide for buying a prepaid sim card in Netherlands in 2025.

International prepaid sim cards

If your smartphone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for traveling to Netherlands. Some of them are great for Netherlands as well as in all other countries in for example Europe, Americas and Asia and you can easily order them online.

If after visiting Netherlands you are traveling onwards in Asia then check Traveltomtom’s list of the best sim cards for traveling internationally in 2025.

A pre-activated physical sim card will be delivered to your home address before your trip. You put this physical sim card in your phone and as soon as the plane touches the ground and the sim card connects to a supported network you are online. Plug and play!

Click here to order an international prepaid sim card for Netherlands directly online.

eSIMs

As explained throughout the article there are two different eSIMs:

• eSIMs that you buy on the internet through a third party
• eSIMs that you buy in Netherlands in a mobile internet provider store

As shown in the comparison of the best eSIMs for Netherlands, all of the mobile internet providers in Netherlands offer eSIMs. A prepaid sim card plan can be bought as an eSIM or as a physical prepaid sim card.

As of January 2025 at Amsterdam Airport they do still NOT sell eSIMs at the airport, there are only physical prepaid sim cards for tourists available

Read all about it in my detailed guide about buying a sim card at Amsterdam Airport.

eSIMs vs. local prepaid sim cards

Getting an eSIM on the internet is the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Netherlands, no doubt! You arrange everything online within just a couple clicks. Right here, right now and you are all set for your trip to Netherlands. You arrive prepared and there is no need to visit a sim card shop on arrival in Netherlands.

As soon as the plane lands, you are online!

Buying a sim card at Amsterdam Airport is possible, but at tourist prices. eSIMs for the Netherlands are cheaper than buying a tourist sim card at Amsterdam Airport.

Price difference

But what is cheaper? An eSIM or a local prepaid sim card for tourists?

Normally local prepaid sim cards are cheaper than eSIMs, but not in The Netherlands. In phone stores of Vodafone, Odido and KPN the available prepaid sim cards for tourists are a joke and prices are high.

Expect to pay around $10 USD for a prepaid sim card with 1 GB data. Buying a prepaid sim card in The Netherlands is not worth it. Trust me, it is much cheaper to order an eSIM for Holland online.

For more info check out my article about the best prepaid sim cards in Netherlands in 2025.

After a long flight you just want to go to your hotel and it is often a big task to go to a sim card store and get connected. On top of that there are much better deals online and as soon as the plane lands you are connected. Therefore Traveltomtom recommends to order one of the listed best eSIMs for Netherlands.

Many reasons why a lot of travelers simply get an eSIM for Netherlands. Faster, easier, less stress and even cheaper.

Data speed

Another difference between a local prepaid sim card and an eSIM is that eSIMs are often through a third party, a so called MVNO (Mobile Virtual Network Operator). These MVNO’s operate on the network of one of the main mobile internet operators and basically buy bandwidth.

This may sound a little bit too technical, but what it means is that eSIMs through an MVNO are the last ones in line when the line is busy. Especially during peak times, the performance of an eSIMs is less compared to a local prepaid sim card from a mobile internet operator.

Bottomline: the data speed of eSIMs can be less compared to a local prepaid Netherlands sim card.

I am sure some of the above tips for finding the best eSIM for your trip to Netherlands were helpful. I hope that after reading through my comparison, tips and tricks it was easier to make a decision and order your eSIM for Netherlands right away.

If you still have any questions about eSIMs then please leave me a comment below and I am more than happy to help you out.

Curious what the life of a full time nomadic traveler looks like? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along with daily updates from around the world about the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling.

Traveltomtom is on the road to 197, meaning I would like to travel to every country in the world. As of January 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, still about 40 to go, but no rush.

Enjoy your trip to Netherlands!