A practical guide to eSIM for Expats

When you arrive in the Netherlands, one of the first things you will want is a working mobile phone with data. From navigating public transport to arranging housing and staying in touch with family abroad, having reliable internet from day one makes settling in much easier.

If you have recently moved here, you might have heard about eSIM cards as an alternative to the traditional plastic SIM. They can be a good option for expats, especially if you want to get connected quickly without having to wait for your physical SIM card send by post.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM is a digital SIM card that is built into your phone. Instead of inserting a physical card, you download your mobile plan via a QR code or an app from your provider. The eSIM then works just like a normal SIM, giving you mobile data, calls and texts.

Because it is built into your phone, you can:

• Activate it instantly without waiting for delivery or visiting a store

• Store multiple plans on one device, useful if you travel or want to keep your home-country number

• Avoid losing or damaging a physical SIM card

How eSIM works in the Netherlands

Mobile coverage in the Netherlands is excellent, with most areas enjoying fast 4G and 5G speeds. An eSIM uses the same networks as traditional SIM cards.

There are two main types of plans available on an eSIM:

1. Prepaid (Pay-as-you-go)
   You pay in advance for a set amount of data or for unlimited data for a certain period.
   There is no contract or monthly commitment.
   This is ideal if you have just arrived and do not yet have a Dutch bank account or address.

2. Postpaid (Contract)
   You sign a long-term agreement with a provider.
   This usually works out cheaper per gigabyte and may come with extra perks, but requires paperwork such as proof of address, a Dutch bank account and sometimes a BSN (citizen service number).

Things to check before choosing an eSIM plan

• Phone compatibility: Not all phones support eSIM. Most recent iPhones and higher-end Android models do, but it is best to check your device settings.

• Roaming rules: Most Dutch eSIMs include EU roaming, but fair use limits may apply.

• Network coverage: While the Netherlands has excellent coverage, it is worth checking the provider’s map for your area.

• Activation process: Make sure you are ready to install the eSIM before scanning the QR code, as once installed it cannot be reused on another phone.

A tip for newcomers

If you are moving to the Netherlands and need internet from day one, consider ordering a prepaid eSIM before you travel. You can have it ready on your phone when you land, giving you instant access to maps, translation apps, and messaging without having to search for Wi-Fi.

Services like Odido’s Simwallet offer esim for the netherlands bundles with unlimited data for short or long periods, which can be a practical choice while you get settled.

What is Simwallet?

Simwallet is a prepaid mobile data service from Odido. You choose a plan, pay in advance, and start using unlimited data in the Netherlands straight away. There is no long-term contract, no credit check, and no complicated sign-up process.

For expats, this is a practical solution. You can get connected immediately, even if you do not yet have a Dutch bank account or proof of address. It also works well if you are in the country for only a short time, or if you want a back-up data option in addition to your main SIM.

The three Simwallet options

Odido keeps things simple. All Simwallet plans include unlimited data in the Netherlands. The difference is how long they last and how fast the connection is.

24 Hour Fastest – €2.50
For a single day of high-speed internet. Suitable for video calls, gaming, streaming, and remote work.

• Unlimited data in the Netherlands

• Up to 100 Mbit/s download and 20 Mbit/s upload

• Can be bought for several days in a row if needed

30 Days Fastest – €25
A full month of the fastest available speed. Ideal for heavy internet users.

• Unlimited data in the Netherlands

• Up to 100 Mbit/s download and 20 Mbit/s upload

30 Days Fast – €20
A lower-cost option with slower speeds, still fine for browsing, music streaming, and standard video.

• Unlimited data in the Netherlands

• Up to 20 Mbit/s download and 5 Mbit/s upload

How to get Simwallet

Using Simwallet is straightforward:

1. Get a Simwallet eSIM card online.

2. Pick the plan that fits your needs.

3. Follow the instructions to connect your phone and enjoy unlimited data instantly.

When the plan runs out, you can renew it or stop without any extra steps. If you are interested in a one or two year contract check our Mobile Carriers page.

When is Simwallet perfect for you

• You have just arrived in the Netherlands and need internet immediately while you arrange a long-term contract.

• You work remotely and want a reliable, high-speed connection without signing a yearly agreement.

• You are a student or short-term visitor and only need a Dutch data plan for a few months.

• You already have a contract but want unlimited data as a back-up.
  
  
  

In conclusion

An eSIM is one of the easiest ways for expats to get connected in the Netherlands. With no physical card to collect and instant activation, it is ideal for those who want internet access immediately after arriving.

Start with a prepaid eSIM to keep things simple, then decide later if you want a longer-term contract. With strong nationwide coverage, competitive prices, and the option to store multiple numbers on one device, eSIM is becoming the preferred choice for many internationals in the Netherlands.