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eSIM in Amsterdam, SIM card, roaming and other ways to get Internet | April 2024

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Last update: April 1, 2024
Roams UK
Author: Roams UK
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In a nutshell

Buying an eSIM in Amsterdam may be your best option for Internet access in the Dutch country. It's a virtual card that you can activate conveniently from your phone and will give you unlimited mobile data during your trip. You also have other options such as getting a SIM card, activating your provider’s roaming or connecting to a public or portable wifi network.

Book your Amsterdam eSIM with Holafly

Amsterdam eSIM: the best way to get Internet abroad

eSIM cards are increasingly gaining ground over traditional SIM cards (1) . After all, it is a much more convenient way to have mobile data abroad. In addition, many companies offer eSIMs in Amsterdam with unlimited data plans.

What is an eSIM card?

In particular, Holafly's eSIM, which has a wide range of plans to keep you connected in the country. Thanks to its simple QR code, you won't have to waste time on your trip looking for a prepaid card in the city, since you can activate the card from your phone. In addition, the company has a 24/7 customer service that can assist you in up to 8 different languages.

  • Advantages of signing up for an eSIM to travel to Amsterdam with Holafly
    • You can activate it conveniently from your phone with a QR code.
    • Their customer service department will attend to you at any time of the day.
    • Call your family and friends from WhatsApp.
    • You will keep your usual SIM card in case you need to use it at any time.
    • It's an economical option.
    • You will receive your virtual card directly by email.
  • Disadvantages of the Holafly Amsterdam eSIM card
    • You won't be able to share your unlimited data with other devices.
    • You will also not be able to make calls from this card.

Honestly, we think the advantages of signing up for your eSIM with Holafly far outweigh the disadvantages. It's true that you won't be able to make calls from this card, but you can make it from apps like WhatsApp.

eSim Europe
Mobile
Prepaid: 5 days expiry
Data Unlimited

Coverage
AT&T
Connection speed 4G
Pay as you go£195 days expiry
taxes included

If you still have any doubts, you can check all the plans offered by Holafly's eSIM Amsterdam here:

Amsterdam eSIM Holafly: all the plans
Plan Price Gigas
5 days £19 Unlimited
10 days £29 Unlimited
15 days £44 Unlimited
20 days £49 Unlimited
30 days £59 Unlimited
60 days £77 Unlimited
90 days £87 Unlimited

Sign up now for your Holafly eSIM with a 5% discount including the coupon ROAMS

And if you want to scour the market before you buy anything, there are other companies that offer travel eSIMs. Here are some of them:


Other options to get Internet in Amsterdam

When preparing a trip to a place like Amsterdam, we all have the same question – How to get access to the Internet?

After all, a good mobile data plan will give you every possible convenience. Whether it's making a reservation at a hotel or restaurant, keeping in touch with your loved ones or finding out what the weather will be like the next day.

While we firmly believe that your best option is to get an eSIM, there are other alternatives available to you. Here is a table where you can take a quick look at all your options to get Internet in the Dutch country.

How much does it cost the Internet in Amsterdam?
Service Price/Days Data
eSIM Amsterdam Holafly
  • From £59/30 days
  • Unlimited
Amsterdam SIM card
  • From £26,50/30 days
  • 3GB
Wifi in Amsterdam:
  • Portable
  • Public

  • From £4/day
  • Free

  • 2GB/day
  • Unlimited
Roaming in Amsterdam:
  • EE
  • O2
  • Three

  • Free
  • Free
  • Free

  • Depending on your usual plan
  • Depending on your usual plan
  • Depending on your usual plan

How to get a SIM card in Amsterdam?

You should be aware that not all mobile phones are compatible with an eSIM card. The iPhone and the latest models of other brands do support them, but this may not be the case for you. Don't worry, because SIM cards still offer a good service when it comes to Internet access.

These products can be purchased both physically and online. The latter is a convenient option, although you will have to wait to receive it before travelling. Otherwise, you can always buy your SIM card in Amsterdam. You can find them in any supermarket or specialized phone shop.

What we don't recommend is to buy your SIM card at the airport. It may be convenient, but we ask you to resist the temptation. We assure you that you will pay a lot more than you should, so you will want to spend some time getting around downtown.

You can sign up for a SIM card in Amsterdam with companies such as T-Mobile, Vodafone or Lebara, but one of the best known is Civitatis. Here you can see their plans and prices:

SIM Amsterdam de Civitatis
Days Gigas Price
30 days 3GB £26
30 days 7GB £30
30 days 15GB £40

How does roaming cost in Amsterdam?

Another option that some travellers use to get internet wherever they go is to activate their phone provider's roaming service. It's a convenient option because you don't have to do much of anything, but be aware that, in some cases, it can be really expensive.

It is true that the Netherlands is in Zone 1 roaming for many operators, but you should be careful. If you have unlimited data, it is likely that if you exceed a certain limit, the carrier will charge you extra without warning. Check the terms and conditions before taking anything for granted.

Here are the roaming plans of the main companies operating in the UK:

  • EE roaming in Amsterdam: Being in Europe, calls and mobile data are included in the regular plan.
  • Roaming with O2 in Amsterdam: In principle, you will not have to pay more, since Holland is within the European zone.
  • Three roaming for Amsterdam: Calls and mobile data in the European area are included in the standard plans.
  • Vodafone roaming for Amsterdam: As long as you remain in the European zone, you will be able to make calls and connect to the Internet normally.

Connect to a wifi network in Amsterdam

Another very common method of connecting to the Internet in Amsterdam is to connect to a public wifi network in a hostel or other public establishment. This is not a bad option at all. Especially since it is completely free. But you should know that these networks have their risks.

Under no circumstances should you make purchases or bank transactions while connected to a public wifi network. We assure you that it is relatively easy for a stranger to access your data and bank accounts.

Rent a portable wifi in Amsterdam

What is more advisable is to connect via pocket wifi or MiFi. This is a device that you can rent to enjoy mobile data during your trip to Amsterdam.

Remember to return the device in the same condition as it was left. Otherwise, you will have to face a financial penalty that can be very high. In addition, in the event of theft or loss, your personal data could be exposed.

Here are some of the companies you can hire this service from:

  • Wifivox: You can connect up to 5 different devices with 1GB of mobile data per day.
  • Travel Wifi: This company offers 2GB data plans to stay connect to the Internet.
  • MioWifi: You also can connect 5 devices to its high-speed 4G connection.
  • Klook Wifi: This company offers a huge variety of plans ranging from 1GB to 4GB of Internet data.

Reasons why you should have Internet in Amsterdam?

There are many reasons why you may need Internet in Amsterdam. The most important is the convenience it offers, allowing you to make reservations with a couple of clicks, check the weather or keep in touch with your family and friends.

Other compelling reasons may include these:

  • Google Maps: If you want to move around the city comfortably and independently, you'd better have an app like this.
  • Rent a bike: You already know that, in Amsterdam, it is very common to get around by bicycle. That's why there are public and private companies that offer this service.
  • WhatsApp: A good messaging application is the best way to keep in touch with your loved ones. You can also make calls.
  • Check the weather: You may want to go on an excursion or visit a nearby town. Knowing what the weather will be like beforehand is always advisable.
  • Buy train tickets: You know that Amsterdam is relatively close to other major European cities. If you want to get around in comfort, you will need to buy tickets online.

There are many other plans waiting for you in a city like Amsterdam. You can go to the Van Gogh Museum, enjoy a short cruise along the canals or visit the Heineken brewery, among others.

That's why we think you should get Holafly's eSIM Amsterdam.

Book your Amsterdam eSIM with Holafly

Recommendations before travelling to Amsterdam

Although we can all imagine what a visit to Amsterdam might be like, it’s worth bearing in mind a number of recommendations before you travel:

  • Free tours: It's one of the best ways to get to know Amsterdam. And you can find them all over the city.
  • Comfortable clothing: You will be travelling all over the city during your stay in Amsterdam. You'll want to be prepared with comfortable clothes and shoes so you don't end up with blisters or a cold.
  • Cycling: Even more so if you're going to move with a real Amsterdammer. That’s to say: by bike.
  • Book in advance: Amsterdam is a city that welcomes millions of tourists every year. If you don't want to settle with leftovers, we recommend that you organice everything in plenty of time.

If you are lucky enough to be able to travel to other countries or cities, here is everything you need to know about some of them.:


FAQs about eSIM in Amsterdam

What’s the best way to get access the Internet in Amsterdam?

You can buy a SIM card, activate your carrier's roaming or connect to a public or private wifi network. But your best option is to get an eSIM that you can easily activate from your phone.

How to get an eSIM card in Amsterdam?

There are many telephone companies that offer eSIMs today. But, if you buy your virtual card online with Holafly, you will receive it directly to your email.

Is eSIM available in Amsterdam?

Of course, international eSIMs are intended to work in a wide variety of countries abroad.

Fuentes del artículo
  1. Waite, G. eSIM : A Silent Revolution. ESIM. https://www.gsma.com/esim/esim-a-silent-revolution/
Our methodology
Roams offers a free information and comparison service, which tries to help anyone find the product that best suits their needs. To ensure that the data presented is correct, extensive market research and product analysis is carried out. Our database of mobile phone and internet rates is updated every day. The content is frequently reviewed by a team of writers with previous experience and/or specific training in telephony.

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