A KPN SIM card, or eSIM can make browsing the Netherlands a hassle-free experience. KPN is the largest telecom operator in the Netherlands, and boasts excellent nationwide coverage speeds. Both their prepaid SIM cards and the eSIM plans are suited to tourists visiting the country.
In this guide we cover everything you need to know about using KPN SIM or eSIM accounts in the Netherlands, including costs, network coverage and activating your account, along with top-ups.
Table of Contents
1. Quick Facts about KPN
KPN is a Dutch telecommunications company that provides fixed, mobile, and internet services to consumers and businesses. It is the largest telecommunications company in the Netherlands, with a market share of over 40%. KPN was founded in 1989 as a spin-off of the Dutch government’s postal, telegraph, and telephone service.
Quick Facts about KPN:
- Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Founded: 1989
- CEO: Joost Farwerck
- Revenue: €5.283 billion (2020)
- Market share: 40%+ (Netherlands)
- KPN offers a wide range of telecommunications services, including: Fixed-line telephone and internet, Mobile phone, Internet TV, Data center, Business services
KPN is also a major investor in fiber-optic networks, and is rolling out its fiber-optic network to more and more homes and businesses in the Netherlands.
2. Why KPN When You’re Exploring Netherlands – Coverage and Speed
Before getting a local SIM card in any country, it’s important to consider the operator’s network coverage and speeds. KPN outperforms most other Dutch providers in these regards.
2.1. KPN Coverage in the Netherlands
KPN is one of the three major mobile network operators in the Netherlands.It provides a comprehensive mobile service, from 4G LTE to 5G. In the most recent survey from Opensignal, KPN was Judged to have the highest overall mobile network quality in the Netherlands.
The network of KPN covers more than 98 % of the population. Additionally, it offers the fastest 4G LTE speeds of any plan at 87.6 Mbps.
KPN’s network is also very stable, with an average availability rate of 98.5 %.
Aside from its overall strength, KPN is outstanding in many respects. It has the best consistency, maintaining 86.1 percent.
Netherlands is an ideal country for mobile customers of KPN. The mobile network is fast, reliable and comprehensive.
2.2. KPN Speed
In the Netherlands, KPN offers the highest LTE speeds, averaging 87.6 Mbps on downloads. This is far and away faster than the speeds of the other two major operators, Vodafone (67.2 Mbps) and T-Mobile (85.2 Mbps).
KPN’s 5G speeds are also very impressive, with an average download speed of 166.5 Mbps. That is faster than T-Mobile (144.9 Mbps) and Vodafone (100.5 Mbps).
KPN’s speedy speeds come from having a comprehensive network of 4G and 5G cell towers. KPN too employs the latest technologies, including MIMO and carrier aggregation, to increase its speeds. In the Netherlands, for example, KPN is an operator with the fastest mobile speeds.
Here is a table of the average 4G and 5G download speeds of the three major mobile operators in the Netherlands:
| Operator | Download Speed (Mbps) | 5G Download Speed (Mbps) |
| KPN | 87.6 | 166.5 |
| Vodafone | 67.2 | 100.5 |
| T-Mobile | 85.2 | 144.9 |
3. KPN Connectivity Options for Travelers to the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, KPN provides not only physical SIM cards but also eSIMs for prepaid accounts. Let’s look at the benefits of each:
| Connectivity Options | Description |
| Prepaid SIM cards | KPN offers a variety of prepaid SIM cards for travelers. |
| eSIM | KPN also offers eSIMs for travelers. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that can be downloaded and activated on your phone without having to insert a physical SIM card. KPN's eSIMs provide the same connectivity options as its prepaid SIM cards. |
| Pocket WiFi | KPN also offers Pocket WiFi devices for travelers. Pocket WiFi devices are portable hotspots that can provide internet access to multiple devices at the same time. KPN's Pocket WiFi devices offer speeds of up to 4G LTE. |
So in summary, if you have an eSIM compatible phone, the KPN prepaid eSIM offers the convenience of online purchase and activation. With the physical SIM, you get extra credits upfront usable for international calls etc.
4. Best KPN SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
KPN has a prepaid KPN SIM card plan, suitable for tourists coming Netherlands. It comes in the below variants:
| KPN SIM Card | Price (USD) | Data | Local calls | Messages | Validity | Total Cost (USD) |
| KPN Prepaid SIM | ~$4 | - | 60 minutes | 60 SMS | 30 days | ~$4 |
| ~$10 | 1GB | - | - | 30 days | ~$10 | |
| ~$10 | 500MB | 60 minutes | 60 SMS | 30 days | ~$10 |
5. Does KPN Support eSIM in the Netherlands?
Yes, KPN launched eSIM support in the Netherlands in 2019. Their prepaid eSIM profile can be purchased and activated through the KPN app or website available on the App Store and Play Store.
KPN eSIM works on all eSIM-compatible iPhone and Android models. This allows you to enjoy KPN’s network without having to buy a physical SIM card in the Netherlands.
KPN eSIM has TravelSIM offers with data-only, suitable for one visiting all of Europe.
| KPN eSIM | Price (USD) | Data | Local calls | Minutes | Validity | Total Cost (USD) |
| KPN TravelSIM | ~$20 | 5 GB | - | - | 15 days | ~$20 |
| - | - | 31 days | ~$25 | |||
| ~$30 | 20 GB | - | - | 15 days | ~$30 | |
| - | - | 31 days | ~$35 | |||
| ~$40 | 50 GB | - | - | 15 days | ~$40 | |
| - | - | 31 days | ~$45 |
It is possible to activate an extra bundle when your data bundle is fully depleted: 2GB data for ~$10. It is also possible to extend the validity period of your bundle: +7days for ~$8. You can activate the top ups in your personal KPN TravelSIM account.
Stay connected in the Netherlands with data and calls
Get the Netherlands eSIM 14-Day Plan from netherlandsesim.com for affordable mobile connectivity during your trip. This plan includes 8GB/20GB of high-speed 4G/5G data as well as FREE local and international calls so you can easily contact friends and family back home. Buy the Netherlands eSIM 14-Day Plan (Data + Voice) now from $21.
6. Where can You Buy a KPN SIM card and eSIM?
You can easily purchase a KPN SIM card or eSIM profile in Netherlands through the following channels:
6.1. Where to Buy KPN SIM for Netherlands?
Physical prepaid KPN SIM card is available at:
- KPN stores
- Supermarkets like Albert Heijn, Jumbo
- Fuel stations like Shell, Texaco
- Vending machines at Schiphol airport
- Online on KPN website with home delivery
6.2. Where to Buy KPN eSIM in the Netherlands?
KPN offers eSIM profiles that can be downloaded and activated directly through their website. You’ll need to set up an account first.
No need to visit any physical store for KPN eSIM. Purchase and activation happens digitally.
You can also find KPN eSIMs for sale from some third-party online retailers like netherlandsesim.com if more convenient.
7. How to Activate KPN SIM/eSIM in the Netherlands?
Activating KPN SIM card or eSIM is very easy and quick as outlined below:
7.1. How to Use a KPN SIM Card in the Netherlands?
- Get the SIM and insert SIM in phone
- Turn on mobile data, disable data roaming
- KPN SIM will automatically connect to network
7.2. How to Activate KPN eSIM?
Following these steps to activate KPN eSIM:
- Step 1: Choose your desired data plan. Select the number of travel days. Pick your activation date.
- Step 2: Fill in your name and email adress.
- Step 3: Make the payment.
- Step 4: Receive a confirmation email and proceed with the activation.
That’s it! Both KPN SIM and eSIM can be activated in a few simple steps and ready to use in Netherlands.
8. Netherlands KPN Call & SMS Rates
KPN SIM card has the following outgoing call and SMS charges to local Netherlands numbers:
| Call type | Destination | Price (USD) |
| Local calls | Netherlands | $0.27 per minute |
| National calls | Netherlands | $0.33 per minute |
| International calls | Europe | $0.55 per minute |
| International calls | Rest of the world | $1.10 per minute |
| SMS | Netherlands | $0.11 per message |
| International SMS | Europe | $0.22 per message |
| International SMS | Rest of the world | $0.33 per message |
Please note that these are just the basic rates. There may be additional charges for premium services or for calls made outside of regular business hours.
9. Useful USSD Codes for KPN SIM/eSIM
Check below USSD codes to monitor usage, swap packs and more on KPN SIM card or eSIM:
- *101# – Check prepaid balance
- send a text ‘SALDO’ to 1266
- Via KPN app – Go to MijnKPN, log in with your KPN account, and find them under “View last invoices” (or “Laatste facturen”).
Simply dial the codes above on phone dialpad and press call button. Result will be displayed instantly on the screen.
10. How to Top-up KPN SIM/eSIM
When prepaid credit, data or validity runs out on KPN SIM or eSIM, you can recharge or top-up through:
- KPN website – using international credit/debit cards
- KPN app – add top-ups through app using card
- Retail stores – visit store and recharge through cash/card
- Vending machines – use card/cash to top up account
Online top-ups are convenient without visiting stores. For Leisure/Holiday packs, recharge same amount to renew full benefits.
Minimum recharge amount is 10 EUR. Data packs start at 1 EUR for 100 MB. For Festive pack, do minimum recharge and send FESTIVAL SMS to 1255 to renew full data.
11. FAQs about KPN Netherlands
Does KPN SIM work in Netherlands?
Yes, KPN has excellent nationwide coverage in Netherlands spanning 99% population. Its prepaid SIM card and eSIM will work smoothly across the country.
Does KPN SIM have unlimited data?
No, KPN doesn’t offer unlimited data on prepaid. Maximum data is on Festival pack with 5 GB high speed 4G/5G data for 30 days. You can renew data by recharging same pack.
Does KPN SIM work in Europe?
Yes, KPN SIM cards and eSIM come with free roaming across EU. You get inclusive roaming minutes, texts, and data allowance to use when traveling across Europe.
How to check the KPN SIM number?
To check your KPN SIM number, you can dial *149# to find the assigned mobile number. For eSIM, check your phone settings or the KPN app.
How to check the KPN SIM balance?
To check the remaining balance, text SALDO to 1266 or dial *101#. KPN app and website also show real-time prepaid balances.
12. Final Words
KPN is the leading operator in Netherlands offering extensive network coverage, high speeds and great value prepaid plans. Their SIM card and eSIM options are convenient and budget-friendly for tourists visiting this scenic country. This comprehensive guide covered all you need to know – from KPN’s offerings, buying SIM or eSIM, activating, recharging and getting the most out of it during your Dutch holiday. So pick KPN for connectivity and make wonderful memories touring the Netherlands!
