Vodafone Netherlands is the top choice for connectivity while traveling there. As the largest mobile network, it offers great coverage and fast speeds nationwide. This guide outlines Vodafone’s coverage, speed and costs in the Netherlands. It also explains how to set up and use a Vodafone SIM or eSIM while roaming, ensuring seamless connectivity during your visit. Choosing Vodafone keeps you linked throughout Holland.
Table of Contents
1. Quick Facts about Vodafone Netherlands
With over 5 million mobile customers, Vodafone Netherlands is the second-largest mobile phone company in the country. This is part of VodafoneZiggo, which was jointly developed by Ziggo and Vodafone. For example, Vodafone Netherlands provides 2G GSM, 2.5 G PRS, 4G LTE, and 5G NR services.
Here are some quick facts about Vodafone Netherlands:
- Headquarters: Maastricht, Netherlands
- Founded: September 1995
- Parent organization: VodafoneZiggo
- Number of employees: 2,800
- Revenue: €2.4 billion (2022)
- Market share: 29%
Vodafone Netherlands is a leading telecom provider offering mobile plans, Internet, TV, and business solutions. It invests heavily in its network to deliver the best connectivity experience through the latest technologies. Customers have access to a wide range of consumer and business products. Beyond superior service, Vodafone also strongly supports innovation and startup growth in the Netherlands.
2. Why Vodafone When You’re Exploring Vodafone – Coverage and Speed
In terms of coverage and speed, Vodafone is better than other Netherlands operators. Here are some key facts:
2.1. Vodafone Coverage in Netherlands
According to the Opensignal Netherlands Mobile Network Experience Report for September 2023:
- Availability: In the “ Availability ” category, when 98.1 % of users are connected to either 3G, 4G or some sort of 5G for nearly all their time, Vodafone takes number one.
- Consistent Quality: When compared to KPN and T-Mobile, Vodafone ranks last in Consistent Quality with 85.7 % as opposed to 86.1 % for KPN. That probably translates into more dropped calls, slowdowns or unstable performance for Vodafone users.
Based on the locations they’ve sampled, Vodafone is pretty good at covering most of the Netherlands in terms of basic coverage as well as 5G accessibility. But if stable performance and fast download speeds are important, KPN and T-Mobile may be more suitable.
2.2. Vodafone Speed
Opensignal’s September 2023 Netherlands Mobile Network Experience Report found Vodafone’s average download speed was 67.2 Mbps, which is behind KPN with 87.6 Mbps, and Odido (T-Mobile) with 85.2 Mbps.
However, Vodafone’s 5G download speed is not as fast as KPN’s and Odido’s. KPN has an average 5G download speed of 166.5 Mbps, while Vodafone has an average 5G download speed of 100.5 Mbps.
Overall, Vodafone’s mobile network performance is good.
3. Vodafone Connectivity Options for Travelers to Netherlands
As a tourist traveling to the Netherlands, you have two main options for getting Vodafone connectivity:
| Vodafone Connectivity Options | Details |
| Prepaid SIM cards | The prepaid SIM cards come with a variety of data packages, starting at 2GB for €10. You can also add additional data, calls, and texts to your prepaid SIM card as needed. |
| Roaming packages | Vodafone offers a variety of roaming packages for travelers from the United States, Canada, and other countries. The roaming packages include a variety of data, calls, and texts, and they can be activated before you travel. |
| eSIMs | Digital SIM cards activated online without physical SIM. Can be purchased and activated online in minutes. |
So choose as per your device compatibility and convenience. The connectivity options are largely the same.
4. Best Vodafone Netherlands SIM Cards for Tourists & Cost
Vodafone does not offer Vodafone Netherlands SIM cards specialized for tourists, you can buy a Vodafone Netherlands SIM card and additional prepaid bundles for your needs. The two best options are:
| Vodafone SIM Card | Price |
| SIM with ~$5 | ~$5 |
| 2 GB SIM card | ~$10 |
| 4GB SIM Card | ~$15 |
| 6GB SIM Card | ~$20 |
| 10 GB SIM Card | ~$30 |
5. Does Vodafone Netherlands Support eSIM in the Netherlands?
Yes, All Vodafone subscriptions (except prepaid) support eSIM. So Vodafone Netherlands is not suitable for tourists.
6. Where can You Buy a Vodafone Netherlands SIM card and eSIM?
You can easily buy Vodafone Netherlands SIM cards and eSIMs both online as well as in-person once you reach the Netherlands.
6.1. Where to Buy Vodafone SIM for Netherlands?
- Online – Order a Vodafone NL Tourist SIM for delivery in the Netherlands or your home country from the Vodafone website.
- Vodafone Stores – Find a Vodafone shop once you reach the Netherlands and buy a SIM card by providing your passport.
- Airports – Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam has Vodafone stores selling SIMs. Other airports may have Vodafone kiosks or vending machines.
- Supermarkets – Major supermarket chains like Albert Heijn sell Vodafone SIMs on shelves along with top-up vouchers.
6.2. Where to Buy Vodafone eSIM in the Netherlands?
- Online – Buy a Vodafone NL eSIM online and activate it through the app once in the Netherlands.
- Vodafone Stores – Staff at Vodafone stores can help set up eSIM on your phone by scanning the QR code.
- Third-party retailer – Some providers like netherlandsesim.com offer Netherlands eSIM using a major Netherlands network.
So you have both offline and online channels for purchasing Vodafone SIMs and eSIMs once in the Netherlands.
7. How to Activate Vodafone SIM/eSIM in the Netherlands?
Activating your Vodafone Netherlands SIM card or eSIM is very easy and quick. Just follow the steps below:
7.1. How to Use Vodafone SIM Card in the Netherlands?
Your prepaid Vodafone Netherlands SIM card works as soon as you insert it into your device and connect to the network.
If the SIM card does not become active immediately, you can also do this by calling 1200 for free. You can activate your prepaid bundle via My Vodafone, or by texting 4000.
7.2. How to Activate Vodafone eSIM?
- Select the eSIM option on the MyVodafone app and choose a plan.
- Scan the QR code shown on the app using the phone’s camera.
- Follow the on-screen activation steps. Takes just 2-3 minutes.
- eSIM will be activated and show up in the phone’s network settings.
That’s it! Both Vodafone SIM and eSIM can then be topped up when required.
8. Vodafone Netherlands Call & SMS Rates
Vodafone Netherlands SIM cards come with free calling and texting to local Netherlands numbers. International calls are charged as:
| Plan | Call Rate | SMS Rate |
| Standard rate | $0.22 | $0.16 |
| BloX 100 EU calling minutes | $5.53 | $0.16 |
| BloX 50 World calling minutes | $13.87 | $0.16 |
| MultiData SIM | $5.53 | $0.16 |
So you can call and text freely within the Netherlands. Low-cost calling to 100+ countries is also included with Vodafone prepaid plans.
9. Useful USSD Codes for Vodafone Netherlands SIM/eSIM
Vodafone offers some useful USSD codes to check balance, offers, and more:
- Call 1200 – Check data balance
- *1014# – Check Vodafone balance
- Text STATUS to 4000 – check credit balance
So dial these codes directly on your phone anytime to manage your Vodafone SIM or eSIM.
10. How to Top-up Vodafone Netherlands SIM/eSIM
When your credit runs low, you can easily top-up your Vodafone Netherlands SIM card/eSIM using the following methods:
- Online – Use the MyVodafone app or website to top-up using a credit/debit card.
- Vouchers – Buy top-up vouchers from supermarkets, and kiosks and enter the code on the app or dial *222*CODE#
- Cash – Visit Vodafone stores and top up in cash.
- ATMs – Many ATMs also allow topping up Vodafone SIMs through net banking.
Top-ups are applied instantly. You can set up auto top-up on the app as well.
11. Alternatives to Netherlands Vodafone
In addition to Vodafone, travelers in the Netherlands have several other options for mobile service providers:
- T-Mobile – One of the largest networks in the Netherlands along with KPN. They offer prepaid SIM cards that can be purchased at most locations like supermarkets and airports. Plans start around €10-15 for a bundle.
- KPN – The other major Dutch network provider. Also offers prepaid SIM cards that are widely available. Coverage and speeds are generally on par with T-Mobile.
- Netherlandsesim.com – Global eSIM provider with data-only plans and free calls and SMSs optimized for the Netherlands on the KPN and Odido (T-Mobile) network. Affordable options from $3.
These options have reliable coverage and eSIM/SIMs are easy to purchase during your travels in the Netherlands. Be sure to disable roaming if traveling within the EU to avoid surcharges.
Stay connected in the Netherlands with an eSIM from Netherlandsesim.com. Buy a data package now and get instant delivery of your eSIM QR code. Scan and you’re online wherever you go in the Netherlands. Stress-free connectivity starts from just $3. Shop plans now at Netherlandsesim.com.
12. FAQs about Vodafone in the Netherlands
Does Vodafone offer 5G in the Netherlands?
Yes, Vodafone has launched 5G in select areas like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Eindhoven. 5G coverage is still limited but expanding across cities.
How to check Vodafone Netherlands prepaid balance?
Simply dial *104# on your Vodafone NL number. You’ll get a text with a number, plan details, and available balances.
Can I use Vodafone SIM in another European country?
Yes, Vodafone SIMs and eSIMs come with EU roaming. So you can use data, calls & text in other EU nations at domestic Dutch rates.
How to track Vodafone Netherlands data usage?
Check your data usage by dialing *1014# or through the MyVodafone app. You’ll get real-time data used during the current billing cycle.
Does Vodafone NL SIM work in the Netherlands Antilles?
No, Vodafone Netherlands SIM cards only work within the Netherlands in Europe. They won’t work in the Netherlands Antilles islands in the Caribbean.
13. Final Words
Hope this detailed guide has covered everything you need to know about getting a Vodafone SIM card or eSIM for your Netherlands trip. Vodafone provides excellent connectivity throughout the country with widespread 4G coverage, high speeds, and hassle-free prepaid plans. Just find the nearest Vodafone outlet once you land to get hooked up right away. Have a great time exploring the Netherlands!
