Amsterdam is one of my favorite cities in Europe. As an avid traveler, I’ve been lucky enough to visit this vibrant Dutch capital many times over the years. During my trips, one thing that has made exploring Amsterdam easier is using an eSIM card.
If you’re planning a visit to Amsterdam soon, getting an eSIM is something I highly recommend looking into. eSIMs provide fast and reliable connectivity without the need to obtain a local SIM card.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll be sharing everything you need to know to find the best eSIM for Amsterdam based on my personal experience. Let’s get started!
Why You Should Use An eSIM in Amsterdam
As a frequent visitor to Amsterdam, using an eSIM has made it much simpler for me to stay connected during my trips. Here are some of the key benefits I’ve experienced:
Convenience
The main advantage of using an eSIM in Amsterdam or anywhere you travel is convenience. With an eSIM, you don’t need to go to a local store to get a SIM card. The entire process of acquiring and activating connectivity can be done digitally in minutes.
This saves you the time and hassle of finding a store, choosing a plan, etc. You can have your eSIM ready to use as soon as you land at Schiphol Airport.
Flexibility
Another plus point of eSIMs is flexibility. Unlike regular SIM cards which lock you into a single plan, eSIMs allow you to change plans with ease.
So if you feel like you need more data during your trip, you can get a top-up or switch plans entirely from your phone. This comes in handy if your trip gets extended.
Multi-country Use
Some eSIM providers like Airalo offer regional plans that cover multiple European countries including Netherlands.
So if you’re visiting Amsterdam as part of a larger Eurotrip, a single eSIM plan can keep you connected in different countries saving you the hassle of buying new SIMs.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Amsterdam eSIM
With the growing popularity of eSIMs, there are now many providers catering to travelers. But not all eSIMs are made the same.
Here are some key factors I consider when picking an eSIM for my trips to ensure good connectivity:
1. Carrier and Coverage
The first thing I look at is which network the eSIM uses. In Netherlands the major carriers are Vodafone, KPN and T-Mobile. Of these KPN and Vodafone generally have the best coverage.
My recommendation would be to choose an eSIM that uses one of these leading Dutch carriers. This will ensure you get good speeds and connectivity throughout Amsterdam and Netherlands.
2. Data Amount
The second consideration is data amount. How much mobile data do you require for the length of your trip? If you mainly use maps and messaging, a 2GB plan should suffice.
However, if you’ll be doing lots of social media, streaming, etc. then I would suggest getting at least a 5GB eSIM pack. Unlimited data eSIMs are also available if budget is no constraint.
3. Validity
It’s important to consider the validity period of your Amsterdam eSIM plan. Do you want connectivity just for a long weekend visit? Or will you be spending 2-3 weeks exploring the tulip fields?
Choose the validity that aligns with the duration of your stay. Some eSIMs have a fixed validity while others are flexible allowing you to stop/renew at any time.
4. Price
Of course, you’ll also want to consider how much different eSIM options cost for Amsterdam. Prices can range from $5 to $50+ depending on factors like carrier, data amount, validity period etc.
I usually filter plans on eSIM storefronts according to my requirements and choose one that provides the best value. Don’t hesitate to use promo codes which offer discounts on most eSIMs.
As long as you evaluate eSIMs based on these parameters – carrier, data, validity and price – you really can’t go wrong. Next, let me share the top eSIM picks for Amsterdam from my personal usage.
Best eSIM Providers for Amsterdam
Over the past two years, I have tried several eSIMs from leading providers during my visits to Amsterdam.
Based on extensive first-hand experience, I can wholeheartedly recommend the following three choices as the best eSIM for Amsterdam currently:
1. Airalo
Airalo would have to be my first choice when it comes to picking an eSIM for Amsterdam or anywhere in Europe for that matter. I’ve found their plans to offer excellent value without compromise on network quality.
Here’s an overview of their Netherlands eSIM pricing:
- 500 MB data – 7 days validity – $4.50
- 1 GB plan – $7 for 15 days
- 2 GB plan – $17 valid for 1 month
- 20 GB data – $30 for 30 days validity
- 50 GB data – $55 for 90 days
As you can see, there are options to suit both short vacations and longer stays. With Airalo Netherlands you get access to KPN, one of the top service providers in the country.
I always get great speeds on their eSIM allowing me to use maps, stream videos and make social media reels without issues. Their app also makes it really straightforward to top up data or manage your plan if needed.
If you’re visiting multiple countries in Europe beyond just Netherlands, Airalo’s Europe plans are quite handy. You get a bucket of data to use across 50+ countries with a single eSIM at a great rate.
Well suited for road trips or multi-city vacations. Finally, Airalo offers reliable customer assistance in case you need any help with your eSIM during your travels.
Get the Latest Airalo Pricing and Buy Your eSIM
2. Dent
Next on my list of top eSIMs for Amsterdam is Dent. I’ve found their prepaid global data packages to work very well within Netherlands providing fast connectivity at reasonable pay-as-you-go rates.
In terms of pricing, Dent offers the following data packs valid in Netherlands and 75+ other countries:
- 250 MB high-speed data – $2
- 500 MB data pack – $3
- 1 GB data – $7
- 3 GB data bundle – $15
- 5 GB plan – $20
- 10 GB high-speed data pack – $35
With Dent you get access to Vodafone Netherlands 4G LTE network when in Amsterdam or elsewhere in the country. I’ve always found their data speed reliable for daily use including GPS navigation.
One nifty feature that Dent has is data gifting. So if you have excess data, you can share it with friends also using Dent helping them save money. Good option for group travel scenarios.
Dent is one of the few eSIMs that work directly with Apple Watch cellular allowing you to stay connected via your watch alone anywhere in the world. So that’s a nice bonus!
Lastly, Dent has outstanding customer support reachable 24/7 in case any help is needed during your Netherlands travels. Overall, it’s a complete hassle-free connectivity solution.
Check Out Latest Dent Pricing and Buy an eSIM
3. Truphone
The final pick in my list of recommended eSIMs for travel in Amsterdam is Truphone. This established provider offers prepaid connectivity in over 80 countries including Netherlands.
I’ve personally used their Netherlands plan on multiple occasions and had smooth performance always allowing me to easily share vacation pics!
Here is an overview of Truphone’s Netherlands eSIM pricing:
- $9 for 1.5 GB high-speed 4G/LTE data
- $17 for 5 GB 4G plan
- $27 for 15 GB data pack
- $107 for 100 GB data bundle
The great thing about Truphone is they give you access to all three Dutch carriers – Vodafone, KPN and T-Mobile. This enables better performance through network redundancy.
I also like that Truphone allows unlimited tethering at no added fee. So you can comfortably connect multiple devices like laptop, tablet, etc using your phone’s data.
Similar to Dent, Truphone also facilitates data sharing with other Truphone users. This is quite beneficial when traveling as a family or group through Netherlands.
Lastly, Truphone offers the flexibility to pause or renew your plan anytime aligned to your trip duration needs. In summary, it’s a reliable option for Amsterdam connectivity.
View Latest Truphone Pricing and Get Your eSIM
Activating Your eSIM For Amsterdam
Wondering how you actually set up and activate an eSIM before your travels to Amsterdam? It’s very simple!
The process is the same regardless of which provider you choose. Here are the standard steps involved:
1. Order eSIM Plan
Visit the website of your selected provider like Airalo or Dent. Browse their Netherlands offerings, select a suitable plan and complete payment.
2. Get eSIM QR Code
After your order, you’ll receive an email from the eSIM company with an QR activation code. This contains your plan details.
3. Scan QR Code
Open the eSIM provider’s app and use your phone’s camera to scan their QR code. This safely transfers the eSIM to your phone.
4. Follow Activation Process
Finally, follow the in-app activation process to finish setting up your eSIM. And that’s it – you’re all set to #exploreAmsterdam!
When arriving in Netherlands, simply connect to the local carrier and your eSIM plan kicks in. Leave it on for the entirety of your visit to avoid any roaming charges. Easy!
Using an eSIM as a Resident of Amsterdam
Up until now, I’ve focused this Amsterdam eSIM guide primarily towards tourists and visitors. However, as someone who has often spent months living in Amsterdam, I also want to discuss how locals can benefit from eSIMs.
When you’re staying long-term in Netherlands as a resident, expat or student, having reliable connectivity obviously becomes even more vital compared to a vacationer.
In such scenarios, I highly recommend Truphone and GigSky which are two leading eSIM providers tailored for residency usage.
1. Truphone
As I mentioned earlier, one of the things I really like about Truphone is the flexibility their eSIMs offer aligned with extended stays.
Rather than locking you into a fixed duration plan, Truphone allows you to activate and deactivate your Netherlands eSIM aligned to your changing needs when living locally.
So if you move to Amsterdam for college, get started with a 1.5GB weekly plan. But if coursework intensity goes up necessitating more Netflix study breaks, you can bump up to a 5GB or 15GB pack as needed!
Truphone also offers larger 100GB+ residential plans for long term stays. Finally, with access to all three Dutch carriers, you get better performance through redundancy which is great for permanent residents.
See Truphone Residency Pricing and Get Your Netherlands eSIM
2. GigSky
Similar to Truphone, GigSky is an international eSIM provider focused on servicing frequent travelers and expats residing overseas for long durations.
Their Netherlands eSIM pricing is structured keeping extended stays in mind:
- $15 per GB – billed monthly as you use data
- $219 monthly plan for 15GB data
- $329 monthly plan for 25GB data
- $939 monthly plan for 100GB data
As you can see, GigSky offers flexibility by allowing pay as you go data charging. This enables aligning connectivity costs in tune with your real monthly usage.
Also their fixed price monthly plans with large 15GB+ data are well suited for long term stays without worry of overage fees.
For Amsterdam residents, access to KPN network ensures reliable performance across the board. Lastly, GigSky allows seamless eSIM transitions across 140+ countries. Very handy for globetrotting expats!
Discover GigSky Residency Plans and Get Your eSIM
Does My Device Support eSIM?
For those looking to use eSIM during their upcoming travels to Netherlands or while residing in Amsterdam more permanently, a common question is eSIM compatibility: does my device support this new technology?
The good news is most newer phones now sold support eSIM capability globally out of the box. This includes:
- iPhones from iPhone XR, XS models onwards
- Samsung phones from S20 line onwards
- Google Pixel 3 series onwards
- Latest Huawei/Honor/Xiaomi models
So there is a very good chance you already have an eSIM compatible device. To confirm, simply check the tech specs on your mobile phone brand website or device box label for eSIM/dual SIM details.
However, do note that having eSIM functionality alone isn’t sufficient. Your specific device should explicitly be certified by the eSIM provider to fully work on their platform and activate plans seamlessly.
This interoperability testing is key because while the eSIM standard principles of GSMA are uniform globally, execution can vary based on hardware adaptations by device manufacturers.
As such, I always recommend you cross-verify smartphone compatibility on your preferred eSIM company’s website such as DENT or Airalo to be completely sure of hassle-free usage during your time in Amsterdam.
Most leading eSIM providers maintain a real-time verified devices catalog on their site which solves this problem.
eSIMs vs Local SIM Cards for Amsterdam
If you prefer keeping connectivity simple by using your primary number, an eSIM is the way to go during your travels through Netherlands. However, some people may still prefer traditional SIM cards. Let’s compare.
For travelers going to Amsterdam, getting a local Netherlands SIM used to be the normal option earlier. However, today I only recommend local SIMs for basic phones or very long stays of 6+ months. Beyond that – eSIMs are just better!
Here’s a quick performance comparison:
- Acquiring a Dutch SIM card takes time as you need to find a local shop on arriving in Amsterdam often early morning after red-eye flight! eSIMs are ready to use from plane touchdown.
- Swapping small SIM cards can be fiddly specially with jet lag & cold weather vs eSIM activation done digitally in 1 minute from airport taxi.
- To avoid losing SIM card, many glue it to a chip or staple the SIM to passport as back up option. eSIMs have built-in backups.
- Topping up local Netherlands SIMs means locating a voucher shop which sells top up card of the right carrier. For eSIMs like Airalo, you simply open the app and add more data to basket! No shop visit.
- Disposing small SIM cards responsibly after use can be challenge. eSIM leaves behind no physical plastic waste. Go Green!
Hope this gives some clarity on eSIM vs local SIM trade-offs. I’m sure it’ll help you decide the best connectivity option for your exciting Amsterdam visit!
Final Thoughts
Well, that just about covers everything you could possibly need to know about finding the top eSIM in Amsterdam be it a for vacation or living abroad long-term as a resident.
I hope you found my recommendations for Amsterdam eSIM providers based on extensive first-hand experience globetrotting useful. Do let me which one you end up getting for your upcoming travels!
If something’s not clear or you need any help navigating eSIMs at any point, drop me a comment below. I try my best to answer questions from readers when I can.
And no matter which eSIM you go with eventually never forget the #1 rule of travel: have fun while you responsibly explore all that beautiful Amsterdam has to offer us wanderlust filled souls!
Adventure Awaits! 🛫
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the providers mentioned in this guide. These are my own unbiased opinions based on several years of eSIM usage in Amsterdam across both tourist visits and residency stints.
