Dutch SIM for cheap calls and data traffic with US phone in the Netherlands

Economical calling with a US mobile phone in the Netherlands

US mobile phones work in the Netherlands. Travellers from the US can use them across the country for calls and data, as coverage in the Netherlands is very good. Moreover, there is free WIFI access in hotels and restaurants and you can use data there at no extra cost.

It all sounds great, so why bother with a Dutch SIM? But beware: even in places where you have free access to WIFI, you have to pay extra for regular incoming and outgoing phone calls. Moreover, in most places in the Netherlands, there is no access to WIFI when travelling around or sightseeing. If you plan to go outside hotels and restaurants during your trip to the Netherlands, you will have to pay high roaming fees for using your US smartphone there. This can make phone calls and data usage expensive. Costs for common tasks like checking your email, surfing the internet and using apps can add up considerably. Fortunately, there is a simple way to avoid unexpectedly high bills. Buy a prepaid SIM card for the Netherlands.

Using a US smartphone with a Dutch SIM

The best way to use your US mobile phone in the Netherlands and not face high charges for calls and data is to buy a prepaid SIM card for the Netherlands . With a Dutch SIM, you get access to a Dutch provider’s network and can use your mobile phone at attractive local data rates. With a SIM card for the Netherlands in your phone, you can use any app or feature on your phone that uses data, such as WhatsApp, email, Face Time or navigation at low cost. Moreover, all your incoming calls are free and if you use our bestseller, a 35GB prepaid Dutch SIM, you will benefit from unlimited free international calls. Please note that with a new SIM card, you will also get a new Dutch phone number. Make sure you share this number with the people you want to contact while in the Netherlands.

Which SIM for the Netherlands is best to use in a US mobile phone?

For US travellers visiting Amsterdam and the Netherlands, we offer a 10GB SIM card for the Netherlands and a 35GB SIM card for the Netherlands. If you want to know which one suits you best, check out our article: Which SIM for the Netherlands and Amsterdam is the best? Dutch SIM

SIM card Europe

Many American travellers flying to Amsterdam also go to other European countries such as Belgium, Germany, France or Italy. A good solution for them could be a SIM card for Europe. This offers a large data bundle and unlimited calls and texts. Moreover, it offers the convenience of one phone number for the whole of Europe. You can find more about this solution in the article Which SIM for Europe is the best?

Buy a Dutch SIM for calls and internet during your trip to the Netherlands

How do you get a prepaid SIM card for the Netherlands or a SIM for Europe? It’s quite simple. When you arrive at Amsterdam Airport, you can buy it from the Airport Telecom shop, which is conveniently located in Arrivals Hall 1&2, show the location on the map. You can also reserve your Dutch SIM card on the Airport Telecom website and receive your reserved phone number by e-mail.

How do I remove a SIM lock from a US mobile phone?

It is not common, but a US mobile phone may have a SIM lock. This can happen when a mobile phone has been offered to you by a mobile network provider on favourable terms. With a simlock, you cannot use SIM cards from other providers in your mobile phone. If your phone has such a lock, contact your provider and ask them to remove the simlock, since you will be travelling to Europe.

If you bought your mobile phone in a shop or online without a mobile phone subscription, you can be sure there is no simlock on your phone. The same applies if you have previously used other SIM cards from different providers in your phone. If it worked, it means there is no simlock on your phone and you can easily use a Dutch prepaid sim card in your mobile phone when travelling in Europe.

If it is not possible to remove a simlock from your phone, you can consider buying a cheap smartphone to use with a prepaid Dutch sim card while in the Netherlands. This way, you can make calls and use data at attractive local rates, which in most cases is cheaper than using your US phone and paying high roaming charges. You can buy a cheap phone on arrival at Amsterdam airport at the Airport Telecom shop, which is easily found in Arrivals Hall 1&2, show the location on the map.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at +31 (0)20 6530999 or by email: info@airporttelecom.nl

Have a pleasant stay in the Netherlands.