What you need to know about Dutch cell phone numbers

A Netherlands cell phone number starts with +31 (the country code) followed by 6 or 7, then eight more digits. When you're inside the Netherlands, you dial it without the +31 — just the 06 or 07 prefix and the remaining digits. The number itself doesn't tell you which city someone is in; Dutch mobile numbers are portable across the country, unlike some older systems.

To get a Dutch number, you need a SIM card from a telecom provider. You can buy one at a phone shop, supermarket, or online, and set up usually takes minutes to a few hours. Most providers let you choose between a contract plan (monthly bill, locked in for a set term) or a prepaid card (pay as you go, no commitment). Prepaid is simpler if you're visiting or don't want a long-term agreement.

Key Takeaways

  • Dutch cell numbers begin with +31 6 or +31 7, and you dial them as 06 or 07 when calling from inside the Netherlands.
  • You obtain a number by buying a SIM card from a major provider like KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, or a discount carrier, then activating it with your ID.
  • Prepaid SIM cards require no contract and are sold at phone shops, supermarkets, and online for roughly €10 to €20 upfront.
  • Contract plans lock you in for 12 to 24 months but often include more data and calling minutes than prepaid, and require proof of address and a Dutch bank account.
  • You can keep your number if you switch providers by requesting a number portability transfer, which takes a few working days.

Major providers and where to buy a SIM card

The four largest telecom companies in the Netherlands are KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, and Tele2. KPN is the oldest and has the widest network coverage. Vodafone and T-Mobile are mid-range in price and coverage. Tele2 and smaller brands like Lebara and Simpel are budget options that use one of the big four's networks but charge less.

You can buy a SIM card at a KPN, Vodafone, or T-Mobile shop in any city. Supermarkets like Albert Heijn and Jumbo stock prepaid SIM cards near the checkout. Online retailers like Coolblue and bol.com sell them too, though you'll wait for delivery. If you want a contract plan, you must visit a physical shop or the provider's website, because you'll need to show ID and sign paperwork.

Prepaid SIM cards are usually cheaper upfront — €10 to €20 — and come with a small starting balance. Contract plans require a one-time setup fee (often waived) but lock you in for 12 to 24 months. If you're a resident, you'll need proof of address (a utility bill or rental agreement) and a Dutch bank account for monthly billing.

How to set up your SIM card

Once you have the SIM card, insert it into your phone (make sure your phone is compatible with Dutch networks — most modern phones are). Turn the phone on and wait a few minutes. You'll usually receive a text message confirming set up, along with your new number and any starting balance or plan details.

For prepaid cards, you may need to visit the provider's website or call their set up line to confirm your details. Bring your ID (passport or residence permit) because Dutch law requires telecom companies to register who owns each number. This process, called KvK registration, takes a few minutes and is done at the point of sale or online during set up.

If set up doesn't happen automatically, call the provider's customer service line (usually printed on the SIM card packaging). They can set up it over the phone once they verify your ID details. Most providers offer customer service in English, though response times are faster if you speak Dutch.

Contract plans versus prepaid: which is right for you

A contract plan means you pay a fixed monthly bill for a set amount of calling minutes, text messages, and data. Plans typically run 12 to 24 months. You get more data and minutes per euro than prepaid, and you can upgrade your phone at a discount. The downside is you're locked in — cancelling early usually costs a penalty.

A prepaid plan means you buy credit upfront and use it until it runs out, then buy more. There's no contract, no monthly bill, and no commitment. You pay more per gigabyte of data and per minute of calling, but you have complete flexibility. Prepaid is better if you're visiting for a few weeks, testing a provider, or don't want a long-term agreement.

Residents who plan to stay longer than a few months usually choose a contract because the monthly cost is lower. Visitors and short-term residents almost always choose prepaid. Some providers offer hybrid plans — a small monthly fee with cheap per-use rates — which can work well if you use your phone occasionally.

Keeping your number if you switch providers

Dutch law allows you to keep your phone number when you switch to a different provider. This is called number portability. You request it from your new provider, and they handle the transfer with your old provider. The process takes three to five working days, and during that time your old SIM card stops working.

To port your number, you need your account number and a code from your current provider (they'll give it to you when you ask). Visit the new provider's shop or website and tell them you want to port your number. They'll ask for those details and process the request. You'll get a new SIM card with your old number on it.

If you're on a contract plan, porting your number doesn't cancel your contract early — you'll still owe any remaining fees to your old provider. Check your contract terms before you switch, because some plans charge a penalty for early termination.

What to do if your phone doesn't work on Dutch networks

Most modern phones work on Dutch networks, but older or region-locked phones may not. Dutch providers use 4G and 5G on frequencies called bands 3, 7, and 20. Before you buy a SIM card, check your phone's manual or search online for its supported bands. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier (common with phones bought on contract in other countries), you'll need to unlock it first.

If your phone is incompatible, you can buy a cheap phone at a supermarket or electronics store for €50 to €150. Many providers also offer phone deals with contract plans — you pay a small upfront cost and the rest is spread across your monthly bill. This is usually cheaper than buying a phone outright if you're staying long-term.

If you're just visiting and don't want to buy a phone, you can rent one from some tourist shops or use a local SIM card in a borrowed phone. Some hotels also lend phones to guests, though they may charge a deposit.

Using your Dutch number abroad

Your Dutch number works outside the Netherlands, but you'll pay roaming charges unless you have an international plan. Most Dutch providers include free or cheap roaming within the EU — you pay the same rate as you would in the Netherlands. Outside the EU, charges can be high: €1 to €3 per minute for calls, and €5 to €10 per gigabyte for data.

Before you travel, contact your provider and ask about roaming rates for your destination. Many providers offer add-on packages for specific countries or regions that are cheaper than standard roaming. Alternatively, you can buy a local SIM card in the country you're visiting and use that instead, though you'll have a different number while you're there.

If you're staying abroad for more than a few months, you may want to get a local number in that country instead of paying roaming charges. You can keep your Dutch number by switching to a provider that offers cheap international roaming, or you can port it back to a Dutch prepaid plan and use it only when you return.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Dutch cell phone number without a Dutch address or bank account?

Yes, if you buy a prepaid SIM card. Prepaid requires only your ID and takes minutes to set up. Contract plans require proof of address and a Dutch bank account, so they're not available to visitors or people without a fixed address. Some providers offer short-term contracts for tourists, but these are rare and usually more expensive than prepaid.

How much does a prepaid SIM card cost per month?

There is no monthly cost — you buy credit upfront and use it. A starter pack usually costs €10 to €20 and includes some initial balance. After that, you buy more credit as needed. Rates vary by provider but are typically €0.10 to €0.20 per minute for calls, €0.05 to €0.10 per text, and €2 to €5 per gigabyte of data. Unused credit usually expires after 12 months.

What happens to my number if I don't use my SIM card for a long time?

Prepaid numbers are usually deactivated after 6 to 12 months of no activity, and you lose the number. Contract plans stay active as long as you pay the bill. If you're leaving the Netherlands and want to keep your number, switch to a prepaid plan with a provider that offers cheap international roaming, or port your number to a provider that specializes in keeping numbers for people abroad.

Can I use a phone from another country on a Dutch SIM card?

Yes, as long as the phone is unlocked and supports the bands used by Dutch providers (usually 4G bands 3, 7, or 20). Most modern phones do. If your phone is locked to a specific carrier, you'll need to unlock it first — contact your original provider or use an online unlocking service. Some older phones may not be compatible, in which case you'll need to buy a phone in the Netherlands.

Do I need to register my Dutch number with the government?

No, but the telecom provider must register your identity when you set up the SIM card. This is a legal requirement, not a government registration. The provider keeps your details on file and may share them with authorities if required by law. You don't need to do anything extra — the registration happens automatically during set up.