Best eSIM for Amsterdam: Which one should you choose?

4.6 /5

Highly rated Based on +43.000 customer reviews on Trustpilot

+1M

Trusted worldwide Over 1 million travelers across the globe have trusted Holafly

Unlimited data Limitless data plans in more than 170 destinations

Holafly saves you +30% compared to other roaming fees

Buy my eSIM

Plans that may interest you

The Netherlands

From

$5,90

USD

Europe

From

$5,90

USD

Amsterdam is one of the most popular cities in Europe amongst tourists and it has plenty to offer to anyone. But exploring it requires a lot of walking, and it’s fairly easy to get lost in an unknown environment, especially with everyone around you speaking their own language.

Therefore, having an internet connection in the city is a must, and eSIMs offer the best options for staying connected in Amsterdam. Follow along to learn more about what gives eSIMs an edge over a physical SIM card and what are the best eSIMs in the city.

Where can I buy an eSIM for Amsterdam?

One of the main benefits of eSIM cards is that you can buy a data plan from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection. Most providers give you up to six months to activate your plan, so you can buy a Netherlands eSIM in advance and activate it when you arrive at your destination.

However, this only applies to global eSIM providers such as Holafly. If you want to buy an eSIM from a local carrier, you might need to visit one of their physical centers to get your mobile data plan.

Advantages of an eSIM for Amsterdam

All of the best eSIM providers for the Netherlands share a lot of the same features. Here are some of the main advantages of using an eSIM whenever you’re traveling:

• Local networks: eSIMs work with local network providers to ensure the best possible connection in any country.
• Data sharing: You can share the data from your eSIM with your travel buddies or to your other devices via a hotspot.
• Unlimited data: You don’t want to run out of data when exploring a city you don’t know in a country you have never visited. An eSIM with unlimited data ensures you never lose connection during your travels.
• Customizable plans: Any good eSIM provider will give you multiple plan options so you can choose the one that suits you best.
• Keep your current phone number: You can use the eSIM for data but keep your permanent phone number active for VoIP calls over WhatsApp or FaceTime.
• Easy activation: As soon as you make your purchase, you’ll receive a QR code in your email. Scan it and follow simple step-by-step instructions to activate your eSIM in just a few taps of a button.
• Regional plans: If Amsterdam is just a stop in a trip throughout multiple countries in Europe, you can get yourself a Europe eSIM plan and enjoy coverage in the entire continent on a single plan.

Best eSIM providers for Amsterdam

Once you decide that you do need an eSIM, you’ll have to figure out which provider meets your needs. Let’s take a look at some of the best eSIM options for Amsterdam.

1. Holafly

Holafly ticks all the boxes regarding what you should be looking for in an eSIM provider. All of its Netherlands eSIM plans include unlimited data, connect you to local networks, allow data sharing, and are easy to use and activate.

Here’s what you get with every Holafly plan:

• Unlimited data
• Flexible plan duration
• 24/7 customer support
• iOS and Android apps for easy use

You won’t need to track your data usage on your holiday thanks to the unlimited plans, so you can enjoy your holiday with peace of mind.

How much does a Holafly eSIM for Amsterdam cost?

Holafly offers completely flexible plan choices ranging from 1 to 90 days. You can pick any number of days you need, which allows you to match your eSIM plan with the duration of your stay and avoid paying for any days you don’t need.

The value for money increases along with the duration, but all Holafly plans are more than worth the money.

2. Vodafone 

Vodafone is one of several carriers that provide their own eSIM service. While there is no separate plan for Amsterdam, their Vodafone Travel eSIM offers coverage in 75 countries, including the Netherlands.

Here’s what the plan includes:

• Roaming in 75 countries
• 25 GB of data, unlimited cell phone calls and messages
• Manage your eSIMs on the Vodafone website

It’s worth noting that there’s only one plan available with Vodafone. It may be a great option if it suits your needs perfectly, but there’s very little flexibility there.

3. T-Mobile 

The T-Mobile eSIM is another local carrier option worth considering. Let’s look at what they offer to people who want to use their eSIMs. Here’s what you can expect from their services:

• Travel-oriented plans
• Easy to purchase for locals
• Purchases can only be made on the app

They do have several plans, but they’re aimed more towards long-term users, with very few short-term options available.

eSIMs vs. physical SIM cards for Amsterdam

When it comes to eSIMs vs physical SIM cards, an eSIM does everything a regular SIM card does while being cheaper and more convenient. With an eSIM, there’s no need to look for a physical retailer or fiddle around with tiny plastic cards. 

Let’s take a closer look at how eSIMs compare with physical SIM cards.

• Buying process: eSIMs can be purchased and set up online and in advance, so you can get internet access whenever you need it. Physical SIMs require you to find a retailer and set up your card on location.
• Price: Travel SIM cards often have separate charges for the data plan and the card itself, while eSIMs typically only charge you for the plan. On top of that, eSIM plans tend to be cheaper than those for physical cards.
• Eco-friendliness: An eSIM is a purely digital product that doesn’t require plastic cards to work. Physical SIM cards typically come attached to larger pieces of plastic and packaging that eventually turn to waste.
• Connection quality: Physical cards are typically linked to one network provider, while eSIMs can work with multiple providers, allowing you to switch to the one that works best in your area.
• Compatibility: While most modern phones are eSIM-compatible, there are still some models that only work with physical cards. That said, some recent models, including iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 only support eSIMs and don’t even have a slot for a physical card.

How do I activate my eSIM Amsterdam?

As mentioned above, you can activate your eSIM by using the QR code you’ll receive after purchase, but let’s go over the steps in more detail:

1. Browse Holafly’s list of 200+ destinations and select an eSIM plan that suits your needs.
2. Complete your purchase and scan the QR code you’ll receive in your email.
3. The QR code will lead you to a setup guide, follow the steps there to activate your eSIM.
4. As soon as you reach your destination, activate your roaming service and enjoy having mobile data wherever you go.
5. If you’re having issues, you can contact Holafly’s 24/7 customer support team.

Keep in mind that you need internet to purchase and set up your eSIM. Whether it’s free WiFi when you arrive, or your home network, which allows you to set up the eSIM in advance.

Which is the best eSIM for Amsterdam?

At the end of the day, the best eSIM is the one that suits your needs. However, with unlimited data plans, 24/7 customer support, and complete flexibility in plan choices, the Holafly eSIM for the Netherlands is one of the best options out there.

No matter what you choose, global data providers tend to be a bit more flexible with their plan choices and offer a service that’s oriented towards travelers rather than locals. So as long as you have one of the mobile phones that support this technology, buying an eSIM is easily the best way to stay connected.

FAQs about the best eSIM for Amsterdam

Plans that may interest you

The Netherlands

From

$5,90

USD

Europe

From

$5,90

USD

Related reading