Netherlands – Landlines and Mobile Phones

What are the international dialling codes for Netherlands, and what are the area codes for the most popular expat destinations?

The Netherlands is assigned the country code +31, which you enter after your country’s international access prefix (typically 00 or +). The Dutch telephone numbering system is divided into geographical numbers, non-geographical numbers, and special public resource numbers.

Geographical numbers contain nine digits in total, made up of an area code of either two or three digits combined with a subscriber number of seven or six digits respectively. The length of an area code reflects the size of the city it serves — Amsterdam, for instance, has the short two-digit code 020, whereas less populous areas carry three-digit codes.

When placing a call from within the Netherlands, you must dial the trunk access code 0 before the area code, bringing the full dialling sequence to ten digits. When calling from outside the country, this leading 0 is dropped entirely. Leaving it in is a frequent error that prevents the call from connecting. As an illustration, dialling an Amsterdam number from abroad would follow this format: +31 20 [seven-digit number].

The table below lists area codes for major Dutch cities and locations where expats commonly settle:

Dutch mobile numbers begin with 06 when dialled domestically, or +316 when dialled from abroad. They carry no regional designation. The national emergency number is 112, while toll-free numbers prefixed with 0800 cost nothing to call, including from public payphones.

A useful habit is to save Dutch phone numbers in your contacts using the international format (+31) rather than the local format. Doing so ensures the number functions correctly both within the Netherlands and whenever you are travelling.

Who are the major landline providers in Netherlands, and how can you contact them?

Although the Dutch telecoms market has been fully privatised, KPN (Koninklijke PTT Nederland) — the former state operator — remains the dominant player, serving a broad base of both residential and business customers. KPN commands approximately 62.5 percent of the fixed telephone market measured by call minutes.

KPN delivers its telecommunications services under several brand names, covering fixed and mobile telephony, television and cable, and internet: these include KPN itself, XS4ALL, and Simyo. You can reach KPN through their website at kpn.com, by calling the free customer service line 0800 0402 from within the Netherlands, or by walking into any KPN retail outlet in a city centre.

Additional fixed-line options include Ziggo and UPC, both of which deliver telephone services over cable infrastructure — meaning you will need an existing cable connection for television and/or internet to use either. Ziggo, now operating as part of VodafoneZiggo, can be contacted via vodafoneziggo.nl or by calling 0800 1884 free of charge. Several other landline operators exist in the Netherlands, though most cater primarily to the business segment rather than private households.

Many providers offer attractive discounts when you take out a bundled package combining a landline, broadband internet, a mobile plan, and a television subscription. It is worth comparing total package costs before committing. Contract structures differ between providers, so always weigh up the monthly standing charge against per-minute call rates. Because tariffs change regularly, consult each provider’s official website for up-to-date pricing and treat any figures from third-party sources with appropriate caution.

The Dutch telecoms sector is regulated by the Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM), which oversees competition policy, consumer protection, and sector-specific regulation. Guidance for consumers and a complaints portal are available at acm.nl.

Who are the major mobile phone providers in Netherlands, and how can you contact them?

Three operators anchor the Dutch mobile market: KPN, Vodafone, and Odido — the latter created through the merger of T-Mobile and Tele2. The Dutch mobile industry ranks among the most technologically advanced globally, characterised by strong competition and rising demand for high-speed data services.

Data from the second quarter of 2024 shows that KPN and Odido each held between 30 and 35 percent of mobile connections in the Netherlands, with VodafoneZiggo accounting for between 20 and 25 percent.

The Netherlands hosts around ten licensed mobile network operators and more than fifty MVNOs. Many of these secondary brands run on the infrastructure of the big three, which means customers can often enjoy excellent signal quality at considerably lower prices than those charged by the main operators.

All major Dutch mobile networks offer strong coverage — exceeding 90 percent of the national territory — so whether you are commuting in Amsterdam or cycling through open farmland, connectivity is rarely a concern. 5G deployment is most advanced in the central and southern parts of the country. For remote rural settings, KPN tends to offer the broadest reach, though all three major networks perform reliably across the Netherlands as a whole.

Always verify current plan pricing directly on each provider’s official website, as tariffs are subject to change. Comparison platforms such as Belsimpel.nl and Vergelijk.nl allow you to evaluate multiple plans side by side in one place.

How do I get a landline connected in Netherlands?

In most cases, a property will already have a fixed telephone line in place, which considerably simplifies the set-up process. If you are moving into a newly built home or a property where the line was previously disconnected, you will need to arrange a fresh connection. The steps involved are fairly straightforward and broadly comparable to getting a landline in other Western European countries.

1. Choose a provider and plan. Contracts vary in structure, so pay close attention to the interplay between fixed monthly charges and per-minute call rates. KPN is the most widely used provider for residential connections, but bundled packages offered by VodafoneZiggo through its cable network can represent good value. A comparison website will help you evaluate the latest offerings.
2. Contact the provider. You can sign up by visiting a KPN store in your city centre, calling 0800 0402 (free), or going online at kpn.com. For VodafoneZiggo services, visit vodafoneziggo.nl. While online registration is possible, most provider websites are in Dutch, so visiting a physical store may be easier — staff in stores typically speak multiple languages and can walk you through the process.
3. Provide required documentation. You will generally need to supply: a valid passport or national identity card; evidence of your Dutch address, such as a tenancy agreement or a recent utility bill; and your BSN (Burger Service Nummer — the Dutch citizen service number). Confirm the precise documents required with your chosen provider before your visit, as requirements can vary.
4. Sign the contract. Residential landline contracts in the Netherlands normally carry a minimum term of 12 months. Review the terms thoroughly, paying particular attention to the cancellation notice period, which is usually one month following the end of the minimum term.
5. Wait for installation. After scheduling an appointment with the provider, connection is typically completed within around five working days. If the installation requires new hardware — such as a router or a replacement wall socket — a technician will visit your home to carry out the work.

The process is broadly the same for both owners and tenants, though renters should check their lease to see whether the landlord has any pre-existing arrangement with a particular provider. Deposits are not generally required for residential landline contracts in the Netherlands, although providers may carry out a credit check. Verify current requirements with your provider or consult the ACM’s consumer guidance at acm.nl.

How do I get a mobile phone SIM card or contract in Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, mobile services are available on either a prepaid or postpaid basis. Both options are accessible to new arrivals, though the documents you need differ depending on which route you choose. The overall framework is similar to that found in other EU countries, with the key distinction being that postpaid contracts almost always require a Dutch bank account and a registered home address.

Getting a prepaid SIM card

If your handset is already unlocked and you simply need a SIM, you do not have to visit a dedicated telecoms store. Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased cheaply at a wide range of retail outlets, including grocery stores. Upon landing, SIMs from KPN, Vodafone, T-Mobile, and Lebara are on sale at shops throughout Schiphol Airport. Many supermarket chains, including Albert Heijn, stock prepaid SIM packs from brands such as Lyca, Lebara, and KPN.

You will be asked to show a valid identity document such as a passport when buying a SIM. Prepaid cards activate immediately. They are an ideal option for newcomers who have not yet registered their address or set up a Dutch bank account, since no credit check is involved and there is no minimum commitment period.

Getting a postpaid (contract) plan

Signing up for a postpaid plan requires you to present valid identification along with a Dutch bank account. You will also need to demonstrate proof of residence — typically your BSN and a copy of your tenancy agreement or your registration certificate from the local municipality (inschrijving). Unlike some countries where a contract can be arranged without a local bank account, Dutch operators almost without exception require a Dutch IBAN for monthly direct debit payments.

Securing a mobile contract can be challenging for expats newly arrived in the Netherlands. Standard contracts tend to run for at least one to two years, which can be problematic for people who are uncertain about the length of their stay. For the same reason, some providers are cautious about offering contracts to individuals who have only recently arrived. If this applies to your situation, a rolling SIM-only plan with a shorter commitment — offered by MVNOs like Simyo, Simpel, or Lebara — provides a practical and flexible alternative.

Simyo operates on KPN’s network and provides both SIM-only and prepaid options. Lebara is particularly popular among those who make frequent international calls, making it a well-regarded choice within the expat community. As an example of what budget MVNOs can offer, Budget Mobiel’s SIM-only subscriptions include 100 free international call minutes or texts per month to 45 different countries.

How do I pay my telephone bill in Netherlands?

The standard method for settling a telephone bill in the Netherlands is automatic direct debit, whereby the outstanding amount is drawn from your bank account each month without any manual input required. This applies to both landline and mobile contracts and mirrors the approach used in other European countries such as Germany and France.

If you prefer to pay manually, you can do so by logging into your provider’s website or mobile app each billing cycle, or by setting up a standing order through your bank. The major providers all offer well-designed apps that let you track your usage, top up prepaid credit, and manage account settings from your phone.

If you have not yet opened a Dutch bank account, you may need to discuss alternative payment arrangements with your provider — for instance, settling by international bank transfer. Some MVNOs are more accommodating in this regard and may accept non-Dutch bank accounts or allow payment by credit card, so it is worth raising this question when you sign up.

Bills for both landlines and mobile contracts are issued on a monthly basis. Late payment policies vary across providers: most will issue a reminder notice and apply a late payment fee before eventually suspending the service. If you dispute a charge, the ACM’s consumer helpline at acm.nl can advise on your entitlements and, where necessary, assist in mediating a resolution. For prepaid mobile users, credit top-ups are available in-store, through the provider’s own app, or via top-up points found at many supermarkets and petrol stations across the country.

Are there any practical tips for using phones in Netherlands as a newcomer?

Get a Dutch number promptly

Even if your overseas mobile is functioning without issue after you arrive, it is worth setting up a Dutch SIM sooner rather than later. Many services — from delivery platforms to local online marketplaces — ask for a Dutch phone number during registration. Having a local number also makes it easier to communicate with employers, landlords, and Dutch administrative bodies from the outset.

EU roaming rules apply

Because the Netherlands is a member of the European Union, roaming surcharges for calls, texts, and data across the EU and EEA were abolished under EU legislation. This means you can use your Dutch SIM card in other EU and EEA countries at the same rates that apply domestically, subject to your plan’s fair-use policy. Always check your contract for any data caps that apply while roaming. Calls to destinations outside the EU will continue to attract international rates — review your plan for details.

Number porting

If you already hold a Dutch mobile number and wish to switch providers, you can transfer the number across without losing it. Simply request a porting code (sometimes referred to as a PAC or transfer code) from your current provider, then supply it to your new provider when completing sign-up. In the Netherlands, porting typically takes between one and three business days. If you are relocating from abroad, it is generally not possible to port a foreign number onto a Dutch contract — you will need to accept a new Dutch number, though many expats continue running their foreign SIM in a separate device or dual-SIM slot during the transition.

eSIM availability

KPN supports eSIM across its new 5G handsets and many iPhone models, with dedicated eSIM plans on offer. Vodafone provides eSIM compatibility on its 5G devices and the latest iPhones, though eSIM functionality on Vodafone is limited to postpaid and subscription arrangements. Simyo similarly offers an eSIM option, meaning that if your handset supports it, you can activate a Dutch number without waiting for a physical card — either through an eSIM SIM-only contract or an eSIM prepaid plan. This is especially convenient for newcomers who want a Dutch number from day one of their arrival.

Network quality and rural coverage

An independent assessment published in February 2025 ranked KPN’s network as the finest in the Netherlands and among the best anywhere in the world. Stable 4G connectivity covers almost the entire country. Provinces such as Zeeland, Drenthe, and Friesland are served particularly well by KPN for rural coverage, though if your home is in a remote location, it is sensible to check each operator’s online coverage map before locking into a contract. All three major providers publish these maps on their respective websites.

Local customs around phone use

The Dutch tend to be pragmatic and direct in their communication style: calling ahead before visiting someone unannounced is considered courteous, and WhatsApp messages are an everyday means of informal contact. On public transport, making voice calls in quiet carriages is generally frowned upon. Customer service lines are frequently Dutch-only, so non-Dutch speakers may find it more productive to visit a physical store, where the majority of staff speak English and other languages and can provide more helpful guidance in person.

Useful comparison resources

To compare current plans across all providers, visit Belsimpel.nl, Vergelijk.nl, or Mobiel.nl. For regulatory information and consumer rights relating to telecoms, the Authority for Consumers and Markets can be found at acm.nl.

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep my foreign number when I move to the Netherlands?

In most circumstances, no. Porting a foreign mobile number onto a Dutch contract is generally not possible. When you register with a local operator, you will be assigned a new Dutch number. That said, many expats continue to use their foreign SIM in a dual-SIM phone or on a secondary device during the changeover period, which gives them time to inform contacts of their new number at their own pace.

Do I need a local address to get a SIM card in the Netherlands?

For a prepaid SIM, a valid passport or identity document is all you need — there is no requirement for a Dutch address, and prepaid cards can be picked up at airports, supermarkets, and phone retailers the moment you arrive. For a postpaid contract, you will need a registered Dutch address, and in most cases a BSN and a Dutch bank account as well.

Do I need a BSN to get a mobile contract in the Netherlands?

Yes, the vast majority of postpaid mobile contracts require a BSN (Burger Service Nummer), the citizen service number assigned to you when you register with your local municipality (gemeente). Until you have completed that registration, a prepaid SIM is the most practical interim solution. Once you are registered and have your BSN, applying for a postpaid contract becomes straightforward.

Which mobile network has the best coverage in rural areas of the Netherlands?

KPN offers the most extensive coverage across the Netherlands, including in rural and remote areas, making it the natural first choice if you live away from major urban centres. Nevertheless, all three principal operators — KPN, VodafoneZiggo, and Odido — maintain strong nationwide networks. Before signing a contract, it is advisable to consult each provider’s interactive coverage map online to check the signal quality at your specific location.

Can I get a contract mobile plan without a Dutch bank account?

This is generally difficult. Dutch postpaid contracts almost universally require a Dutch IBAN for direct debit billing. If you have not yet opened a local bank account, your best options are a prepaid plan or an MVNO that is more flexible about accepted payment methods. Some providers will consider credit card billing, but this is far from standard — always check with the provider directly before signing anything.

How long does it take to get a landline connected in the Netherlands?

Once an installation appointment has been booked with your provider, connection is normally completed within approximately five working days. Properties that already have an active line in place may be connected more quickly. Newly built homes or properties needing significant infrastructure work could take longer. Check the current lead time with your provider at the point of booking.

Are eSIMs available in the Netherlands?

Yes. All three major operators — KPN, Vodafone, and Odido — offer eSIM support on compatible devices, as do certain MVNOs including Simyo. With the main networks, eSIM functionality is typically restricted to postpaid or subscription-based plans. If your device is eSIM-compatible, activating a Dutch number this way on or shortly before arrival is a convenient alternative to waiting for a physical SIM to be dispatched.

What is the telecoms regulator in the Netherlands and how can I complain?

The Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM — Autoriteit Consument & Markt) is responsible for competition oversight and consumer protection across the Dutch telecoms industry. If a dispute with your provider cannot be resolved through the company’s own complaints process, you can seek assistance via the ACM’s website at acm.nl. Alternatively, you can submit your case to De Geschillencommissie, the independent Dutch disputes committee that handles consumer complaints in the telecoms sector.