When traveling to the Netherlands, staying connected is super handy for things like posting pics, finding your way around, and keeping in touch. But with so many eSIM plans, how to choose the ideal one?
This review's gonna help you! It’ll compare stuff like data plans, costs, which network the eSIM uses, and how helpful the customer service is, so that you can find the best one for your trip.
Without further ado, let's get started！
What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing a Travel eSIM Brand?
Types of Data Packages:
Three different kinds of data packages are typically offered now. Daily restrictions place a data constraint on each day of your journey, while total plans provide a larger amount of data for days or weeks. And by using unlimited data, you can get online without restriction. To choose a suitable plan, you should determine your actual data usage.
Cost:
Prices can vary significantly among different plans. One thing to note is that cheaper doesn’t always mean better. Usually, low-priced plans come with small data allowances, such as 1.5 GB for 3 days or even 1 GB for 7 days, meaning that you probably use up the data fast and waste money for an extra one. Therefore, a plan that exactly meets your data needs is more cost-effective. To compare the prices of different plans, you can calculate and compare the cost per day or per GB to get a clear idea.
Coverage (Operator):
The eSIM's network coverage is crucial and depends on local operators. Therefore, choosing an eSIM with solid operators like Vodafone and KPN in the Netherlands ensures extensive coverage and a substantial network, especially if you visit rural or less populated areas.
Hotspot Share:
If you need to connect multiple devices or friends to the internet, check if the eSIM allows hotspot sharing. This feature can save you from purchasing additional data plans for each device.
Customer Service:
Reliable customer support is essential, especially when your eSIM encounters issues abroad. So, Look for an eSIM provider that offers multiple ways to get help, such as live chat, email, and phone support.
Top 3 eSIM Brands for Traveling in the Netherlands
Airalo:
Airalo simply has total plans with different choices from 1 to 20 GB, reducing the trouble of considering various plans. Relying on the strong operators Vodafone and KPN, it brings extensive coverage and a fast-speed network to you. Moreover, its chatbot will assist you in time when your eSIM gets into issues.
iRoamly:
In addition to total plans, iRoamly also provides daily options and unlimited data. With so many plans, you flexibly choose the ideal one according to your online needs. By partnering with the same local operators as Airalo, iRoamly promises a substantial network and supportive services. Plus, it prepares more after-sales channels, such as online chatbot, WhatsApp, Email, and INS, for you to solve eSIM-related problems.
Holafly:
Holafly is popular with travelers because of its unlimited data. Though it offers a single package, it keeps you connected without restriction at all times, like you’re just at home. Unlike Airalo and iRoamly, it collaborates with Orange, creating conditions for a good online experience. However, it limits you to share your connection with others every day.
Comparison of eSIM Packages in the Netherlands
Feature | Airalo | iRoamly | Holafly |
Types of Data Packages | Total Type | Unlimited / Daily / Total Type | Unlimited |
Data Range | 1/2/3/5/10/20 GB | 1/5/10/20/50/Unlimited GB | Only unlimited |
Validity Period (days) | 7/15/30 | 1/3/5/7/10/15/20/30 | 5/7/10/15/20/30/60/90 |
Speed | 5G | 4G | 4G/LTE/5G |
Hotspot/Tethering | Yes | Yes | 500mb per day |
Operator | Vodafone/KPN | KPN (iBasis) / Vodafone | Orange |
Customer Service | Online Chatbot | Online Chatbot/WhatsApp/Email/INS | Online Chatbot/WhatsApp |
Airalo / iRoamly / Holafly the Netherlands Travel eSIMs Price Comparison
Airalo | iRoamly | Holafly | |
5 Days | / | Unlimited, $17.00 Total: 5 GB, $11.00 Total: 10 GB, $19.00 Daily: 1 GB, $8.50 | Unlimited, $19.00 |
7 Days | Total: 1 GB, $4.50 | Unlimited, $23.00 Total: 5 GB, $11.50 Total: 10GB, $20.00 Daily: 1GB, $11.50 | Unlimited, $27.00 |
15 Days | Total: 2 GB, $7.00 | Unlimited, $45.00 Total: 5 GB, $13.00 Total: 20 GB, $38.00 Daily: 1GB, $23.00 | Unlimited, $47.00 |
30 Days | Total: 5 GB, $12.00 Total: 10GB, $20.00 Total: 20 GB, $30.00 | Unlimited, $85.00 Total: 5 GB, $13.50 Total: 10 GB, $22.50 Daily: 1GB, $44.00 | Unlimited, $64.00 |
Summary
For Light Data Users:
If you don't use much data, Airalo is a good choice. Its total plans, such as 1 GB/ 7 days, can cater to basic requirements like navigation, searching, and messaging. But it might be tight for other internet activities(online gaming, sharing video, etc.) that consume more data.
For Heavy Data Users:
iRoamly’s Netherlands travel eSIM is an excellent option for people who use a lot of data. To meet different needs, it has all the packages as we discussed before, with sufficient sections of GB and days. For instance, its total plans for 5/7 days ensure your daily sharing online, such as posting photos, more cost-effective than Airalo's. Plus, with its unlimited plans, you can enjoy a journey without concern about data limitations each day.
For Long-term Travelers:
Given that Holafly is the only one offering unlimited data from 1 to 90 days, it is better suited for trips over 30 days. Conveniently, travelers can buy one plan for the whole vacation, no need to update plans when a month is over. However, Holafly has a data-sharing cap each day, just consider cautiously before paying the bill.
FAQ
Can I use my eSIM in countries outside of the Netherlands?
No, you can only use it in the Netherlands. Please choose a Europe regional eSIM if you want to travel to other countries like Belgium and Germany.
Is my phone/tablet compatible with an eSIM?
Most smartphones already work well with eSIMs. To confirm your problem, our eSIM-compatibility list is helpful, or you can check your device's settings.
Can a travel eSIM make calls or send text messages?
No, the eSIMs are primarily for internet usage. However, you have other options, such as chatting apps like WhatsApp.
How do I figure out how many GBs I should get?
It depends on your travel arrangements and data usage habits. Feel really hard to figure it out? The online data calculator offered by iRoamly can help.
Who are the top SIM Card & Mobile Network Providers in the Netherlands?
Vodafone, for great coverage and services
KPN, with top-notch service across the country
T-Mobile, is known for good deals and strong city coverage.