Dutch SIM card for students: prepaid or sim-only?
Why your home SIM gets expensive after a few months, what a Dutch number costs, and the cheapest plans that work.
EU roaming works for a while, but your home operator can start charging after 4 months of "mostly abroad" use, and a lot of Dutch services (banks, delivery, DigiD SMS codes, your landlord) want a Dutch 06 number.
Prepaid (first week)
Lebara, Lycamobile and Simyo prepaid SIMs are sold at Albert Heijn, Kruidvat and the station for €5 to €10 and work immediately, no BSN needed. Good for the first month while you sort everything else.
Sim-only (from month two)
A monthly sim-only plan is cheaper per GB and can be cancelled monthly. Odido, Simyo, Youfone and Lebara all have plans from about €8 to €15 a month for 5 to 20 GB. You need a Dutch IBAN for the direct debit. Keep your number when you switch: ask for a "nummerbehoud" code from the old provider.
Which network?
Three real networks: KPN, Odido (ex T-Mobile/Tele2) and VodafoneZiggo. Everyone else rents from one of those. Coverage is excellent everywhere in all ten Casa cities; pick on price.
Internet in your room
Most rooms include Wi-Fi in the rent (ask, it's in our first message). If a studio doesn't, compare internet-only plans, or run on an unlimited-data sim for the first month.
Partner link. Costs you nothing, helps keep Casa free.