How to get internet without a Dutch bank account
When arriving in the Netherlands one of the first things to get is internet and/or a new sim card. What do you need to order?
There are two requirements usually for ordering a broadband subscription or a new sim:
- Dutch address
- Dutch bank account
A Dutch address is necessary for you to subscribe to any internet provider. This makes sense, as it has to go to a house to be used.
If you don’t have a Dutch bank account yet, you cannot get a sim or subscription from most providers. There are some exceptions to this rule. Listed next are providers that do not require a Dutch bank account for a sim or internet connection:
- T-Mobile (internet / sim)
- XS4ALL (internet)
- Tele2 (sim)
- Solcon (internet)
- Ziggo (internet)
T-Mobile tells us that it should be possible for anyone with a non-Dutch bank account to order any type of subscription from them. However, you do have to go to the nearest T-Mobile shop to get it all done. It cannot be done online. Find a T-Mobile store near you with this tool.
At XS4ALL it is only possible to order with a non-Dutch bank account by phone. When you call their phone number you will stumble upon a phone menu. It is in Dutch. However, even if you don’t end up with the right department they can connect you to the right person. Everybody at XS4ALL’s customer service speaks English. It’ll be fine.
Tele2 allows you to order a sim from them with a non-Dutch bank account. However, you cannot order an internet subscription from them.
Solcon has no problem with you having a non-Dutch bank account. The only thing they want is an IBAN - International Bank Account Number. You can check your IBAN online, it is always combined with an abbreviation for your country. With a quick google search you will know what your exact IBAN is.
Ziggo has a more complicated procedure. It is possible to order an internet subscription from them with a non-Dutch bank account. It is however not possible to get an automatic collection (automatische incasso), meaning the provider will collect the money automatically from your bank account. Because you cannot have an automatic collection a monthly payment needs to be transferred to Ziggo’s bank account, manually.
Prepaid SIM
What can you do if you do not have a Dutch address nor a Dutch bank account? Simple, prepaid sim. It won’t get you stuck with a year of two-year subscription. Neither do you need to go through any of the struggles of dealing with needing a Dutch bank account.
You can buy a prepaid SIM in almost every supermarket or bookshop.
A prepaid sim also gets you the advantage of calling and roaming for domestic prices. Consider that calling abroad to your family and friends is more expensive. For that use, it's better to use your own phone plan.
Need more information on choosing the right phone plan in The Netherlands? You can find all the information you need in our extensive guide on mobile phone subscriptions in The Netherlands!
English Customer Service
If you have any questions about Dutch internet or sim cards, feel free to ask. Our customer service is available in English. Or start comparing prices in our English comparison tool!