Best SIM Card in the Netherlands for Expats (Lebara vs KPN Guide)
Already living in the Netherlands and thinking about switching your SIM card?
You’re not alone — many expats start with one provider and later realize they can get a better deal.
The good news?
👉 Switching SIM providers in the Netherlands is easy — and you can keep your phone number.
In this guide, I’ll explain how it works and help you choose between two popular options: Lebara and KPN.
▶︎ Compare mobile plans in the Netherlands here >>
Can You Keep Your Phone Number?
Yes — this is called nummerbehoud (number porting).
When you switch providers:
• You keep your current phone number
• Your new provider handles the transfer
• The switch usually happens within a few days
There’s almost no downtime, so the process is very smooth.
👉 This makes switching much easier than many people expect.
Why Switch SIM Providers?
Many expats switch because:
- They want a cheaper plan
- They need more data
- Their current provider isn’t flexible
Even a small monthly difference can save you a lot over time.
▶︎ Check available SIM plans here >>
Lebara vs KPN: Which One Should You Choose?
Here’s a simple breakdown.
Lebara (Best for Budget & Flexibility)
Lebara
- Affordable monthly plans
- Prepaid and no long-term contract
- Easy to cancel anytime
- Good for light to medium usage
👉 Best for: expats who want low cost and flexibility
KPN (Best for Speed & Reliability)
KPN
- Strong network coverage in the Netherlands
- Fast and stable internet
- Contract-based plans with more features
- Reliable customer support
👉 Best for: people who want stable connection and high quality
▶︎ See KPN mobile plans here >>
Lebara vs KPN (Quick Comparison)
| Feature | Lebara | KPN |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower | Higher |
| Contract | No contract (prepaid / flexible) | Usually contract-based |
| Flexibility | High | Medium |
| Network Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Best For | Budget & flexible users | Reliable & heavy data users |
How to Choose the Right SIM
Here’s a simple way to decide:
👉 Choose Lebara if you want:
• Cheap monthly cost
• No contract
• Flexibility
👉 Choose KPN if you want:
• Reliable connection
• Faster speeds
• Long-term stability
Switching Is Easier Than You Think
Many people hesitate to switch because it feels complicated.
But in reality:
- No need to cancel manually (in most cases)
- Your number stays the same
- Setup is quick
▶︎ Compare and switch your SIM here >>
My Experience
When I first moved to the Netherlands, I didn’t think much about my SIM provider.
But after comparing plans, I realized there were better options available.
Switching turned out to be much easier than expected — and I wish I had done it earlier.
Final Thoughts
If you’re living in the Netherlands, it’s worth checking if your current SIM plan is still the best option.
With easy switching and number porting, there’s really no downside.
▶︎ Compare mobile plans in the Netherlands
▶︎ Check Lebara plans directly >>