Keeping in Touch in the Netherlands

Keeping in touch in the Netherlands is easy. Service standards are good, and there are many options, with internet, mobile phone, and postal services available. You can also stay informed with news channels and websites aplenty.

Internet in the Netherlands

As one of the most connected countries in the European Union, the Netherlands offers a range of internet options, including DSL, cable, fibre, and mobile broadband.

Cable internet, which uses coaxial cables, is the most popular and reaches nearly every home. If you go for DSL, you might need a phone line installed, while cable internet avoids this requirement but depends on your location. Fibre optics are gaining ground in urban areas, delivering exceptional speed and reliability.

Public WiFi is quite widespread, especially in urban areas, with initiatives like Publicroam and WiFi4EU offering secure and free connections in public spaces across the country. You’ll also find plenty of cafés and libraries providing reliable internet access.

Mobile phones in the Netherlands

Mobile phone usage is nearly universal in the Netherlands, supported by excellent coverage from providers like KPN, Vodafone, and Odido (formerly T-Mobile). With 5G now widely available, you’ll enjoy fast and reliable connections wherever you go.

If you’re visiting or new to the Netherlands, consider a prepaid SIM card for flexibility. These are easy to buy and ideal for short stays. If your phone supports eSIM, you can skip physical SIM cards altogether. Contract plans often offer better rates for long-term use but typically require a Dutch bank account.

To use a Dutch SIM card in a locked phone, contact your current provider to unlock it, ensuring all obligations are met first. Major networks boast near-complete national coverage, so you’ll rarely face connectivity issues.

Useful links

• KPN
• Vodafone
• Odido

Postal services in the Netherlands

Post offices in the Netherlands operate six days a week, typically from 9 am to 6 pm, with extended hours in some urban areas on late shopping nights. PostNL, the national provider, ensures dependable postal delivery within Europe in two to five days. For destinations beyond Europe, delivery times depend on location and may vary due to customs or local conditions.

The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs recently approved a change to standard domestic letter delivery, extending it from one to two days, to be implemented in the coming years. Even so, PostNL remains a reliable service for sending letters and packages across Europe and beyond.

Tools like the PostNL mobile app let you track parcels, purchase digital stamps, and stay informed about your deliveries. Alternatives like DHL, FedEx, and UPS are available for international shipping, often providing faster options.

English media and news in the Netherlands

If you prefer staying updated in English, you’re well-covered. International news channels like CNN and BBC are readily available. Websites like DutchNews.nl, and NL Times provide excellent local updates.

You can also pick up The Holland Times, an English-language newspaper available by subscription or for free at select locations across the country. Whether you’re browsing online or flipping through print, you’ll find plenty of ways to stay informed in the Netherlands.

Useful links

• DutchNews.nl
• NL Times