TV, Internet, and Telephone

Many telecom companies in the Netherlands offer packages with TV and internet and telephone service.

TV and internet

Digital TV is the standard, with many channels available. The television system format is PAL, and voltage is 220V. Broadband (ADSL), cable, or fiberoptic internet is also available.

It is still possible in certain areas to get analog cable TV, which includes at least 30 channels in Dutch, Belgian, German, English and French, as well as cable radio.

Utility costs vary by company and personal usage, but you can generally expect to pay the following monthly rates, based on the Dutch average:

TV & Internet: ~€35-€75 a month

For more information about available providers, various comparison sites are available:

• AanbiederCheck (in English)
• Prijsvergelijken (in English)
• Totaalwijzer (in Dutch)
• PriceWise (in Dutch)

Telephone and mobile providers

Whether you need a Dutch (mobile) phone provider depends on your needs and usage. Some Dutch services, like hospital appointments or even food deliveries do require a Dutch number and some service numbers (0800-numbers) only work with a local phone number. Coverage and prices vary per provider

There are three options for mobile phone plans in the Netherlands:

• Mobile phone (may include a mobile device) contract
• SIM-only subscription
• Prepaid SIM-card

Some providers demand a residence permit (if applicable), a BSN number and for you to have a Dutch bank account. For a land line they will also need your rental contract and possibly an employment contract.

Read more about the different providers and contracts on the Dutchreview website or compare mobile phone subscriptions on Prijsvergelijker.nl