Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS) is the main international airport in the Netherlands, welcoming over 70 million passengers annually. Travelers arriving will want mobile data access for directions, translations, and connectivity. Getting a local SIM card is easy at Schiphol Airport.
Table of Contents
I. Where to Buy a SIM Card in Amsterdam Airport
There are several options for directly purchasing a SIM card at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol:
1. L.Mobi Mobile kiosk
L.Mobi Mobile, which has a kiosk in Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, caters to tourists with prepaid SIM cards. It sells different options, the most popular being a SIM with 15GB of data and unlimited calls for around $40. L.Mobi Mobile provides a hassle-free way for tourists to get an affordable Amsterdam Airport SIM card upon arrival.
- Opening hours: from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 7 days a week
- Detailed location: main hall of the airport, near Arrivals 3
- Language support: Dutch, English
- Payment methods: cash/credit card
2. Service Point Store
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol’s Service Point Store is a one-stop shop, conveniently offering SIM card Amsterdam Airport, mobile/WiFi rentals, and knowledgeable assistance – providing all traveler needs without high prices.
- Opening hours: from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, 7 days a week
- Detailed location: in the Schiphol Plaza, which is the main shopping area of the airport.
- Language support: Dutch, English
- Payment methods: cash/credit/debit card
3. Albert Heijin (AH) To Go
Albert Heijn To Go convenience stores at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol sell SIM card Amsterdam Airport from providers like Lebara and Lycamobile, making them convenient for travelers needing connectivity upon arrival, though SIM prices are higher than elsewhere in the Netherlands.
- Opening hours: from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, 7 days a week
- Detailed location: one in the Arrivals Hall and one in the Departures Hall
- Language support: Dutch, English
- Payment methods: cash/credit/debit card
4. Airport Telecom Shop
Airport Telecom at Schiphol offers SIM cards from various providers, allowing travelers to easily compare options. Friendly staff can assist in selecting the most suitable plan. While prices may be higher than major carriers, Airport Telecom provides a one-stop shop for connectivity solutions at the airport. You can check the details of the Airport Telecom Shop location at Schiphol here.
- Opening hours: from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, 7 days a week
- Detailed location: Located between Arrivals 1 and 2, before security
- Language Support: Dutch, English
- Payment Methods: cash/credit cards
Which one is suitable for you?
The L.Mobi Mobile shop generally provides better value than Airport Telecom. For instance, L.Mobi currently offers a 15 GB data SIM for €40, more data for the same price point compared to Airport Telecom. L.MobiMobile presents the stronger deal of the two competitors.
II. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol SIM Card Options and Costs
Here is an overview of some of the major SIM card options available for purchase directly at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol:
| Provider | Details | Price (USD) |
| KPN | Prepaid SIMs on 4G network. 1.5GB data. | ~$15 |
| Vodafone | Prepaid SIMs with calls, texts, 5GB data/30 days. | ~$20 |
| Odido (T-Mobile) | Prepaid data or calls/texts. Plans up to 25GB/30 days. Unlimited option. | ~$10-20 |
| Lebara | Prepaid SIMs on KPN network. 1.5GB/30 days. | ~$10 |
| Lycamobile | Tourist SIMs on KPN network. 3GB included. | ~$15 |
When purchasing your SIM card at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, be sure to ask about any activation fees, expiry dates, roaming policies, and other conditions. Do your research to find the best plan for your needs.
III. What You Need to Prepare for Getting a SIM Card at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Here are some tips on what to have ready when purchasing and setting up your SIM card at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol:
- Passport – Bring your passport as you will need to show ID to purchase and register your SIM card.
- Unlocked phone – Your phone will need to be unlocked to use a foreign SIM card. Contact your home provider in advance to request an unlock code.
- SIM card size – Bring your standard size or nano SIM adapter if needed for your device. Know what size SIM card your phone requires.
- Cash and credit – Have Euros, debit cards, and credit cards ready for payment. Know your PIN codes in advance.
- Charger and power bank – Charge your phone before swapping SIM cards. Consider bringing a portable charger as you may need to restart your device.
- Activation instructions – Request activation instructions in English for PAYG SIM cards. Be ready to provide personal details for registration.
- Mobile data turned on – Make sure mobile data is enabled to access the network after inserting the new SIM card.
- APN settings – Ask the provider for proper APN settings to configure mobile data correctly on your device.
Being prepared before buying your SIM card at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol will make the process quick and hassle-free.
IV. eSIM as an Alternative to SIM Card at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Traveling through Amsterdam Airport Schiphol? Consider using an eSIM as a convenient alternative to a traditional SIM card. eSIM technology allows you to easily activate a local data plan right on your smartphone, without the need to purchase and swap out a physical SIM card. With eSIM, you can stay connected from the moment you arrive in the Netherlands, avoiding the hassle and delays of visiting a SIM card retailer.
Key benefits of using eSIM at Schiphol Airport:
- Instant activation – no waiting in lines or searching for a SIM card retailer
- Flexible short-term data plans or voice & SMS plans tailored for visitors
- Reliable high-speed data access throughout the Netherlands
- Avoid the risk of losing or damaging a physical SIM card
- Seamless connectivity from the moment you step off the plane
eSIM plans offer a simple, hassle-free way to stay connected while traveling in the Netherlands. Skip the lines and get online instantly by choosing an eSIM for your time at Schiphol Airport and beyond.
Don't fuss with SIMs, make it easy as can be,
Switch to eSIM for seamless connectivity.
Activate in a tap, no hassle or wait,
eSIM is the smart choice at the airport gate.
V. FAQs
What network coverage and speeds can I expect with a Schiphol SIM card?
The main Dutch providers offer prepaid SIMs with 4G/LTE connectivity and decent coverage across the Netherlands. Speeds vary but you can expect solid performance for basic usage like maps, messaging, and social media.
Are the SIM cards at Schiphol Airport available only for tourists?
The prepaid SIM cards are primarily marketed for travelers and tourists. However, residents can also purchase SIMs at the airport for personal unlocked phones.
What languages do the SIM card providers at Schiphol Airport speak?
English is widely spoken, especially at major carrier stores like KPN and Vodafone. Bring a translation app or phrasebook as a backup for retail stores. Pointing or miming can help over the language barrier too!
Can I use my Schiphol SIM card in other European countries?
Prepaid SIMs may have varying roaming allowances. Be sure to ask about international roaming policies when purchasing your SIM. Some may offer roaming in the EU only, while others have wider roaming zones. Check roaming rates and usage limits.
VI. Final Words
When arriving at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, getting connected with a SIM card Amsterdam Airport or eSIM is super convenient. You’ll find flexible options from providers like KPN and Vodafone right at the airport. Look for deals, choose a plan to fit your needs, and set it up smoothly before your trip. With your Netherlands connectivity ready, you can start your adventures with ease. Enjoy your time in the Netherlands!
