Not sure if 200 calling minutes and texts with Ben are enough for you, or whether you'd be better off choosing unlimited? Below you'll find out how calling and texting works with Ben and how to make the right choice.
The choice: 200 minutes/texts or unlimited
With every Ben data bundle, you separately choose a calling and texting option: 200 calling minutes and texts, or unlimited calling and texting within the Netherlands. This choice is independent of your data bundle — so you can combine a small data bundle with unlimited calling, or the other way around.
When is 200 minutes/texts enough?
Do you mostly call and text briefly and occasionally, for example every now and then with family or friends, and use WhatsApp or similar apps for the rest? Then the 200 minutes and texts option is usually more than enough, and the cheaper choice.
When is it better to choose unlimited calling and texting?
Do you call a lot, for example for work, to keep in regular contact with family abroad, or are you simply someone who prefers calling over texting? Then the unlimited option is quickly worth it: you don't have to keep track of how many minutes you have left and you avoid going over your bundle.
What does it cost if you go over your bundle when calling or texting?
If you exceed the 200 minutes/texts option, extra usage is generally charged per minute or per text at the applicable out-of-bundle rate. The exact rate could not be directly verified on ben.nl (the website blocks automatic retrieval) — so check this before making a choice, especially if you expect to regularly go over your bundle.
Calling and texting in the EU
Within the EU, the 'roam like home' rule applies: you call and text abroad at the same Dutch rates and conditions as at home, without extra roaming costs. Different rules apply to data — read more about that in: Does Ben have unlimited internet? Biggest bundle and fair use explained
How do you choose: 200 minutes or unlimited?
Look at your average calling behaviour over the past few months, for example via your current provider app or phone bill. If you consistently call and text more than a few hundred minutes/texts per month, unlimited quickly becomes more worthwhile and worry-free. Not sure? Start with the 200 minutes/texts option — you can always change it later.
Changing your calling and texting option
Just like your data bundle, you can also adjust your calling and texting option with Ben every month free of charge via the app, should your usage change. Want to know more about how your data bundle works and how to adjust it? Also read: What Sim Only bundles does Ben have? Overview of all plans. Curious about the current prices of both options? Also read: Compare current Ben plans and prices
Conclusion
With Ben, you choose between 200 calling minutes/texts or unlimited calling and texting within the Netherlands, independently of your data bundle. If you call and text little, the cheaper 200 option is usually sufficient; if you call a lot, unlimited is the more worry-free choice. Thanks to the monthly flexibility, you can easily adjust this choice if your usage changes.
Not sure which calling and texting option suits you best? Give Welli 2 minutes and you'll get advice tailored to your situation and budget. Compare all sim only plans right away on our sim only comparison page.