'Sim Only' has become the standard term for a mobile plan in the Netherlands — nearly 90% of Dutch mobile plans are Sim Only today, according to figures from the Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM). Yet plenty of new users don't know exactly what the term means or how it differs from a 'regular' mobile plan.

In this article we explain, in plain language, what a Sim Only plan is, what you get for your money, and who it makes sense for.

What does 'Sim Only' actually mean?

Just the SIM card, no phone

Sim Only literally means: you only pay for the SIM card and its bundle, not for a phone. You use your own phone and simply insert a new SIM card. No loan construction for a device, no monthly instalment — you pay purely for calling, texting and data.

How it differs from a 'regular' mobile plan

With a regular mobile plan, the price of a phone is built into your monthly fee, usually spread over 12 or 24 months. With Sim Only, that part is missing entirely, which makes the monthly fee noticeably lower — typically between €5 and €20 a month, versus €30 to €60 for a plan that includes a new phone.

What's included in a Sim Only plan?

Data, calling and texting

Almost every Sim Only plan consists of three parts: a mobile data allowance (in GB), calling minutes and texts. With most providers, calling and texting are now unlimited by default, and it's mainly the data allowance that varies in size — from a few GB to unlimited data.

Network and coverage

Every plan runs on one of the three Dutch networks: KPN, Vodafone or Odido. Providers such as 50+ mobiel, Youfone, Simpel and Simyo lease capacity on one of these networks. So your SIM card always runs on one of the three, even if a different name is on your bill.

How does the contract term work?

Monthly cancellable vs. fixed-term contract

You can choose between a plan you can cancel every month, or a contract with a fixed term (usually 12 or 24 months). Flexible plans are often slightly more expensive per month, but you're not tied down. A one-year contract is usually cheaper, but cancelling early typically comes with a penalty.

Want to know more about cancelling? Read also: Cancelling a Sim Only plan: how it works

How much does a Sim Only plan cost on average?

The price mainly depends on the size of your data allowance. A small bundle (2-5 GB) often starts from €5 to €8 a month. A generous bundle (15-30 GB) is usually between €12 and €18, and unlimited data typically starts around €20 to €25 a month. When comparing, always check whether a low price is a temporary promotion or a fixed rate.

Who is Sim Only for?

Sim Only is the logical choice if you already have a good phone, or prefer to buy a new one separately. It's also attractive if you want to stay flexible: you can switch more easily as soon as there's a better deal, without an outstanding device balance holding you back.

Still wondering if Sim Only is right for you? Chances are it is: nine out of ten Dutch mobile plans are Sim Only today, for exactly these reasons.

Sim Only or a plan with a phone included?

Need a new phone and don't want (or can't afford) to pay for it all at once? Then a plan with a phone included might actually suit you better — you pay off the phone through your monthly fee. Curious what's really more affordable for your situation?

Read also: Sim Only vs. a plan with a phone: what's the difference?

How do you find the best Sim Only plan for you?

Now that you know what Sim Only means, the next step is finding the right plan. Pay attention to your data allowance, the network, the contract term and hidden costs such as connection fees.

Read also: What to look for with Sim Only? All the criteria explained and Cheapest Sim Only plan: how to find the best deal

Don't feel like comparing everything yourself? Give Welli 2 minutes and you'll get a bundle that matches exactly how you use your phone.

Conclusion: Sim Only in short

A Sim Only plan is a mobile plan without a phone: you only pay for your data, calling minutes and texts, at a lower monthly fee than a plan that includes a device. You choose the bundle size, network and contract term that suit you.

For most people with a working phone, Sim Only is the most affordable and flexible choice. Once you know what you need, comparing and switching is quick and easy.