Living in the European Union, we've gotten used to "Roam Like Home." Since 2017, using your Dutch mobile bundle in France, Germany, or Spain costs exactly the same as using it in Amsterdam. No extra fees, no stress.
But as soon as you step outside the EU borders, things get complicated. And for Dutch travelers, two destinations cause the most confusion: Turkey and Switzerland.
Are they included? Or will sending a holiday selfie cost you a fortune? We dove into the fine print of the three major Dutch providers: Vodafone, KPN, and Odido.
The Roaming Landscape: EU vs. The Rest
First, the easy part: The UK (United Kingdom). Despite Brexit, all three major Dutch providers currently treat the UK as an EU destination. You can roam freely in London just like you would in Lisbon.
However, Turkey and Switzerland are NOT in the EU/EEA, so providers are not legally required to offer free roaming there. This is where their policies diverge sharply.
1. Vodafone & Hollandsnieuwe
Are you a Vodafone customer? lucky you. Vodafone has the most generous roaming policy of the big three. Subsidiary Hollandsnieuwe is also relatively favorable, but there is one key difference.
- Vodafone: Both Switzerland 🇨🇭 and Turkey 🇹🇷 are included in your bundle.
- Hollandsnieuwe: Switzerland 🇨🇭 is included, but Turkey 🇹🇷 is NOT. You will pay extra fees in Turkey.
Verdict: Vodafone is currently the best option for travelers visiting these specific non-EU countries. Generally, you don't need to worry about extra costs, provided you stay within their Fair Use Policy.
2. KPN, Simyo & Youfone
KPN and its subsidiaries (Simyo, Youfone) take a clear middle ground. They classify Switzerland as an "EU destination" (likely due to business travel and winter sports), but Turkey is excluded.
- Switzerland: 🟢 INCLUDED. Tweeting from the Alps is included in your standard bundle with KPN, Simyo, and Youfone.
- Turkey: 🔴 EXCLUDED. Roaming in Turkey costs extra with all KPN labels.
The Cost of Turkey: Without a specific bundle, you pay high pay-as-you-go rates. KPN and Simyo offer "Internet on Travel" bundles, but these are often pricier than a local SIM or eSIM.
3. Odido, Ben & Simpel
With Odido (formerly T-Mobile) and its brands Ben and Simpel, we see the most interesting differences.
- Odido: Has the strictest rules. Outside the EU means outside your bundle. So Switzerland and Turkey are both excluded.
- Ben: Follows its parent company. You pay extra for both Switzerland and Turkey.
- Simpel: The big surprise! 🎁 Unlike Odido and Ben, Simpel includes Switzerland in your standard bundle. Turkey is excluded.
The Cost Trap: If you land in Zurich with an Odido or Ben plan, data roaming is blocked or you pay per MB. Simpel customers, on the other hand, can just keep using their data.
Summary Table: All Providers Compared
| Provider | Switzerland 🇨🇭 | Turkey 🇹🇷 | United Kingdom 🇬🇧 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vodafone | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included |
| Hollandsnieuwe | ✅ Included | ❌ Extra Cost | ✅ Included |
| KPN | ✅ Included | ❌ Extra Cost | ✅ Included |
| Simyo | ✅ Included | ❌ Extra Cost | ✅ Included |
| Youfone | ✅ Included | ❌ Extra Cost | ✅ Included |
| Odido | ❌ Extra Cost | ❌ Extra Cost | ✅ Included |
| Ben | ❌ Extra Cost | ❌ Extra Cost | ✅ Included |
| Simpel | ✅ Included | ❌ Extra Cost | ✅ Included |
What If Your Destination Isn't Included?
If you are an Odido customer going to Switzerland using maps, or a KPN customer streaming music on a beach in Turkey, relying on your home provider is expensive.
The Solution: Use an eSIM
Instead of paying €5 per day for a meager 100MB, an eSIM allows you to connect to local networks at local rates—without swapping your physical SIM card.
- For Turkey: You can get 10GB of data for a fraction of the cost of a provider travel pass.
- For Switzerland: Stay connected in the mountains without fearing the bill shock.
Ready to save? Check our comparison tool to find the cheapest eSIM for your next trip to Turkey or Switzerland.