Sim only for expat students
Studying abroad can be exciting, but also challenging. One of the first things you need upon arrival, is a reliable mobile plan that helps you stay connected with your friends and family. SimSlim helps you compare the best and most affordable sim only plans.
Why do expat students choose Sim Only?
- Flexibility! Flexibility is needed when studying abroad. Sim only subscriptions can be cancelled and/or adjusted on a monthly basis. Perfect for students who are staying temporarily in the Netherlands.
- Affordable! Sim only plans are more affordable since you don’t have to pay off your device. This way, you’ll have money left for the important things in life (like paying rent…).
- Cost-effective! You create a bundle that suits your actual usage. Never pay for minutes you never use.
- More sustainable! By using your phone for a longer period or choosing a refurbished device, you contribute to waste reduction. Did you know that extending the lifespan of your phone by two years can save up to 40 kg of CO2 emissions?
What is a Sim Only eSIM?
A Sim only eSIM plan works similarly to a traditional Sim only plan, but it uses a built-in digital Sim card (eSIM) instead of a physical one. This offers several advantages:
- Flexibility and ease of use, as you can easily switch providers without the hassle of small physical sim cards.
- Even more sustainable, as there is no plastic waste, and physical sim cards no longer need to be shipped.
- Multifunctional, allowing you to use two numbers on one device with dual functionality.
- Safer, as eSIMs are harder to copy than physical sim cards. Additionally, they are better protected against sim swapping, and data is stored securely by the provider.
Currently, four providers offer eSIM: Odido, Simyo, Vodafone, and KPN.
Cheapest Sim Only for Students
As an international student, you likely want to keep costs as low as possible—after all, there are many fun things to enjoy while studying abroad! Use our checklist, and you’ll have your plan sorted in no time!
- Determine your needs: The first step is to know what you really need. Take a look at your current usage: how much data do you use monthly, and how many minutes do you actually need? Do you have Wi-Fi access most of the time? Then you may need fewer MBs than someone who travels a lot by public transport. By choosing a plan that suits your needs, you avoid paying for things you don’t use. Not sure? No worries. Most providers allow you to adjust your plan monthly.
- Virtual providers: Virtual providers often offer plans at attractive prices because they use the networks of major providers like KPN, Odido, and Vodafone. Examples of virtual providers are Simpel, Simyo, and Lebara.
- Student discounts or offers: Being a student comes with perks! Many providers offer special student discounts or temporary deals. Look for discounts on your monthly costs or extras, such as more data. You can save a lot by taking advantage of these benefits! Some providers also offer bundle deals. If you sign up for both internet and a sim only plan with the same provider, you might enjoy extra discounts or data.
- Compare Sim Only plans: After completing the steps above, it’s time to compare sim only plans from different providers. Fortunately, SimSlim can help with that too! Use our handy Sim Only Buying Guide to find the best plan that fits your specific needs.
Extra tips for expat students
Choose the Right Provider
Not all providers are the same. Check which ones offer good customer service and reliable coverage where you spend most of your time, like at home and university.
Watch Out for Data Limits and Caps
While many sim only plans offer unlimited data, your speed may be reduced after a certain amount of usage. This can be quite frustrating if you’re used to the fast speeds of 5G. If you have a 10 GB data bundle with no data cap, your costs can quickly add up. Be sure to check the terms and conditions so you’re not caught off guard.
Consider Group Plans
Team up with your roommates or friends and sign up for a group plan. This way, you can all benefit from extra discounts or advantages, like sharing data. The more people in your group plan, the less you pay, and the more data you get.
Under 18 but Still a Student?
Don’t worry, in most cases, you can sign up for the sim only plan under your parents’ name. Just make sure to enter your student number so you can still take advantage of the student discounts or offers.
