← Older revision
Revision as of 15:33, May 31, 2016
Line 14:
Line 14:
=== '''Roaming option''' ===
=== '''Roaming option''' ===
−
A domestic (= Dutch) package or plan with allowances must be booked before. The European roaming consumption will be debited from the included domestic package allowance without any further roaming surcharges.
+
A domestic (= Dutch) package or plan with allowances must be booked before. The European roaming consumption will be debited from the included domestic package allowance without any further roaming surcharges.
=== '''Validity''' ===
=== '''Validity''' ===
−
Valid in 43 European countries, in '''all''' of the '''EU and EEA''' member states, and additionally in '''Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Monaco, San Marino '''in all Vodafone roaming networks. <u>Not</u> valid in other areas and without a package booked before where and when roaming is still possible, but at much higher rates.
+
Valid in 43 European countries, in '''all''' of the '''EU and EEA''' member states, and additionally in '''Switzerland, Faroe Islands, Isle of Man, Channel Islands, Monaco, San Marino '''in all Vodafone roaming networks. <u>Not</u> valid in other areas and without a package booked before where and when roaming is still possible, but at much higher rates.
=== '''Roaming networks''' ===
=== '''Roaming networks''' ===
−
Vodafone has the largest system of mobile networks in Europe. It uses either own branded Vodafone networks or so-called Vodafone partner networks like SFR in France or Swisscom in Switzerland. In every mentioned country at least one Vodafone or partner network is available, but other networks remain mostly inaccessible.
+
Vodafone has the largest system of mobile networks in Europe. It uses either own branded Vodafone networks or so-called Vodafone partner networks like SFR in France or Swisscom in Switzerland. In every mentioned country at least one Vodafone or partner network is available, but other networks remain mostly inaccessible.
=== '''Speeds''' ===
=== '''Speeds''' ===
−
4G/LTE is available in the Netherlands in up to 75 Mbps (not on YOU S plan which stays on 3G) and is also enabled in most EU roaming countries. Speed tests in Germany on 4G gave good latency at 50 ms and the same unthrottled high speeds of about 30 Mbps like on a local Vodafone 4G SIM card.
+
4G/LTE is available in the Netherlands in up to 75 Mbps (not on YOU S plan which stays on 3G) and is also enabled in most EU roaming countries. Speed tests in Germany on 4G gave good latency at 50 ms and the same unthrottled high speeds of about 30 Mbps like on a local Vodafone 4G SIM card.
=== '''Price''' ===
=== '''Price''' ===
Their '''YOU p'''repaid''' '''plan is a combo plan with data, voice and text valid for '''30 days in 43 countries: '''
Their '''YOU p'''repaid''' '''plan is a combo plan with data, voice and text valid for '''30 days in 43 countries: '''
−
* '''YOU S''': '''5 €''' - '''200 MB of data''' and '''20 minutes calling or SMS''' in 2G and 3G up to 43.2 Mbps. No 4G/LTE.
+
* '''YOU S''': '''5 €''' - '''200 MB of data''' and '''20 minutes calling or SMS''' in 2G and 3G up to 43.2 Mbps. No 4G/LTE.
* '''YOU M: 10 € - 500 MB''' and '''50 minutes or SMS''' in up to 4G/LTE with 75 Mbps
* '''YOU M: 10 € - 500 MB''' and '''50 minutes or SMS''' in up to 4G/LTE with 75 Mbps
* '''YOU L: 15 € - 1 GB''' and '''100 minutes or SMS''' in up to 4G/LTE with 75 Mbps
* '''YOU L: 15 € - 1 GB''' and '''100 minutes or SMS''' in up to 4G/LTE with 75 Mbps
They also offer data-only options called online only '''BloX''' for 30 days to be used on roaming too:
They also offer data-only options called online only '''BloX''' for 30 days to be used on roaming too:
−
* '''online-only BloX: 10 € - 1 GB, '''data-only in up to 4G/LTE
+
* '''online-only BloX: 10 € - 1 GB, '''data-only in up to 4G/LTE
The YOU bundles include free incoming calls and SMS from everywhere as long as you are staying within the 43 country roaming zone and have a bundle allowance for voice. So this doesn't apply to the online-only BloX. A YOU bundle can be combined with an online-only BloX for more data.
The YOU bundles include free incoming calls and SMS from everywhere as long as you are staying within the 43 country roaming zone and have a bundle allowance for voice. So this doesn't apply to the online-only BloX. A YOU bundle can be combined with an online-only BloX for more data.
Line 64:
Line 64:
In the Netherlands you get a Vodafone SIM card for free without credit on their [https://www.vodafone.nl/gratis-simkaart/#main website here]. But they will only send it to a Dutch postal address. If you know anyone in the country, who can forward you a letter, it can be a good option. In the country you will get it in all Vodafone shops ([https://www.vodafone.nl/support/contact/vind-een-winkel.shtml locator]) for 5 € with the same credit and in other phone shops like Phone House ([http://www.phonehouse.nl/winkels/ locator]) or smaller stores and electronic markets like Media Markt too. No need to show an ID card or passport up to now and no registration.<gallery>
In the Netherlands you get a Vodafone SIM card for free without credit on their [https://www.vodafone.nl/gratis-simkaart/#main website here]. But they will only send it to a Dutch postal address. If you know anyone in the country, who can forward you a letter, it can be a good option. In the country you will get it in all Vodafone shops ([https://www.vodafone.nl/support/contact/vind-een-winkel.shtml locator]) for 5 € with the same credit and in other phone shops like Phone House ([http://www.phonehouse.nl/winkels/ locator]) or smaller stores and electronic markets like Media Markt too. No need to show an ID card or passport up to now and no registration.<gallery>
−
</gallery>
+
</gallery>
==== '''Outside of the Netherlands''' ====
==== '''Outside of the Netherlands''' ====
−
Online, dealers send you the SIM card abroad to any address worldwide for an extra handling fee. Look on Amazon or eBay on a worldwide search for Vodafone SIM cards from the Netherlands. Don't get confused with Vodafone SIM cards from other countries.
+
Online, dealers send you the SIM card abroad to any address worldwide for an extra handling fee. Look on Amazon or eBay on a worldwide search for Vodafone SIM cards from the Netherlands. Don't get confused with Vodafone SIM cards from other countries.
−
A tightening of security laws for unaccounted prepaid SIM cards is currently discussed in the Netherlands, but up to now SIM cards are still freely available, can be purchased in the country without showing an ID card or any registration and can be freely sent outside. This may change in the future.
+
A tightening of security laws for unaccounted prepaid SIM cards is currently discussed in the Netherlands, but up to now SIM cards are still freely available, can be purchased in the country without showing an ID card or any registration and can be freely sent outside. This may change in the future.
=== '''Registration / Activation''' ===
=== '''Registration / Activation''' ===
Line 81:
Line 81:
==== '''By USSD codes and text commands''' ====
==== '''By USSD codes and text commands''' ====
These are the most common USSD codes. Have in mind that the reply messages are in Dutch:
These are the most common USSD codes. Have in mind that the reply messages are in Dutch:
−
* *101#: credit check
+
*
−
* *#100#: your phone number
+
*101#: credit check
+
*
+
*#100#: your phone number
* to change the language of your messages to English, text 'English' to 4000
* to change the language of your messages to English, text 'English' to 4000
Line 90:
Line 90:
You should register on your personal account called "''My Vodafone''" as card management can be easily done there and this account can be moved to a translator, if you don't understand what it's saying, but it can't be switched to English though.
You should register on your personal account called "''My Vodafone''" as card management can be easily done there and this account can be moved to a translator, if you don't understand what it's saying, but it can't be switched to English though.
−
First you need to register for ''MyVodafone'' on [http://www.vodafone.nl their website] . Go to ''MyVodafone'' and ''Account aanmaken > ''click ''Ja, ik will een account. ''Enter your phone number written as ''Mobiel nummer ''on the plastic tray of the SIM: 061########## (use Dutch format). Give your gender as male = ''Dhr. ''or female = ''Mevr.'', your first name ''Voornam, ''your family name ''Achternaam ''and a valid email address (twice) for verification. You have to set a password at ''Wachtwoord ''(entered twice, numbers and letters, 6-15 digits, the bar needs to turn green) and demand a SMS code to your phone at ''Verstuur SMS code. ''You enter the code and click on ''Account maken.''
+
First you need to register for ''MyVodafone'' on [http://www.vodafone.nl their website] . Go to ''MyVodafone'' and ''Account aanmaken > ''click ''Ja, ik will een account. ''Enter your phone number written as ''Mobiel nummer ''on the plastic tray of the SIM: 061########## (use Dutch format). Give your gender as male = ''Dhr. ''or female = ''Mevr.'', your first name ''Voornam, ''your family name ''Achternaam ''and a valid email address (twice) for verification. You have to set a password at ''Wachtwoord ''(entered twice, numbers and letters, 6-15 digits, the bar needs to turn green) and demand a SMS code to your phone at ''Verstuur SMS code. ''You enter the code and click on ''Account maken.''
−
They'll send you an email for verification to the given address which need to be confirmed by clicking on the word '''activeren' ''in the mail. Now your account is operational and you can log in called ''inloggen. ''As username (''gebruikersnaam) ''your email address is used and as password (w''achtwoord'') your set code.
+
They'll send you an email for verification to the given address which need to be confirmed by clicking on the word '''activeren' ''in the mail. Now your account is operational and you can log in called ''inloggen. ''As username (''gebruikersnaam) ''your email address is used and as password (w''achtwoord'') your set code.
You don't need these account procedures to top-up (this can be done on a special site as shown below). Or you can use their app instead.
You don't need these account procedures to top-up (this can be done on a special site as shown below). Or you can use their app instead.
Line 98:
Line 98:
==== '''By app "''MyVodafone''"''' ====
==== '''By app "''MyVodafone''"''' ====
[[File:Vodafone app.png|thumb|112x112px]]
[[File:Vodafone app.png|thumb|112x112px]]
−
Vodafone NL has developed an app for Android, iOS and Windows Mobile devices called ''MyVodafone''. This can be very handy to manage your SIM and check your consumptions. But you will face two problems: it's in Dutch only and can't be transfered to a translater tool. And the app is only distributed through the geo-restricted Google Play, iTunes or Windows stores. For Android users it's uploaded here (LINK). They need to allow apps from other sources to install.
+
Vodafone NL has developed an app for Android, iOS and Windows Mobile devices called ''MyVodafone''. This can be very handy to manage your SIM and check your consumptions. But you will face two problems: it's in Dutch only and can't be transfered to a translater tool. And the app is only distributed through the geo-restricted Google Play, iTunes or Windows stores. For Android users it's uploaded here (LINK). They need to allow apps from other sources to install.
Apple users need to jailbreak their devices, what is not recommended and that's why there is no upload for them here. Please use it only, when you know what you are doing and understand at least some basic ''Nederlands''.
Apple users need to jailbreak their devices, what is not recommended and that's why there is no upload for them here. Please use it only, when you know what you are doing and understand at least some basic ''Nederlands''.
Line 110:
Line 110:
=== '''Recharges''' ===
=== '''Recharges''' ===
−
There are several ways to top-up (''opwaarderen ''in Dutch) your account depending on where you are:
+
There are several ways to top-up (''opwaarderen ''in Dutch) your account depending on where you are:
==== '''In the Netherlands''' ====
==== '''In the Netherlands''' ====
Line 118:
Line 118:
Vodafone offers several ways to top-up your account from abroad. Through their website, your online account or their app you can reach their [https://opwaarderen.vodafone.nl/VodafoneNLExternalWeb/anonymousTopupDisplayPrepaid.do top-up site] or simply go to ''opwaarderen''. Choose ''Eenmalig opwaarderen ''(top-up once) and via credit card as for iDEAL you need a Dutch bank account. You can top-up 10 €, 20 €, 30 €, 40 € or 50 €. After a 10 € top-up your whole credit will be valid for one year.
Vodafone offers several ways to top-up your account from abroad. Through their website, your online account or their app you can reach their [https://opwaarderen.vodafone.nl/VodafoneNLExternalWeb/anonymousTopupDisplayPrepaid.do top-up site] or simply go to ''opwaarderen''. Choose ''Eenmalig opwaarderen ''(top-up once) and via credit card as for iDEAL you need a Dutch bank account. You can top-up 10 €, 20 €, 30 €, 40 € or 50 €. After a 10 € top-up your whole credit will be valid for one year.
−
Vodafone uses the Dutch service provider Alphacomm BV for their recharge service. They accept VISA and Mastercards, Maestro and Dutch debit systems. All credit card transactions are free of surcharges. This company may decline some out-of-European credit cards and some cards issued in the UK as well as debit cards, as they have done in the past.
+
Vodafone uses the Dutch service provider Alphacomm BV for their recharge service. They accept VISA and Mastercards, Maestro and Dutch debit systems. All credit card transactions are free of surcharges. This company may decline some out-of-European credit cards and some cards issued in the UK as well as debit cards, as they have done in the past.
Other top-up agencies in the Netherlands like [http://www.opwaarderen.nl opwaarderen.nl] and [http://beltegoed.nl/vodafone-opwaarderen beltegoed.nl] may do the job fro small fees. While they can be picky about foreign credit cards too - give it at try - they accept PayPal and PaySafeCards (opwaarderen) or even bank transfers (beltegoed).
Other top-up agencies in the Netherlands like [http://www.opwaarderen.nl opwaarderen.nl] and [http://beltegoed.nl/vodafone-opwaarderen beltegoed.nl] may do the job fro small fees. While they can be picky about foreign credit cards too - give it at try - they accept PayPal and PaySafeCards (opwaarderen) or even bank transfers (beltegoed).
=== '''Expiry and Termination''' ===
=== '''Expiry and Termination''' ===
−
The expiry rules of this SIM card may be interesting to you, if you plan to keep the SIM for another trip. They are pretty casual. The loaded balance is valid for 12 months after the last top-up. The validity can be checked online or by app. When your credit has expired after 12 months, you have 3 months to top-up to get your preloaded credit back. After about 15 months your SIM card will be terminated.
+
The expiry rules of this SIM card may be interesting to you, if you plan to keep the SIM for another trip. They are pretty casual. The loaded balance is valid for 12 months after the last top-up. The validity can be checked online or by app. When your credit has expired after 12 months, you have 3 months to top-up to get your preloaded credit back. After about 15 months your SIM card will be terminated.
=== '''Restrictions''' ===
=== '''Restrictions''' ===
Line 129:
Line 129:
=== '''Comparison to Vodafone Germany''' ===
=== '''Comparison to Vodafone Germany''' ===
−
So far only two Vodafone networks in Europe have opened their prepaid packages to EU roaming without surcharges: Vodafone Germany and its resellers (see [[Euro7]]) and Vodafone Netherlands. Both products are similar, but have certain differences as well:
+
So far only two Vodafone networks in Europe have opened their prepaid packages to EU roaming without surcharges: Vodafone Germany and its resellers (see [[Euro7]]) and Vodafone Netherlands. Both products are similar, but have certain differences as well:
* Switzerland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, San Marino and Monaco are included in the NL, in Germany they are not.
* Switzerland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, San Marino and Monaco are included in the NL, in Germany they are not.
* Combo packages last for 30 days in the NL, not for 28 days like in Germany
* Combo packages last for 30 days in the NL, not for 28 days like in Germany
Line 141:
Line 141:
* Support hotline: 1200 (from your Vodafone phone)
* Support hotline: 1200 (from your Vodafone phone)
* or +31 654 500 100 (from any phone)
* or +31 654 500 100 (from any phone)
+
[[Category:Europe]]