Moving to the Netherlands? You’ll need to get your entertainment and connectivity sorted pretty quickly. Whether you want to stay up to date on Dutch news, binge your favorite English-language shows, or just have the radio playing in the background, there are plenty of TV and radio options here.
Here’s a bit of good news: you don’t have to pay a TV license fee like you might in some other European countries.
If you’re an expat, your main decision is really about how you’ll get your content and which provider feels right for you. The Netherlands made the full switch to digital broadcasting back in 2006, so every TV you buy here is HD-ready.
Most Dutch households go for a bundled package—think internet, TV, and phone—all in one bill. It usually saves money and cuts down on hassle.
Getting the hang of how these bundles work will help you settle in and avoid overpaying. If you’re still juggling other moving tasks, a handy checklist for moving to the Netherlands might keep you organized as you set up your new place.
How To Watch TV And Listen To Radio At Home
You have a few main ways to watch TV: cable, fiber optic, and internet-based streaming. For radio, just use FM, digital broadcasts, or one of the many online apps.
Dutch public TV gives you three national channels (NPO 1, NPO 2, and NPO 3). Commercial broadcasters like RTL and SBS add more Dutch-language content.
Most imported shows actually air in their original language with Dutch subtitles, which is a relief for English speakers.
Most people get their TV channels through their internet provider as part of a bundle. Standard packages include popular English-language channels like BBC World, CNN, Discovery Channel, and National Geographic, plus all the Dutch ones.
If you want more, you can add sports, movies, or international channels for an extra fee.
Streaming services are big here too. Netflix is still the favorite for expats, but Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Ziggo GO work just fine.
If you’re not into traditional TV, many providers now let you skip the TV part and go streaming-only. That can make sense if you already pay for a few streaming platforms.
Radio’s a breeze. You can listen to Dutch public stations like NPO Radio 1 through 5 on any FM radio or online.
Several English-language stations broadcast online, so you can keep up with news and music in your own language.
A lot of expats just use apps on their phones or smart speakers to access both Dutch and international radio stations. You can do this at home or while you’re out.
If you’re setting up utilities in the Netherlands for the first time, getting your internet sorted will unlock most of these TV and radio options automatically.
Choosing The Right Provider And Connection
The type of connection at your address basically decides which TV providers you can pick. You can run a postcodecheck on any provider’s website to see your options for ADSL, cable, or glasvezel (fiber optic).
Big names like Ziggo, KPN, and Odido all have different coverage, prices, and channel selections.
Ziggo runs the largest cable network in the Netherlands and covers a good chunk of the country. If you’re in their area, you get cable internet and a big selection of TV channels through one connection.
Their Ziggo GO app lets you watch live TV and on-demand stuff on your phone or tablet. Just remember, Ziggo doesn’t cover everywhere, so always check your postcode first.
KPN is another major provider. They offer both DSL and fiber connections, depending on where you live.
KPN internet packages come with interactive TV, so you can record, pause, and rewind. Their fiber network keeps expanding and brings some of the fastest speeds if you’re lucky enough to have it.
Smaller companies like Odido, Youfone, Delta, and Online.nl often use the KPN or Ziggo networks. They usually have lower prices or simpler packages.
Delta mainly serves the Zeeland region with its own cable setup. Youfone and Odido are popular with expats who want reliable service but don’t want to pay top rates.
You can compare internet providers in the Netherlands to see what’s available at your address. Running a postcodecheck on each provider’s site only takes a minute and shows you the available speeds, connection types, and prices for your place.
Bundles, Costs, And Switching Without Hassle
Most providers in the Netherlands bundle internet, TV, and phone service into a single monthly bill. Some even throw in mobile plans from brands like KPN Mobile, creating a complete household package.
If you’re watching your wallet, options like Budget Thuis keep things basic for about 30 to 40 euros per month. That’s pretty reasonable, honestly.
Bundling usually saves you money compared to buying each service separately. Major providers typically charge between 40 and 70 euros monthly for an alles-in-1 package, depending on your internet speed and how many TV channels you want.
Budget Thuis, by the way, ranks among the best affordable providers. They really focus on expats and anyone who wants to keep costs down, offering simple packages that still cover the basics.
Watch out for those tempting first-year discounts, though. Prices often jump in the second year, so it’s smart to check the full contract details before you sign anything.
Switching providers isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Most Dutch telecom companies offer an overstapservice, which basically means they’ll handle the switch for you.
Your new provider takes care of canceling your old contract and setting up the new one. In most cases, you just sign up and let them deal with the logistics.
Most contracts last one or two years, but these days, some providers offer rolling monthly contracts if you want more flexibility.
If you’re also considering mobile phone plans in the Netherlands, adding a mobile subscription to your bundle can sometimes get you extra discounts.
It’s worth comparing prices carefully and remembering to factor in what you’ll pay after the first year. That’s the only way to get a real sense of your total costs.
And honestly, knowing the cost of living in Amsterdam or wherever you’re moving helps you plan for these ongoing expenses.