Free Call to Netherlands from US — $0.017/min (2026)
Call the Netherlands free with WhatsApp (13M+ users out of 17M population). Need to call a Dutch number? BubblyPhone $0.017/min. Rate comparison, +31 dialing guide, KPN/T-Mobile/Vodafone coverage.
The Netherlands has one of the highest WhatsApp adoption rates on Earth — roughly 13 million users out of 17 million people. That's over 75% of the entire population on a single messaging app. If you're calling someone in the Netherlands, the odds are overwhelming that a free WhatsApp call will work perfectly.
But when you need to reach a Dutch landline, a business, or someone who simply prefers a regular phone call, rates to the Netherlands are impressively low. Here's every option from free to the cheapest paid rates.
Free: App-to-App Calls
Both people need the app and internet. No charges, no limits.
1. WhatsApp — The Default in the Netherlands
WhatsApp isn't just popular in the Netherlands — it's the standard. With 13M+ users, it's used by everyone from teenagers to retirees. Dutch people use it for personal conversations, family group chats, and even business communication. Voice and video calls are crystal clear on the Netherlands' excellent internet infrastructure.
Fun fact:The Dutch were among the earliest WhatsApp adopters in Europe. Asking a Dutch person "Do you have WhatsApp?" is like asking an American "Do you have a phone number?" — the answer is almost always yes.
2. FaceTime — For Apple Users
iPhone market share in the Netherlands is around 45-50% — higher than most of Europe. If your Dutch contact uses an iPhone, FaceTime audio and video calls are free and high quality.
3. Signal & Telegram
Both are growing in the Netherlands, particularly among younger, tech-savvy Dutch users. Telegram has a significant user base. Signal appeals to privacy-conscious users. Both offer free voice and video calls.
4. Facebook Messenger
Still used in the Netherlands but declining. Older generations may have it. Free voice and video calls work fine, but WhatsApp is strongly preferred.
Calling Dutch Phone Numbers — Very Cheap
The Netherlands is one of the cheapest European countries to call. Rates are well under 5 cents per minute:
| Service | Mobile Rate | Landline Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BubblyPhone | $0.017/min | $0.017/min | Browser, iOS, Android — cheapest |
| Google Voice | $0.02/min | $0.01/min | US Google account required |
| Viber Out | $0.023/min | $0.023/min | Convenient if already on Viber |
| Rebtel | $0.03/min | $0.02/min | Unlimited plans available |
| AT&T / T-Mobile / Verizon | $1.00-3.00/min | $1.00-3.00/min | Up to 175x more expensive |
Our honest take: For Dutch mobiles, BubblyPhone ($0.017/min) is the cheapest. For landlines, Google Voice ($0.01/min) edges it out. But realistically — just use WhatsApp. Nearly every Dutch person has it.
How to Dial the Netherlands from the US
# From a US phone or VoIP app:
+31 + number (drop the leading 0)
# Example — calling an Amsterdam landline:
+31 20 123 4567
# Example — calling a Rotterdam landline:
+31 10 123 4567
# Example — calling a Dutch mobile:
+31 6 1234 5678
# Example — calling The Hague:
+31 70 123 4567
Important: Dutch numbers start with 0 domestically. When dialing from the US, drop the leading 0: 020 becomes +31 20 (Amsterdam), 06 becomes +31 6 (mobile). All Dutch mobile numbers start with 06.
Major Area Codes
- Amsterdam: 020
- Rotterdam: 010
- The Hague (Den Haag): 070
- Utrecht: 030
- Eindhoven: 040
- Groningen: 050
- Maastricht: 043
- Arnhem: 026
Carriers & Mobile
- 06: All Dutch mobile numbers start with 06
- KPN: Largest carrier, best coverage nationwide
- T-Mobile NL: Second largest, strong 5G rollout
- Vodafone NL: Third major carrier
- 5G: Widespread in cities and rapidly expanding — Netherlands has some of Europe's best infrastructure
Which Method Should You Use?
Calling family or friends in the Netherlands
WhatsApp — free, and practically universal in the Netherlands. 13M+ users out of 17M people. Your Dutch contact definitely has it.
Calling a Dutch business
BubblyPhone ($0.017/min) — call from your browser. A 30-minute business call costs $0.51. Google Voice ($0.01/min) is slightly cheaper for landlines.
Calling a Dutch mobile number
BubblyPhone ($0.017/min) is cheapest for Dutch mobiles. A 60-minute call costs $1.02 — less than the price of a Dutch coffee.
Dutch expat calling home
WhatsApp — everyone back home uses it. For calling landlines (Oma's huistelefoon), BubblyPhone is cheapest at $0.017/min.
Tips for Calling the Netherlands
- The Dutch are famously direct — don't be surprised if phone conversations are shorter and more to-the-point than you're used to. It's not rude, it's Dutch communication style. They appreciate efficiency and honesty
- The Netherlands is 6 hours ahead of EST (CET, UTC+1 in winter; CEST, UTC+2 in summer). Call noon EST (6 PM CET) for evening conversations. Dutch businesses typically operate 9 AM-5 PM
- Nearly everyone speaks English — around 93% of Dutch people speak English fluently. Language barriers are almost nonexistent, making phone calls easier than to most European countries
- Internet infrastructure is world-class — the Netherlands has some of the fastest internet in Europe, so VoIP and video call quality will be excellent from their end
- Skype shut down in 2025 — if you used Skype to call Dutch numbers, switch to BubblyPhone ($0.017/min), Google Voice ($0.01-0.02/min), or WhatsApp (free)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call the Netherlands for free from the US?
What is the cheapest way to call a Dutch phone number?
What is the country code for the Netherlands?
Do all Dutch mobile numbers start with 06?
What's the best time to call the Netherlands from the US?
Call the Netherlands for $0.017/min
Open BubblyPhone in your browser and dial +31. No app needed.
Try Free — Call Netherlands Now