The Dutch sim racing market is surprisingly large and professional. With over 15 specialized retailers, world-renowned homegrown manufacturers (such as Heusinkveld and Sim-Lab), and various physical test locations, the Netherlands is a true hub for sim racers.
But where is the best place to buy sim racing gear? And where can you try out those high-end pedals before purchasing? In this guide, we dive into the Dutch retail landscape, showrooms, and the pitfalls of international ordering.
1. Where to buy sim racing gear in the Netherlands?
The market can be roughly divided into three categories: specialized webshops, direct sales by manufacturers, and general electronics retailers.
The Specialists: Knowledge and Service
For serious advice and a wide range of products, specialists are your best bet.
- Sim Race Webshop: The largest specialist in the Netherlands. They ship from their own stock (ordered before 11:45, delivered the same evening in NL) and have a huge assortment: from entry-level Fanatec CSL Pedals to high-end motion systems from D-Box. With over 1,600 positive reviews and active support via WhatsApp and Discord, they are a safe haven for your gear.
- Simracingstore.nl (Ter Aar): Distinguishes itself with a showroom (by appointment) where you can test Moza R5 Bundle and Next Level Racing equipment. They offer next-day delivery (for orders before 23:00) and have an active community.
- simGame.shop (Renswoude): Focuses broadly on simulation. Not just racing, but also truck, farm, and flight sims. They even offer a complete assembly service for those dreading the rig build.
- SimRacingHub.nl: A hybrid platform with reviews, guides, and discount codes for partners. Useful to keep an eye on for deals.
Dutch Glory: Homegrown Manufacturers
The Netherlands plays a leading role in the global sim racing industry. Buying from the source has its advantages.
- Heusinkveld (Groningen): The gold standard for pedals. Their Sprint and Ultimate+ sets are used worldwide, even by F1 teams. You buy directly from them via heusinkveld.com.
- Sim-Lab (Tholen): The king of aluminum profile cockpits (80/20 rigs). Their P1X and GT1 Evo are the benchmark in the industry. Recently, they have expanded into their own steering wheels and pedals, partly thanks to a partnership with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS.
General Retailers: Fast and Trusted
For entry-level models and mainstream brands, the big retailers are a fine choice.
- Coolblue: Known for service and fast delivery. They have a solid range of Logitech G29, Thrustmaster T300 and nowadays also Moza and Next Level Racing. Ideal for your first set, with the assurance of easy returns.
- Bol.com: The widest range thanks to third-party sellers, but pay close attention to who the seller is and what the conditions are.
2. Showrooms and Test Locations: Try Before You Buy
A direct drive base or load cell pedals feel very different from a standard set. Fortunately, you can test drive at more and more places in the Netherlands.
Showrooms (Buy and Test)
- XXL Racing (Schijndel): By far the largest showroom. They claim to have over 200 setups ready! From Thrustmaster to high-end cockpits. Note: visits are by appointment only.
- Simracingstore.nl (Ter Aar): Showroom in South Holland where you can specifically feel Moza gear and Next Level Racing cockpits. Again: making an appointment is recommended.
- Heusinkveld (Groningen): Not a shop, but a ‘factory tour’ where you see the production and can test the pedals. Highly recommended for the true enthusiast (email them for possibilities).
Experience Centers (Entertainment)
Do you just want to race in a high-end setup without immediate buying intent? Then experience centers are perfect.
- Racesquare: Located throughout the Netherlands (including Utrecht, Rotterdam, Zandvoort). You race here in groups in high-quality simulators with smoke and light effects.
- Race Planet Zandvoort: Combine sim racing with real driving on the circuit.
- Go!Gaming: Found in various Pathé cinemas (including Rotterdam, Utrecht, Groningen). They use decent setups with Playseat seats and Thrustmaster wheels.
3. International Orders: Watch Out for Costs!
The internet makes the world small, but customs make it expensive. Since 2021, the VAT exemption for small packages has been abolished. This means: always pay 21% VAT, wherever you order outside the EU. For detailed rules and calculation examples, check the Dutch Customs page on internet purchases.
Within the EU: Safe and Economical
Ordering within the EU (Germany, Belgium, France, etc.) is ‘business as usual’. No customs costs, no surprises afterwards.
- Fanatec: Ships from Germany (EU). Prices on the site include VAT and you pay no import duties.
- GPerformance (Slovakia): A reliable address for high-end gear (Simucube 2 Pro, Ascher) with fast delivery to the Netherlands.
United Kingdom (UK): The Brexit Trap
Since Brexit, ordering from the UK is much more complex. Although there are often no import duties (thanks to trade agreements), you always pay 21% Dutch VAT plus clearance fees to the carrier (DHL, UPS, PostNL).
Calculation example UK order of €500:
- Product + shipping: €525
- VAT (21%): €110.25
- Clearance fees: ~€13
- Extra costs: ~€123.25
Only order from the UK if the product is truly unavailable anywhere else.
USA and China: The Expensive Detour
Ordering from the US seems cheap due to the dollar price, but count on 40-60% extra costs due to shipping, VAT, and clearance fees.
From China (AliExpress, Moza direct) be careful. Major brands like Moza sometimes offer “Duty Paid” shipping, but claiming warranty remains difficult. Sending a defective wheel back to China is costly and slow. Via a Dutch dealer, you simply have a 2-year warranty and local contact.
Conclusion
The Dutch sim racer is in a luxury position. With top manufacturers in our own country, specialized webshops that deliver tomorrow, and showrooms to test, there is rarely a reason to look far across the border.
Our advice:
- Buy local or in the EU: For the best warranty, speed, and no customs hassle.
- Test if in doubt: Make an appointment at XXL Racing or Simracingstore if you are considering a large purchase.
- Check the final price: That American offer is often more expensive than the Dutch shop price after VAT and shipping.
Happy racing!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I pay import duties when ordering from Fanatec? No, Fanatec ships from Germany (within the EU). You do not pay import duties, only the standard VAT which is already included in the price.
Where can I test sim racing wheels in the Netherlands? You can test wheels at XXL Racing in Schijndel, Simracingstore in Ter Aar, and various Experience Centers like Racesquare.
Is sim racing gear from the UK cheaper? Usually not. Since Brexit, you pay 21% VAT plus clearance fees on top of the UK price. This often makes it more expensive than buying in the Netherlands.