General
What if I go on vacation outside the Netherlands?
Once you’ve settled in the Netherlands and are fully registered, chances are you’ll start planning some holidays to explore Europe (or beyond). But what happens if you need medical care while you’re traveling — and you’re not in your home country or ...
Travelling with Friends Discount
Dutch Railways (NS) has recently implemented changes to the way travellers can avail themselves of discounts when journeying together. If you're a frequent traveller on the Dutch rail network, particularly during off-peak hours, these changes are ...
Sending mail (PostNL)
Sending a letter in the Netherlands is a straightforward process, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind for efficient delivery: 1. Postal code and the orange mailbox: When sending letters in the Netherlands, you'll notice orange mailboxes ...
Refund: Delayed Trains
Traveling by train is often a reliable and efficient way to get around in the Netherlands. However, unexpected delays can happen. The good news is that Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS), the Dutch national railway company, offers a refund policy for ...
Learning Dutch
Learning Dutch in Amsterdam opens up opportunities for better integration and communication within the local community. Whether you choose the free courses or decide to invest in a paid language program, taking steps to learn Dutch will undoubtedly ...
Travelling for Sightseeing
The Netherlands boasts an array of charming small towns and rustic destinations, offering a host of enjoyable activities for weekends. However, considering the country's modest size, transportation costs can appear disproportionately high. ...
Biking in NL
The flat terrain of the Netherlands is perfectly suited for cycling, and the country boasts an extensive network of dedicated bike lanes. Bicycles are not just a means of getting around; they're part of the Dutch way of life. In fact, they even have ...
Dutch culture and social life
While still offering a good quality of life, the cost of living in the Netherlands is lower than many other western European countries, although Amsterdam is more expensive than other areas. However, among all the things to do in the Dutch capital, ...
Handymen: Floor & Curtains
You've successfully landed a job and an apartment in the Netherlands. Upon entering your new home, you may find yourself in a peculiar situation —the apartment might not have any flooring— because the previous owner took it. Don't be alarmed; this is ...
Furniture & Electrical Appliances
When you're relocating to the Netherlands and settling into a furniture-free apartment, you have a variety of options for furnishing your new space. While the typical choices include ordering from established retailers like Ikea or Jysk, I'd like to ...
Notarization & Legalization of Documents in the Netherlands
Legalizing documents in the Netherlands involves a process to ensure that they are recognized as valid and authentic for use in other countries. Here's a general guide on how to legalize documents in the Netherlands: Step 1: Obtain the Original ...
Driving Licenses
EU/EEA Licenses Driving licenses issued within the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA) are widely recognized and are valid for driving across all EU and EEA member countries. This means that expats who possess a driving license ...
Personal liability insurance
Did you know that 92% of Dutch people have a personal liability insurance? Suppose you are helping a friend move house and accidentally drop a cupboard or your dog bites the neighbour and he holds you liable for personal injury. You already have an ...
Finding a Doctor
After obtaining health insurance, the next step is to find a General Practitioner (GP), also known as a personal doctor (huisarts), in the Netherlands. Every individual in the country is required to register with their own doctor or medical clinic. ...
Health Insurance
In the Netherlands, all residents and employees are required by law to have standard health insurance, which covers partially the cost of visits to a general practitioner, hospital treatments, prescription medication, and more. The government decides ...
Public Transportation
Public transport in the Netherlands, including trains, buses, metros, trams, and ferries, is seamlessly integrated with Google Maps, making trip planning a breeze. To add to the convenience, buses and trams also accept credit card payments onboard, ...
DigiD (Cross-Platform Identification)
Your DigiD is here to simplify your online interactions with official institutions like the government, educational institutes, healthcare providers, the driving license department, and even your pension fund. It's your secure ticket to hassle-free ...
BSN (Social Security Number)
In the Netherlands, BSN or the Burger Service Nummer is the equivalent of a social security number. It is a unique 9-digit identification number that is required for most official transactions in the country, such as opening a bank account, ...
Opening a Dutch Bank Account
Opening a bank account in the Netherlands is a relatively simple process. Most of the banks have English-speaking staff, and there are financial institutions that specialize in serving expat clients. To open a Dutch bank account, you will typically ...