Want to make the move to the Netherlands without having to splash all your cash? Here’s how to do that in true Dutch fashion (A.K.A. saving money like a pro). 

Not only is your to-do list for moving a mile long (finding a new place to live, setting up bank accounts, getting health insurance, and more) — but moving can also be ridiculously expensive. 

So how can you save money when moving to the Netherlands? Here are eight expert tips!

1. Negotiate a relocation package with your new employer

If you’re moving to the Netherlands for a sparkling new job, why not ask your employer for a relocation package? 

Many employers will happily pay for your moving fees and occasionally even arrange temporary accommodation while you look for a permanent residence. Wat leuk! (How nice!)

READ MORE | 10 things to know before finding work in the Netherlands as an international

Often, this comes in the form of up to €7,750 your employer can reimburse tax-free for your moving costs. 

Tips to negotiate a relocation package: 

• Check in with your HR department first: they might have a standard package that they offer to save you the hassle. 
• Get a good idea of your costs and present them to your HR representative. 
• Make a list of your “must-haves” and your “would-like-to-haves.”
• Explain to your new company the benefits: perhaps you can work sooner if they’re willing to help out with the move. 

2. Ask your movers for a fixed rate instead of an estimate

Movers love to estimate costs, however, some shady ones may end up blowing your budget on the final invoice. This number can run upwards of thousands above the initially estimated price.

Instead, press your movers to give you a fixed rate. This way you’ll be able to avoid any hidden fees and charges and keep your Excel budget sheet happy! (And have more money to spend on delicious stroopwafels and biertjes (beer) when you arrive in the Netherlands. )

3. Set up your health insurance ASAP

You’ve just touched down in the Netherlands, excited and ready to start your new life. You step out into the world, and the next thing you know, BAM! You walk onto the bike lane and collide with a cycling Dutchie.

Yet, as you lay in your hospital bed, you breathe a sigh of relief: you’ve already taken care of your health insurance, so your medical costs are covered. 

READ MORE | Dutch health insurance in 2023: what’s new and how to switch

When coming to the Netherlands to live or work, you are required to take out health insurance. You have up to four months to get health insurance from when you register at a municipality or start working. However, your premiums are backdated to the date of your arrival in the Netherlands, so you don’t save any money by waiting the full four months. 

By taking out health insurance zo snel mogelijk (as soon as possible), you can avoid any shocks when it comes to payments and treatment.

4. Move and exchange your money smartly 

Imagine you have $1,000 USD that you want to convert to euros to use in. How many euros you’ll get heavily depends on who converts it. Here’s an example:

• At the airport: €820-€850 (depending on the exchange office)
• In Amsterdam city centre: €845-€860
• Through your bank: €828.50
• Online: €868.56

Banks and money exchange places can take a huge chunk of your hard-earned coin, especially the ones at the airport. Instead, transferring your money online gives you some of the best rates and can save you up to €20-€50 — and it can go directly into your Dutch bank account!

This is one of the easiest ways to save money when moving to the Netherlands — go you! 

5. Buy your furniture in the Netherlands (and let go of the rest)

Forget the old couch that you’ve had since uni or the rugs that you got from your relative. 

Shipping your belongings overseas is ridiculously expensive — and you can buy everything you need in the Netherlands. 

You’ll save a stack of money on a moving company since most companies charge you by weight and space, and save yourself a bunch of stress waiting for it to get to your new house. Win-win!

READ MORE | Furnishing your house in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

You don’t have to shop new either: you can find great quality bargains on Facebook Marketplace, Marktplaats, or at second-hand stores (kringlopen).

6. Scoop out the best deals for your utilities

To truly enjoy life in your new Dutch home, you’ll need things such as electricity, gas, internet, and a phone and TV provider.

To save you some stress (and money!), it might be worth scouring the web for some of the best utility deals and providers before you arrive in the Netherlands.

You’ll find that you’re often able to get package deals from certain providers, grouping, for example, internet and TV, or gas and electricity. Sometimes, going for these deals is your cheapest option. Other times, however, purchasing services separately works out cheaper. Your best bet here is a good price comparison tool!

7. Make use of kortingen (discounts) where you can

Thought looking for discounts and offers was for grannies on their way to a bingo game? Think again! The Dutch are all about spending as little money as possible, even if it means elbowing that same granny in Kruidvat for a 1+1 (buy one, get one free) deal.

Here are some ways you can find discounts to make your wallet happy: 

• Get store cards for shops you visit often for discounts and free gifts.
• Download discount apps to help you stay on top of all the hot sales.
• Make use of corporate discounts on health insurance, gyms, travel, etc. 

You can also apply for government benefits if you meet certain criteria. For example, if you live in rented accommodation, have Dutch health insurance, or have a child who attends daycare or is under 18, you may be entitled to benefits from the Dutch Tax and Customs Administration.

8. Don’t buy a car (right away)

We know that cars are really convenient and it can be nice to drive to work or school on your own and avoid sitting next to (gasp!) other people. 

However, the costs of owning a car in the Netherlands can be substantially more than in other countries.

Here are some costs that can really add up:

• Petrol (the Netherlands is home to some of the most expensive petrol in Europe)
• Monthly car insurance and yearly maintenance
• Motor vehicle tax (AKA road tax) every three months
• Parking fees (Amsterdam has some of the highest parking costs in the world)

READ MORE | 7 things to know before owning a car in the Netherlands

Instead, make use of public transport, shared car networks, and hire cars for your first few weeks at least. And remember: biking is king in the Netherlands. 

Now that you’re so well-versed in these money-saving tips, you’ll blend right in with your new country’s compatriots.

Do you have any tips for saving money when moving to the Netherlands? Tell us in the comments below!

Editor’s note: This article was originally published in February 2022 and was fully updated in September 2023 for your reading pleasure.

Before starting your new Dutch life, you’ll likely need to arrange a visa or residence permit to live in the Netherlands.

With its entrancing fields of tulips, delicious stroopwafels, and healthy work-life balance, the Netherlands is definitely one of the best countries to visit or live in.

However, moving into a new country isn’t as simple as following your heart. Like opening a bank account or filing your taxes, there are some legal requirements that you’ll need to tackle before the IND (Department of Immigration) hands your visa or residence permit to you.

We’ve been there, so here’s our full guide to walk you through the process. Veel success (best of luck)!

Do I need a visa to travel to the Netherlands?

The first question is always: Are you an EU/EEA or Swiss citizen? 

If you’re lucky enough to have a passport from an EU/EEA country or Switzerland, then the process is as easy as pie.

This is because EU/EEA/Swiss residents do not need a visa to travel or live in the Netherlands.

Wait… but what if you aren’t in that club? Unfortunately, almost everyone else is required to apply (or be exempt) for a Dutch visa or residence permit.

Not sure if you need a visa to visit or live in the Netherlands? If in doubt, use the government’s visa requirement check.

Types of Dutch visas and residence permits

Like flavours of stroopwafel, visas to the Netherlands come in many different forms. They typically depend on your reason for travelling and country of origin, and have varying legal and financial requirements.

Keen as a bean to start your journey, but don’t quite know where to start? Let’s run through the most common types of visas and residence permits!

Visas for tourism in the Netherlands

If you’ve always dreamed of vacationing amongst the tulips and windmills, you will likely need to apply for a tourist visa.

The Netherlands doesn’t offer its own tourism visas, as it’s a part of the Schengen Area. The Schengen Area is a group of European countries that have no physical borders.

Once you have permission to visit the Schengen Area, you can visit the Netherlands too!

In addition to this, citizens from some countries (like Australia, Canada, Ireland, the UK, the US, and more) are visa-exempt for the Schengen area — which means that their citizens do not require a tourist visa to travel to the Netherlands. 

However, from mid-2025, these citizens will need to have a European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) travel authorisation. It’s expected that the authorisation process will take just a few minutes to process. 

For longer stays, citizens from these countries are typically required to obtain a residence permit.

For those that are not included in the lists above, you’ll need a short-term visa. The most popular options are:

Short-stay Schengen visa (C-type): Best for tourists

A short-stay C-type Schengen visa allows you to travel within the Schengen Area for a maximum of 90 days. 

This visa is valid for a 180-day period and is only intended for tourism (essentially, you are not permitted to work in any of the Schengen countries).

Unfortunately, you can’t apply for a residence permit whilst on a short-stay Schengen visa.

In addition to this, a C-type visa is only valid for a single entry to and exit from the Schengen Area. In other words, you cannot leave and enter the Schengen Area multiple times whilst on this visa.

Multiple-entry Schengen visas: Best for travel flexibility

C-type Schengen visas are single-entry visas, which only permit one entry to and exit from the Schengen Area.

In comparison, a multiple-entry visa allows you to leave and re-enter the Schengen Area multiple times.

Like the short-stay Schengen visa, the maximum time you are allowed to remain in the zone is 90 days.

Visas and residence permits to live in the Netherlands

Well, what if you’re in search of a bit more commitment and want a longer stay in the Netherlands? It sounds like you may want to apply for a Dutch residence permit!

READ MORE | Registration in the Netherlands: the complete guide for 2023

There are many different types of residence permits, so let’s walk through some of the most common ones and the steps involved.

Long-stay visas (MVVs): Best first step to a Dutch residence permit

Also known as an authorisation for temporary stay, an MVV is a provisional residence permit granting the right to stay in the Netherlands for up to 90 days.

As an MVV is meant to be the stepping stone to long-stay residence in the Netherlands for most foreigners. To stay longer, you will need to apply for a Dutch residence permit within your 90-days.

Want special treatment? Residents of Australia, Canada, Japan, Monaco, New Zealand, Vatican City, United States, and South Korea can apply for Dutch residence permits without needing an MVV first.

Student residence permit: Best for international students

If you’re dreaming of studying at a Dutch university or have already applied to one, then you will likely require a student residence permit.

Thankfully, Dutch universities generally help facilitate the visa and residence permit process, so you won’t need to tackle the beast of bureaucracy on your own.

The Dutch student visa process

The visa process for students in the Netherlands can look a bit tricky but don’t stress — tens of thousands of students have navigated it successfully and you can too.

To start, after you’ve confirmed your enrolment in Studielink, the Dutch university system, your university will begin facilitating the visa process.

When approved by the Dutch immigration service, you will then need to collect your MVV from the Dutch embassy in your home country (unless you’re exempt).

You will also need to check the Visa tab of your university account to see what documents they require you to upload.

Many of these documents will need to be sent prior to travelling to the Netherlands (i.e. a copy of your passport and a completed antecedents certificate), but others such as Dutch insurance information and a Dutch bank account can be arranged once you’ve landed.

In general, you will need:

• A copy of your passport or ID
• A bank statement, to indicate you have sufficient money to cover your stay
• An antecedents certificate
• A copy of your insurance policy, with coverage for your entire stay

Once you’ve uploaded all your documents and your university’s visa team has had a chance to approve them, they will send them to the IND for final approval.

Once your documents have been sent to the IND, the approval process can take anywhere from a few business days to several weeks.

When your residence permit has been approved by the IND, you will then need to make an appointment with an IND kantoor (office) near you to have a photograph and biometric information taken for your ID.

This ID will serve as a physical copy of your residence permit.

Residence permits for partners and family (where one person is a Dutch resident)

Found yourself a Dutchie to love? Great! The good news is that a relationship visa is relatively simple to receive.

This visa is primarily for partners, spouses, or foreign family members of Dutch nationals, who are hoping to stay in the Netherlands for longer than 90 days.

Not sure of the steps involved? Let’s have a look!

Done and dusted? Gefeliciteerd, you’ve just finished applying for a partner/family residence permit!

These visas are typically valid for five years. However, if the sponsor only has a temporary residence permit, the relationship visa expires at the same time as the sponsor’s permit.

Working holiday residence permit: Best for Dutch work experience

Maybe a cultural exchange permit to the Netherlands sounds like a dream come true, but you also need the funds to support yourself.

We’ve got great news: you might be eligible for a working holiday residence permit!

Like the general cultural exchange residence permit, you’ll need to be between 18 and 30 years of age to apply. You will also need to be a citizen of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, or Uruguay.

As the main purpose of this permit is to experience Dutch culture, applicants can only carry out work to support their stay financially — and not undertake full-time, contractual employment.

In addition to this, this permit is only valid for one year.

Cultural exchange residence permit: Best for experiencing Dutch culture

Have you ever dreamed of living in the Netherlands for up to a year and learning all about Dutch culture and society? 

Are you also between 18 to 30 years old and a citizen of Argentina, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, or Uruguay? 

Then you may want to consider a cultural exchange residence permit.

Because this is a cultural exchange, you are not allowed to work in the Netherlands whilst on this visa.

Residence permit for orientation year: Best for graduates from Dutch universities

If you’re a recent graduate of a Dutch university, you can also apply for an orientation year residence permit.

This Dutch visa will allow you to spend an orientation year (or zoekjaar) in the Netherlands, easing you into one of the world’s most future-facing job markets.

Qualifying for this residence permit will give you free access to the Dutch labour market — meaning that your employer doesn’t need to apply for a work permit for you.

What if you haven’t graduated from a Dutch university, but would still like to take advantage of the zoekjaar visa?

Well, if you possess a foreign diploma (i.e. a degree not provided by a Dutch university), it will need to be assessed by Nuffic (the Dutch organisation for internationalisation in education) before it is approved and your zoekjaar visa is granted.

The only exception to this assessment rule are diplomas from higher education programmes in Flanders (Belgium), which are automatically accepted.

Residence permit for self-employed individuals

Not to be confused with the working holiday residence permit, a residence permit for self-employed individuals is exclusively for freelancers.

Enterprising freelancers from in-demand fields who want to launch their own business in the Netherlands can also apply for a special residence permit for foreign start-ups.

This permit allows you to live in the country for up to one year, learning handy tips and tricks to boost your entrepreneurial skills.

However, let op: in order to be eligible for this residence permit, you will need to undertake work that will be especially beneficial for the Dutch economy — or completely new to the Netherlands.

Other visas and residence permits

If none of the options above fit your situation, don’t stress! There are also a few more niche  visas and residence permits available:

Dutch-American Friendship Treaty: Best for American citizens

If you hold American citizenship and want to work as a freelancer in the Netherlands, you can apply for this residence permit.

The permit is valid for two years, after which it can be renewed for another five years.

However, the IND requires that you invest at least €4500 in your business to be eligible.

Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty: Best for Japanese citizens

Are you a Japanese citizen that wants to freelance in the Netherlands? Hoera, you can opt for this residence permit.

Like the Dutch-American Friendship Treaty, the Dutch-Japanese Trade Treaty requires you to invest at least €4500 in your business and is valid for two years.

Au pair residence permit: Best for internationals seeking au pair work in the Netherlands

If you’re dying to visit the Netherlands and don’t mind picking up some au pair work along the way, the au pair residence permit might be right up your alley!

You will need to register with an au pair agency, as they will need to apply for this residence permit on your behalf.

However, let op: the requirements for this residence permit can be rather strict.

Some of these requirements include being between 18 and 25 years of age, being registered with a recognised au pair agency, and working for a host family that meets the IND’s income requirements.

How to apply for a visa or permit in the Netherlands

If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably champing at the bit to arrange your very own Dutch visa or residence permit.

There are two ways to go about this: either arranging the visa/permit yourself or having a sponsor do it for you.

Applying for a visa/permit yourself

Although the process of applying for a Dutch visa or residence permit can seem daunting at first, it’s thankfully quite straightforward.

Requirements for a Dutch residence permit

To apply for a Dutch residence permit, you will need to provide the IND with several important documents. This can all be carried out online, so don’t stress about needing to head to a Dutch immigration office.

These documents include:

• Bank statements to indicate that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses, insurance, and other costs during your stay
• A copy of your passport or ID that will remain valid throughout your stay
• Health insurance coverage for the full duration of your stay
• A completed antecedents certificate

Having your sponsor apply for a visa/permit on your behalf

In certain situations, like for when you’re applying for a visa to reunite with your partner of family, your “sponsor” will need to apply for your visa on your behallf.

Requirements for a sponsored Dutch residence permit

If you’re looking to sponsor a foreign national or have a Dutch resident sponsor you, several conditions will need to be met. A sponsor will need to:

• Reside in the Netherlands
• Have a valid BSN (citizen service number)
• Earn at least the minimum gross income
• Fill in a proof of sponsorship (or private accommodation) form

In addition to these conditions, potential sponsors may also have to file certain documents. These can include:

• Proof of identification, such as a copy of their ID/passport/Dutch residence permit
• Proof of employment if you work for a Dutch company, such as a copy of their employment contract, their last three payslips, and an employer’s declaration
• For Dutch freelancers, this can include proof of registration with the KvK (Dutch Chamber of Commerce), a profit and loss statement for their business, and their most recent income tax assessment

What do I do if my visa to the Netherlands has been denied?

Helaas, stuff happens sometimes, and your visa may not meet all the requirements set by the IND.

Whilst this setback can be scary and frustrating, it’s important to remember that you can still lodge an objection to the IND’s decision.

First, write an objection letter that clearly states why you are opposing the IND’s decision. Your letter must also include your name, address, the date of its compilation, and your signature.

Next, enclose the official document you received from the IND with your objection letter and mail it to the IND’s general postal address. That’s it, done and dusted!

However, it’s important that you submit your objection in time. This window of time can vary from 15 to 90 days, depending on which visa you’re applying for, so it’s best to check the official IND website for any queries.

Whether you’re here to earn a degree, marry the love of your life, or simply tiptoe through the tulips, there’s likely to be a visa/residence permit that’ll allow you to do just that.

Are you applying for a Dutch visa or residence permit? Tell us all about your journey in the comments below!

Dutch permits and visas: Frequently asked questions

Permits and visas can be tricky beasts to get one’s head around, even without Dutch bureaucracy muddying the waters.

It’s understandable that you have some questions, so we’ll do our best to clear up some common doubts!

If you’re considering getting a driver’s licence in the Netherlands, your first question is probably: “But how?”

And let us tell you: it’s not always simple. The answer depends on your situation. You might: 

• Be able to use your home country’s driver’s licence with no need to swap
• Be able to swap your home country’s driver’s licence for a Dutch one
• Need to take lessons, a theory exam, and a practical exam (yikes!) — even if you already have a licence.

So how can you skip the bike and hit the roads like a driving Dutchie? Here’s the ultimate guide to getting your Dutch driver’s licence. 

Who can get a Dutch driver’s licence?

In the Netherlands, anyone aged 17 or older can get a Dutch driver’s licence. A basic car licence lets people hit the road in either a car, moped, or high-powered e-bike (speed pedelec).

Naturally, if you’ve moved to the Netherlands as an international, it’s likely that you’ve already gone through the rite of passage of getting your driver’s licence in your home country. 

Here’s the thing: even if you’ve been driving for 30 years, the Netherlands only allows some people to directly switch their licence. Whether you can depends on the licence your country is from and, sometimes, your visa.  

Members of EU/EEA countries

Are you the holder of a lucky EU or EEA state driver’s licence that was issued before you registered in the Netherlands? Then congratulations: you can use your current licence to drive in the Netherlands — at least for a while. 

Once your licence has expired or needs to be reissued, you must apply for the switch at your local Dutch gemeente (municipality), where you’ll be issued a shiny new licence complete with the Dutch language. 

Need a reminder of those EU/EEA countries? Here you go: 

EU: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.

EEA: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

People who can swap their driver’s licence in the Netherlands

Not a holder of an EU/EEA country driver’s licence? No problem, it’s possible you’re still eligible to swap your licence to a Dutch one without having to take the theory and practical exam — but only if you fall into two main categories: 

Under the 30% ruling

Do you have the 30% ruling for highly-skilled migrants? Then congrats! Your visa and tax status grant you a huge benefit: the ability to switch your home country’s driver’s licence to a Dutch one. 

Try to do this within 185 days of registering in the Netherlands. Just apply at your local municipality, they’ll take your foreign licence, and you’ll be issued a nice Dutch card instead. Makkelijk! (Easy!)

After 185 days, your foreign driving licence is no longer valid, and you won’t legally be allowed to drive on Dutch roads until you formally make the switch. 

Even better than this cosy 30% ruling benefit, if you have a partner who came to the Netherlands with you, they get the same advantage. Leuk!

Special inter-country driver’s licence agreements

In some ultra-special cases, the Netherlands has signed agreements with other countries or regions that agree that they think their citizens drive pretty well. 

These places are Andorra, the Canadian province of Albert, the Canadian province of Quebec, Gibraltar, the United Kingdom, Guernsey, Israel, Japan, Jersey, Man, Monaco, Northern Ireland, Singapore, Taiwan, the former Netherlands Antilles (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao, Saba, Sint Eustatius and Sint Maarten), and South Korea. 

If you hold a driver’s licence from one of the above places, you’ve won the jackpot and can exchange your home licence for a Dutch driver’s licence. Woo-hoo! 

How to exchange your licence

If you’re one of the lucky ones above who can exchange their driver’s licence, what you need to do is pretty easy. 

1. Head to your local municipality (where you’re registered) with the following documents:
   • A colour passport photo
   • Your valid foreign driving licence
   • Your 30% ruling notification from the Belastingdienst (if applicable)
   • Your passport
   • Your Dutch residence permit and (if applicable) 30% ruling statement
   • A completed Health Declaration from the CBR (you’ll need to do this in advance) 
2. Request to exchange your foreign driver’s licence and fill in the appropriate form
3. Your municipality will send the documents to the Dutch licence authority, the RDW
4. If approved, you’ll receive a letter within 10 days advising when to collect your licence from the municipality

People who need to pass the Dutch driver’s licence tests

Uh-oh — if you’ve read this far, that means you’re not in one of the exemption categories above. 

Perhaps you’re from Australia, South Africa, India, New Zealand, or one of the other many countries that didn’t make the list? 

Here’s where we’re the bearer of bad news. If you: 

• do not have a licence from an EU/EEA country, 
• don’t have the 30% ruling, 
• And don’t have a licence from a specially-exempted country above,

you cannot exchange your driver’s licence in the Netherlands. Instead, you’ll need to pass your theory and practical driver exams and will likely need to take lessons to do so. 

The good news? Getting your Dutch driver’s licence is very achievable! In fact, this Australian writer did just that. 

The other good news? (Yes, there’s more!). You can likely drive on your home licence for 185 days after registering in the Netherlands. 

Take our advice: these 185 days are a great time to practise on Dutch roads and start the process of getting your Dutch driver’s licence. 

How to get your Dutch driver’s licence

Alright — you’ve drawn the short straw and can’t switch your home country’s driver’s licence. Or, perhaps you’ve never had a driver’s licence. 

Either way, to drive on Dutch roads, you need to get a Dutch driver’s licence. While the process is a little time-consuming and can be expensive, there are some tips and tricks to make it faster and easier. 

Here’s how to get your Dutch driver’s licence in six easy steps. 

1. Find a driving school

Hear us out: even if you’ve been driving for years, you almost definitely need Dutch driving lessons. 

It’s one of the cold, hard truths of the Netherlands. The country is known as being one of the hardest countries in the world to get a driver’s licence. 

In fact, the average Dutchie has to take 43 hours of professional driving lessons before getting their licence. 

Luckily, you’re not an average Dutchie.

If you’ve been driving for years, you shouldn’t need 43 hours, but you will need more time than you might expect. Driving in the Netherlands is just different: there are priority and non-priority roads, turbo-roundabouts, and millions of bikes.

The extensive Dutch road infrastructure takes a lot of getting used to, and it takes some time to develop awareness of the other road users. You’ll need to flex those neck muscles!

Plus, in the Netherlands, only licenced driving instructors can give unlicensed drivers lessons — there’s no Learner’s Permit. That means you need to sign up with a driving school. 

But not all driver’s schools are created equal. Many internationals have reported being squeezed for far too many unneeded lessons, unscrupulous instructors, or instructors who have difficulties with English. 

Take your time to select a good driving school with great reviews and a high exam pass rate. Even if the price is a little bit higher, it’s often worth it. As the Dutch say “Cheap is expensive” (Goedkoop is duurkoop).  

Once you’ve chosen your school, they’ll take on the task of booking your exams and will do everything they can to prepare you for Dutch roads. 

2. Prepare for and pass the Dutch driver’s licence theory exam

Here’s a fun fact: over 50% of test-takers fail their theory exam on the first attempt. 

Alright, maybe it’s not so fun. The Dutch driver’s licence theory exam is heralded as one of the hardest in the world and is made up of three parts: 

Part one: Hazard perception

In the first part, you’ll be shown an image from the perspective of a driver in a car. You’ll have to look through the “windshield” at the situation, your speedometer, and your rearview mirror before making a decision to brake, reduce your speed, or do nothing. 

The catch? You only get eight seconds per question and have to do 25 scenarios in a row. It’s intense, and it will often feel like multiple answers are correct. 

Luckily, you are allowed to get 12 of the 25 questions wrong. However, this is a tricky part of the exam and requires a lot of online practice. 

Part two: Traffic knowledge

Whew, made it through the stress of hazard perception? Now, you’re onto the next set of questions: traffic knowledge. 

In this section, you’ll be asked 12 questions about speed limits, traffic signs, types of roads, the positioning of your car, and more. But beware! You can only get two questions wrong, and they can be tricky. 

Part three: Traffic insight

Finally, the third part of the Dutch driver’s licence theory exam consists of applying the rules and understanding how to act. There are a massive 28 questions here, and you’ll need to answer 25 correctly. 

3. Submit your Health Declaration

This is an easy step on the path to getting your Dutch driver’s licence: you’ll fill in a simple questionnaire online about your health history. Expect questions about your eyesight, general health, and even psychology. 

Once complete, the CBR will let you know if they need further information. Sometimes, you might be sent for a check-up with your huisarts or a specialist. 

4. Take driving lessons

Alright, this is where it gets fun! Jump behind the wheel of a car with your instructor, and they’ll coach you on driving the Dutch way. 

A lot of this involves “Het Nieuwe Rijden,” introduced in 2013, which is a more economical and environmental way of driving modern cars. It involves rolling up to stoplights, turning off your engine in certain traffic situations, and changing how you use your gears. 

Most of all, your instructor will prepare you for both the Dutch driving exam and generally driving on Dutch roads safely. There’s more than you expect to get used to, so enjoy!

While the average Dutchie takes 43 hours of lessons, as an “experienced driver”, you’ll likely need a lot less. Expect to take at least 10 hours of driving instruction (normally completed in three to four lessons), while some internationals might need 20 hours or more.

5. Pass your practical exam 

Feeling confident? Strut your stuff for a CBR driving examiner. In your 30- to 40-minute practical driving exam, you’ll need to: 

• Prove you can drive confidently on Dutch roads 
• Demonstrate awareness around traffic situations, particularly bikes and pedestrians
• Merge onto and exit off a highway
• Perform at least two special manoeuvres (like a three-point turn or reversing around a corner)
• Use a navigation program (for example, Google Maps) to direct you somewhere (this can be used in your preferred language)

It’s important to know that you don’t have to drive perfectly, and small mistakes are okay. Did you:

• Touch the curb with your wheel while parking? All good! 
• Drive five kilometres an hour over the speed limit? It happens! 
• Tear through a red light because you stopped by an Amsterdam coffeeshop before your test? Um, we’ll draw a line there; that’s a fail. 

The most important thing is to make your driving examiner feel comfortable letting you drive on Dutch roads. So, keep a balance between traffic flow and safety.

Tips to pass your Dutch driving exam

• Try to drive the maximum speed as much as possible (where it’s safe)
• Use the right speed when approaching all different priority junctions and traffic situations
• Change gear at the correct time and fully release the clutch before entering a bend
• Avoid using the clutch and brake pedals unnecessarily
• Maintain a balance of traffic flow and safety

6. Apply for your driver’s licence

Gefeliciteerd, you passed! Your examiner gave you the go-ahead, your driving instructor gave you a huge high-five, and now you’re ready to hit the road — almost. 

Before you can legally drive, you have to apply for your new Dutch driver’s licence, a process that takes about a week. Luckily, it’s pretty painless. You’ll need to: 

1. Get some fresh-lookin’ passport photos taken
2. Take them to your local municipality (at least two hours after your exam) to request your licence who will send the information to the RDW, the Dutch licence authority
3. Wait about a week for your fresh Dutch driver’s licence to arrive (or pay a priority processing fee to pick up your licence within one to two days).

That’s it! You can hit the road with your wallet one card heavier and weighed down with your huge ego after passing the Dutch driver’s licence exams. You go, schat!

Costs to get a Dutch driver’s licence

We’re not going to sugar-coat it — getting a Dutch driver’s licence can be expensive. 

If you’re lucky enough to be able to swap your home country’s driver’s licence for a Dutch one, your costs will be pretty minimal — approximately €170. 

If you are unable to swap your old licence for a Dutch licence, the costs begin to stack up. Expect to pay between €500 and €1500 for the exams, lessons, health declaration, and licence fees. Here’s the breakdown: 

How long does it take to get a Dutch driver’s licence?  

If you’re lucky enough to be able to switch your home country’s driver’s licence for a Dutch licence, you’ll receive the licence within a week or two.

If you can’t switch your home licence, it is possible to qualify for a Dutch driver’s licence in as little as one week after passing your theory exam. However, only if you’re very committed, have a good driving school, and have luck scheduling exams. 

In general, most internationals who have previously held driver’s licences in other countries can get their licence within two months, including studying for the theory exam. 

If you need to go through the whole process but have previously held a licence, most people typically allow: 

• Between two and four weeks to study for the theory exam
• Between three and 15 hours of lessons held over one to six weeks 

Of course, you can stretch that over as long a period as you like. After passing your theory exam, the result is valid for 18 months. 

Ready to hit the road? Getting your driver’s licence in the Netherlands can be a pain, but it’s not impossible — and it’s well worth it when you’re cruising down the A2 with Snelle beats blasting. 

Have you gotten your Dutch driver’s licence? Tell us your experiences in the comments below!

Getting a Dutch driver’s licence: Frequently asked questions

You’ve just moved to the Netherlands for love and are ready to live out your Dutch fairytale. But what do you need to know when embarking upon your new life here?

It’s happened. You’ve fallen in love with a Dutchie, and in this blissful cloud of happiness and gezelligheid fueled by promises of bikes, canals, tulips, and windmills, you’ve taken the plunge and moved to Oranje.

Congratulations! Welcome to the Netherlands! Everything is great here — you’ll absolutely love it.

Wait, not so fast. Now, what’s this? You don’t speak the language properly, you can’t ride a bike, and you aren’t sure that you enjoy the concept of constantly eating fried foods.

But don’t despair, fellow international, I’ve been there. Here’s what I would tell myself if arriving in the Netherlands for love now.

Be proactive in making friends

Things get lonely when you move to a new country, and this happens faster than you think — not that anyone tells you that!

For the first few months, you’ll be drowning in the excitement of being abroad and living in this magical land, but if the only people you are interacting with on a daily basis are your partner and your dog, you may start to go stir-crazy.

READ MORE | 19 ways to actually make friends as an expat in the Netherlands

Plus, as much as the Dutch can be very welcoming, it can take a while to pierce their tight social circles, especially if you live in a small town like mine.

So, if you aren’t working or studying in the Netherlands yet, why not join a local sports team or take a Dutch (or some other) class that fills your free time with something that interests you?

You’ll meet local people, get the giggles practising your (pitiful) Dutch, and hopefully find someone who will be happy to listen to you butcher their language. And in that case…

Get used to being social

If you are a miserable sod (and British) like me, you’ll want to avoid other people as soon as they cross your path. But you can’t really do that here in Nederland. People talk to each other… they like each other! Weird, right?!

READ MORE | 14 signs you have successfully been Dutchified

But have no fear. Soon you’ll be hallo-ing and hoi-ing with the best of them, socialising with your neighbours and navigating those Dutch circle parties like a native. It just may take a while.

Bask in the small charms of Dutch life

Learn to cycle and take the bike everywhere; it’s so much more gezellig than walking. Travel to new cities and enjoy the fact that everything is so close together. Marvel at the windmills and endless bodies of water.

Get excited when you see that man walking his dog wearing clogs or the man shopping in the supermarket who was wearing them too. Yes, I have seen this. It really happens.

Don’t be offended when the Dutch say how they feel

As a Brit, I am used to tutting quietly and exhibiting passive-aggressive behaviour whenever another member of the human race pisses me off, but the Dutch are different. They will call you out about your mistake.

READ MORE | Dutch directness: 5 questions you’ll get in the Netherlands (and how to answer them)

It took me a while to get used to this, as I am quite sensitive and used to being overly polite in social situations due to years of indoctrination living in the UK.

Once you start to understand the Dutch language, however, you’ll realise that this is not personal and just how they speak to one another. It is quite liberating, to be honest.

Buy a fryer

This will become a staple item in your kitchen. All the Dutchies have one.

Soon you will be serving bitterballen at every social occasion, and eating fries, frikandellen, and kroketten with the best of them. Trust me, this is one purchase you won’t regret if you need to break into your fried food reserves in an emergency.

Moving to the Netherlands for love is a beautiful thing, but you shouldn’t forget to take care of yourself. Put yourself out there, bask in the quirky culture, and take it one step at a time.

Oh, and don’t forget that it’s okay to lean on your partner. After all, you made a big sacrifice when you moved here for them.

Do you have any tips for moving to the Netherlands for love? Tell us in the comments below!

So you’ve just arrived on Dutch soil, suitcase in hand, ready to study in the Netherlands. You may have some questions about what to do first — but fear not! Here are seven main things you need to set up once you arrive. 

“Should I buy a Dutch SIM card? How do I get health insurance? How do I even go about paying rent, for that matter?” — I’ve been through it all, let’s walk through it. 

1. Utilities for your apartment

One thing we know for sure is that at some point, you’re going to come home after a long day of lectures and want a relaxing, steaming hot shower. 

You’re also probably going to crave a warm mug full of something or other.

But imagine if the shower head’s water was freezing cold and the kettle refused to switch on because you forgot to arrange heating and electricity?

READ MORE | Utilities in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to gas, electricity, and water

This can be an issue that you’ll face if you have an exclusive rental contract (utilities not included in your rent) or have bought your own home. 

If so, you better sort out those utilities the second you arrive in your new home!

2. A Dutch bank account

Once in the Netherlands, you’re going to want some basic amenities. You know, food? A roof over your head? Clothes and IKEA furniture? You might even want to get a job upon your arrival. 

However, you may quickly realise that your foreign card doesn’t work for many transactions.

READ MORE | The best banks in the Netherlands for internationals in 2024

Yup, we’ve all been there! That’s why opening a Dutch bank account pronto makes your life and daily interactions much smoother.

To set up a Dutch bank account, you can either make an appointment online or simply rock up to a bank with the following items in your possession:

• A BSN
• Proof of address (such as a signed tenancy contract)
• Residency permit if you’re not from the EU
• A valid ID 

Once that is done, the bank will send you a shiny, new pinpas (bank card) that’s ready for you to start swiping.

3. Internet and television

There will be times when, after a long day of classes, studying, and socialising, all you want to do is kick back your feet, turn on the telly (or Netflix), and chill. 

What do you need in order to do so? You guessed it, a good internet and television connection! Just like with your utilities, you will usually have to find your providers on your own accord.

READ MORE | Video streaming services in the Netherlands: the complete guide

The good news is that these two services are often offered as part of a package deal, meaning you pay a flat monthly fee, and in return, you get both working WiFi and television. Don’t need a TV connection? Geen probleem, you can also opt for an internet-only subscription.

From Ziggo to Odido to KPN, there are countless great providers out there, as well as various tools that let you compare prices, internet speed, and available television channels. Happy deal-hunting!

4. All the important insurances

Sh*t happens, even in the magical country of windmills, canals, and stroopwafels. 

The best way to be prepared for bad scenarios is by setting up essential insurances as soon as you arrive in the Netherlands. 

Most importantly, you should consider getting health insurance, liability insurance, and home contents insurance.

5. A Dutch phone plan

First things first, we would recommend getting your hands on a local phone number by purchasing a SIM card at one of the many Dutch stores available — Albert Heijn is one of them! 

READ MORE | Mobile phones and SIM cards in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

Depending on how often you call and use mobile data, you can pick and choose which Dutch phone subscription best suits you. 

The options are endless, but here are some of the more popular providers in the Netherlands: 

• Vodafone has some of the best coverage for 2G, 3G, and 4G networks, especially in rural areas. 
• Odido is renowned for having very fast upload speeds — faster than all other providers in the Netherlands.  
• KPN has a whopping score of 980 out of 1000 points for its network, which was crowned the highest-scoring phone provider not only in the NL but also worldwide. 
• Simyo is handy in that you can use a “self-care” approach with its online-only services that let you manage your account by yourself.  

6. A social life

Take it from me: Moving to a new country as an international student can be tough. You have no family around you, no friends, and often you don’t even speak the local language. 

That’s why one of the most important things to set up as an international student in the Netherlands is a supportive social circle.

Making friends isn’t always easy, but these are some of my top tips for making friends as an international student: 

• Sign up for your university’s introduction week (I met some of my best friends there!)
• Take a class — be it in a sport, pottery, painting or cooking
• Join Facebook groups for international students
• Attend events planned by your university or student associations, such as ESN
• Interact with your neighbours and the people in your course

7. Your Burgerservicenummer (BSN)

To set up all of the most important services and utilities listed above, you’ll usually be asked to provide your Burgerservicenummer (BSN). 

Your what? A BSN, which translates to “Citizen service number” in English, is a number that helps the government process your personal data. 

Without this unique, personal sequence of numbers, identifying yourself for your healthcare provider, educational institution, bank, and employer is damn near impossible.  

In order to get yours, you must book an in-person appointment to register at the municipality where you will be living for the next four or more months. 

8. Your DigiD

Next up, in order to log in and out of all the various bureaucratic databases, you’ll need to set up your own DigiD. 

In short, the DigiD helps you verify your identification when you log into online portals. Think of it as the ID card that you virtually flash at a virtual bouncer — you’ll be needing it a lot. 

Want to log in to your healthcare website? DigiD required. Got to pay your taxes? DigiD alert. Need to access literally anything government-related? Bam! DigiD.  

You can register for a DigiD using the online DigiD application form. You must provide your BSN, the address you’re formally registered at, as well as your phone number. 

READ MORE | The ultimate guide to setting up your DigiD in the Netherlands [2024]

Once you’ve submitted the form, you should receive a letter at your address containing an activation code within three business days. Once you have inputted this code, your DigiD should be up and running! 

9. Any government allowances you’re eligible for

In the Netherlands, international students are actually eligible for a number of different Dutch allowances (called toeslagen). 

If you’re eligible, the government will help you pay for some of your most vital monthly expenses, such as healthcare, rent, and child-related expenses. 

Benefits you can claim from the Dutch government as an international student include:

• Huurtoeslag (rental allowance) 
• Zorgtoeslag (healthcare allowance) 
• Kinderopvangtoeslag (childcare allowance) 
• Kindgebonden budget (child-related budget)

Depending on your situation, you may also be able to claim Dutch student finance, which gets you free public transport and makes you eligible to loan money from the government.

To access these benefits, be sure to log onto the Mijntoeslagen portal using — you guessed it — that DigiD of yours!

While moving to the Netherlands to study can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, there are plenty of people and services ready to help out as you traverse these cheese-filled lands. Go forth and conquer!  

Do you have any other advice for students who have just arrived in the Netherlands? Share your tips in the comments below!   

With a range of geographical and data-based packages, multiple SIM capabilities, and pure ease of usage, Airalo offers powerful benefits for internationals on the go.

Finding the perfect eSIM card to suit your needs isn’t an easy process. With varying data packages offered, different regions supported, and the question of device compatibility cropping up, things can get… rather confusing.

Luckily, we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to. 

Are you an international with a bad case of the travel bug? Let’s talk about why Airalo is a good choice for you!

First things first: what’s an eSIM?

Everyone and their mum has probably seen a physical SIM card; a tiny piece of plastic that provides your mobile phone with a data/cellular package. 

READ MORE | Mobile phones and SIM cards in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

The process to get one of these precious pieces of plastic in the Netherlands can include forking over your BSN, housing information, and ID/passport — which is kind of a drag if you ask us.

An eSIM, on the other hand, is the humble SIM’s flashier, more modern cousin. And the best part? 

Also known as an embedded SIM, this is a virtual SIM card that can be downloaded and installed on a range of devices. 

Offering the same capabilities as physical SIM cards, with fewer bureaucratic hoops to jump through, this is often a much easier option for internationals looking to set up their phone in the Netherlands. 

Now, let’s talk about Airalo. 

What we liked about Airalo’s eSIMs

We love a whole host of things: puppies, Dutch apple pie, travelling… and mobile data packages that offer us excellent bang for our buck.

Thankfully, Airalo fits the last category like a glove. Founded in 2019, the eSIM company has rapidly become a go-to option for both internationals in the Netherlands and global eSIM users.

Coming with a whole host of super handig (handy) features, we can see why:

1. Installation and activation are quick, simple, and stress-free

Show of hands… who has time for complicated and overly technical instructions? Not us.

Thankfully, Airalo’s eSIMs are a piece of cake to set up. To install your eSIM of choice, you just download the Airalo app and select an eSIM under the ‘Install eSIM’ option.

To properly install and activate your eSIM, you then follow the comprehensive (and easy) instructions on the Airalo website.

2. Choosing the best package for our travel plans was a breeze

As anyone who’s ever gone clothes-shopping knows, one size most certainly doesn’t fit all. 

Airalo approaches their eSIM packages with the same level of personalisation and… honestly? We really dig it!

The eSIM provider has three main packages:

• Country-specific eSIMs (for example, an eSIM that only works in Germany)
• Regional eSIMs (such as an eSIM that provides coverage for the whole of Europe)
• Global eSIMs (these are eSIMs that work in over 200 countries)

This makes it easier than ever to choose the best eSIM package for your travel plans.

3. Opting for an eSIM saves you data roaming fees

With a traditional SIM, you usually need to opt for data roaming to use your cellular data outside of your home network’s area of coverage. 

This means that if you choose to visit a South American country with a Dutch SIM, you will likely need to pay data roaming fees.

For those itching to skip the fuss and fees of data roaming (like us!), Airalo provides a way to simply install a country-specific or regional eSIM that covers the country you’re travelling to.

This provides the data coverage you need — without the extra fees that make your wallet sad.

4. Travelling often? You can use multiple eSIMs on one device

eSIMs are all about convenience, so it doesn’t surprise us that Airalo allows you to use multiple eSIMs on one device.

For one thing, you can forget about needing to manually remove and reinstall your physical SIM every time you travel for business or leisure.

READ MORE | The best SIM-only plans in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

With all your eSIMs stored digitally on your mobile, all you need to do is activate one when you need to use it.

5. In fact, you can even use an eSIM and regular SIM card together

This brings us to one of our favourite features: the fact that Airalo allows you to use both an eSIM and a regular SIM.

Giving you the best of both worlds, you’re spared the hassle of removing (and potentially losing!) your original SIM to use an eSIM.

Oh, and the cherry on top of this beautiful stroopwafel cake? Even with a virtual SIM activated, Airalo’s eSIMs enable you to keep your physical one — with your home country’s number still connected.

6. Using only as much data as you need is easy

Data tracking might sound like an absolute hassle, but that’s why Airalo created a handy iOS app to keep it simple.

You can keep a close eye on how much data you’re using — all from the comfort of your home screen.

But wait… what if you’re not an iOS user? Well, as an Android fan, you can opt to get push notifications when your data is running low.

By offering these services, Airalo ensures that you’re never stranded in the countryside with no mobile connection.

Airalo eSIMs: what we didn’t love

Oké, it’s time to be real: much like a selection of Dutch sandwich spreads, there were also aspects of using Airalo’s eSIMs that we didn’t quite fancy. Let’s get into them!

1. You’ll need to check if eSIMs are compatible with your mobile device

If you own an older mobile, for example, most eSIMs will likely be incompatible with your device.

In addition to this, the usage of eSIMs on certain devices in certain areas of the globe may be controlled. 

According to Airalo, if (for example) you’re using a Samsung Galaxy device from South Korea or an iPhone from Mainland China, your mobile will likely not support Airalo eSIMs.

But in general, it seems that you’re good to use an eSIM if you have a fairly modern phone that came out after 2018 (but best check!).

2. You need internet to activate your eSIM

Just as you pre-warm the tosti-maker before popping in your kaas tosti (grilled cheese), you will need to prep your eSIM before you use it.

More specifically, you’ll need to activate it. Whilst the process isn’t difficult, it can be annoying if you’re activating it on the road or don’t have access to very stable WiFi.

Our tip? Just make sure you actually set the eSIM up before you find yourself on a plane to Australia.

3. You may not be connected to your data provider of choice

Given that Airalo partners with a range of local data providers to offer coverage, you may not always be able to connect to your provider of choice.

In the grand scheme of things, however, this isn’t a major disadvantage, as Airalo’s partners tend to be quite carefully chosen.

Their Dutch eSIMs, for example, offer KPN and Vodafone as providers — which are two of the biggest and most reliable networks in the Netherlands.

The verdict: it’s great for international globetrotters

Despite some minor sticking points, Airalo’s eSIMs offer internationals in the Netherlands unbeatable value for a wide range of products and services.

Whether you’re a globetrotter at heart or simply travelling for your work/studies, Airalo can provide you with the tools to stay connected with your friends, colleagues, and loved ones — no matter where in the world you are.

Have you ever used an eSIM? Tell us all about your experiences in the comments below!

There are questions that every foreigner will be asked by locals in the Netherlands, and in true Dutch style, they’ll be pretty direct about it.

Maybe you’ve heard about the bluntness of the Dutch, or have experienced it yourself already. Either way, here are some tips for how to deal with Dutch directness.

I arrived here young and silly, in love with a Dutch guy I had met in my home country. I had no idea about anything I was about to get into and especially not about Dutch directness. My initial experience with was shock, to say the least. It hit me hard and I was left with my mouth wide open!

It became apparent after living here for a year or two that I was being asked the same questions. At first, I didn’t know how to answer them, but after a while, I became a professional.

Here is a list of the most frequently asked questions I have encountered from the locals since my arrival and how you can answer them. In other words: this is my go-to guide to prepare you for Dutch directness!

1. Hoe is het met je Nederlands? (How’s it going with your Dutch?)

“How’s it going with your Dutch?” — This question is the number one, most frequently asked question you are sure to hear throughout your stay here. It is a question that will never go away.

You will be asked this by absolute strangers, people you hardly know, grandmas and general people passing you in the street on a bike. You could be asked in any kind of setting, so be prepared.

The first few times I was asked this question, I was speechless! Later, I started to try my best attempt of:  “um, ja goed”

I was told, I sounded German. Well, Germany is close by, so that’s good right?! I often thought I was safe and this question wouldn’t be asked because I was at a place like a festival and being tipsy, they surely wouldn’t bring up such a subject…I was wrong.

It doesn’t matter if there is pumping music and you’re already slurring your own native language, you will be confronted with the recurring: “Hoe is het met je Nederlands?”

READ MORE | The top 16 free ways to learn Dutch

So, when you are asked this question, I suggest you are ready with a solid pronounced answer. Say it with confidence, even if you are shaking in your boots. Look them directly in the eye, stand up straight and practice, practice, practice!

Here are some helpful phrases to answer this question:

• “Mijn Nederlands is uitstekend.” (My Dutch is excellent.)
• “Ja, gaat goed.” (Yes, it’s going good.)
• “Komt goed.” (It’s coming along.)
• “Lekker.” (Nicely.)
• “Slecht” (Bad.)

2. Don’t you miss your family?

Hmmm? Well of course I do. This question was asked repeatedly and usually straight after asking how my Dutch was. I was initially shocked when I was asked this as I was not sure exactly why I was being asked this. Were they trying to find out if I was a runaway?

Some people I barely knew gave me a look, like how could you ever leave your family? I felt strange, guilty and as though I had committed a crime for wanting to see the world, follow a dream and be young and in love!

READ MORE | Things I wish I knew before moving to the Netherlands for love

Well, after some consideration, I guess it could just be a cultural difference. The size of the Netherlands means family is always close by and families tend to stay close to each other.

For example, my Dutch partner’s family all live in one village — literally one block away from each other. If I ride my bike through this village, I am sure to run into his aunties, cousins, and oma. In Australia, my family lives all over the country.

I started to try to answer this question with things like: “Ja, but technology is so good these days, so it’s fine.”

Nevertheless, I still felt like I was getting some judgmental looks. My advice to answer this is perhaps not to try to defend yourself because there is no need to. My family loves me, and I love them (no matter the distance between us.)

3. Where are you from?

This is a general question, which always follows a similar reaction.

• “Where are you from?”
• “I am from Australia.”
• “Oh, my uncle’s son’s best friend is there in blah blah blah…”

… or

• “Oooh, I’ve always wanted to visit!”

Okay, I get it, many Dutch people get excited when they hear about my country — and it’s sweet. But at the same time, I really don’t care to hear it… Pardon me if that’s rude (or direct ), but I simply don’t.

I’m not sure if you will experience this coming from other countries, but I’m guessing you will. Maybe you don’t mind at first, but after a while, that may change. My advice is to always nod and smile and pretend to be interested, it works best for me!

4. Why are you here?

Once I’ve established the strong connection to my country, this question is asked as a follow-up. I kind of enjoy this question though; it humours me!

There is a look in their eyes, like how could I ever leave that amazing place, Australia, and come here? This rainy and grey country.

Australia is often seen as a godly place with weather that is always good, and life is all rainbows and lollipops. Well, it’s not! THE WEATHER CAN BE TERRIBLE, it does get cold and life can be hard sometimes (yes, even with that amazing nature and long stretched sandy beaches).

On the other side of that question, why I am here? Well yes, I fell madly in love with a Dutchman.

So, I often answer with something like: “Oh yes, I was young and in love.”

“Oh, but why didn’t your partner move to Australia?” they ask. Well, I just blame my husband and say he is a mummy’s boy!

I just ended up here, sometimes life does that. And I love my life here in the Netherlands!

5. When are you leaving?

Okay, okay! Slow down, I am just getting used to the Dutch weather, so I think I won’t be leaving just yet!

But in all seriousness, I’ve been asked this question before. Many times, actually.

Do they want to get rid of me? Maybe, but it’s not working.

So, there they are, the top five most frequently asked questions the Dutch ask me. I hope this comes in handy for your life in the Netherlands. I have now lived here for nine years and I can honestly say that I love Dutch directness.

There is nothing more amazing than knowing exactly where you stand with someone instead of having to second guess. I have even mastered it, telling people things I would have never dared say before.

What have your experiences been with Dutch directness? Tell us in the comments below!

The Netherlands is a great place to live. So, now that you’re considering a move to Holland — or have already decided to start a new life in the land of cheese, windmills, and bikes — the next question is: “Where in the Netherlands should you live?”

Whilst in other countries, where you choose to live is often dictated by where you work, the Netherlands’ small size and great public transport connections make it possible, and very common, to live in one city or village and work in another.

The Netherlands also has options for everyone, from families to job-seekers, to those in search of an adventure. So, where is the right place for you to live in the Netherlands? Here’s a full breakdown of the Dutch cities that attract the most internationals.

The most popular Dutch cities to live in for internationals 

Let’s start with a quick lowdown of essential (but easy!) Dutch geography: the Netherlands is basically divided into two main areas: the Randstad, and the rest.

The Randstad is a metropolitan area in the centre of the Netherlands, encompassing the country’s four largest cities: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, and their surrounding areas.

The Randstad is also the most popular part of the Netherlands for internationals to live in because of its: 

• great connections to the rest of Europe, 
• position as an economic and cultural hub, 
• job possibilities (because many national and international companies have offices in these cities).

However, there are some other great places to live beyond the Randstad, like Groningen in the north of the country, and Maastricht in the south. These cities are increasingly attracting international companies and families — and with large student populations, they are lively places to be.

READ MORE | What your favourite Dutch city says about you

That being said, not all of the Netherlands is as progressive as the rest — and there are some places you might want to avoid. For example, the Dutch have their very own Bible Belt, where people tend to be more conservative and less open to welcoming expats. 

Amsterdam: living in the Dutch capital 

When you’re considering where to live in the Netherlands, Amsterdam could either be at the top, or at the bottom of your list. If you’ve ever wanted to walk out your front door and be greeted by picturesque canals and a historic centre, this could be the city for you.

READ MORE | Living in Amsterdam: the ultimate guide to Amsterdam life

People from over 180 nationalities call the Dutch capital their home, unable to resist the city’s international job opportunities, bike-ability, education, nearby airport, and plethora of green spaces. 

While the city is jam-packed with world-class museums, entertainment, nightlife, and well serviced by public transport, the Dutch capital isn’t perfect.

READ MORE | Where to live in Amsterdam: the 2024 neighbourhood guide

The popularity of Amsterdam has sent housing prices skyrocketing and made the cost of living the highest of any Dutch city. Add to that the constant battle against over-tourism, and you may find yourself gravitating toward other Dutch cities instead.

Rotterdam: modern architecture and Europe’s largest port 

If modern high-rise buildings are your thing, then moving to Rotterdam might just be for you! The city is affectionately known as “Manhattan on the Meuse”, in strong contrast to the quaint Golden Age architecture found in the majority of other Dutch cities.

After being bombed by the Germans during World War II, Rotterdam was rebuilt and is now defined by cutting-edge architecture — think cube houses and clean lines. 

Rotterdam is the second biggest city in the Netherlands and is home to Europe’s largest seaport. The port attracts workers from all over the world, making Rotterdam one of the most diverse cities in the Netherlands with a strong international community.

READ MORE | Moving to Rotterdam: what to know before making this futuristic Dutch city your home

Like any Dutch city, rental prices in the centre are on the steep side, and accommodation is scarce. Nevertheless, the cost of living in Rotterdam is rather low, compared to other big cities, such as Amsterdam, and there are more places to rent and buy in and around Rotterdam. 

With a dynamic food scene, numerous green spaces, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinderdijk, close by, there’s plenty to keep you entertained. 

The Hague: international organisations and a seaside town

When deciding where to live in the Netherlands, the Hague is really the best of both worlds. Seamlessly blending a skyline of glistening high-rise buildings with abundant nature (like the seaside, or the Haagse Bos, a mature woodland that sits in the centre of The Hague), this influential city is truly mesmerising.

READ MORE | Moving to The Hague: the ultimate and complete guide

Thanks to its numerous embassies, and the fact that many important international organisations are based here, The Hague hosts a vibrant international community.

It’s also the political capital of the Netherlands, and the seat of the Dutch government. So, if you were hoping to bump into the Dutch Prime Minister, then The Hague is the place to be — you might ride past him on his cycle to work!

READ MORE | 7 things you didn’t know about The Hague

Scheveningen’s long sandy beach is another huge calling card for The Hague — from the city, you’re just a bike ride away from its iconic pier and vibey beach clubs. However, like most cities in the Randstad region, The Hague is experiencing a housing shortage, and rental prices are high. Nevertheless, it’s cheaper to live here than in Amsterdam or Utrecht.

Utrecht: small city with a big city vibe 

Once the religious capital of the Netherlands, this quaint, medieval city is centred around the Dom Tower — the tallest church tower in the Netherlands. With beautiful old houses, bridges, and canals all over the city, Utrecht is often regarded as a “little Amsterdam” — just with fewer tourists.

When I first came to Utrecht, I was blown away by its unique charm. Home to a world-renowned university, the city is vibrant and fun, yet compact and never overwhelming. Overall, Utrecht is a great place to live — so, when you’re deciding where to live in the Netherlands, be sure to consider this charming corner.

READ MORE | Moving to Utrecht: everything you need to know about living in Utrecht in 2022

There’s no shortage of interesting things to do and see in this historic city either. With a dynamic restaurant scene and loads of gezellige terraces along the Oudegracht and in the Neude square, Utrecht is a perfect city for evenings out. It also boasts the most cultural events in the Netherlands, after Amsterdam.

If you weren’t convinced yet, in 2012, Lonely Planet listed Utrecht in the top 10 of the world’s unsung places. 

While housing is both pricey and scarce in Utrecht, its central location makes it a good option for people who want to live somewhere central, that’s easily accessible from different cities. 

Leiden: the city of knowledge

Located in the heart of the Randstad, Leiden is an ideal location for expats. The city is one of the oldest and most picturesque in the Netherlands — with romantic canals flanked by boats, and a windmill standing proudly along one of the main roads. 

The city is quite compact, with just 127,000 inhabitants, but thanks to the presence of the prestigious Leiden University (the oldest in the Netherlands), it is a bustling student centre.

Leiden has a huge variety of cultural activities, with 15 museums in the city alone! The most popular are the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, a great option for kids, and the Museum De Lakenhal, which exhibits paintings by famous artists from Leiden, such as Rembrandt. There are also loads of cute bars, cafes and restaurants.  

The city also lies in the “Bulb Region”, the best-known flower-growing area in the Netherlands. This makes it a perfect base for exploring the quintessentially Dutch tulip fields in spring.

Delft: a cocktail of innovation and history

Delft is one of these cities where historic charm and modern-day technology blend together perfectly. Home to one of the most famous Dutch painters, Vermeer, it’s no surprise that this is one of the most picturesque cities in the whole Randstad.

READ MORE | Scenic Delft: 15 great photos to make you wanna visit

With countless museums, churches, restaurants, and beautiful canals, Delft is a vibrant city that has plenty to offer. Well-connected to cities like The Hague, Leiden, and Rotterdam, it’s also a perfect base for commuters who want to live in a city with a village-like charm.

That being said, Delft also has its own international job market. Home to the Delft University of Technology, the city is not just a pretty sight but also an important innovation hub of the Randstad. International students and expat workers make for a young, diverse population.

When it comes to housing, prices in Delft are lower than in some other cities in the Randstad — but renting and buying will still cost you a pretty penny.

Eindhoven: centre of technology and innovation 

If you’re craving something more modern when deciding where to live in the Netherlands, then Eindhoven is just the place for you! Eindhoven may not be the most traditionally pretty city in the Netherlands, but it’s bursting with tech, energy, and innovation.

The city is all about progress, having been rebuilt after a considerable WWII bombing. It is now home to high-tech multinationals and startups — including the electronics giant, Philips. It’s no wonder Eindhoven is considered the Silicon Valley of the Netherlands! 

READ MORE | 7 underrated places to live outside of the Randstad

Parks make up about one-third of all public space, making Eindhoven the greenest of the five major Dutch cities. It’s also home to the Stratumseind, the longest café- and bar street in the Netherlands — crowning Eindhoven as one of the best places to pub crawl.

Plus, if exploring Europe is on your to-do list, you’re in luck! Eindhoven Airport is the second busiest in the Netherlands, and is serviced by low-cost airlines, like Ryanair and Transavia.

Tilburg: edgy and fast-evolving 

Trying to decide where to live in the Netherlands, and fancy something a little quieter than the Randstad? Consider moving to Tilburg!

Historically the wool capital of the Netherlands, Tilburg is now a transport and logistics hub with a booming start-up scene. In recent years, the municipality has invested significantly in redeveloping disused train yards and warehouses around the central railway station, giving rise to an edgy urban landscape — while simultaneously preserving the cultural and industrial heritage that defines the city. 

You’ll never be out of things to do in this city. There’s plenty of culture, art, museums and music, but Tilburg is also one of the greenest cities in the Netherlands, with lots of lovely parks and forests to walk and picnic in.

In addition, many of Tilburg’s street corners hold surprises: grey walls have been transformed into vivid street art, adding to the urban charm of the city.

Unlike in the Randstad, there’s still space to expand in Tilburg, and housing is still relatively affordable — meaning you’re less likely to have to spend your life savings on a shoebox-sized basement room without windows. 

Haarlem: the best of all worlds

Haarlem is commonly considered one of the most beautiful and historic cities in the Netherlands, dating all the way back to 1245. It’s a compact city with a great old-world charm. Thanks to its idyllic location on the banks of the river Spaarne, its narrow cobbled streets, and weekly markets, Haarlem has a cosy, village-like vibe. 

This tranquil city is becoming an increasingly popular destination for internationals. It’s also particularly family-friendly, bubbling over with events and activities for children. Haarlem is the second-largest city in the Amsterdam metropolitan area, and an easy commute to the capital.

Another great thing about Haarlem is that you’ll never get cabin fever. The seaside towns Bloemendaal aan Zee and Zandvoort will basically be in your backyard. Are woodlands more your thing? Haarlem has two gorgeous urban forests, and the Zuid-Kennemerland National Park is a perfect spot for cycling, running, and enjoying the outdoors. 

The city also lies in the gateway to the flower-growing region — just bike for 15 minutes, and you’ll be surrounded by millions of colourful tulips. 

Maastricht: a buzzing student city in the south

Located on the southern tip of the Netherlands, Maastricht is distinguished by its medieval architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The city has 1,677 national heritage buildings, the second-highest number in the Netherlands, after Amsterdam. With its cobbled old town, walking through Maastricht is like stepping into a fairy tale. 

READ MORE | A day trip to Maastricht: what to see, do, and eat

From cute cafes to medieval history and converted Gothic buildings, living in Maastricht is a treat for the senses. And amazingly, the city even has hills! Needless to say, it’s a popular destination for people wanting to picnic, walk, and cycle. 

READ MORE | Why is the Netherlands so flat? The complete explanation

Thanks to its central location in Europe, Maastricht has a very cosmopolitan feel, and is a great base for those who love to travel. Keep in mind, however, that the city will be more open to you if you speak Dutch, and job opportunities will be more readily available.

Groningen: the gem of the north

Whenever I mention Groningen, Dutchies always say, “that’s so far away!”. In reality, Groningen is just two and a half hours by train from Amsterdam — and it’s a beautiful train ride too!

It’s the largest city in the north of the country, and boasts a huge student population, making it young, diverse and fun. This vibrant city has been a major player since the late Middle Ages, with gorgeous buildings, such as the Martinitoren as proof. 

READ MORE | 8 things you didn’t know about Groningen

Situated outside of the Randstad, Groningen is an ecosystem in and of itself. There are loads of cultural events, and with all those students, Groningen’s nightlife is unparalleled. It has the freshest air in the Netherlands, and the weekly farmers market at the Vismarkt is a beloved favourite among residents of Groningen.

While it can be a bit hard to find a job without speaking Dutch, and it’s also a bit of a trek to the other main cities and Schiphol Airport, housing prices are much cheaper here than in Randstad.

Arnhem: nearby gorgeous nature

Situated on the banks of the Lower Rhine, Arnhem is the provincial capital of Gelderland in the east of the Netherlands.

If proximity to nature is key when deciding where to live in the Netherlands, then Arnhem is for you. There are plenty of beautiful places to cycle and walk around the city. A highlight is the gorgeous Veluwezoom National Park which encompasses 11,362 acres of forest, full of cycle paths and woodland trails.

With a smaller international community than those in the Randstad, there are fewer social groups and activities targeted toward non-Dutch speakers — so it can be a bit lonely for freshly arrived internationals. 

Fortunately, Arnhem is within easy reach of Utrecht, which has more to offer in terms of cultural and social activities. Arnhem, however, is a much cheaper city to live in than the rest of those in the area.

Nijmegen: the oldest city in the Netherlands  

Nijmegen, also in the province of Gelderland, is the oldest city in the Netherlands — dating back to Roman times. In 2005, this ancient city celebrated 2,000 years of existence. 

Cosy Nijmegen has lots of students and starters, making for a vibrant atmosphere. Although the city’s compact medieval centre has lots of bars and organised activities, you may find it a little harder to settle here if you don’t speak Dutch.

Nevertheless, the city offers much better value for money in terms of housing than those in the Randstad region, making it an attractive option.

Hilversum: a perfect base for commuters

Hilversum is an affluent town in the southeast of Amsterdam, part of both the Randstad and the Amsterdam metropolitan area. It’s surrounded by nature reserves, lakes, woods, and meadows — making it very popular, and a perfect spot for those who work in the city but want to live in a green, leafy environment.

READ MORE | 7 places to live near Amsterdam: the ultimate guide

The city lies within easy commuting distance of both Amsterdam and Utrecht, with great road and train connections. However, be warned: the roads between Hilversum and Amsterdam are some of the busiest in the Netherlands at rush hour. 

Hilversum is a fairly sleepy city, with all the amenities you could want and need: shopping, swimming pools, cinemas, bars, and restaurants. Several big companies have their European headquarters in Hilversum (like Nike), and (in true Dutch style), it’s home to its own international school.

The city has all of the perks of the Randstad, with additional peace and tranquillity.

Amersfoort: quaint and well-connected 

Amersfoort, in the province of Utrecht, is a major city in its own right, without being too big and overcrowded.

Large parts of the ancient city wall are still standing, including the Kopelpoort — the imposing city gate — while the medieval city centre radiates charm. The city has a relaxed atmosphere and lots of festivities. It’s also an ideal base for commuting, if you work elsewhere in the Randstad. 

READ MORE | The perfect daytrip: 4 things to do in Amersfoort

Because of its close proximity to major cities, however, renting and buying houses in Amersfoort isn’t the cheapest. Nevertheless, it’s a very child-friendly place, within easy reach of great international schools and mainstream Dutch schools. 

Almere: Living on reclaimed land

Almere is the newest city in the Netherlands, with the unique selling point that the land on which it sits was reclaimed from the Ijsselmeer lake between 1959 and 1968. Being so new, Almere is a purpose-built city with spacious and carefully planned residential areas, gardens, playgrounds, and off-street parking. You can even design and build your own home — a rare option in the Netherlands.

With loads of woodlands, parks and beaches, and a good selection of schools (including an international school), Almere is perfect for young families. The city boasts modern architecture and amenities.

READ MORE | 7 Dutch cities to move to right now (recommended by mortgage experts)

With excellent public transport links, it’s an easy commute to Amsterdam, just 20 minutes away by train.

The downside is that some may find that Almere lacks that old-world Dutch charm and personality, being a very new place. In addition, the international community is still growing, so it might be a bit harder to meet people here. Nevertheless, the city is growing in popularity with both internationals and Dutchies alike. 

Living in a Dutch village

City life isn’t for everyone, and with the cutthroat housing market in Dutch cities, it’s also worth considering living in a village in the surrounding area of some of the main Dutch cities. There are both pros and cons to this.

You generally get more bang for your buck when buying and renting outside the cities — think bigger, cheaper houses, and the luxury of not hearing what your neighbours are up to throughout the day. 

READ MORE | Tired of Dutch cities? 5 reasons to consider moving to ‘the country’

It’s also possible that village life might be more community-oriented, and less anonymous than life in the cities. In lush surroundings, you’ll be able to enjoy a calmer pace of life.

We’ve got to warn you, though, that there’s a strong chance that less English will be spoken, making it a little harder to integrate. Villages also have fewer amenities, so if you’re after an active nightlife or early morning trips to boutique yoga studios, this option might not be for you.

Wherever you choose to settle in the Netherlands, you’ll be relatively close to amenities, green spaces, and cultural sites.

While the housing crisis in all of the major cities can make finding your feet tricky, there are tips and tricks to make things a little easier. So, now that you know where to live in the Netherlands: pack your bags and get ready for your Dutch adventure! Success!

Which Dutch city will you be moving to? Tell us in the comments below!

With its high quality of life, stunning canals, and strong international community, it’s no wonder almost one million people call Amsterdam home. But living in the capital city comes at a cost — the highest cost of living of any Dutch city, to be precise. 

If you’re thinking of making the move to the capital yourself, you’re likely wondering about the cost of living in Amsterdam. Well, as someone who has lived here for years, I’m here to tell you that what you can expect to spend will vary greatly by your lifestyle.

In many ways, you get what you pay for in this city. But some general costs will give you a picture of what that can look like. Let’s break it down.

The cost of housing in Amsterdam

First things first: you have to live somewhere in Amsterdam — and it’s likely going to be your greatest expense.

Although housing in the city is expensive far and wide, where you choose to live will be a great determining factor in the amount you’ll have to shell out for rent or your mortgage. 

READ MORE | Where to live in Amsterdam: the 2024 neighbourhood guide

In general, living within or close to the city centre will be more costly than living on the outskirts. And naturally, the more desirable the neighbourhood, the higher the price tag. 

Cost of renting a house in Amsterdam

One key distinction to be aware of regarding the rental market in the Netherlands is between social housing and private housing.

Social housing is allotted for people with lower incomes, capping the rent at €879,66  in 2024. The waitlist for social housing can take years, so it’s generally not very accessible to expats. 

The vast majority of people moving to Amsterdam will have to go for private housing in the free sector, which has no price regulation. Landlords have the freedom to set the rent at whatever price they see fit. 

On average, these are the rent prices you can expect to find when combing the Amsterdam rental market:

Keep in mind that rent costs are continually on the rise in Amsterdam, so don’t be surprised if you encounter some prices that are even higher.

Cost of buying a home in Amsterdam

Again: location, location, location. The closer you are to the centre, the less bang you’re likely to get for your buck (or the European equivalent thereof). 

But what homes in the centre lack in size, they often make up for in character. For example, my ceiling is so low that visiting Dutchies often need to maintain a slightly cocked neck or bent knee for the duration of their stay, but the city view is ridiculous. 

READ MORE | Where to live in Amsterdam: the definitive neighbourhood guide

Another point to be aware of is that the real estate market in Amsterdam is competitive, and buyers often report paying far above the asking price for homes. But buying a house and getting a Dutch mortgage is a whole separate story, so let’s stick with asking prices here:

To buy a simple one-bedroom apartment on the low end of the spectrum, on the outskirts of Amsterdam, you might be able to get away with paying around €200,000.

READ MORE | Top tips for buying a house in the Netherlands

For a higher-end three-bedroom apartment in the centre, you can expect to spend something closer to €600,000. Here’s the (very general) range you can expect to pay for a home in Amsterdam:

Of course, you’ll also run across plenty of gorgeous properties soaring way up into the multi-millions. 

Cost of daily life in Amsterdam

Utilities in Amsterdam: how much to budget for gas, water, electricity, internet, and phone

Gas and electricity

You have many utility providers to choose from in the Netherlands. Often, getting your gas and electricity from one provider will save money. If you rent, sometimes these costs will be included and covered by your landlord, but don’t count on it.

Gas costs about 1.45 euros per m3 in the Netherlands, which is fairly average in comparison with other countries. However, the cost of electricity is among the most expensive in the world, at around 0.4 euros per m3.

On average, you can expect to pay €120-200 per month for gas and electricity in Amsterdam. 

READ MORE | Dutch savings accounts: banks with the best interest rates

If you’re new to Amsterdam, you may find the system for paying your gas and electric bills a bit strange. You’ll likely be charged a flat rate each month based on the average usage predicted for your house and the number of occupants. Once a year, in April, you’ll either get the money back that you overpaid for your usage, or you’ll have to pay for the excess you consumed. 

Just keep in mind the amount you pay each month is not necessarily the actual cost. However, the estimated cost will be adjusted each year based on your true usage.

Water

Water in Amsterdam works differently. There are two different ways that your water bill can be calculated. If you use a water meter, you’ll pay monthly costs by cubic metre of water used, plus an annual fee for the metre. If you opt out of the metre, bills should fall in the range of around €15-30 per month.

Monthly internet costs

The average cost for the internet in the Netherlands is in the range of €32 for a lower speed connection to €67 for a higher speed (although it’s all relatively fast). It’s common to bundle your internet with TV and phone service. Some websites allow for an easy price comparison between providers or will let you sign up for your utilities in English.

READ MORE | 8 things to know about getting Dutch internet

Phone

Cell phone plans in the Netherlands don’t differ much from other countries. Monthly costs can be as low as €10 for unlimited calling with no data and up to around €50 a month for unlimited data. 

READ MORE | Mobile phones and SIM cards in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide

An average plan with up to 10 gigabytes of data and unlimited calling should be somewhere around €20 a month. You may also need to pay an activation fee.

How much to budget for groceries in Amsterdam

Compared to other costs of living in Amsterdam, groceries are on the more affordable side, particularly if you’re mindful of where and how you shop — and keep an eye out for those kortings!

NUMBEO provides the following average costs for groceries in Amsterdam, and I have to say, they’re pretty spot-on with my own experience.

Cost of childcare when living in Amsterdam

While you’re out there hustling to afford rent and pay taxes, you might need someone to look after your children. The cost of Dutch childcare varies depending on the centre and what type and frequency of care you’ll need for your child. Daycare and nursery school for the little ones will cost around €750 per month on average, with discounts available if you have additional children. For after-school care, costs will be in the €650 to €800 a month range. 

Some parents opt for childminders (oppas), who generally charge around €7 per hour for the less experienced teenager or €15 per hour for someone with more experience. If you would like them to do additional housework, it would be reflected in the wage.

Au pairs would likely be the least expensive option for your family, often exchanging room, board, and a small salary for a 30-hour workweek.

Many residents in the Netherlands qualify for a childcare benefit (kinderopvangtoeslag), wherein the government subsidises the cost. This will depend on the number of children you have in childcare, your income, and your social situation. You can calculate how much you will pay using an online calculator.

Going out in Amsterdam

Price of transportation in Amsterdam

The least expensive way to get around in Amsterdam is by bike, and it’s usually the quickest way too.

When you do take public transportation (on those days when you don’t feel like turning up at your destination like a wet cat), you can hop on a tram, bus, or train with several options for ticketing. Or, grab a taxi, Uber, or scooter.

These are the general prices for public transportation with Amsterdam’s public transportation system, GBV (Gemeente Vervoerbedrijf):

Additional multi-day, discounted, and other purchase options are available on the GVB website.

Taxis in Amsterdam are obliged to use a metre. They can set their own fares, but the government sets a maximum price. A trip from Schiphol Airport to the city centre should be around €55. Trips within the city should be significantly less.

Uber costs will vary based on a number of factors but are generally less expensive than a traditional taxi. A fare from Schiphol Airport to the city centre will be in the range of €40-55.

If you’re up for the challenge of driving (and parking) a car in Amsterdam, you’ll have several factors to consider:

Eating and drinking out in Amsterdam

If you’re planning on going out for a night of dinner and drinks, expect to spend a fair amount of money.

Prices aren’t outrageous compared to many other major cities, but compared to the rest of the country, they’re up there. Although, with a bit of trial and error and asking around, you can find a handful of places offering nice meals at friendly prices. 

READ MORE | Tipping in Amsterdam: all you need to know [UPDATED 2024]

For drinks, if you’re on a budget, best to stick to beer or wine — in some cases, it’s less expensive than even a bottle of water! 

Paying for insurance in Amsterdam

Health insurance when living in Amsterdam

Health insurance is required for anyone living or working in the Netherlands. Generally, a basic package costs just over €130 per month, but this can vary greatly by the company and plan you select.

Some employers offer corporate health insurance plans, which may be less expensive than taking out an individual policy.

READ MORE | 5 things you should know about Dutch health insurance

The standard deductible (eigen risico), or price you’ll need to pay each year before your insurance kicks in, is set at €385 for all insurance providers. Some people opt for a higher deductible in exchange for lower monthly costs. Children under the age of 18 are insured with the standard package free of charge. 

The Dutch government also requires that you pay an income-based contribution for the standard package. This is a percentage of your salary, also known as the ZVW contribution. Your employer will forward it directly to the Health Insurance Fund.

Home insurance in Amsterdam

Home insurance when living in Amsterdam isn’t mandatory by law, but it is required by many mortgage providers. Costs will vary based on your situation, taking into consideration things such as the value of your home and goods, your neighbourhood, and other risk levels.

A basic policy typically falls into the range of €4 to 10 a month.

Other insurances in Amsterdam

Liability insurance is not obligatory either, but it is also so inexpensive that people generally have it. Paying just a few euros per month will cover claims from third parties for damages as high as €2.5 million. 

Some Dutch liability plans may even cover, for example, when your friend comes to visit from another country and crashes their bike into someone else’s. They’re your visitors, so any damages they incur are covered under your dirt-cheap insurance policy.

Cost of education in Amsterdam

Attending university in the Netherlands

For Dutchies, higher education is quite affordable because it’s subsidised by the government. For international students, the cost is higher, though still reasonable. You’ll pay an annual tuition fee based on your nationality, chosen degree programme, and whether you study part-time or full-time. 

On average, full-time EU/EEA students will pay about € 2,300 per year in tuition costs for a full-time program. Non-EU/EEA students can expect to pay up to €15,000 per year. Ouch.

In addition to tuition, the University of Amsterdam advises students to budget for somewhere between €1,175 and €2,000 per month on living expenses, including rent. They break it down as:

Cost of education for children

The Dutch government also subsidises school for children, so if you decide to send your child to a Dutch school it’s nearly free of charge. You’ll just need to make some small contributions for things like school trips or after-school activities — somewhere around €100 annually.

For a private education or an international school, the cost is significantly higher — from €4,500 up to €23,000 euros a year.

Working and salaries in Amsterdam

Salary expectations in Amsterdam

Now that we have a better picture of what it costs to live in the country’s capital, let’s take a look at how salaries stack up.

Of course, they will vary greatly based on industry and experience, but in general, Dutch salaries are rather average — a bit lower than the US and UK, for example, but still generally quite manageable in relation to the cost of living.

According to the Dutch Central Planning Bureau (CPB), the median gross annual salary for the years 2022-25 is calculated at €41,000, which is roughly €3,400 per month.

The national minimum wage for 2024 is set at € 1.995,00 per month (€23,940 per year) for adults over the age of 21. 

READ MORE | Finding a job in Amsterdam: the ultimate guide [2024]

One nice thing about working in the Netherlands is that your employer is required to give you annual holiday pay, which is 8% of your salary. When negotiating salary, whether or not this amount is included in the offer can make a significant difference in your quoted salary.

Don’t forget about taxes!

If the salary range your potential employer is offering is something you can live with, then consider taxes. You’ll be obliged to pay payroll tax, which is made up of a salary-based tax along with national insurance contributions for pensions, Dutch benefits and allowances, and unemployment allowance.

This typically adds up to around 29.7% of your gross income.

As this tax is quite high, you’ll want to consider your net (take home) pay rather than simply your gross pay (total salary) — the difference can be substantial. You can use this calculator to estimate your monthly net income based on your salary. Some expats qualify for the 30% tax ruling, which means they only pay Dutch taxes on 70% of their gross income.

Now, to add up all these separate costs would require some math, so to spare you the terrible inconvenience, here are the average estimated monthly costs of living for individuals and families living in Amsterdam:

Quick tips to save money when living in Amsterdam

As you see, Amsterdam isn’t exactly the cheapest city to live in. That being said, there are some ways you can save some of that precious cash. Here are our top tips:

• Cycle or walk — make those legs earn their keep!
• Develop a keen eye for discounts and sales (kortings or acties)
• Shop at outdoor markets when possible
• Opt for beer or wine when dining out
• See if you qualify for any government allowances (toeslagen)
• Students: take advantage of student discounts

READ MORE | Save like a pro (the Dutch) with this money-saving life hack

Does your experience with the cost of living in Amsterdam match up? Tell us in the comments below!

One man’s poison is another man’s meat. We don’t need Oscar Wilde to tell us that. The environmentally conscious and genetically frugal Dutch people have filled this country with many options to turn your spullen (stuff) into cash.

It’s good conscience to help in the recycling and reusing of items lying about at your home — and the pocket money sure doesn’t hurt either.

But where can you sell your stuff? How do you go about it? Here is my list of places to unload your stuff — in descending order of effort required.

Selling your stuff on Marktplaats in the Netherlands

There are many online marketplaces that let you post your items and sell them for a small fee. Marktplaats is the Dutch place to go for everything from your beat-up car to your wedding gown.

My Dutch friends have excellent experience with it. However, I have to say, as an English speaker, it can be difficult to use. English descriptions will almost get zero interest in your items unless you give away stuff for free.

Also, Dutch customers are hard bargainers. They do not even start their bids for your item at fifty cents. They ask you to throw in a free HD flat-screen TV and deliver everything to their place to compensate for the inconvenience caused by purchasing a pair of old branded underwear (an example of what people sell on the platform) from you.

Marktplaats be like:

Klant: “Ik wil het wel hebben voor €10.” (Helft van de vraagprijs en een vierde van originele prijs)

Ik: “Prima hoor, wanneer wilt u het komen ophalen?”

Klant: “Overdag?”

— Marisss (@MarisssQ) February 21, 2023

Translation: Marketplace be like: Customer: “I want it for € 10.” (Half the asking price and a quarter of the original price) Me: “Fine, when would you like to pick it up?” Customer: “During the day?”

How to sell stuff on Marktplaats

Now, how do you actually make a sale on Martkplaats? Of course, you have to start by posting your stuff.

Here’s how:
1. Make an account if you don’t have one yet
2. Select Plaats advertentie (place ad) in the top right corner
3. Choose a category for your item, give your listing a title, and a short description
4. Upload up to 24 photos of your item
5. Set a price
6. Hope for the best!

How to close a deal successfully? You need to possess some tenacity in not giving in to people’s slash-throat bargaining.

READ MORE | The best Dutch webshops for clothing, tech, supplies, and more

Once you make a sale, you can arrange shipment or time and place of transactions with the seller — and ka-ching!

While not limited to Marktplaats, it’s worth noting that the whole process can be quite time-consuming. It may take a couple of reposts before people discover your items and buy them. It can be frustrating, so be warned!

Selling your stuff on Facebook

Go on Facebook, join one of those buy-sell groups and post about your items. Sounds easy enough. Many of us have experience doing that.

From casual observations, two groups of people are especially interested in reading posts about a bargain: students and expats.

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Both live in temporary living circumstances and suffer a constant need for stuff they would otherwise have access to when they can no longer scream “Mom, help!” anymore and have their problems fixed just like that.

Besides selling your stuff in Facebook groups, you can also post them on Facebook’s very own marketplace.

How to sell stuff on Facebook

Selling your stuff on Facebook is easy as taart (pie).

To get started, you will need to have a Facebook account. If you’re posting in a Facebook group, you’ll have to join the group (duh), post your items, and talk to potential buyers in your Facebook messenger.

If you’re selling using the Facebook Marketplace feature, it basically works the same as Marktplaats: You take your photos, upload them to the platform with a description, and set your price.

Selling second-hand things on Vinted

Another easy way to sell your second-hand things is with Vinted. This app was mostly made for selling clothes, but people also use it to get rid of home care, kitchenware, books, accessories, games, and pet care.

Vinted is international, so people from all over Europe can buy your stuff. To make sure more people understand my listings, I always keep my descriptions simple and in English, for example: “Sweater from Zara. Size S. Worn only a few times.”

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There are many instances when people will like your item, but not make an offer — but don’t fret! Either message them asking if they’re interested, be patient, or you can also make a deal with someone to exchange your item for something they have.

How to sell stuff on Vinted

Selling your stuff on Vinted is super easy, especially if you have their mobile app. After that, you can simply:
1. Take photos of what you want to sell (good lighting is key)
2. Describe the item you’re selling,
3. Set your price. 

Naturally, branded stuff usually sells the quickest on Vinted — not many people will go for that old H&M sweater you listed for €3.

Once sold, Vinted will provide you with a shipping label. You then have five days to print the label (if needed, sometimes a QR code is enough), and ship it off at your local post office. Happy selling!

Selling your stuff at a vlooienmarkt (flea market) in the Netherlands

After having lived in the Netherlands for a while, I can tell you that there are two things that Dutch people like: all-you-can-eat buffets and yard sales.

Since so many people are interested in re-entering their stuff into the economic cycle, yard sales have become hundreds of flea markets, run by organisations that go “on tour” with their brands of flea markets. And they’re a great way to get rid of your stuff in the Netherlands!

There is virtually no negative social stigma in the Netherlands on peddling old stuff on the streets (or in the park or a hall; locations differ depending on seasons) — and of course, you should always clean your second-hand stuff anyway.

These markets are very popular, so keep in mind that you will need to book a stall as soon as the organiser opens spots. Setting a calendar notification for the registration date may help you to get a spot.

And, of course, a busy market also brings many potential customers who may want to snag your deals!

How to sell stuff at a flea market in the Netherlands

If you want to sell your things at one of the Netherlands’ flea markets, you’ll usually have to pre-register to rent a kraam (stall). Needless to say, there is also a small cost associated with renting your spot for the day.

You can check the flea market calendar to find the next flea market closest to you. There could be as many as twenty flea markets running on the same day around the country on a good day.

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Setting up according to the organisers’ rules, opening the shop and cleaning up can be a bit of a hassle, but out of all options, selling stuff on the flea market has been the most fun way of getting rid of old stuff I ever had.

Selling your stuff on Koningsdag (King’s Day) in the Netherlands

The King’s Day markets are perhaps some of the coolest markets you will ever witness in your life. The whole Netherlands practically turns into an (orange) open marketplace on this day.

The Dutch call it the vrijmarkt (free market). In some places, adults can be seen marking the prime spots with chalk ahead of time. Kids can be seen camping with their stuff to get spots.

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While there are always die-hard enthusiasts for everything, for regular sellers like you and me who likely want to get rid of a small quantity of stuff without spending too much effort, it should still be fine to get to the market between 9 AM to 10 AM.

This is especially so when you live in the city with ample spaces in the various squares/parks. There should be no lacking space for even the late risers who partied past midnight, drinking lots of cheap beers and dancing to cheesy Dutch music.

This is true only, of course, when the weather is good, and it is not raining. You may want to be there early on rainy days (360 days of the year), to secure a spot that is covered.

How to sell your stuff on King’s Day

The thing with selling stuff on King’s Day is that the chance of you getting a good price for your stuff is relatively low. That’s because practically everyone is out here, and your customers are just going to walk away if the price is not right and look for something else.

Also, the chance of items being ruined by the rain or mud kicked up from the road by crowds of people passing by is quite high. Therefore go prepared, mentally and physically (by bringing a transparent plastic sheet to cover your goods).

The key to selling stuff on King’s Day is to be patient. Though it may take some time to sell, chances are you’ll get lucky eventually — even if it’s just a drunken Dutchman who is buying your stuff to flirt with you.

So, grab a beer, an orange hat, and your belongings, and off you go!

Making some money, being environmentally conscious, AND decluttering your home? It truly doesn’t get any better than that.

Thanks to the many options for selling your stuff in the Netherlands, you’ll never have to struggle with finding a new loving home for your belongings.

What are your experiences with selling your belongings? Tell us in the comments below!