Multiple arrests were made following demonstrations in Amsterdam against the Israeli President’s visit to the opening of the National Holocaust Museum.

President Isaac Herzog, who has controversially claimed that “the entire nation” of Gaza is responsible for Hamas’ October 7 terror attack, attended the opening ceremony of Amsterdam’s National Holocaust Museum yesterday.

As you can imagine, it wasn’t a quiet affair.

Hundreds of demonstrators

Nearly 1,000 demonstrators awaited Herzog’s arrival, and demonstrations took place in multiple locations, including outside the museum’s doors.

And they made their presence known.

As the opening ceremony took place, boos, whistles, and the shouting of slogans could be heard.

As the Israeli president and King Willem-Alexander entered and exited the museum, they were met with more booing.

Stones thrown and arrests made

While the police have described the protests as going “well and peacefully”, not everyone stuck to just booing.

According to RTL Nieuws, stones were also thrown, and police vans were climbed and attacked.

As a result, riot police were deployed, and they made 13 arrests. The demonstrations were disbanded shortly afterwards.

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The majority of us in the Netherlands have seen our workweek change significantly over the past few years. How? We now spend a large amount of our time working from the good ol’ home office.  

Is it actually good? Meh, it’s mostly improvised. Is it old? Yeah, it’s starting to feel it. The creation of many a home office in this country was spontaneous, thrown together, and largely seen as something temporary. 

However, the working world has changed. You’ll likely find yourself working from home for many years to come, but there’s good news — you can finally justify sprucing it up a bit! 

Here are some of our favourite pieces that we recommend for your home office.

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1. A standing desk that makes your back pain say “Doei!” 

If you’re still using your dining table, kick it to the curb! 

This standing desk moves seamlessly from sitting to upright, can remember four preset heights, offers wireless charging of your devices (smart!), and even has a drawer and cable management for you to keep things ultra-tidy. 

Better yet? If you don’t love it, you have 60 days to change your mind!

2. A fancy keyboard to brighten up your workspace

Now you have the snazzy desk, it’s time to style it with a funky keyboard to match.

Forget office grey; this eye-grabbing lavender keyboard is available in a variety of colours, is completely wireless, and can seamlessly connect to up to three different devices (be they Mac, Windows or Android). 

READ MORE | 12 of the best apps to have as an international in the Netherlands

To top it all off, it is also super lightweight, making it easy for busy bees on the go.

3. The chair you and your back deserve

Chances are that you’re reading this at home in an office chair that really isn’t an office chair. Well, newsflash: you’re not seventeen anymore, and you deserve a workstation that won’t give you crippling back pain.

With its ergonomic backrest designed for ultimate comfort and light, breathable upholstery to battle those annoying sweat stains from a long day on the job, this sturdy office chair might be just what the doctor ordered!

4. An orthopaedic mouse to match (and prevent strain)

While it’s easy to match a funky keyboard to your aesthetic, it can be harder to find a mouse that can add a pop of colour — and provide good ergonomic function. Well, we found a mouse that offers both.

Super lightweight, wireless, silent, and compatible with basically every operating system, this mouse is not just a pretty place to rest your hand. In fact, it has actually been designed and developed by certified ergonomists.

5. Some extra daylight for your desk

The one downside of having a beautiful home office is that, well, you’re at home — meaning you’re indoors. 

With its compact size, this medically-certified daylight lamp is designed to be added to your desk setup. The design of this product is made for ease, comfort, and well-being. 

By pressing just one button, you can simulate beautiful daylight (without the danger of UV rays). This not only adds some wonderful mood lighting to your office, but it is proven to help beat those winter blues. 

6. Plants to add to the outdoor feel

You’ve got the desk, the colour, the light, and now it’s time to get some leafy friends. 

READ MORE | House plants in the Netherlands: tips to make your Dutch house bloom

However, sometimes you don’t have the time (or patience) to slowly accumulate a variety of plants over time. You want an office jungle, and you want it now.

Well, here you go! For just €25, you can receive a box of 10-12 plants direct to your door that have been set aside due to (very) slight flaws. Not only is it affordable, but it’s also super effective in adding green to your office in a quick and easy way. 

7. Shelves for even the tiniest of office spaces

Does your home office put Harry Potter’s bedroom to shame? Fair, you probably never planned on having one — but who says you still can’t enjoy some pretty shelving? 

Perfect for offices that want to make use of every corner, these beautiful floating corner shelves are a great way to maximise your space. 

No sweat is needed; these lightweight shelves come in sets of four and include everything you need for installation.

8. A pen to out-perform all pens

Every office needs that one good pen — and a proper space to keep it. How about investing in a levitating pen? The futuristic Hoverpen is the first levitating pen that has been designed to float at an angle — and it requires zero power. 

If you’re looking to give your office a bit of a sci-fi, high-tech edge that makes you feel like a better version of Elon Musk, look no further than this unique office piece. 

Ready to make your home office really yours? Yes? Go you! We’re just glad you’re taking a moment to make your workspace that little bit nicer for yourself. 

Which office must-have will you be getting next? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! 

The Netherlands is known for many things: windmills, canals, and oh yeah, ASML. Now, the world-renowned company has hinted at moving its operations elsewhere — but why?

Let’s just say, it’s not as simple as the company wanting to “find itself.”

The main reason: ASML needs more staff

You’d think that with such a huge population in such a small surface area, the tech giant would have no problem finding sufficient staff for its operations, but it’s not that simple.

The company requires highly skilled technical employees to keep its wheels turning, and they can’t all be sourced among the Dutch.

READ MORE | 13 companies in the Netherlands that hire internationals in 2024

In fact, according to ASML CEO Peter Wennink, 60% of its employees come from abroad. However, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for ASML to find such international employees.

Why? According to the NOS, one reason is due to a change in the way international workers are taxed in the Netherlands.

The 30% ruling is on the way out

One huge benefit of working as a skilled international in the Netherlands used to be the 30% ruling.

As part of this ruling, highly skilled highly skilled and eligible expats could receive 30% of their income tax-free for five years.

READ MORE | 7 innovative Dutch projects for a sustainable future

However, as of 2024, this has changed. Instead, the amount has been reduced to 30% for the first 20 months, 20% for the following 20 months, and then 10% for the final 20 months.

In turn this means that fewer highly skilled internationals are encouraged to work in the Netherlands for companies like ASML.

However, it’s not just high taxes that are leading to problems for ASML.

Remember the housing crisis?

The struggle to find housing in the Netherlands is very real in 2024, and ASML employees are not immune to it.

READ MORE | Why is there a housing shortage in the Netherlands? The Dutch housing crisis explained

In fact, employees have been struggling so much to find housing that ASML has resorted to buying up housing and getting involved in housing construction projects to try and ease the crisis faced by its employees.

The result? ASML aren’t impressed

While ASML hasn’t outright announced that it will be leaving the Netherlands. It has been dropping some worrying hints.

In January, Winnink made a worrying remark:

“You see all kinds of movements that make it more difficult for internationally operating companies that need international talent, for example, to do business in the Netherlands.”

As a result, sources in The Hague tell RTL Nieuws that the outgoing cabinet has sprung into action.

A plan to prevent the company’s departure is being drawn up under the code name Beethoven.

This doesn’t mean a complete departure

However, these hints don’t mean that there will be a complete departure of ASML from the Netherlands.

Jos Versteeg, analyst at InsingerGilissen tells RTL Nieuws that the company upping shop and leaving is “very unlikely.”

That being said, Jim Tehupuring, investment expert at 1 Vermogensbeheer, tells RTL Nieuws that he does see at least part of the company shifting to another country.

He just doesn’t know “whether that is 30% or 70%.”

Regardless of what the company decides to do, there is one thing we can be sure of: any move will take time. Years in fact, according to Tehupuring.

What do you think of ASML’s hints? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Do you enjoy travelling from the Netherlands to other countries across Europe? Or are you a home bird who frequently visits family? Well, your wallet is about to suffer.

Specifically, if your journey involves a plane and your destination is within the EU.

According to research by RTL Nieuws, plane tickets to European destinations will increase by tens of euros in the next two years.

One expert says an increase is “inevitable.”

But why?

This inevitable price increase all boils down to something called the ETS, which stands for the Emissions Trading System.

As part of this system, the rights to emit green gasses are traded among the big polluters. The idea is that big polluters must buy their right to… well, pollute.

In the aviation industry, many of these rights are free — however, that’s all set to change in 2026, and airlines are going to have to start coughing up the cash themselves.

And where will this money come from? The price of your plane ticket, of course!

READ MORE | REVIEW: We slept our way from Amsterdam to Berlin on the new European Sleeper train

As Paul Peeters, lecturer in sustainable transport for tourism at the Breda University of Applied Sciences, tells RTL Nieuws:

“It is obvious that this will be passed on directly, with the small margins in aviation, they cannot absorb this.”

Flying outside of the EU? You’re in the clear

While the ETS system is in place to try and discourage companies and consumers from polluting, Peeters fears it may have the opposite effect.

Why? Primarily because the ETS system does not apply to inter-continental flights.

This means that higher ticket prices for flights within the EU may just encourage people to fly to Morocco instead of Malaga — which is a longer and more polluting flight.

What do you think of the ETS system? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

There are many things about life in the Netherlands that you’re going to have to embrace if you truly want to integrate. We’d recommend skipping on the herring, but you should really get into Dutch humour. 

Unlike a slimy fish, the Dutch sense of humour is super dry. This can make it a bit difficult to understand at first — so grab a notebook and a very open understanding of what constitutes as “funny”.  

Let’s walk you through some jokes that will get the Dutchies chortling. 

1. Out for drinks? We’ve got one for you

Let’s set the scene. You’re in a beautiful brown café, the pilsner is flowing, and you’ve gathered the courage to try out your Dutch skills. 

Specifically, you want to see if you can get that handsome Dutchie to laugh (with you, not at you.) Here’s one grapje (joke) for you to try out. 

You may be saying, “huh?” but what makes this joke funny is the double meaning of the Dutch word “kater.” In Dutch, “kater” is the word for both a male cat and a hangover. 

Get it? While this joke will not only prove that you are absolutely hilarious, it will also show your audience that you have a good understanding of Dutch vocabulary — you’re funny and intelligent. What’s sexier than that? 

2. Really want to make the Dutch laugh? Play around with the language!

Another great joke to show off your vast knowledge of Nederlands is this one: 

Before you throw your arms up in the air and declare this joke not funny, let us remind you of the Dutch word for letterbox: brievenbus! 

This translates directly to “letter bus.” Get the joke now? He’s throwing the letter in the bu — ok, forget it.

3. Looking to impress a Dutch dad? Try this out

While you may think the above joke was Dad-level funny, you can actually take it a step further when it comes to Dutch dad humour. Looking to impress your father-in-law? Try this on for size.

Womp, womp, wooooomp. There’s no specific play on words here, just a Dutch twist on the classic dad jokes that you likely grew up with. 

READ MORE | How to order in Dutch: from getting a ‘tafeltje’ to paying the ‘rekening’

While this hilarious retort may have the in-laws chortling, let’s just say a waiter would be less impressed.

4. Impress a date by dropping a hot joke — or not

Let’s say you get that handsome Dutchie to take you out on a date, you want to continue to amaze them with your intelligence, toch? 

Nothing says intelligence like a good ol’ riddle. Try this brainteaser out: 

Is it a riddle? Technically! Is it silly? Very! Is it a good icebreaker? Inderdaad (indeed). 

READ MORE | Dutch courses in the daytime, evening, or weekend? UvA Talen offers them all online AND in-class

This is also a good way to get a feel for your date. If they don’t find you absolutely hilarious, then why are you even sitting with them? Time to take your brains, beauty, and humour elsewhere.  

5. How about a good ol’ Dutch pun? Say no more

Nothing says humour like a classic pun every now and then. Let’s start with a simple yet effective example. 

Now, don’t let the English translation fool you. This actually has the power to induce a snort or two. 

In order to get the pun, you should know that in Dutch, “niks aan” means “nothing to it.” However, it can be more directly translated to “nothing on.”

Yes, you see, it’s funny. Nothing on. At a nudist beach. Hahahahaha. 

6. Another pun? *feigns shock*

Okay, now, refresh yourself and activate that Dutch mindset. Chug some milk, eat a broodje kaas. We’re about to take our Dutch pun game to the next level with this: 

This pun requires some knowledge of Dutch grammar and vocab, which, again, will show off that you have both beauty and brains. 

READ MORE | Dutch at the workplace: your essential phrases for working in the NL

The Dutch word, “las” is the past tense imperfect form of “lezen” (reading) — see the play on words here? Look at you, so smart.

7. How about another classic dad joke?

You know what makes a Dutch riddle even better? When you add a dad-joke vibe to it.

If you happen to find yourself sitting across from a Dutch man in his 50s on the train, try this beauty out on him: 

Oh, the dryness, the sheer dryness. 

8. Need more? Here’s one to tickle your punny bone

Listen, there’s no escaping puns when you’re talking about Dutch humour. 

In order to get this joke, it’s important to know that in Dutch ‘sleutel’ means key. See how it works? Sleutelbeen? To open the door?… 

We find this one particularly “humerus.” (The author chugs some coffee and throws herself off her chair.)

9. Someone, please stop us 

As we progress through this article, we’re really going from ridiculous to downright silly — which is why we need to tell you this joke. 

To understand just how silly-billy this joke is, you need to know that in Dutch, the word “pony” has, you guessed it, two meanings. 

“Pony” can mean both a cute little horse that gallops around. Orrrrr, in the context of the hairdresser’s chair, it can mean “bangs”, y’know, a cute little fringe. 

So when the cowboy comes out of the hairdresser, his “pony” is gone, get it? GET IT? 

10. We can’t leave the windmills out of it 

In need of a Dutch joke that will leave you with a hand-shaped red mark on your forehead? Look no further. 

A breakdown of the mechanisms behind this joke isn’t really needed — it’s silly. Plain and simple. 

11. Finally, a joke about Dutchies

Listen, we can’t talk about Dutch humour without dishing out a joke at the expense of Dutchies. Our go-to dig at the Dutch has to be this one. 

This one hits the Dutch in their stomachs, poking fun at Dutch cuisine and its lack of, shall we say, flavour. 

Make sure to bring this one out under the right circumstances — not at the dinner table, for example. 

Ready to induce some chuckles? Or, at the very least, prove yourself to be quite the wordsmith in Dutch. Go forth and conquer! 

Do you have any jokes that you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below! 

Feeling lonely? Forget Tinder or Hinge. Perhaps it’s time to get yourself a holographic partner. Who knows, perhaps you’ll get married! The Dutch certainly won’t mind, it seems.

In fact, the Netherlands is about to become the first country in the world where a wedding ceremony will take place between a human and a hologram.

The Spanish artist, Alicia Framis, is currently preparing to marry her hologram boyfriend, AILex, in a ceremony that will take place on the roof of the Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen Museum in Rotterdam.

But…why?

The ceremony is all part of a ‘performance’ by the Spanish artist.

According to Euronews, with this project, she hopes to reflect on the relationships between humans, AI, and contemporary art.

Framis writes on her website:

“Love and sex with robots and holograms are an inevitable reality. They make great companions and are capable of expressing empathy. Just as telephones saved us from loneliness and filled the void in our lives, holograms as interactive presences in our homes can take it even further.”

AILex was created by Framis using a profile of people she knows. She also decided that he should be a Dutchman!

READ MORE | 7 innovative Dutch projects for a sustainable future

“I want this man to be Dutch because most of my boyfriends were Dutch, but this time, it’s a romantic relationship between a woman and artificial intelligence.”

In a series of videos and images shared on her Instagram, Framis shares her interactions with her hologram partner.

To be fair, if he wasn’t see-through, I would have been fooled into thinking AILex was a real man.

By marrying her holographic boyfriend, Framis hopes “to explore the practical and ethical issues concerning humans in close relationship with AI.”

What do you think of Framis’ mission? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

Aside from low-rise jeans, bubble tea, and the return of the mullet, there’s one thing that’s really popping off in the Netherlands in 2024 — international train travel. Especially when it’s so easy you can even do it… in your sleep.

As the climate crisis steps closer and closer into the foreground of our everyday worries, it’s no wonder that the idea of travelling in a more sustainable way is becoming increasingly popular. 

In fact, the only thing that holds many of us back when considering international train travel is the thought of sitting in a cramped compartment for hours on end.

So when European Sleeper offered us a chance to board in Amsterdam, sleep our way through the journey and wake up in Berlin, we jumped at the idea. 

What is the European Sleeper train?

European Sleeper is a night train service with the goal of connecting multiple cities throughout Europe. The concept is simple: launch train routes that will depart at night and roll into a stunning new city by morning.

On European Sleeper’s Good Night Trains, passengers can choose from a variety of sleeping arrangements and comfortably snooze their way through the journey. 

European Sleeper’s routes

And where will this journey take them? Today, European Sleeper offers the route we took: Brussels to Berlin. 

Passengers looking to take this route can choose to board at Brussels, Antwerp, Roosendaal, Rotterdam, Den Haag HS, Amsterdam Centraal, Amersfoort, Deventer or Bad Bentheim. 

Once everyone’s onboard, the train falls silent for the night, and passengers can sleep soundly until arrival in Berlin. 

European Sleeper doesn’t plan to stop at just Berlin, however. With each year in business, the company hopes to add an extra route to their services.

Expectations versus reality

I’m not going to lie, when I heard we were being offered a night on the night train, I pictured a somewhat horizontal seat and a bad night’s sleep — but hey, it would be worth it, I’d wake up in a new city!

This was not the case at all with European Sleeper. 

Once the big day finally came and we boarded the train at Amsterdam Centraal, I was pleasantly surprised to see that not only did I have a comfortable cabin and bed waiting for me, I had sheets, blankets, a pillow, water, and even a complimentary breakfast! 

The vibes were immediately cosy, I felt like Harry Potter on his way to Hogwarts (without the Death Eaters), and I had just one important thing to test. 

In a very childlike manner, I dibsed the top bunk in our cabin, climbed my way up, and immediately nestled in. Any weird bumps? Nope. Any weird smells? Nothing. Was I at an angle? Definitely not. Was I comfortable? Yes. 

And would I remain so? Inderdaad.  

Once I used the toilet facilities in the carriage, popped on my pyjamas, and stared romantically out the window for a moment, I drew the curtains, slid closed the cabin door, and hopped into my surprisingly cosy bed.

In fact, I can’t tell you too much more about my experience of a night on the Good Night Train — because I was fast asleep.

The next thing I knew, a gentle announcement was telling me we would be arriving in Berlin in 20 minutes. The gentle rocking of the train had lulled me into a sleep that I hadn’t experienced since I was six years old after a day at the beach.

And can I just say, waking up in a sunny Berlin was just like waking up on Christmas Day.

What are the sleeping arrangements like on the Good Night Train?

This was the question that first sprung to mind when we were invited to embark on this journey. What exactly counts as a sleeper train? Would a conductor simply throw a pillow at our faces, and voila, we’re on a sleeper train? 

I can now safely say this was not the case. 

European Sleeper offers a number of different options. Travelling with the family? You can opt for a six-person couchette cabin, which functions as a classic train cabin but can also be transformed into six separate beds when the need to sleep hits. 

Are you travelling with a smaller crowd? Or alone? Then you can opt for a sleeper cabin. These can be booked as a single, double, or triple cabin. 

Happy to just hitch a ride and look out at the night sky? You are also free to ride the night train the classic and affordable way — simply book a seat!

Ok, I’m in! How can I get tickets? 

Ready to try out European Sleeper’s services for yourself? We couldn’t recommend it more. Check out the website, choose your favourite travel options, and simply book tickets online.  

Look at you go, you sustainable, worldly being. Fijne reis!

Have you travelled on a night train before? Tell us about your experience below!

Thinking of taking a job in the Netherlands? Good for you, that’s a courageous move and I’m proud — now let’s get down to business and talk Dutch salaries.

Did you know that the Netherlands is the eighth highest-paying country in the world? Yep, that’s a real advantage of life here.

However, before your eyes turn to € signs and you sign that contract, there are a number of important things you need to know about salaries in the Netherlands.

Take it from someone who has lived and worked here for the past six years.

Salaries in the Netherlands 

While the Netherlands may rank as one of the best-paying countries in the world, it’s important to note that the amount that you get paid, of course, depends on the type of wage you are receiving.

Let’s start with discussing wages in the Netherlands. 

What’s the minimum wage in the Netherlands in 2024? 

What may be a surprise to some is that the minimum wage in the Netherlands actually varies based on your age.

As of January 2024, hourly minimum wage for a person over the age of 21 in the Netherlands is €13.27.

What’s the average salary in the Netherlands in 2024?

According to the Dutch Central Planning Bureau, it is expected that in 2024, the average annual salary will stand at €42,236.

In 2023, people in the Netherlands enjoyed a net salary of €3,086 per month. In 2024, you can expect to pocket at least an extra €79.17 per month due to tax benefits, which means you will pay less income tax.

However, life is often, well, not average — and the same goes for your salary. Depending on your job, your salary is going to be higher or lower than this number. 

Inflation and Dutch salaries in 2024

The past few years have seen the cost of living in the Netherlands skyrocket to new heights. With living costs rising by as much as 14.5% towards the end of 2022, many of us entered 2023 with an intense need for a pay raise. While inflation has calmed down a bit since then, many of us could still do with a pay raise in 2024.

READ MORE | ​​The cost of living in the Netherlands in 2024

Thankfully, as we have seen, the Dutch government addressed this by raising the minimum wage in the Netherlands by 10.15% — but what can we expect in 2024?

Well, according to the Central Planning Bureau, it is forecasted that those with an average wage will see their net income rise by an average of 5.6% in 2024.

Minimum wage workers will see their salaries rise the most this year. In fact, according to the ADP, anyone in the Netherlands who works a 40-hour week on minimum wage can expect to receive four extra hours worth of pay per week.

In particular, it appears 2024 is a good year to work in catering and construction. With catering staff set to receive a wage increase of between 8 to 12% and construction workers pocketing an extra €205 per month on average.

What’s the difference between Bruto salaris and Netto salaris? 

Once you’ve dressed to impress and knocked the socks off your Dutch employers during your interview, you will be offered a salary. 

But before you get too excited about the numbers, you will be hearing two different figures: these will be your Gross and Net salary — and it’s important you know the difference! 

What is Bruto salaris in the Netherlands? 

One will be the amount that you will get paid before tax and other deductions — this is your Bruto salaris and you won’t get to keep it all. 

What is Netto salaris in the Netherlands? 

Netto salaris represents the money you get to keep after tax and all other deductions.

Picture one of those cycle bins that catch cyclists’ rubbish as they zoom by. Ok great, now think of your Netto salaris as how much money actually hits the back of the net and lands in your bank account. 

How much of your salary will be taxed in the Netherlands? 

Now, after all that talk of Netto and Brutto salaries, you’re probably wondering just how big a bite the Dutch tax system will take out of your wages. 

In the Netherlands, there are two different tax brackets in 2024. Depending on your home and work income, you will be taxed a certain percentage. Let’s lay them out for you. 

What’s included in your Dutch salary? 

Yes, taxation is high in the Netherlands — but being employed in the Netherlands also has its perks — namely, a number of benefits. 

Holiday pay (vakantiegeld)  

In the Netherlands, you will receive at least 8% of your gross wage in holiday pay.

Employers will usually pay this to you as a lump sum between May and June, however, it can also be distributed a little at a time each month, depending on your contract. 

‘The 13th month’ 

In any job, there is always the chance that you may receive a bonus. But in the Netherlands, some companies offer what has been coined the ‘13th month’ under certain contracts (spoiler: the better ones.)  

If your salary includes a ‘13th month’, then you will essentially receive an extra month’s pay! It is usually given before the holiday period in November or December and also equals to 8.33% of an employee’s salary. 

Sick leave

In the Netherlands, most work contracts will also cover you for sick leave. Under Dutch law, your employer should pay you 70% of your wages if you are sick during your contract. 

If you are sick for a long period of time, you don’t have to worry about your employer dropping you.

In fact, under Dutch law, an employer should pay sick leave for up to 104 weeks of sickness. 

A great work-life balance 

Ok, this is not exactly a monetary benefit that can be found in your Dutch salary — but it’s certainly a benefit that I enjoy. In the Netherlands, a good work-life balance is highly valued.

READ MORE | The work-life balance in the Netherlands is the best in the world

This means that you’re not expected to bring your work home with you “as part of the company culture”, and it’s great.

How to understand your Dutch payslip

Once you have found yourself a job and a salary to go with it, you may need a hand understanding that pesky payslip! And we don’t blame you. As an international in the Netherlands, it can be a bit overwhelming. 

Luckily, we’ve broken down all that difficult vocab for you.  

All caught up on your Nederlands? We’re proud of you. Now there’s only one thing left to do:

How have you experienced working in the Netherlands? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below!

* Note: Adams Multilingual Recruitment cannot provide visas to internationals who are looking for work. You must hold an EU or EEA citizenship or an EU work permit to benefit from their services.

Now that’s a shocking headline — but you can shut that jaw and drop those eyebrows because it’s a fact. If you’re living in the Netherlands, you’re going to see your purchasing power increase in 2024.

Yep, while residents of the Netherlands have seen their purchasing power drop over the past few years, the tides are changing.

According to the Dutch Central Planning Bureau (CPB), our purchasing power is set to increase by 2.7% in 2024.

Here’s why.

Wages are going up, inflation is going down

Firstly, Dutch wages are receiving a much-needed boost this year, with the minimum wage increasing.

However, it’s not just people who receive minimum wage who will see a boost in their income. Many workers in the Netherlands are expected to see some better figures on their paychecks.

READ MORE | Salaries in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide to Dutch wages

Not only that, but certain benefits are higher in 2024. (Huurtoeslag, we’re looking at you. )

You can also expect to enjoy more bang for your buck, because inflation is continuing to drop this year. The CPB forecasts that it will sit pretty at around 2.9%.

So what do all these changes mean? Well, what they boil down to is that your purchasing power just had a gentle — but noticeable — nudge in the right direction.

We’re still not back to pre-coronavirus power

Not to rain on your parade, but it is worth noting that while this increase is great, we still haven’t returned to a pre-pandemic level of purchasing power.

READ MORE | The cost of living in the Netherlands in 2024

However, we’re not far off! This year, our wallets will only be 0.5% less effective than they were before our world was rocked by rona — and y’know what? We’ll take it.

Want the latest Dutch news to come zooming through the internet to your inbox? Dat kan! Subscribe to DutchReview’s weekly roundup

If you were hoping to step outside your door tomorrow and enjoy a refreshing walk, we’re going to have to advise against it. Yet another code yellow storm is on its way to the Netherlands.

Yep, you know the drill by now. Tomorrow is a day for tea, working from home, and seasonal depression.

The KNMI (Royal Dutch Weather Institute) has announced that wind gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour will batter the coast and make their way across the entire country tomorrow.

They’ll eventually subside at 11 PM — just in time for that evening walk.

Oh, and it’s also going to rain

If that’s not enough to dampen your spirits, don’t you worry, the rain can do that for you.

Omroep West reports that aside from winds that will blow even a seasoned Dutchie off their bike, it’s going to rain cats and dogs.

READ MORE | 11 TikToks that perfectly describe Dutch weather

In good news, temperatures are at least set to remain mild — so you’ll only get wind-whipped and soaked should you have to step outside.

Oh, the joys.

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