Moving to The Netherlands

"Expats should be aware that the Netherlands is a culturally diverse nation that is home to a wide range of expats from all over the world. The Dutch language is the most common language, though English is widely spoken. Expats should also be aware of the potentially high cost of living in the Netherlands, with Amsterdam being one of the most expensive cities in Europe. Expats should prepare for regular payments such as taxes and community service fees, but also healthcare costs (which can be reimbursed if you have a Dutch health insurance). Visa regulations may also be complex and health insurance regulations should be understood. Expats should also be aware of the cultural differences they may encounter while living in the Netherlands, such as the flat structure of the society, the unconventional attitude towards children, and the proactive nature of the Dutch," said one expat in Netherlands.

"FINDING an apartment is the difficult part of moving to the Netherlands. Amsterdam is probably the most difficult place to search. People are on waiting lists for years to get even a small place. The more you are willing to spend, the faster you will find a place. Knowing people helps you find a goods place both in terms of getting advice on neighborhoods and in terms of hearing of vacant places. The best places never even get advertised--a friend will offer his place to another friend first," said one expat who made the move to Rotterdam.

"Finding a place to live in The Netherlands can be a daunting task. To start, you will want to consider your budget, desired area, and amenities that you would like in a home. Then, you can begin your search by looking online or through your local real estate agents. You also may want to consider furniture rental service companies like IKEA, which offer rental furniture packages and monthly rental payment plans. Additionally, there are housing agencies and websites, like Expatica, that can help match you with a property. Finally, when it comes to signing a contract, it is advisable to consult a lawyer to ensure that all terms are legitimate and in your favor," said one expat in Netherlands.

"I signed up with an estate agent. Several times a week I had to call them and sign up to see apartments. They only allow 8 people to see any one place, so the process is competitive. In the end, I befriended one of the agents and he helped me secure a place. I paid a one month's finder's fee. In terms of choosing neighborhood, I asked friends and colleagues. I luckily already lived in the Netherlands, just in another city. So I asked friends who already lived here where I should look. Finding someone who knows the city is key in Rotterdam. The difference between a good and bad neighborhood can be one street," remarked one expat who made the move to Rotterdam.

"I live in a small flat. I have a large bedroom, a small open kitchen/living room, and a shower/toilet with no sink--so I have to use the kitchen sink. I consider this very below standards in the U.S. I did have to buy my own oven, refrigerator, and washing machine. Likewise, I had to carpet the place. To leave the floors bare was not an option--it was not a nice wood floor but more like construction material. This is pretty normal here, however, so getting the household items is easy and not too expensive," commented one expat who made the move to Rotterdam.

"A typical expat home or apartment in The Netherlands usually has an open-plan living area with large windows to let in lots of natural light. Furnished apartments will usually come with contemporary furniture and appliances, while unfurnished apartments come with basic fixtures including kitchen cabinets, bathroom fixtures and light fixtures. The majority of housing in the Netherlands is well insulated and efficient, so electricity and heating costs are generally lower than other European countries. Many apartments come with access to balconies or terraces for outdoor living, which is typical for most Dutch homes," remarked one expat in Netherlands.

"The cost of housing in The Netherlands is generally quite high compared to other countries in Europe. The average monthly rent for a house in the Netherlands is usually between 800 and 1,600 Euros, depending on the area and size. In addition, it is usually necessary to make a deposit of at least 1-2 months rent and pay 3 to 4 months’ rent in advance," said one expat in Netherlands.

"Housing is cheaper than in large cities in the US, but is not cheap. In my experience, however, I am happy with what I pay. My apartment is small, but I live in one of the best neighborhoods in Rotterdam and I can afford to live alone. In NY, I had to share an apartment with someone I'd just met," said one expat who made the move to Rotterdam.

"When deciding whether to buy or rent a home in The Netherlands, there are several factors to consider. Perhaps the most important is whether you plan to stay in the country for a long period of time. If you intend to stay for several years, or possibly permanently, then buying a home could make more sense than renting as it can be a great investment and you can benefit from certain tax breaks. If you will only be living in the Netherlands for a short period of time, then renting a home may be the more suitable option. Additional factors to consider include your finances, lifestyle and personal preferences. It is advisable to carefully weigh up the pros and cons of each option before making a decision," said one expat in Netherlands.

"Nothing really comes to mind. I can get most everything here that I can at home, with the exception of certain food products. I guess I would say more money, fewer clothes. But every traveller knows that rule.... :)," replied a member in Rotterdam.

"When moving to The Netherlands, you should pack clothes that are suitable for all types of weather as the seasons often transition quickly. Since it's rainy in the autumn, you should also pack rain gear and umbrellas. Additionally, you should bring items to keep you warm during the winter months such as a warm winter coat, scarves, and hats. It is also important to be aware that the Dutch electrical sockets are different from those in the UK, so be sure to bring an adapter to use any electronics from home. Lastly, it might be helpful to bring anything that could make your transition to the new locale more comfortable such as curtains, furniture, and kitchenware," commented one expat who made the move to Netherlands.

"A 10 or 12 yr-old girl came to my door and said "Heeft u een telefoneboek?" I thought she wanted to borrow our phone book and I had no idea where it was. So I said "Nee, sorry!" She looked at me weird and turned to go to the next house. That's when I saw the big bag on her commuter rack--she was delivering phone books. No wonder she thought it was weird that I apologized :-) It wasn't that embarassing, but something definitely got lost in translation," remarked one expat in Hengelo, Netherlands.

"In the Dutch movie theaters you MUST sit where the usher directs you. The first time I went to the movies, I just sat where I wanted and I was reprimanded in front of the whole theater! Also, you have to bag your own groceries at the supermarkets and if you aren't quick enough, the cashier will yell at you to hurry up! Luckily, the Dutch are very forgiving. If they know you are a foreigner they'll excuse your ignorant behavior," said one expat in Amsterdam.

"The Netherlands is an attractive destination for expats due to its liberal social policies, great quality of life and excellent infrastructure. The country is renowned for its bike-friendly cities, rich cultural history and great work-life balance. Additionally, the Netherlands has an impressive job market, great healthcare system, friendly locals and its proximity to other European countries makes it a great place for those looking to experience multiple cultures. Finally, the nation has an efficient government and strong economy that makes it a safe and prosperous place to live," commented one expat living in Netherlands.

"The Netherlands has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides a wide range of services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all Dutch citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with a focus on preventive care and access to specialists. Foreign residents are also eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in The Netherlands can use the public healthcare system by registering with their local municipality and obtaining a health insurance card. This card allows them to access the same services as Dutch citizens, including primary care, specialist care, and hospital care," replied one expat when asked about moving to Netherlands.

"The Netherlands has a comprehensive healthcare system that provides high-quality medical services to its citizens. The country has a universal healthcare system that is funded by taxes and provides access to a wide range of medical services, including preventive care, primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and mental health services. The Dutch healthcare system is highly rated and is known for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Patients have the right to choose their own doctor and can access medical services through a variety of providers, including public and private hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. The Dutch government also provides financial assistance to those who cannot afford medical care," said one expat living in Netherlands.