Activities in The Netherlands

Moving to a new country is a real challenge, especially when you don't know what to start with: housing, job, documents, bank card, or health insurance? Well, in this article you will discover the main things in The Netherlands that you have to do as soon as you arrive. Not only will they make your life easier, but they will also give you an overview of the entire Dutch system. Once you know the peculiarities of this country, you will surely love it!

• Register as a resident of the Netherlands

One of the main activities you need to add to your agenda when you arrive in The Netherlands is to register as a resident. This is a standard procedure that all expats who have been in The Netherlands for more than a few months must follow. Within 5 days of arrival in the country, you must contact your local municipality to schedule your registration. Once the registration process is complete, you will receive a service number for citizens (Burgerservicenummer or BSN). This number will be useful in countless situations, such as filing tax returns or registering with a family doctor.

• Open a Dutch bank account

Opening a local bank account is not a mandatory action, but it is extremely useful. When it comes to paying bills or buying products from local stores, a Dutch bank card will be the best option. It will save you money on local currency and other extra fees. In addition, once you get hired, it will be much easier for the employer to transfer your money directly to your Dutch bank account. The transfer will be made instantly, and charging an additional fee will no longer be a problem.

You can choose to open an account with one of the most popular banks in the Netherlands, such as ING, ABN AMRO, or Rabobank, or you can consider mobile banking. Often, expats prefer the latter variety, because it is much more flexible and fast. Some trusted banks where you can open your mobile bank account are bunq, N26, or Openbank.

• Opt for a Dutch phone number

Communicating with family, friends and loved ones is a priority, especially when you are away for a long time. Therefore, the best way to make your stay in The Netherlands easier is to buy a local number card. Even if you don't buy a card or a subscription in the first few days, you will need it in the long run. Purchasing a card or subscription will help you save money if you use roaming services, for example.

If you have no idea which mobile service provider to choose, you can opt for one of the most popular companies in The Netherlands, such as KPN, Lebara, or T-Mobile.

• Buy yourself a bicycle

Even if it doesn't seem like a priority, a bicycle will make your life easier in many ways. In addition to the fact that you will move quickly from one place to another, you will also save the money you would normally pay for transportation. In addition to the obvious health benefits, cycling offers you the opportunity to discover the surroundings of your home and discover fascinating new landscapes.

You can buy a bike from any bike shop in your city or order online. Also, if you think you won't need a bike in the long run, you can rent one whenever you need it, right here.

• Get medical insurance

The Netherlands is recognized as the second country with the best medical system in Europe. The high-quality services provided by a well-trained medical staff are a great plus in the vision of all citizens. All expats living in The Netherlands for more than four months are required to take out medical insurance. There is a standard price for traditional insurance, which includes basic services, but you can also opt for other more complex types of insurance. What you need to keep in mind is that when you choose more complex insurance, the monthly amount will be significantly increased.

Here are the top insurers in The Netherlands where you can get health insurance:

• ONVZ
• OHRA
• UnitedConsumers
• Zilveren Kruis
• FBTO

• Explore your new city

Although all these changes and activities in The Netherlands will take up a lot of your time, it is important to get to know your new city. Take a few hours to explore the surroundings of your home. This way you will get acquainted with the new neighborhood and you will discover where the nearest supermarket is, where you can have a coffee or which is the nearest park. You can also pay a short visit to your neighbors to get to know them, especially since the Dutch are very friendly and polite. They will guide you to the best locations where you can enjoy delicious food and unique Dutch experiences.

Also, to make it easier for you to make friends, research the expat communities in your city or the various activity clubs. This way you can meet new people and make real friends.

7. Enroll in English or Dutch language courses

It is very important to communicate effectively, especially at work so that you can handle it wherever you go. If you do not know English or Dutch very well, then it is very important to enroll in a course as soon as possible. Any extra lessons will help you speak more coherently and understand what the person in front of you is saying to you. As English is much easier than Dutch, you can opt for English language courses in the first phase. In The Netherlands, about 98% of the population speaks English, so you don't have to worry if you don't know Dutch. For more free learning methods, you can read our article on this topic.