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Dutch Quirk #68: Carry an emergency krentenbol everywhere they go

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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4
Dutch Quirk #68: Carry an emergency krentenbol everywhere they go

As an international, you may be shocked at the sight of your significant other producing a bag of bread rolls out of seemingly nowhere when you ask them about lunch. 🥐

No, you’re (probably) not dating Mary Poppins.

Bread-lovers by nature, the Dutch don’t mess about when it comes to their stash of emergency broodjes (bread rolls)!

What is it?

It’s that stash of krentenbollen (currant buns), witte puntjes (white bread rolls), or kaasbroodjes (cheese bread rolls) that every Dutch person seems to carry around with them.

photograph-of-a-tall-dutch-woman-eating-a-cheese-sandwich
No krentenbol? No worries, a cheese sandwich will do! Image: Freepik

At the first pangs of hunger, our masters of thrift simply reach into their bags and grab a bun to munch on.

Don’t be shocked if they’ve also brought their own toppings along, because Dutch preparedness is nothing if not thorough!

Why do they do it?

Chalk it up to good ol’ Dutch stinginess.

Dutchies generally don’t want to spend any more than they absolutely have to (hey, we approve 😉).

Shelling out €6 for a shrimp salad because you’re out of the house and hungry? Pfft, not in the Netherlands. You’d better have a homemade boterham (sandwich) packed!

But, when you think about it, it makes sense that the masters of water management are also masters of managing their wallet. 

If they’ve got an emergency food stash for when hunger strikes, that’s one less thing they’ll owe people a Tikkie for. 💸

Why is it quirky?

For those of us internationals who come from cultures where meals are fancy, sit-down affairs, the Dutch food-on-the-go way of life definitely takes some getting used to.

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But the heating is kept on 17°C #holland #netherlands #netherlands🇳🇱 #dutchreview #dutchlunch #livinginthenetherlands #livinginthenetherlandsbelike

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And bread for lunch?! Those of us who love a warm meal (and maybe a cold beer or two to wash it down 👀🍻) are likely to feel rather put out.

Like texting whilst riding a bike, it’s one of those quintessential Dutch things that have loads of foreigners going… “huh?”

Should you join in? 

If you consider yourself thrifty (with an extra dash of preparedness sprinkled on top), then this is something you need to adopt. Your wallet will be sure to thank you!

But if you’d rather pop into a café for a slice of apple pie when you’re peckish, then you may want to give this one a miss. 🥧

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

Featured Image: Smial/Wikimedia Commons/Free Art Licence

Young people in the Netherlands are borrowing more and more money to make ends meet

Abuzer van Leeuwen 🇳🇱
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0
Young people in the Netherlands are borrowing more and more money to make ends meet

You’ve probably noticed the Dutch have a very particular relationship with money. They’re famously frugal, championing the art of bill-splitting down to the last cent and steering clear of anything that smells like debt.

So, it might raise a few eyebrows to hear that young Dutchies are now borrowing significantly more than before.

According to fresh findings from Independer, young people in the Netherlands aged 18 to 24 are borrowing an average of €1,225 more than last year — just to keep their financial heads above water.

The worrying stats

The numbers don’t lie — and they’re not pretty. A whopping 38% of people aged 18 to 29 say they’ve faced money troubles in the past six months. Compare that to only 18% of 30 to 59-year-olds, and you’ve got a generational finance gap.

“Young people are dealing with higher costs for daily expenses,” explains Marga Lankreijer-Kos, a money lending expert at Independer.

“Their housing costs are higher, for example, and they have less money left to spend freely. But we also see that young people aren’t just borrowing for necessary expenses.”

In other words: it’s not all rent and groceries — there’s also a cultural shift underway.

“It’s becoming increasingly possible to pay bills later. Nowadays, you can even pay for your Lowlands festival tickets with Klarna. This lowers the threshold for borrowing, but even if it comes later, the bill still comes.”

The buy-now-pay-later trap

This whole “delay now, panic later” trend is a far cry from the classic Dutch money mindset.

woman-paying-with-her-mobile-banking-app-netherlands
Many of us in the Netherlands do it. Image: Depositphotos

Services like Klarna have made deferring payments ridiculously easy, but they’ve also helped normalise a more relaxed attitude towards debt — something many Dutch parents would likely side-eye.

Sure, there are user-friendly platforms that let you compare different lending products, but financial experts are singing the same tune: only borrow what you can realistically repay.

READ MORE | Dutch Quirk #18: Refuse to go into debt

Even though young people are borrowing more than last year, their loan amounts are still lower than those of the middle-aged crowd.

“That’s somewhat reassuring,” says Lankreijer-Kos. “Additionally, we’re talking about loan applications. Not all of these are approved by financial institutions.”

Debt-averse Dutch culture meets financial reality

Traditionally, the Dutch prefer saving up over splashing out with borrowed cash — and that’s shaped everything from their suspiciously low credit card use to their love of pinnen.

There are plenty of reasons why debt isn’t really a Dutch thing: cultural values around thriftiness, practical banking systems, and a general allergic reaction to owing anyone anything.

But those old-school habits are now running head-first into modern economic pressures.

According to Independer, around 30% of loan applications are just to help people cover basic needs — like overdue bills or surprise expenses.

The average amount borrowed for this? A cool €11,956 in just the first four months of this year.

What does this mean for the future?

This spike in borrowing among young people signals a pretty big cultural shift.

Older generations built their financial worldview during times of stability and affordable rent. Young people today? They’re navigating a whole new storm of housing woes, inflation, and shifting work norms.

man-looking-concerned-while-using-his-mobile-phone
What does this trend mean for us? Image: Freepik

What’s really eye-catching is how this borrowing surge coincides with digital tools that make debt feel less “real”. When you can push payments to next month with one click, it’s easy to forget it’s still money you owe.

The combo of economic strain and ultra-convenient credit is chipping away at the traditionally debt-averse Dutch mindset.

Even in a country known for its sensible saving habits, shifting financial conditions are reshaping the way people think about money.

For young people in the Netherlands, borrowing money is less about fancy gadgets — and more about scraping by.

Have you ever borrowed money in the Netherlands? Was it for rent, groceries, or maybe that spontaneous holiday to Spain? Share your story in the comments — no judgement here!

The Netherlands will consider measures against Israel if there’s no ceasefire by July 15

Emanuela Occhipinti
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0
The Netherlands will consider measures against Israel if there’s no ceasefire by July 15

Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp has made it clear: if there’s no ceasefire or unified EU action by the next big EU meeting on July 15, the Netherlands is ready to consider taking national measures against Israel.

What measures, exactly? “I haven’t thought about that yet,” Veldkamp said during a meeting at the House of Representatives on Wednesday.

He doesn’t expect national sanctions alone to move mountains “but if several countries take action, it might actually have an effect,” he added.

According to de Volskrant, for now, he’s focused on turning up the pressure within the EU to push for a ceasefire.

Ceasefire by July 15 or else

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has “directly contacted Israel” Veldkamp claimed.

And earlier in June she greenlit an investigation into Israel’s activities, also requested by Veldkamp.

READ MORE | Finally! EU majority supports Dutch push for Israel investigation

If they can’t reach an agreement by July 15, when EU foreign ministers will meet again, the next step would be to look into joint European measures.

Especially if Israel is found to be violating Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement; the agreement that covers human rights and democratic principles. 

A formal investigation by the European Commission is already underway.

What did others have to say?

During the meeting at the House of Representatives, Stephan van Baarle (Denk) pulled no punches, calling Israel a “criminal organisation” and saying it has “wasted its right to exist.”

Meanwhile, Derk Boswijk from the CDA (Christian Democratic Appeal) took a different angle, wondering whether the Netherlands is hurting the international legal order by treating Israeli and Russian war crimes differently.

READ MORE | Rutte congratulates and thanks Trump during NATO Summit, US president enjoyed sleepover with royals

Even Thom van Campen from the VVD (People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy), typically more cautious, acknowledged the suffering in Gaza and said that Israel’s actions amount to war crimes — and yes, those should have consequences.

Despite this, van Campe still faced criticism from opposition parties, who ask what specific sanctions the VVD supports and are not satisfied only with his vague response.

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This Nobel Prize winner is being forced to give up his Dutch nationality

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
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4
This Nobel Prize winner is being forced to give up his Dutch nationality

When Nobel Prize winner Andre Geim accepted his British knighthood years ago, he probably didn’t expect it would cost him his Dutch citizenship.

According to the NOS, the 66-year-old physicist has been ordered to surrender his Dutch passport after taking British nationality no less than 12 years ago.

The price of becoming ‘Sir’

Geim, who won the 2010 Nobel Prize for Physics alongside his student for discovering graphene, has found himself in an unexpected bureaucratic bind.

To receive his British knighthood and the coveted ‘Sir’ title, he was required to become a British citizen. What he didn’t realise was that this would automatically trigger the loss of his Dutch nationality.

“I wasn’t aware of the consequences for my Dutch nationality at the time,” Geim tells the NOS.

The Russian-born scientist, who worked in the Netherlands during the 1990s, recently received a stark email from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanding he hand over his passport at the Dutch embassy in London.

And if he refuses? Interpol will get involved.

Fighting for exceptional status

Geim has hired an Amsterdam law firm to help him and the legal team has appealed to the IND, citing “exceptional circumstances.” They argue that keeping the Nobel laureate as a Dutch citizen would serve “the interest of the Dutch state.”

Geim also argues that his choice to become a British citizen wasn’t truly “voluntary,” since it was a requirement in order to receive the knighthood. “That makes my choice less voluntary, I think,” he tells the NOS.

It’s a compelling case: this is a world-renowned scientist who has been appointed Commander in the Order of the Dutch Lion and who was a distinguished professor at Radboud University in Nijmegen.

But The Hague can’t be swayed. Dutch dual citizenship rules are notoriously strict, and, according to Geim, the authorities have decided that they have “no interest” in maintaining the physicist’s Dutch nationality.

A decade-long oversight

Perhaps most puzzling is why authorities waited over 12 years to act.

Technically, Dutch citizenship law automatically revokes nationality once you’ve acquired another — yet somehow this Nobel laureate slipped through the cracks for over a decade.

While Geim says he feels his rights have been violated and is saddened by the loss, his story highlights the unforgiving nature of Dutch nationality law — even for Nobel laureates.

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KLM is threatening to strike next week: here’s what we know so far

Federica Marconi
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0
KLM is threatening to strike next week: here’s what we know so far

KLM ground staff might be about to make your Schiphol departure next week… a bit more dramatic.

As reported by RTL Nieuws, KLM ground staff are threatening to strike next Wednesday, July 9, from 14:00 to 22:00.

With the summer holiday officially starting in the Netherlands and a packed airport expected, the timing couldn’t be more tense. 😬

Eight hours of action — and no more vague promises

The message from the workers’ union (CNV) is crystal clear:

‘We want KLM to come up with something concrete for the ground staff,” union negotiator Souleiman Amallah tells RTL Nieuws. ”We won’t budge for vague promises.”

KLM says it’s willing to talk, but also isn’t ruling out a return to court. In fact, the Dutch airline is preparing a new case in the hope of blocking the strike before it even begins. 👀

It’s not just about baggage

KLM’s ground staff do a lot more than you might think, from towing aircraft to making sure your suitcase joins you on holiday. 🧳

READ MORE | Summer holiday the Dutch way: 11 affordable destinations from the Netherlands

Around 14,000 employees fall under the collective labour agreement, and CNV says they’ve been waiting for real change since negotiations began in November.

While KLM claims it made a better wage offer just last week, the union clearly isn’t convinced.

Could this ground your summer flight?

So, what does this mean for your long-awaited beach trip or city break? If the strike goes ahead, KLM says it will have to cancel some flights.

”Customers affected by this will then be informed and rebooked on the next possible flight,” said KLM spokesperson Anoesjka Aspeslagh.

While the exact impact is still being worked out, one thing’s for sure — your travel plans might hit some unexpected turbulence.

@klm Caught in the chaos of airport life? Trust us, you're not alone, but we're here to help you navigate🤝 #KLM #Royaldutchairlines #airportadventures #realitycheck #airport ♬ som original – Lana🌸

However, the strike might not go ahead at all. Just last week, a judge blocked a planned 24-hour strike, calling it too risky for safety and public order during the busy travel period.

But this time, CNV believes the shorter, eight-hour strike can proceed safely, pointing to new agreements with both KLM and Schiphol regarding staff levels and safety procedures. 🤞

What do you think: is the strike a fair move by the ground staff, or is it bad timing with summer travel heating up? Let us know in the comments! 👇

These countries have cheaper groceries than the Netherlands (and two are only a drive away!)

Emanuela Occhipinti
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0
These countries have cheaper groceries than the Netherlands (and two are only a drive away!)

You’ve probably heard the whispers (or maybe your savvy neighbour told you): groceries are cheaper outside the Netherlands. Well, we’re here to confirm that the rumours are true!

Or, rather, the ConsumentenBond is.

In a new report, the consumer protection organisation highlighted three countries with enviably low grocery prices for Dutch residents: Belgium, Germany, and drum roll… France.

But how much cheaper are we talking, and is it actually worth the trek? 🤔

Belgium: 12% cheaper on average

If you fill up your shopping trolley with 100 products at Albert Heijn in Belgium, you’ll pay about €90 less than you would in the Netherlands (€322 vs. €412). Now, that’s a lot of extra cheese!🧀 

READ MORE | Cheapest supermarkets in the Netherlands: the ultimate guide in 2025

But when it comes to A-merken, the price difference is… meh. Budget brands (huismerken), on the other hand, are where the real savings are. 💸

What are huismerken and A-merken?

Huismerken refers to a supermarket’s own-brand products, such as AH from Albert Heijn or 1 de Beste from Dirk. Typically, these offer the most bang for your buck.

A-merken, on the other hand, are products from well-known brands like Coca-Cola or Pringles and tend to be more expensive.

Germany: 15% cheaper on average

In Germany, you’ll be paying an average of 15% less on groceries than in the Netherlands, with A-merken around 25% cheaper.

@dutchreview Discount? Say less 🏃💨 #netherlands #fy #fyp #dutchtok #dutchreview #dutchlife #livingnnl ♬ оригинальный звук – Samurai Sss

However, budget brands in Germany aren’t always cheaper, with price differences between A-merken and huismerken barely noticeable.

And, while the Netherlands might love a “1+1 gratis” (buy one, get one free) deal, compared to German prices, it’s not that “gratis” after all. Germany also has regular offers, so prices drop even lower. Your shampoo stash will thank you. 😉

France: 20% cheaper on average

If Belgium and Germany have got you curious, France is here to blow your socks off. 🧦 A-merken in France can be up to 28% cheaper on average. Oui, really!

READ MORE | What your favourite Dutch supermarket says about you

We’re talking massive savings on the likes of Pringles, Nutella, and Heineken. You might even pay less than half the Dutch price for detergent, pasta, soft drinks and other A-brand goodies.

But there’s a catch… 👀

It’s only sunshine and savings if you live near the border. For our Amsterdam folks (or anyone not in a border town), that “cheap” French Nutella might end up being more expensive once you’ve factored in your petrol costs.

Ever crossed the border just to stock up at DM? Tell us in the comments!

No more Dutch heatwave? Rain, thunderstorms, and even HAIL may follow

Federica Marconi
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0
No more Dutch heatwave? Rain, thunderstorms, and even HAIL may follow

Brace yourselves, because just as you were getting used to the heat, the weather’s about to change its mind. 😬

According to RTL Nieuws, while we might be saying doei to our national heatwave, more bad weather is already knocking on the door.

A hot start with tropical ambitions

Today (July 2) began calm and mild, with temperatures just under 20 degrees Celsius and a gentle breeze across the country.

But as soon as the sun came up, things escalated quickly, with the mercury shooting up well before noon. 🥵

READ MORE | Wild swimming in the Netherlands: the best spots for a dip

The east of the country is heading straight back to tropical territory, with highs of 37 degrees Celsius. The central regions won’t fare much better, with temperatures hovering around 32 to 33 degrees Celsius.

Only the (far) west might fall just short of 30 degrees, with temperatures gradually cooling down.

Thunderstorms are looming

Around late morning or early afternoon, things will begin to shift.

In the west, the wind will turn to the northwest and strengthen (up to wind force 5 at sea), dragging in cooler air and building up clouds. 🌬️

As the west cools down, the centre and southeast keep baking, setting the perfect stage for serious thunderstorms.

And what does this mean for you? Well, you can expect gusty winds, hail, and downpours with a risk of local flooding.

The KNMI has just announced a code yellow weather warning for storms in the eastern half of the Netherlands, with the existing code orange alert for heat still in effect for the southeastern regions. ⚠️

From sizzle to sigh of relief

By tonight, the last storms will rumble off to the east, and calm will return across most of the country.

Temperatures will drop to a more comfortable 18 to 23 degrees, offering some much-needed relief.

READ MORE | 7 things to do in the Netherlands when the sun is shining

Tomorrow brings a refreshing change. Dry skies are on the way across the country, with regular sunny spells and highs between 20 and 25 degrees.

Looks like we can stop complaining about the weather… at least for a day. 😅

So, did your town make it to 30 degrees yet, or did thunder crash the heatwave party early? Let us know how your Wednesday is unfolding! 👇

Code orange in the Netherlands: Here’s how the heatwave schedule might affect you

Liana Risseeuw 🇱🇰
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0
Code orange in the Netherlands: Here’s how the heatwave schedule might affect you

The Netherlands is sweltering under a code orange weather warning, so you can expect disruptions to various services and more chaotic traffic than usual. ⚠️

Temperatures in the southern half of the Netherlands are expected to reach a scorching 38 degrees Celsius Tuesday, with an extreme heat warning in place for Noord-Brabant, Limburg, and Gelderland.

What is a code orange weather warning?

This is an alert issued by the KNMI (Dutch Meteorological Institute) for potentially deadly weather, with a high probability of it causing damage, injury, or other inconveniences.

These warnings are usually accompanied by additional heat measures, such as the closure of certain services.

In addition to this alert, various changes are coming down the heatwave pipeline. 👇

Ferries won’t sail on Tuesday or Wednesday

If your regular commute has you hopping on a ferry to reach the office, you may need to work from home today.

According to the NOS, ferry services in the provinces of South Holland, Utrecht, Gelderland, and Brabant will be on pause for today and tomorrow (July 1 to 2).

There’ll be more trains to the beach

Grab your swimsuits, because the NS is now running six trains per hour to Zandvoort.

photo-of-a-crowded-hot-beach-day-in-scheveningen-the-netherlands
Remember to grab your sunscreen! Image: Dreamstime

As an NS spokesperson tells Het Parool, the extra trains are only expected to run until Wednesday (June 2), so you may want to hop on board before they’re gone.

Waste will be collected much earlier than usual

With waste collectors trying to avoid the heat of the day, collection rounds will start by 6:30 or 7 AM.

READ MORE | Recycling in the Netherlands: an international’s guide in 2025

AD advises you to put your garbage bins or bags out before 7 AM if you want them collected.

The NOS, meanwhile, suggests an even earlier time (6:30 AM) for those who live in the municipalities of Vlissingen, Purmerend, Vught, Woerden, Bernheze, Son en Breugel, Tilburg, Dongen, Nijmegen, Cranendonck, and het Land van Cuijk.

Water shortages may occur

As water consumption is currently skyrocketing, some providers report that they’re already stretched quite thin. (Terrible news for fans of long showers! 👀)

Vitens, in particular, warns that their “storage cellars sometimes run out faster than we can fill them.”

photo-of-friends-splashing-in-pool-on-hot-summer-day-in-the-netherlands
Looking forward to an outdoor swim session in your inflatable pool? Helaas, it’s time to conserve water, instead. Image: Freepik

They recommend restricting heavier water usage to off-peak hours, such as before 7 AM in the morning or after 11 PM at night.

Bonus: There’ll likely be heavy smog

As the RIVM reports, the central and southern parts of the Netherlands can expect smog and poor air quality.

Living in or near these regions? You may want to stay indoors, especially during late afternoon and early evening (when the air will be most polluted).

This warning will likely be in effect until Wednesday, July 2.

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Caught without a train ticket? The Netherlands is cracking down on fare dodgers

Federica Marconi
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3
Caught without a train ticket? The Netherlands is cracking down on fare dodgers

If you’re caught without a ticket on a Dutch train, expect to be set back by a whopping €70! 😬

As RTL Nieuws reports, a tougher penalty is being introduced for those who skip the fare, with hopes that it’ll make your ride safer. Let’s see what’s about to change, and why. 👇

Busted by an inspector? That’ll be €70 fine, plus your ride

Starting this autumn, the fine for fare dodging in the Netherlands will jump by €20.

And yes, if you’re caught during one of the checks, you’ll still need to pay for your journey on top of the fine. 😬💸

”It sounds very logical: if you travel by public transport, you buy a ticket or check in,” says State Secretary Thierry Aarten (Public Transport and Environment), who tells RTL Nieuws about the upcoming change.

The last time the fine was raised was back in 2016, but according to local transport operators, fare dodging has been on the rise again, especially since the pandemic.

And with fewer fare dodgers and smoother checks, the trains may even start showing up on time. We can dream, right? 😅

Honest riders, this one’s for you

For those who check in daily, the change feels like a move in the right direction.

”It helps to deter freeriders, which is fairer for all our travellers who do pay properly,” says Hatte van der Woude, chair of the transport trade association OV-NL.

Sure, no one loves higher fines, but there’s growing support for a system that stands behind those who follow the rules. After all, if you’re paying your way… shouldn’t everyone else? 😉

Do you think €70 is enough to nudge freeloaders into checking in, or a step too far for a missed beep? Let us know in the comments below!

Dutch Quirk #62: Wear enough animal print to scare Carole Baskin

Naomi Lamaury
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1
Dutch Quirk #62: Wear enough animal print to scare Carole Baskin

In the Netherlands, animal print clothes are not just a passing trend but something that has been a part of Dutch fashion for years — and it’s here to stay. 

Animal print is one of the staples in the Dutch wardrobe, right alongside flared pants and the black leather jacket. 

Bored with your outfit? The Dutch would recommend throwing on a zebra print ruffle skirt and calling it a day!

What is it?

Whether it’s leopard print, zebra print, or tiger print, these patterns can be found in almost every Dutch person’s wardrobe. 

On what kind of clothing? There are no limits.

You’ll find these patterns on flared pants, shirts, dresses, skirts… the list goes on. 

Ever been to a Dutch student city?

You’ll notice that cheetah print, in particular, seems to be the uniform of many Dutch sororities.

READ MORE | Dutch quirk #8: dress the same as every other Dutchie (AKA the Dutch uniform)

You’ll also see it in shop windows at almost any time of year.

Why do they do it?

The Dutch love a little flare in most things that they do. 

READ MORE | 7 times the Dutch did it first: fun facts from the Netherlands

Whether it’s to become an orange dot from the sky on Koningsdag or to spend more than €100,000,000 a year on fireworks and set them off all on one day of the year, the Dutch love breaking free from conventional ways, and this is reflected in their clothing. 

Why is it quirky? 

In many European countries, fashion is known for its clean lines and minimalist style. 

The Dutch went in the opposite direction, celebrating all of the lively patterns and colours, including, especially, animal print. 

And while some “fashion rules” often recommend not to layer multiple pattern pieces in one outfit, the Dutch don’t limit themselves.

Their fashion choices add to the list of ways that the Dutch culture proudly loves to stand out. 

Should you join in? 

If you enjoy wearing jazzy clothes, do join in and have fun with what you wear! 

You’ll most likely receive plenty of compliments, and no one will look at you funny.

Plus, you’ll never run out of clothes to buy in stores. 

And if leopard print every day is just not for you, that’s okay too.

What do you think of this Dutch quirk? Have you experienced it? Tell us in the comments below!

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