Fire brigade and ambulances were called to Schipol airport on Wednesday morning, November 20, after a peculiar smell was reported onboard an approaching KLM plane.
NOS reports that the smell was noticed shortly before landing — and it was pungent enough for emergency services to be called.
The flight arriving from Edmonton, Canada, landed safely in Amsterdam in spite of the assault on passengers’ noses.
Upon arrival, the passengers were assessed, and two of them were described as having “mild symptoms.” Fortunately, they did not need to go to the hospital.
Living in The Netherlands without speaking Dutch, should you go for it or ‘vergeet het maar‘? Here’s a glimpse into life in Holland when you forgo learning Dutch.
Do I need to learn Dutch before moving to the Netherlands? Living in the Netherlands without speaking the language it’s a bit… like willingly trying to swim without using your legs: it’s not ideal, but you can do it.
Most Dutch people will understand that you are trying your best not to drown and go as fast as possible.
But from time to time, you will meet someone who will ask you to move out of the way; you just don’t fit in this line, so take your weirdo swim elsewhere.
I’ve got a message for you: DUTCH IS BLOODY HARD TO LEARN!
Living in Holland without speaking Dutch: conversation or trial?
I love living in this country, and I love that with Dutch people, you kind of always know where you stand. They are so honest and direct, not to say abrupt, that I see it as a “let’s not waste our time with bullshit” mentality. And it’s refreshing.
However, the Dutch can also be very proud. Of their culture, of their language, sometimes of themselves. And this combination, mixed with the wrong people, can turn what started as a nice conversation into a true trial, in which you will find yourself defending your lack of language abilities.
I agree 1000% that learning the language of the country you live in is crucial to integrate into society and turn the “one of them” into “one of us.” But let’s be honest: Dutch is one of those languages not taught at school in many countries.
Learning Dutch as a French speaker
It is a known fact that the older you get, the harder it becomes to learn a new language. Especially when said language has a completely different grammar or pronunciation than your language. Being French, Dutch is to me what Italian is to Germans: a language that has nothing in common with my mother tongue.
It is also a fact that Dutch people are particularly good at English. It never ceases to astonish me: almost everybody you encounter in this country can speak English.
Just imagine living abroad but being able to go to the supermarket, work, the doctor, or any shop and have a conversation in English. Just try to do the same in France, Italy, or any other European country (really, go ahead, try!).
That’s a blessing for tourists and expats who get a real chance to build a life abroad.
But that might also be the problem: because the Dutch are so good with English, they tend to think that anyone else who isn’t is doing it on purpose.
Lack of effort or lack of skill?
I have stopped counting the times I have heard “French people refuse to speak English” or “French people think everybody else in the world needs to speak French like them.”
This might be breaking news for you, but the French don’t speak English because they cannot speak English.
And when they can (because, yes, some people can), they are usually too insecure to dare to reply in English; not by choice, but because of lots of things really: education, culture, movies being dubbed in French.
So there you have it. It is not because we are particularly arrogant or proud. (I mean, yeah, we’re proud of our culture and food, but who isn’t?!).
Is learning Dutch hard?
Personally, my main problem with learning Dutch is pronunciation. A common sentence that I learned before arriving in the country was, “Sorry, I don’t speak Dutch” — Sorry, ik spreek geen Nederlands.
To pronounce the “geen”, imagine that you have something stuck down your throat and trying to get it out… yep, that’s it, you’ve got it.
Well, I have never managed to find the confidence in pronouncing that sentence to anyone. I did think that writing it down on my hand and showing it would make it a bit of an awkward situation.
Yes, Dutch is a hard language. But Dutchies know, luckily
Thankfully, the large majority of Dutch people you meet here are nice and friendly, and they understand that Dutch is a very difficult language to learn.
They will enjoy teaching you a word or two when they get the chance — yes, living in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch means that everyone will try to be your teacher.
It goes from the friendly cashier in my local supermarket asking about my life story to the work colleagues who enjoy teaching me the most random words they can think of.
Thanks to them, I know how to reply to these people who don’t understand why I cannot speak Dutch yet. Houd je bek! (shut up).
So, are you tired of living in The Netherlands without speaking Dutch? Lucky for you, we’ve also got some basic Dutch for you here. Start with these seven words on our YouTube channel:
So now you know what it’s like living in the Netherlands without speaking Dutch. Liked this article? Be sure to follow DutchReview on Facebook to not miss out on any other good stuff!
When you pack your whole life into boxes, move to a foreign country and start a new job, one thing is certain: you want to make sure you can keep that job.
With a job market that’s changing faster than the latest TikTok trends, it’s important to build and refine your skillset to stay competitive and seize fresh opportunities.
Let’s talk about seven skills you can start building today to future-proof your career in the Netherlands. 💪
Looking to boost your job security? Turn to Nyenrode Business University. With competitive MBAs, top-notch career advice and heaps of room for personal growth, Nyenrode sets you up for success in all aspects of life.
1. Leadership and project management
Every company needs good leaders. 💪 Image: Freepik
Strong leadership and project management skills will always be in high demand. As workplaces focus on efficiency and innovation, they will need employees who can take the reins and manage a team.
Can you inspire teams? Manage resources effectively? And lead projects to completion? Not yet? Don’t worry, there are many ways you can learn:
Seek out a mentor: Find someone whose leadership style you admire and learn the ropes by watching them in action and asking them questions. This will give you insights into effective management techniques and problem-solving approaches.
Pursue an MBA: If you’re ready for a deep dive, a Master of Business Administration can teach you everything you need to know about the arts of business management, team dynamics, and project coordination.
Volunteer at work: You can start out small by offering to lead projects at work. You’ll be able to showcase your skills and add some serious accomplishments to your resume.
2. Self-learning and adaptability
Attending seminars or lectures can be great for your professional (and personal!) growth. Image: Freepik
With new developments, knowledge, and technologies, industries are changing faster than Dutch weather on an autumn day — so being quick to learn and adapt is a new superpower.
Being flexible allows you to pivot and stay current, as no matter how much your industry evolves, you can evolve with it. 💪
Here’s how to sharpen your adaptability and self-learning skills:
Listen to podcasts and read, read, read: Podcasts, industry blogs, and even books on trends and new ideas will keep you fresh and your mind sharp.
Make use of online learning platforms: Platforms like Coursera, MasterClass, or even LinkedIn can give you that extra edge. Just pick the skills that suit your interests and career goals and get learning.
3. Sustainability and knowledge of green technologies
Expertise in sustainability is a big plus in all sectors. Image: Freepik
As one of the global leaders in sustainability, the Netherlands has made it clear that the green economy is the future. That means knowledge in this field is invaluable for companies and those who want to future-proof their career in the Netherlands.
As sustainability continues to become more important, companies will look for employees who can help guide them towards greener solutions. Here’s how to get ahead of the game:
Get certified in a specialised course: Take a course focused on green technology or environmental policy to get a deeper understanding of sustainability practices.
Attend industry seminars: Seminars, conferences, or webinars are hotspots for meeting like-minded people and hearing what’s important in the industry.
4. IT and digital literacy
Many of us already have great digital skills, but it’s never a bad idea to learn even more. Image: Freepik
Digital is the new normal, and digital literacy is no longer optional in our technology-driven world. So, if you’re not up to speed, now’s the time to catch up. ⚡️
Mastering essential IT skills can make you an asset in any industry. To build your digital fluency:
Enrol in online courses: Platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Google Digital Garage, and Coursera can help you get in-depth digital training.
Pursue university programs: Many universities now offer short programs or certifications in digital literacy and IT.
Get hands-on experience: Nothing beats practical experience — find those tech-related tasks or projects at work and build confidence!
Tech and sustainability are both high-demand skills — so Nyenrode created a program that combines the two. In the Impact MBA, students learn to navigate a career in a world shaped by digital innovation and environmental consciousness.
5. Analytical thinking
Companies need those human skills! Image: Freepik
While Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries, the need for critical and analytical thinking remains. That’s why companies will look for critical thinking skills that cannot be replaced by machines.
Here are ways to boost yours:
Earn a data analytics certificate: A certificate program can introduce you to the basics of analysing and working with data.
Read extensively on industry analysis: There’s a whole world of books and articles on strategic and critical thinking that will inspire you. A quick Google search will help you get started!
Exercise those brain cells: Practice tackling case studies or even puzzles that make you think through problems creatively.
6. Multilingual communication
The more languages you know, the more doors open up for you. Image: Depositphotos
In a diverse country like the Netherlands, being multilingual is a huge plus. Not only does it make you a better communicator, but it also makes you an asset in international roles.
If you’re an international living in the Netherlands, you likely already have the advantage of speaking a foreign language — so it would be great for you to learn Dutch.
Other widely-spoken languages, like Spanish, German, French, or Chinese are also always in high demand. To future-proof your career in the Netherlands:
Take a language course: Classes or language apps like Duolingo or Babbel make learning a new language accessible and fun.
Practice with native speakers: Whether it’s a language exchange group or a one-on-one chat, real conversations are priceless for learning.
Use the language in your day-to-day life: If you know even a bit of another language, practice with colleagues and friends to boost your confidence.
7. Cultural competence
Cultural competence will take your networking skills to the next level. Image: Freepik
There are millions of internationals living and working in the Netherlands — and in a globalised workforce where you’ll have colleagues from around the globe, companies look for people who can easily connect across cultures.
Understanding diverse perspectives and working collaboratively in international teams is essential for many roles, so strengthen your cultural competence by:
Networking with people from different backgrounds: Events and networking groups are perfect for meeting people from all over the world.
Travelling or doing cultural immersion: Nothing builds empathy and understanding like experiencing another culture firsthand.
Taking a course: There are heaps of (online) resources that can help you better understand global business etiquette and cultural norms.
Staying future-proof in a world that’s ever-changing isn’t a simple feat — but if anyone can do it, it’s you. 💪
Whether it’s tech, languages, or leadership, building up these abilities will help you stand out and keep things interesting. Time to jump in!
Which skills do you want to work on to future-proof your career in the Netherlands? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Don’t let the amount of public urinals flush away your expectations — the Netherlands cares about your comfort while you pee!
They even do research about it. The Dutch Stomach Liver Intestine Foundation (MLDS) and the Toilet Alliance (yes, that’s a thing) inspected stalls across the country to find the most toilet-friendly municipality…
And the results are in. 👇
Where to go when you really, really have to go
The Gelderland municipality of West Maas en Waal is continuing its reign at the top for the second year in a row.
This is the result of a policy that was implemented two years ago, aiming to have accessible toilets in all public buildings.
“Residents and guests should never be far away from a toilet”, says West Maas en Waal alderman Rob Reuvers when talking to Omroep GLD.
And far away they aren’t. For just about 20,000 inhabitants, the municipality has several dozen public toilets spread across eight municipality centres. 🚾
Some places are just… crappy
While Gelderland is home to the best, it’s also home to the worst.
The municipality of Rozendaal, just outside of Arnhem, is at the very bottom of the toilet-friendliness list.
Maybe we can let it slide, though — Rozendaal has so few public buildings that there’s barely anywhere to squeeze in a toilet. The only public toilet is located in the town hall and, according to its spokesperson, it’s always available to visitors with children.
But for everyone else? Well, if you find yourself in Rozendaal with a full bladder and no kids in tow, you’re in for a “wee” bit of trouble. 👀
And how does the MLDS decide who gets the title of most toilet-friendly municipality?
There are several criteria, but the primary focus is on the number of residents and overnight tourists per toilet, as well as the toilets’ distribution.
When we heard snow, we were thinking of fluffy and soft — but instead, the Netherlands got slippery and dangerous.
The KNMI (Royal Dutch Weather Institute) has issued a code yellow for many parts of the country this morning, warning of local slipperiness due to hail and wet snow showers.
If you were looking for an excuse to cancel your plans, this is it!
What can we expect?
According to the KNMI, winter showers can be expected in the provinces of North Holland, South Holland, Flevoland, Gelderland, Utrecht, Zeeland, North Brabant, and Limburg. ❄️
And, as if the showers weren’t dramatic enough, thunderstorms might grace us with their presence too!
Code yellow is in effect until 12 PM in all areas except North Holland, South Holland, and Zeeland, where locals will have to be cautious until 10 PM.
Wees alert als je vandaag de weg op gaat. Plaatselijk komt verradelijke gladheid voor door winterse buien, in het westelijk kustgebied bij buien en soms zware windstoten. Het@KNMI heeft #codegeel afgegeven. Check voor vertrek je route op: https://t.co/JnU7Myzt8mpic.twitter.com/fb2AZJwtwy
— Rijkswaterstaat Verkeersinformatie (@RWSverkeersinfo) November 20, 2024
Translation: Be alert when you hit the road today. Locally treacherous slippery conditions are expected due to winter showers, in the western coastal area during showers and sometimes heavy gusts of wind. @KNMI has issued #codeyellow.
But that’s not all, folks!
Western coastal areas can expect gusts of heavy wind up to about 90 kilometres per hour, especially near the sea.
For today, we suggest wearing knee pads for the extra protection (and heat) — or simply staying inside. 🥶
Will you be staying inside during this weather? Let us know in the comments below!
The pilgrims in Leiden were a religious group that escaped from England and came to live in the Netherlands. From there, they would sail to the New World and become a crucial group in the history of the US.
Before the pilgrims came to Leiden, the city already had a history of diverse inhabitants.
Before the pilgrims arrived
Before they were expelled at the beginning of the 80 Years’ War, the streets of Leiden housed the Catholic Spaniards. After the Spaniards were forced to leave, French-speaking refugees took their place.
All of this led to a massive increase in population: between the late 16th century and the mid-17th century, the population of the city grew from 15,000 to 45,000.
Then, the pilgrims arrived. Anyone familiar with the founding story of the United States will have heard about them before: the tiny group of people who sailed to America aboard the Mayflower to become the founders of the Colony of Plymouth in New England.
Another association you’ll have with the pilgrims is, of course, Thanksgiving.
Fleeing from England
So how did the pilgrims end up in Leiden? Well, prior to their move to the Netherlands, many of the pilgrims lived in a farming village called Scrooby, close to northern Nottinghamshire.
Because of the beliefs they held, they had irreconcilable differences with the Church of England, so the group had to leave the country.
Queen Elizabeth I was a real threat to the pilgrim’s lives. Image: Anonymous/WikimediaCommons/Public Domain
By the early 1600s, Queen Elizabeth was persecuting the pilgrims – an example that her successor, James I, followed.
Elizabeth made it illegal to attend the services of an unofficial church. Disobeying meant fines, imprisonment, or execution.
Leiden: the pilgrims’ home away from home
Like anyone sensible, the pilgrims didn’t love the idea of dying for their beliefs.
So, they left England in 1608. They held high hopes that they would establish a city somewhere that would allow them to keep their religious beliefs and identity.
First, the pilgrims arrived in the largest city of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. Amsterdam was already home to many separatist groups, as well as people following religions other than Christianity, so the pilgrims decided to settle in Leiden instead.
Leiden was the second biggest city in the Netherlands at the time and had a thriving industrial centre with a lot of job opportunities in the textile and brewing sectors.
These industries allowed the pilgrims to find work without Dutch language skills.
The plaque that remembers the Pilgrim Fathers in Leiden. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied.
In the permission letter from the city for their relocation, pastor Robinson wrote that Leiden “refuses no honest people free entry to live in the city, as long as they behave honestly and obey all the laws and ordinances, and under those conditions, the applicants’ arrival here would be pleasing and welcome.”
The pilgrims settled on land close to St. Pieterskerk. In a short amount of time, the number of Pilgrims in the city increased to 300 from the initial 100.
One of the houses that the Pilgrims in Leiden have lived in. Now home to the American Pilgrim Museum. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/ Supplied.
Pilgrims in Leiden
For pilgrim families who moved to Leiden from bigger cities, adjusting to city life was not such a big deal. However, for those who came from farming backgrounds, the adjustment was more difficult.
Apart from a few, like William Brewster, who eventually took a job as an English teacher, and John Robinson, who enrolled at the University of Leiden for a doctorate, many of the pilgrims worked at demanding jobs six days a week.
In addition, they lived in small, one-roomed houses. Parents would sometimes teach their kids how to read and write at home, and they would then help out around the house from age eight and up.
Leiden on a summer’s day. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Times of hardship
Life in this newfound city was not easy. At first they accepted it, but as the years went by and many of the original pilgrims got older, they started to find their living conditions intolerable.
Many of them had little to no educational background. That, and the language barrier, made going about daily life difficult.
You can sense Leiden’s history as you walk around it. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
Additionally, their now grown-up children were learning Dutch, refusing the “old ways”, and yearning for a different way of life. Their parents feared that their legacy was approaching extinction.
At the same time, the political state of the Netherlands was becoming more unstable. There was a military coup, and the number of riots, military restrictions, and instances of censorship had increased dramatically.
Journey into the unknown
Afraid of losing their identity, the pilgrims of Leiden decided to leave behind the harsh conditions of Leiden in search of a new home. They didn’t want to assimilate or be punished for their beliefs. In the end, they decided to sail to America.
Historical buildings fill the streets of Leiden. Image: Abuzer van Leeuwen/Supplied
At first, only a few of the pilgrims made the journey to America. These were the youngest and fittest pilgrims from Leiden. Moreover, each of them had essential skills that would be crucial for their lives in the New World.
The rest of the Leiden pilgrims were supposed to join them later — but some of them didn’t make it over.
As the years went on, the pilgrims who stayed in the Netherlands became part of the Dutch culture and the Calvinist church. Some even changed their names.
The Pilgrims and their story is an important part of the Dutch-American culture, which shaped the national identity shared by millions today.
Did we miss any important facts about the pilgrims’ lives here? Tell us in the comments below!
It can be hard to separate yourself from the tourist traps — they’re popular for a reason. But for a slightly more authentic experience, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 best hidden gems in the Netherlands. 💎
Amsterdam has become so overrun with visitors that the Dutch Tourism Board has made efforts to disincentivise travellers from visiting the capital over the past years.
Venture to these hidden gems instead to spend some time exploring this flat land — without shuffling heel to toe amongst hordes of people lining up for the Heineken Experience or taking selfies at Keukenhof.
1. Visit the abandoned Kootwijk Radio station
Radio Kootwijkis an abandoned building situated in the middle of a forest clearing. It was built in 1923 to emit radio frequencies between the Netherlands and Indonesia (known back then as the “Dutch Indies”).
Only five years after it was built, the station was deemed outdated and abandoned.
In all its gloominess, the abandoned Kootwij radio station is an underground-ish hidden gem in the Netherlands. Image: Pixabay
Meander around the nearby forest, sand dunes, and heath before exploring this ominous building.
Villa Augustas is a hotel and restaurant situated in the middle of a flourishing vegetable garden in Dordrecht.
It boasts an enticing market that’s open daily, selling freshly baked sourdough bread, a variety of fruit and vegetables, and ceramics. They also put on excellent concerts. You can easily make a reservation and check out the concert program online.
Zoku is a great place to hang out, with its welcoming vibes and beautiful decor. You can come with friends for a casual drink, relax on the hammocks outside, play ping pong indoors, or spend your day working at one of their epic work tables — with a coffee, of course. ☕️
4. Visit the public bar in the Vrankrijk squat house
This building has an extremely varied and rich history as one of the oldest squat houses in the Netherlands.
It began as a woodwork shop in 1875 before turning into a print shop used by Martin Toonder to print fake documents for the resistance during World War II. It was first squatted in 1982 by protesters who wanted to prevent its demolition.
Hidden in the crack next to number 54 on Westerstraat in Amsterdam’s Jordaan area are a bunch of miniature houses. 🏠
See if you can spot them! The tiny houses put the “hidden” in “hidden gems of the Netherlands”. Image: Freya Sawbridge/Supplied
They were inserted between two houses to make a statement when the courtyard situated behind the building was removed in order to make room for more houses.
This cycling path in Eindhoven lights up to display Van Gogh’s famous Starry Night painting.
Thousands of glistening pebbles ingrained into the concrete absorb light during the day and emit colour at night. It’s a truly wonderful sight and oh-so-quintessentially Dutch!
Sure, you’ve been to Vondelpark before, but did you know about this hidden gem? The park’s old cold war bunker hosts a variety of events, from art exhibitions, movie nights, dinners, and even their own brewery called Bunkerbier.
The beautiful entrance to Vondelpark hides more than one hidden gem. Now, you just have to find the bunker! Image: Depositphotos
The Vondelbunker is hidden underneath a bridge in Vondelpark — get exploring!
This concept dates back to the sixties when a group of social innovators wanted free bikes to be available to everyone and anyone in Amsterdam.
The project was never implemented in the capital, but stuck in De Hoge Veluwe. There are over 1,800 white bikes scattered around the park, and you can pick up and drop them off wherever you fancy (with no need to lock them). What a Dutch utopia! 🚲
From a west coast city in the Netherlands, it’s often far quicker to cycle to the coast than to use public transport.
Bike through a varied landscape, the route itself is a hidden gem of the Netherlands, taking you along the coastal dunes. Image: Depositphotos
The cycle trip from Leiden to Noordwijk only takes around 30 minutes and will reward you with undulating sand dune views, cute seaside towns and, of course, the North Sea.
10. Go to a (reasonably priced) music festival every Sunday
Ruigoord is located near Amsterdam and hosts a different festival each Sunday. The set-up is whacky, with entrancing lights and colourful sculptures dotted around a looming church.
So there you have it! A few ideas for a unique and memorable experience in the Netherlands.
You won’t always evade tourists or tourist traps (and sometimes they definitely can be worthwhile), but it’s nice to discover hidden gems for yourself and explore the Netherlands off the beaten track too.
Have you already done a few of these? Did we miss any hidden gem experiences? Tell us in the comments below!
The Netherlands has far more to its cultural food heritage than stamppot and bitterballen. Luckily for our taste buds, Surinamese food is widespread on the Dutch food scene.
But how exactly did Surinamese food become popular in the Netherlands? Well, to answer this question, we need to take a quick look at the historical ties between the two countries. 🧐
Suriname and the Kingdom of the Netherlands
The Dutch acquired Suriname from the English under the Treaty of Breda, in exchange for New Amsterdam (now known as New York).
In the 17th century, the land was a plantation colony to the Netherlands that relied on slavery for sugar cultivation.
Then, between 1954-1975, Suriname was a constituent country belonging to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and in 1975, it finally gained independence.
Nonetheless, the country still has strong, social, cultural, and economic ties with its former coloniser. For instance, the official language of Suriname is Dutch.
A cultural melting pot
Apart from the links between the Netherlands and Suriname, the country is also influenced by Asian, African, and other European traditions — truly a cultural melting pot.
This has also resulted in a unique blend of cuisine, and it is this cuisine that has become so popular here in the Netherlands.
So, we’ve spoken about the historical bit long enough. Now, let’s take a look at what you’re really here for — the food. 😍
Bakabana
Let’s start with the snacks. Bakabana (try saying that 10 times in a row) is a type of fritter using plantains — the larger, slightly more savoury sister of the famous banana.
And of course, it’s famous here in the Netherlands because the Dutch like their fried snack foods. It can be eaten as something sweet, but also as a savoury snack along with some peanut sauce.
This delicious dish comprises of chicken, citrus juice (i.e. orange) and‘lufo pomtayer’ also known as “arrowleaf elephant ear,” which is a tropical plant.
In both the Netherlands and in Suriname, pom is pretty popular. The dish has a creole and Jewish origin and was actually introduced to Suriname by Portuguese-Jewish plantation owners who initially used potatoes.
If you’re a fan of Indian food, chances are you’ve had a roti before, a type of flatbread that is served alongside curries.
Surinamese cuisine has its own variation of this, which differs slightly. Roti accompanies various Surinamese curries and meat dishes and is available at virtually all Surinamese restaurants — score!
And finally, we’re talking sweet stuff (aka dessert). A flourless, confection, ‘bojo cake‘ contains a fusion of raisins, rum, cassava, coconut, sugar coconut milk, and almond extract, baked to perfection.
Served warm or cold with a dollop of whipped cream, you’ll be in heaven.
From a good grasp of finances to proper certification from the Chamber of Commerce, there are plenty of requirements to becoming a freelancer in the Netherlands.
Tackling the financial aspect of it all can be difficult if you’re just getting started — but this is why services like Finom exist.
Freelancing and finances in the Netherlands
Becoming a freelancer in the Netherlands can seem challenging. From finding clients to establishing a personal brand, you learn a lot of things on the job.
But from the get-go, you’ll have to be really involved with your finances — and many freelancers struggle with this.
Finom spares you the hassle of wrangling unpaid invoices and sorting through endless tax documents! Image: Freepik
This is especially the case if you don’t know all the jargon or every single detail about which subsidies, tax returns, and deductibles apply to your situation.
You have to consider:
What’s a reasonable billing rate per hour
How to send bills to your clients in an effective and organised way
Filing and paying income taxes, as well as BTW and other potential business taxes
Setting up your pension fund when you don’t have an employer who contributes
Managing the day-to-day business expenses while keeping personal finances separate.
Sounds a bit overwhelming, right? Geen stress, this is where Finom can help out.
What is Finom?
Finom is a financial tech company based in the Netherlands focused on helping entrepreneurs (freelancers included!) with their finances.
With a user-friendly interface and powerful money-management features, Finom is a great choice for ZZP’ers! Image: Finom
The company sets a standard for “doing business” by creating a platform where freelancers (and other self-employed, and small businesses) can manage their finances and account for their expenses.
Managing your finances with Finom
So, what does all this actually mean for your business? How is Finom going to help you manage the financial side of your business?
Put simply, you can open bank accounts, get physical or virtual bank cards, make international payments, invoice clients, and more — all in one place. Talk about a Swiss knife for your finances!
As a freelancer, you’ll benefit from a ton of Finom’s services. Now, let’s get into the specifics of this handy tool. 👇
Finances have never been more simple, accessible, and safe
Perhaps the scariest thing about being a ZZP’er in the Netherlands is managing your finances and keeping track of how much money should be here, there and everywhere.
This quickly makes the process seem quite chaotic.
With an app taking the load of financial management off your back, you’ve got more time to dedicate to your freelancing business. Image: Freepik
What happens when you remove that chaos and simplify your finances? Things become a lot more manageable — and that’s exactly what Finom can do for your business.
Separate your personal and business finances
Firstly, you can easily separate your work finances and your personal finances and get a fresh Dutch IBAN. This makes your accounting and expenses much easier to keep track of.
All your finances — in one place
Are you an international freelancer in the Netherlands? Geen probleem, it’s also easy to integrate other banks and financial matters from all over Europe through Finom.
With a full overview in one click, you can even handle financial tasks from the comfort of your own mobile phone. Image: Freepik
This means you can see where your money is going (and coming from) all in one place.
And protected under top security measures
Whether you’ve got business elsewhere in Europe or just in the Netherlands, you can rest easy knowing your money and data will be safe through Finom’s top security measures.
Well, from biometric protection to regular security audits and two-factor authentication, Finom has also partnered with one of the world’s largest multinational banks (BNP Paribas) to ensure even greater protection. 🔐
Freelance like a pro
On top of helping you keep track of the numbers, Finom offers many other handige features that are essential for freelancers.
Automated invoices? Yes, please
For example, one extremely helpful tool that Finom also offers is an invoicing service.
Through this, you can automate sending your bills to clients — super handy if you have to handle lots of requests at once (and no more worrying about whether you’ve charged someone twice, or worse, not at all).
Cashback for transactions? Now we’re talking
What’s more, you can get up to 3% cash back on most of the transactions you make.
Money back for each transaction? Hoera, sign us right up! Image: Freepik
This means that you get a small percentage of money back for the transactions you make using physical or virtual debit cards from Finom! This amount is between €10 and €20 per month and depends on the plan you have at Finom.
If you’re ever in doubt or confused about their services and how they work, you can easily check in with customer care. That way, you can get the most out of Finom’s services and features.
Sign me up! How can I start using Finom?
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Which light festivals in the Netherlands are happening, and where and when? (let us enLIGHTEN you).
More often than not, when it gets to wintertime, we tend to stay indoors. In the mornings, we cling to our beds, desperately grappling for a few extra minutes of sleep.
In the evenings, we might stay out late in a cosy bar or a cinema somewhere (or curl up in the foetal position next to the fire), but did you know you could be spending some of the country’s darkest months wandering the streets of a brilliantly illuminated city?
Amsterdam Light Festival
When: November 28, 2024 — January 19, 2025
Every December, the capital city comes alive in an eruption of light and colour.
As if Dutch canals weren’t already beautiful enough, there are loads of light sculptures and installations to see.
You’ll always find some along the River Amstel and at the central Canal Ring, so a great way to experience the festival is by boat.
Tip: Remember to book in advance because this event gets super popular!
You can opt to have a guide or an audio tour as you cruise along if you like.
If you live here and have paddled down the canals plenty of times, then it’s probably best just to go for an evening cycle or a relaxed stroll.
You can get nice and close to all the artworks and at the same time be on the lookout for any events going on (there are some places — museums, theatres, restaurants and shops — that love to get involved).
It’s the perfect atmosphere for the festive season, but if you want to come after Christmas or New Year, the light party continues well into January. It’ll certainly cheer you up if you’re one for post-holiday blues.
Gouda bij Kaarslicht
When: December 13, 2024
Every year, the heart of Gouda switches off its electric lights and illuminates itself with hundreds of thousands of candles.
The programme will feature live music, community singing, and a Christmas story — so if you’re trying to get into the holiday spirit, you definitely want to give this a go!
De Lumineuze Nachten
When: December 12, 2024 — January 5, 2025
Set in the largest, most luxurious castle in the Netherlands — Kasteel de Haar — this promises to be an event full of magic and wonder!
The Lumineuze Nachten, or Luminous Nights, is a series of evening walks through the grounds and castle, featuring enchanting illuminations and historical stories.
Magical Maastricht
When: November 28 — December 30, 2024
Funfairs, festive food and fairy lights: what more could you want?
Magical Maastricht is a lovely light route which runs every December for the Christmas season, perfect timing for buying cute presents for someone you love.
Even if the ice rink, Ferris wheel and Santa’s Grotto in Vrijthof Square aren’t for you, you’ll certainly be lured in by a variety of bars and cafes.
Don’t forget to pass the market stalls on the way, though — you might see something you’d like to try (just imagine cradling that comforting hot chocolate or nibbling on a pastry as you gaze up at the surrounding luminescent trees 😍).
Whatever you do, be prepared to leave positively enchanted!
Trajectum Lumen Utrecht
When: December 1, 2024 — March 30, 2025
From sunset until midnight every Saturday, you can follow a trail of light art through Utrecht’s historical city centre.
Since 2010, the Trajectum Lumen route has featured wicked light installations by distinguished national and international light artists.
If you follow the drop trail light on the ground, you’ll eventually see buildings and bridges lit up in cool and creative ways.
It might make you think differently about what you’d normally overlook — a basic brick wall or a dingy alleyway, for example.
Can you see it all in one night? Of course!
The entire walk can be done in about 1.5 hours, but if you want to take your time and maybe pop in a few bars en route, then it’ll obviously take longer.
Scheveningen Light Walk
When: December 7, 2024
This December, Scheveningen will come alive for thousands of walkers to follow a magical route through the city and beach.
Participants will be treated to captivating light displays, various musical acts, and seasonal refreshments.
You can register for routes of differing lengths (5 kilometres, 10 kilometres, or 15 kilometres), so there’s one for everyone!
After the walk, all participants will be invited to have a celebratory drink at De Pier. This also includes Pier Tasting, where a number of restaurants have their delicacies on offer!
Nederlands Ijsbeelden Festival
When: December 14, 2024 — March 2, 2025
This entrancing festival in Biddinghuizen features ice sculptures crafted by the best artists in the world!
Last year’s edition took place in Zwolle and looked absolutely magical.
The talented artists will translate this year’s theme of “An Undiscovered World” into ice sculptures over six metres high.
If you’re in the mood for a fabulous display of lights and artistry, you don’t want to miss out on this festival!
Have you been to any before? What did you think? Let us know in the comments section below!
